Eating an Earth sustainable diet

Posted 4/26/16

To the Editor:

With the 47th annual observance of Earth Day just around the corner, this is a great time to explore more effective ways of slowing climate change and conserving Earth’s …

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Eating an Earth sustainable diet

Posted

To the Editor:

With the 47th annual observance of Earth Day just around the corner, this is a great time to explore more effective ways of slowing climate change and conserving Earth’s natural resources for future generations. 

A 2010 UN report charged animal agriculture with 19 percent of man-made greenhouse gases – more than all transport – and recommended a global shift to a vegan diet. A subsequent World Watch study placed that contribution closer to 50 percent. Meat and dairy production also dumps more water pollutants than all other human activities combined. It is the driving force in global deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction. 

Last fall, England’s prestigious Chatham House declared that reducing meat consumption is critical to achieving global climate goals. A report from Oxford University found that global adoption of a vegan diet would reduce greenhouse emissions by two thirds. The 2015 U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has recommended reduced meat consumption and an environmentally sustainable diet.

Just as we replace fossil fuels by wind, solar, and other sustainable energy sources, we must replace animal foods with the more sustainable vegetables, fruits, and grains. Being mindful of this can help us make better choices at the supermarket.

William Sanford

Westerly

Comments

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  • JohnStark

    Over the weekend, just prior to ingesting two rib eyes for dinner, my wife and I pondered the relative morality of such an unsustainable diet. I reminded my wife that the UN had recommended we shift to a vegan diet in order to combat greenhouse gases. In response, she referenced a critically important Chatham House study which recommended a diet designed to achieve our global climate goals. So that's what I was thinking about as we enjoyed the steaks; our global climate goals. But cheer up (something vegans don't ever do) Mr. Sanford, my post-meal cigar was manufactured using sustainable tobacco.

    Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Report this

  • davebarry109

    So, when Vegans can't convince the majority of us to stop eating animals, they resort to scare tactics. Heart problems, global climate catastrophe, obesity, etc. I resort to the old axiom, 'everything in moderation'. Vegans don't believe in moderation. It's all plants or nothing. While we don't eat a lot of red meat, chicken is a staple. What would life be like without the occasional hamburger or fried chicken?

    The author also calls for non-fossil fuel alternative energies. I agree. When they are possible. RIght now, they cannot power the grid sufficiently. Not even close.

    So, I will enjoy my burgers in moderation. You enjoy your salad. In the dark. Without air conditioning. Enjoy.

    Wednesday, April 27, 2016 Report this