In our quest for a healthier lifestyle, the choices we make about what we eat can have profound effects on our bodies but also on the planet. Here’s an expanded look at how some popular “healthy” diet options may be impacting the environment more significantly than you might think.
- Collagen Supplements:
Animal collagen powder, now all the craze for its false anti-aging promises, is predominantly sourced from the skin and bones of cows, pigs, chickens and fish. Its production causes several acute environmental problems, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. The processing of collagen requires substantial water and energy, contributing further to its environmental devastation. Studies highlight that while companies market collagen as a natural byproduct of the meat and fishing industries, the surge in demand has intensified farming practices and overfishing, leading to ecological degradation (Plant Based News) (It’s A Vibe Fitness) (mdpi).
- Dairy Products:
Milk and cheese contain casein a known carcinogen. It is negatively affecting you and adding to your estrogen hormones, but also depleting the planet. Dairy farming is a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Dairy farming also requires large quantities of water and land, and the runoff from these farms often leads to significant water pollution. Transitioning to plant-based alternative milks and cheese will have less impact and won’t lead to your own hormonal imbalances (It’s A Vibe Fitness).
- Meat Consumption:
The cow, pig, lamb and chicken industries are the major contributors to deforestation, water and air pollution, biodiversity loss; and accounts for 87% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Healers. World Preservation Foundation.
Meat production requires large tracts of land both for grazing and for growing animal feed like corn and soy that would be better served to people! More than two-thirds of all agricultural land is used for growing livestock feed, while only 8% is used for growing food directly consumed by humans. This disproportionate use of land for meat production is a driving force behind deforestation, especially in critical areas like the Amazon Rainforest, leading to significant biodiversity loss (Stanford Woods Instit.). The solution is on our plates. The University of Oxford tells us that by reducing our meat consumption we can reduce our carbon footprint up to 75%! University of Oxford
- Overfishing: Draining Our Oceans
Fish consumption is often recommended for a healthy diet, but the practice of overfishing has led to a 95% decline in fish populations, putting immense pressure on marine biodiversity. Notably, a third of all sharks, rays, and chimaeras are at risk of extinction due to overfishing pressures. The depletion of these species disrupts marine food webs and ecological balance, which can lead to the collapse of other marine populations (World Wildlife Fund).
The removal of key species through overfishing can lead to irreversible changes in the structure and function of marine ecosystems. For example, the removal of top predators, like sharks, can result in an overabundance of their prey, which may lead to the overgrazing of foundational species like seagrass and corals. This not only affects the habitat but also the overall health of the ecosystem and the world at a whole (Oxford Academic).
Let’s Build a Sustainable Future
We all have climate change anxiety after experiencing the smoke from fires and excessive heat. Understanding the complex relationship between our diet and climate change is key to making informed decisions that benefit both our health and the planet. Opting for diets lower in animal products and higher in plant-based foods can significantly reduce our climate change footprint.
For those looking to adopt a more sustainable diet without compromising on nutrition and flavor, options like Boon For All Gut + Skin Reset offer a plant-based approach that supports both personal health and environmental sustainability – and taste delicious!
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