What You Eat Can Save the Planet

Happy Earth Day! Although EarthDay.org's official theme for 2025 is "Our Power, Our Planet," I want to share why what you eat is one of the biggest things you can control to improve your health while helping the planet at the same time. Visit this site to learn more about EarthDay.org's global initiative to support renewable energy, which aims to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. 

The global food system is one of the most significant contributors to climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and pollution. Livestock farming alone accounts for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than the combined emissions of all cars, planes, and trains. Additionally, raising animals for food requires staggering amounts of land, water, and feed. 

Meat and dairy production uses more than one-third of habitable land globally. To put this into perspective, producing a single pound of beef takes approximately 1,800 gallons of water and 20 pounds of grain. In contrast, plant-based foods, such as lentils, beans, vegetables, and grains, require a fraction of those resources.

I mentioned the book What if We Get It Right a couple of weeks ago. This book includes some important information about agriculture: "We have thousands of plants and animals we can eat, but we cultivate just a few and in enormous monocultures so that they are susceptible to disease and drought, and we create a toxic cycle of increased pesticide use and increasingly exploitative conditions for farmworkers. And then, we throw away a third of the food we produce, which releases tons of methane as it rots in landfills." 

Our industrial food system harms the soil and pollutes our air and water. Much of U.S. topsoil has lost 30% to 50% of its organic matter in the last 100 years. The Land Institute is working to use farming techniques that keep the soil permanently covered with perennial crops, which prevents erosion and builds the soil’s potential for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

Despite technological advancements, farming productivity is 21% lower now than it was in the 1960s due to the effects of climate change on weather patterns. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer alone (112 million tons annually) is responsible for 2.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation is another piece of the environmental impact of our food system. You can help curb this by buying locally sourced food when you can.  

By simply shifting what you eat, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while supporting global efforts to combat climate change. In fact, according to Project Drawdown, the third- and fourth-best climate change solutions are reducing food waste and eating a plant-rich diet. Cutting back on meat and dairy products whenever possible can make a substantial difference.

Plant-based foods not only help protect the planet; they're good for you, too. These foods are nutritional powerhouses, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. They fuel your body and keep it running smoothly. Research consistently shows that individuals who adopt plant-based diets experience lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. They often report increased energy, clearer skin, and even a better mood.

A common misconception is that eating plant-based is expensive, but the truth is quite the opposite. Staple foods like beans, rice, oats, and seasonal vegetables are some of the most affordable items at the grocery store. Planning your meals and buying in bulk can save money while nourishing your body.

Some common questions people have about eating plant-based are: Will it be too hard? Will I get enough protein? Can I really live without cheese? The truth is that transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle is easier than ever. Many grocery stores are stocked with plant-based options, and protein is plentiful in foods like quinoa, chickpeas, and nuts. There are also delicious plant-based cheeses available to satisfy cravings.

You don't have to change your diet overnight. Begin by trying Meatless Mondays or having one plant-based meal each day. Explore global cuisines and discover plant-based versions of your favorite comfort foods. You don’t have to go completely vegan—every plant-based meal you choose benefits the planet, your health, and your wallet. 

Take a step toward a plant-based lifestyle today. Try a new recipe, share a plant-based meal with friends, or learn more about the environmental benefits of your choices. Focus on what you're gaining: health, hope, and the knowledge that you're making a real difference in the world. And remember, it's all about progress, not perfection.

For tips on incorporating more whole, plant-based foods into your diet, check out our free ebook, "Whole Foods for Whole Health," for ideas on healthy swaps and recipes. Another great resource that provides easy-to-follow plant-based recipes is the Vegan Starter Kit from one of my favorite non-profit organizations, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I hope these resources help. If you're interested in taking the next step, check out Firefly's coaching Program, Whole Foods for Whole Health.