Plant-Based Eating

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.

Choosing Lower-impact Proteins

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.

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. Here are some things you could consider:

• Replace beef burgers with veggie burgers, especially ones made from whole foods such as beans and grains
• Experiment with plant-based milks (soy milk is most similar to dairy milk in nutritional content)
• Try tofu, seitan, or tempeh instead of meat in stir fry and pasta dishes
• Use an inexpensive egg replacer (such as from Bob’s Red Mill) in place of eggs in baked goods
• Add lentils, hummus, chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans to your salads for a healthy protein boost
• Experiment with vegan cheeses (it is often overlooked that dairy cheese generates more greenhouse gasses than chicken, pork, fish, or eggs)
• Explore plant-based recipes online – you might be surprised at what you find!

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

Not sure where to start? Learn about our Plant-Based Coaching Program or  Talk with a Plant-Based Coach.