Did you know that one of the simplest and most immediate actions you can take for the climate is to eat more plant-based meals?
That’s why at Earth Day Durango, we’ve asked the food vendors to showcase their delicious plant-based items.
Learn more about how your diet and food waste affects the planet. This is something you can change today!
The most impactful things you can do at home
This page includes a nice graphic that includes food and food waste; it has a small number of actions and understanble visuals: https://www.rmets.org/metmatters/real-impact-climate-actions
But what makes the biggest difference?
World Resources Institute provides a chart showing the actions households can take and puts them in priority order: Notice that going vegan is #5
https://www.wri.org/insights/climate-friendly-choices-ranked
Which foods have the biggest and smallest carbon footprint
Small changes in your ingredients can make a big difference.
This shows which foods have the highest and lowest footprint: https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local
This is a chart that shows impact of dairy vs. plant based milks.
But can I get enough protein?
You can get all the protein you need from plant based sources. A number of Olympic athletes excel on a plant based diet.
And most Americans get enough protein but need more fiber; another benefit of a plant based diet!
Want to learn more?
Environmental impact of various foods.
This is a chart of all greenhouse gases and then the specific breakdown of food.
Documentaries
The Game Changers (2019): Focuses on plant-based athletes and challenges myths about protein.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014): Investigates the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Earthlings (2005) A, often considered, defining film on animal rights, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.
Dominion (2018): Provides a comprehensive look at the ethical issues in factory farming.
Seaspiracy (2021): Examines the environmental damage caused by the fishing industry.
What the Health (2017): Examines the link between diet and disease, focusing on the health aspects of veganism.
Forks Over Knives (2011): Explores the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet.
Eating Our Way to Extinction (2021): Highlights the climate impact of food choices.