Think Beyond Fossil Fuels This Veganuary

Most of us are increasingly aware of the challenges posed by the climate crisis, from an expected 1.2 billion climate refugees by 2050 to the extinction of thousands of species. However, one major contributor often flies under the radar: our diets. This year’s provocative Veganuary campaign is inspiring many people to go meat free in January to help reduce their carbon footprint. In this blog we outline what impact meat consumption has on climate change and what small steps you can take to reduce your own carbon footprint through your diet. 

What Impact Does Meat Production Have On Climate Change?

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas which traps 84% more atmospheric heat than carbon dioxide over a 20 year span, is a significant contributor to global warming. Shockingly, the total estimated methane emissions of the 5 largest meat and dairy companies exceed that of the 5 big fossil fuel giants. In fact, research suggests that even if there was an instant halt in fossil fuel emissions, the 1.5°C limit set as a target by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change would be surpassed as an isolated result of our food system. By transitioning to plant-based diets, we could reduce food-related emissions by up to 70%. Embracing plant-based eating this January and beyond can make a tangible difference to your carbon footprint. 

Conserving Food and Water Resources

Your dietary choices account for around 66% of your water footprint, largely due to the inefficiencies of animal agriculture. For example, a single 4-ounce serving of chicken requires 492 litres of water to produce. By choosing plant-based meals, you bypass the additional step of growing crops to feed animals and instead consume those resources directly, helping to address global food and water scarcity.

Reducing Land Usage and Preventing Deforestation

Animal farming is the leading cause of deforestation, with forests habitually destroyed to make space for cattle grazing and livestock feed.  An overwhelming 90 to 99% of all deforestation in tropical regions is driven by agriculture, so switching to a plant-based diet dramatically reduces the amount of land needed to produce food, freeing up space for ecosystems to recover. Currently, half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture. By opting for plant-based foods, you’re actively contributing to the preservation of vital habitats and the fight against deforestation.

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Meat Consumption

Looking to reduce your meat consumption but not sure where to start? It’s easier than you think! Begin by swapping out a few meals each week with plant-based options; some easy switches to make without compromising on taste (and also reaping financial savings) are chickpea tuna mayo, lentil bolognese and scrambled tofu.  Have fun experimenting with meat alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit to recreate your favourite dishes. Even if it’s not a complete cut out of meat, starting with one day a week can have a huge difference, saving 789.25 bathtubs of water in one year. If Veganuary seems too big of a step, why not give Meat Free Monday a go and delve into the array of recipes on their website? 

Why Not Try Veganuary?

This January, embracing a plant-based diet or simply cutting meat consumption can help preserve nature and combat climate change. If all Recorra customers (a data-driven guesstimate) participated in Veganuary, it could save 744,000 kg of CO2e – that’s equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions from driving 1,894,640 miles in an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.  

Give it a try (along with Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Chris Packham, and heaps of other cool people) by signing up here to receive free tips, meal plans and other resources.