Plant-Based Diets

The foods we choose can have a significant effect on the planet. Every meal is an opportunity to reduce emissions, save resources, and protect ecosystems. By learning how plant-based choices influence the environment, you can see exactly where your actions make a difference — from the greenhouse gases we produce to the land and water our food requires.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, including methane and nitrous oxide. These emissions accelerate climate change and affect ecosystems globally.

Land Use

Raising livestock requires far more land than growing crops for direct human consumption. Studies show that adopting plant-based dietary patterns can reduce diet-related land use by up to ~76% (NIH)

Water Use

Producing animal products consumes significantly more water than plant-based foods. Choosing plants over meat helps conserve this precious resource.

Biodiversity & Ecosystems

Livestock farming drives deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Shifting toward plant-based foods helps protect wildlife habitats and promotes ecosystem health.

Impact at Scale

Major studies estimate that widespread adoption of plant-based diets could cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50%. Small changes in your diet, when multiplied across a community, can have a substantial environmental effect.

Eating plant-based isn’t just good for the planet — it’s a way to support the people and places that grow our food. By choosing local, seasonal produce, you help farmers thrive, strengthen our local economy, and build a more sustainable food system right here in Massachusetts.

Supporting Local Farms

Choosing plant-based foods doesn’t just help the planet — it helps our local farmers thrive. By shopping for fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes grown nearby, you keep food dollars in the community and strengthen the local economy.

Seasonal & Fresh

Local produce is often fresher, tastier, and harvested at peak ripeness. Eating seasonally not only supports sustainable farming practices but also encourages biodiversity and reduces food miles.

Visit Newton Farmers’ Markets

Experience the variety of fresh, local foods and meet the farmers who grow them:

Tuesday Market – Cold Spring Park
1189 Beacon Street, Newton Centre | June 17 – October 28 | 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday Market – Newton North High School
352 Lowell Ave, Newtonville | June 28 – October 25 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

You don’t have to change everything overnight — small steps add up. Even simple swaps or trying one plant-based meal a few times a week can reduce your impact and support local farms.

Every food we eat has its own environmental footprint, and protein sources can vary widely in their climate impact. As the chart below shows, some proteins — especially plant-based options — produce far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than others.

Small, achievable changes like these can make a big difference over time and make adopting a plant-based lifestyle both approachable and enjoyable.