Climate Action Challenge: Meat and deforestation
We’re really sorry if this month’s article riles up some of you, because we’re pretty sure it will. But, bear with us. We come in peace. And, the goal of these challenges is to raise awareness, and to look at things from a different perspective. So, get ready folks. We’re talking about meat and deforestation. You know where we’re headed by month’s end. Reducing meat consumption, and choosing more vegetarian options.
For others, who are already on this train, get ready to welcome others aboard. Whether you’re an avid carnivore, a vegan, or somewhere in between, there’s something you can do to reduce your carbon “foodprint” when it comes to your diet.
Nov. 6: Check for palm kernel or palm oil in foods and cosmetics. Palm oil is found in nearly 50 per cent of all products – pizza, donuts, shampoo, make up, snack foods, you name it. Indonesia and Malaysia make up 85 per cent of the global supply. It is one of the major contributors to destruction of the rainforest. Tip: the fewer ingredients an item has the less likely it is to contain palm oil.
Now, let’s talk about meat. We won’t even go into the ethical conversation, because that is between you and your conscience. Worldwide, livestock takes up almost 80 per cent of global agricultural land, but produces less than 20 per cent of the world’s calorie supply. Agriculture and related activities contribute 20 per cent to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond that, forests are cut down for cropland, aggravating the problem further.
It’s not only about the type of meat, but how it’s produced. Much of our meat comes from factory farms. Animals are in lots, and their manure is held in storage, leaking methane and other greenhouse gases, which would naturally be sequestered in the soil and plants. So, we take something naturally good, and turn it into a problem. Many farmers are taking action globally, recognizing that farming can be the champion in preventing climate catastrophe. Locally we have the Ecological Farmers of Ontario, who provide support and guidance for people interested in sustainable farming, visit www.efao.ca.
When you do eat meat, choosing grass-fed, locally raised, and ethically farmed is a better option. So is considering the size of the animal. Chicken has a smaller footprint than beef, because it takes less resources to raise.
Eating less meat can be enlightening, and can also reduce your food bill a good amount. It can also improve your health, but, only if you make smart choices (eating a Doritos-only diet may be vegetarian, but not healthy).
Nov. 13: Calculate your meat- footprint at www.omnicalculator.com/ecology/meat-footprint. Go one week without beef or lamb (these are the most carbon intensive meats). If you haven’t watched the documentary Cowspiracy yet, watch it this week on Netflix. If you want to know more about the cycle of sustainable farming, watch Kiss the Ground, also on Netflix.
Nov. 20: Look at some good vegan/vegetarian recipes. Here are a few online faves: minimalistbaker.com, theppk.com, ministryofcurry.com, and thissavoryvegan.com. Or, check out a vegan cookbook at the library. Then, find one or two recipes that sound good. Add the ingredients to your shopping list.
Nov. 27: Make a vegetarian (good) or vegan (best) meal. Already vegan or vegetarian? Invite a non-vegetarian or vegan friend to join you. If you want a bigger challenge follow the 21-day vegan kickstart, online or download the app at kickstart.pcrm.org.
Like all our challenges, be curious, do what you can live with, and leave what you can’t. For more information, each one of these challenges comes with its own weekly article. Subscribe at bit.ly/52weeksofclimateaction. Good luck, and bon appetit!
52 Weeks of Climate Action was created by Sherri Jackson and Laurel Hood. Visit the blog or sign up at www.52weeksofclimateaction.com.
