Eat Green: Create a Lower-Carbon Diet

The biggest contributors to global warming and climate change are travel needs and electricity demands -- but food production and transport is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse emissions! Help out by choosing better foods.

Related To:

Experts say the biggest contributors to global warming are travel (our cars, planes and shipping needs) and electricity demands, but food production doesn't tread lightly either. Food is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse emissions!

You may not fix the world's problems by yourself, but making small changes and setting a good example can't hurt -- and what better time to start than Earth Week. Here's what it means to go low carbon.

What do you mean "low carbon"?

There's a lot of jargon in the eco-world ("carbon footprint," "go green," "climate change") and throwing "low-carbon diet" into the mix just adds to it, we know. But hey, think of this as a new way of "cutting the carbs"! The idea is to reduce your direct effect on the environment by being mindful of how your actions -- specifically your food choices -- increase carbon dioxide emission and support dirty industries.

Food has an impact?

Yep, it does. According to a 2008 Carnegie Mellon study, 83% of carbon emissions came from the growth and production of food itself; 11% of that alone is from its transportation -- a.k.a. "food miles," which refers to moving food between the grower, seller and eventual consumer. Most low-carbon diet advocates endorse eating local foods to reduce "food miles" (so hit up your farmers' market), but choosing different foods can also have an effect.

One example is cutting down on meat. Don't worry -- we're not saying we all should be vegan; just try limiting it more. Production of livestock such as cows and sheep accounts for 18% of the world’s total greenhouse gases according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Even President Obama has promoted "Meatless Mondays" in the White House as a way to help out. And don't forget that milk and other dairy counts in this, too.

Factor your own food footprint

You might be skeptical of how much you alone can do, but it's still interesting to look into. I enjoyed figuring out my carbon emissions using this interactive calculator from Eatlowcarbon.org. According to it, a chicken sandwich is much better for the environment than a tofu curry (massive soybean production is problematic), and a bowl of lentil soup is beneficial to my body and the environment. Yes, it can get confusing -- or even frustrating -- to keep track of what's okay and what's not, but doing a little here or there is a good start.

This is only some basic info to introduce the idea of low-carbon eating. If you want to learn more, check out this article from Environmental Science & Technology or this background info from Circleofresponsiblity.org.

    READ MORE:
TELL US: How important is eating greener to you?

Next Up

5 Delicious Dinners for Lent That Aren't Fish

Because there's only so much shrimp scampi you can eat.

Vegetarian Casserole Ideas

Winner, winner meatless dinner.

What Is Seitan?

Flour-and-water "chicken" is all over Tiktok. Here's how you can enjoy cooking and eating this plant-based meat substitute.

Excellent Vegetarian Sandwich Ideas

Go beyond the meaty fillings.

What to Know About Vegetarian Diets

Skipping meat? Learn about the different types of vegetarians and which food combinations will ensure you're eating a well-balanced diet.

Why We Love Tofu

If you’re looking to reduce your cholesterol or eat more plant foods, tofu is an excellent protein-packed option.

How To Put Together a Balanced, Fully Plant-Based Plate

Vegetables are a crucial part of any balanced plate, but they shouldn’t be the only foods on it. Here are the proportions full- and part-time plant-based eaters should keep in mind.

How to Reintroduce Meat to Your Diet If You're Vegetarian

Following a veggie-heavy diet doesn't have to be all or nothing. Here's how you can add meat and fish back into your diet if you've been vegetarian or vegan for a while.

The Best Way to Use All the Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

With more than plant-based ground "beef" on the market, here's how to use each of the plant-based meat alternatives in the grocery aisle.