Why Reducing Meat and Dairy Intake Matters (and How Small Changes Help)

You don’t need to go vegetarian or vegan to make a positive impact on the environment. Simply being mindful of your meat and dairy consumption can help reduce your carbon footprint—and every little bit counts.

The Environmental Impact of Meat and Dairy

• Carbon Emissions: Livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the FAO. Reducing consumption helps lower this significant contributor to climate change.
• Water Usage: Producing 1kg of beef requires 15,000 liters of water, compared to just 300 liters for 1kg of vegetables. Cutting back can save precious resources.
• Land Use: Livestock farming takes up 77% of global agricultural land, but provides only 18% of global calories. Shifting toward plant-based options can free up land for more sustainable uses.

Why Small Changes Matter

You don’t have to overhaul your diet overnight to make a difference. Even small reductions in meat and dairy consumption can have a measurable impact:

• Skipping red meat just one day a week for a year saves the equivalent of driving 560 kilometers in CO₂ emissions.
• Choosing plant-based milk instead of dairy twice a week could save over 100 liters of water per month.

Easy Ways to Start

• Meatless Mondays: Dedicate one day a week to plant-based meals.
• Portion Control: Reduce the size of meat servings and bulk up meals with veggies or grains.
• Swap Smart: Try plant-based milk, yogurt, or butter—there are plenty of tasty options.

The Bigger Picture

If everyone made small changes, the collective impact would be enormous. Reducing meat and dairy just 10% globally could significantly cut emissions and help combat climate change.

It’s not about perfection—just progress. Every step you take helps create a more sustainable food system for the planet. 🌎