Gail notes that a 2006 report, released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), concluded that animal farming presents a major threat to the environment, with such deep and wide-ranging impacts that it should rank as a leading focus for environmental policy. The report calls the livestock sector a major player in affecting climate change through greenhouse-gas production, and found that the industry generates an estimated 18 percent of total human-induced, greenhouse-gas emissions, globally.
If you currently eat meat, Gail points out that by giving up just one hamburger, you will save: 55 square feet of rainforest, 12 pounds of grain, and 2,500 gallons of water. In terms of the amount of CO2 released, producing just one pound of hamburger creates more than 165 pounds of CO2—that is more than what is produced by driving your car for three weeks!
A recent report in Restaurant Business underscores the fact that more and more people are seeking to eat in a way that responds to their concerns for issues of global warming, deforestation, air and water pollution, and the overall impact their food choices have on the planet.
"Clearly," says Gail, "giving up meat is the single greatest step anyone can take to reduce their own carbon footprint. And it inspires me to know that people are cutting back on their meat consumption as they learn more about the relationships between what they eat, their health, and the well-being of the planet."
[27]
Gail emphasizes that the choice to eat more plant-based foods is not about deprivation. "Nothing could be further from the truth!" She explains, "Green cuisine is a celebration of color, taste, and texture. And knowing you are eating in harmony with Mother Earth makes the food taste better, too!"
So, whether you are already a full-time vegetarian or you are just beginning to explore green cuisine, you'll enjoy Gail's delicious recipes for Sassy Baked Barbecue Tempeh and Enticing Enchiladas, at the end of this article. What a great way to celebrate Earth Day, any day of the year!
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
