Forget Meat-free Monday

Meat free Mondays are a great idea, but opting to limit meat consumption to Sundays, with occasional extended breaks, can significantly reduce overall meat intake.

The approach emphasizes a diet rich in lentils paired with vegetables, reserving meat for Sundays. For instance, a Moroccan-inspired lamb stew shared among three individuals yesterday, complemented by vegetables, beans, and pulses, offered a delightful culinary experience.

The problem with food production

• 14.5% of global greenhouse gases originate from livestock.
• Deforestation primarily stems from agricultural activities.
• Water shortages are both caused by and affect farming practices.
• Ocean dead zones result from fertilizer runoff from large-scale agriculture.

The EAT-Lancet Commission report suggests that altering food production practices could reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 10% by 2050. However, transitioning to a predominantly plant-based diet could potentially slash emissions by up to 80%. Additionally, halving food waste could yield an extra 5% reduction.

What is a plant based diet?

A plant-based diet emphasizes beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and cereal-based foods.

Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

A well-balanced plant-based diet low in saturated fat offers various health advantages:

• Effective weight management.
• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Decreased risk of certain cancers.

It's essential to plan a plant-based diet properly, as with any other dietary regimen.

What can be done?

1. Choose Seasonal Produce: Opt for seasonal produce to support local farmers and reduce energy-intensive practices like greenhouse farming and long-distance transportation.
2. Practice Mindful Consumption: Be conscious of portion sizes to avoid overconsumption, thus reducing unnecessary food waste.
3. Diversify Your Diet: Explore various plant-based foods to add diversity to meals and promote agricultural biodiversity.
4. Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Minimize single-use plastics by utilizing reusable containers and bags while shopping or storing leftovers.
5. Grow Your Own Food: Consider cultivating herbs, fruits, or vegetables at home to engage in sustainable food production.
6. Support Sustainable Seafood: Choose seafood from sustainable sources with certifications like MSC or ASC to ensure environmental responsibility.
7. Engage with Community Initiatives: Participate in local community gardens, farmer's markets, or food cooperatives promoting sustainable practices.
8. Educate and Share Information: Spread awareness about sustainable eating practices and their environmental impact among friends and family.
9. Embrace a Flexitarian Approach: Encourage occasional substitution of meat-based meals with plant-based options to reduce overall meat consumption.
10. Advocate for Policy Change: Stay informed about food and agriculture policies and advocate for those supporting sustainability and reduced food waste.