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Meatless Monday is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their meat consumption, specifically by not eating meat on Mondays, in order to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect our environment from climate change.
Research at the John Hopkins Center shows that “Livestock production in particular contributes an estimated 14.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions from human activities… These gases include methane from animals, nitrous oxide from fertilizers and animal manure, and carbon dioxide from deforestation”. Reducing your consumption of meat, and partaking in the global Meatless Monday initiative, can have a profound effect on GHG emissions. “Each Canadian who swaps out just one beef-based meal for a plant-based meal each week will reduce their greenhouse gas contribution by five per cent each year.” When many individuals take part in this initiative, the overall impact can be extremely significant!
As seen in the image below, the Greenhouse gas emissions per 100 grams of protein shows the significant environmental impact associated with eating meat, especially beef, lamp and prawns. When you look at the environmental impact of meatless protein sources such as eggs, grains, tofu, peas or nuts, it is easy to see how a meatless diet can significantly benefit the environment!
September is a great time to get into new routines, so try out Meatless Monday! Here are some easy, affordable and environmentally friendly recipes to try out this fall:
- Teriyaki veggie stir fry with rice
- Burrito bowl (beans, veggies, guacamole, rice, etc.)
- Roasted veggie sandwich
- Vegetarian chili (chickpeas, beans, veggies, vegetable broth, etc.)
- Pasta salad (chickpeas, veggies, avocado, etc.)
- Quinoa salad
- Vegetarian pizza
- Black bean lasagna
- Pesto pasta (with chickpeas or beans)
- Vegetarian burger (quinoa, mushroom, black bean, etc.)
Join the movement this fall and do your part to reduce your carbon footprint with a delicious Meatless Monday.
Resources:
https://clf.jhsph.edu/sites/default/files/2019-10/global-meatless-monday-climate_0.pdf
https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/defaultveg/environment/
https://www.acouplecooks.com/meatless-monday-recipes/
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