bite by bite: how I reduced my carbon footprint by 73%?

What if I were to tell you that the challenge of climate change is not insurmountable? What if I were to propose that, as a collective species, we are not destined for a climate catastrophe, but instead, through specific dietary choices, we hold the power to rescue our planet? What if I were to reveal that you can actively contribute to saving our planet simply by embracing a diet rich in greens and reducing your consumption of red meat?

It sounds bonkers, doesn't it?

Well, at least that’s what my mother said when I declared my intention to adopt a vegan lifestyle as my New Year's resolution back in 2018 at the age of seventeen.

My Journey.

I had long been a vegetarian by choice. However, my passion for environmental causes was burning brighter by the day. Fueled by a love for nature and a growing concern about climate change, I found inspiration in youth climate activists like Greta Thunberg. I wanted to do more for the planet than just pay lip service to the cause.

So, on January 1st, 2018, I made a firm commitment to bid farewell to all forms of dairy and wholeheartedly embrace a plant-based diet. While I didn't fully grasp the nutritional intricacies at the time, looking back now, after nearly six years of living this way, I can confidently assert that it was one of the most significant decisions of my life. Yes, it came with its unique set of challenges, but the rewards have been truly remarkable. Not only can I proudly declare that my individual carbon footprint from food has been reduced by a staggering 73% compared to a non-vegan diet, but I've also savored a much healthier lifestyle, relishing the abundance of fibrous, nutrient-rich plant-based foods.

It's almost poetic - our mothers were right all along when they encouraged us to eat our veggies.

In this series of blogs, I won't just recount my personal journey with a vegan diet. I'll dive into the pros and cons, illuminating the benefits for both individual health and the planet. I'll guide you through sources of wholesome yet budget-friendly vegan foods and introduce you to some standout vegan brands worth exploring on this adventure.

Supported by a plethora of studies, it is now universally acknowledged, scientifically grounded, and widely accepted that a vegan diet is not only healthier but also a powerful force for environmental preservation. So, how exactly does embracing plant-based choices contribute to the salvation of our beloved planet?

VEGAN WHAAAATT??

But in this inaugural installment, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's establish what veganism truly represents as a concept. According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, a vegan diet is defined as one primarily based on plants—comprising vegetables, grains, nuts, and fruits—and foods derived solely from these sources. Vegans consciously abstain from any products originating from animals, including dairy and eggs.

What does a Vegan diet look like?

• Dietary Choices: Vegans do not eat any animal products, which means they avoid meat (including beef, pork, chicken, and seafood), dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and yogurt), eggs, and other foods derived from animals. Instead, they opt for plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes (e.g., beans and lentils), nuts, seeds, and plant-based alternatives like tofu and tempeh.

• Milk Alternatives: Instead of cow's milk, vegans often use plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in their coffee, cereal, and recipes.

• Egg Replacements: When baking or cooking, vegans use substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers to replace eggs in recipes.

• Meat Substitutes: There are numerous plant-based meat alternatives on the market that mimic the taste and texture of animal-based meats. These products can be used in recipes like veggie burgers, vegan sausages, and meatless meatballs.

• Animal-Free Ingredients: Vegans carefully check product labels to ensure they do not contain animal-derived ingredients. This includes ingredients like honey and gelatin, which is often used as a gelling agent in various foods.

• Clothing and Accessories: Vegans avoid clothing and accessories made from animal-derived materials like leather, fur, wool, and silk. Instead, they opt for synthetic or plant-based alternatives.

• Ethical Considerations: Veganism is often motivated by ethical concerns for animal welfare. Vegans avoid products tested on animals and support cruelty-free cosmetics and personal care products.

In essence, veganism transcends dietary preferences; it's a holistic lifestyle and ethical choice, driven by the desire to minimize harm to animals and to mitigate the myriad negative environmental consequences linked to the conventional practices of animal agriculture.

References

New estimates of the environmental cost of food | University of Oxford. (2018, June 1). https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2018-06-01-new-estimates-environmental-cost-food

Website, N. (2023, February 10). The vegan diet. nhs.uk. Retrieved October 6, 2023, from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/the-vegan-diet/

G. (n.d.). Reddit - Dive into anything. https://www.reddit.com/r/vegan/comments/vaeom1/always_loved_a_good_drake_meme/