Sustainable Planet

What's the Beef with the Livestock Industry?

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Just how huge of an impact does the livestock industry have on the planet? The Economist developed its 'Big Mac Index' to indicate currency values based on the cost of a McDonald's Big Mac. We consider the many costs to people and the planet not included in the price of a Big Mac burger.

Key Topics

  • Find out why our diets are taxing the planet
  • How eating meat is an inefficient way to convert plants to calories
  • Why, for so many reasons, it's so challenging to forgo eating meat and dairy products
  • The many ways that governments are huge supporters of the meat and dairy industries
  • A plant-based diet can be nutritious and even delicious- just listen to what Michael has to say about adopting a vegan diet
  • How to consume less meat, including meat alternatives, lab-grown meat, and even insects
  • Skipping beef just one meal a week can make a huge difference for the planet, and a Meatless Monday can help change the world

    • Recommended Resources

    • The UN's guide to Food and Climate Change: Healthy Diets for a Healthier Planet
    • Small changes can make a big difference - Tulane's study on food and climate change
    • The livestock industry and climate change
    • Concerned about animals and protein intake?
    • One Green Planet and VegNews are one-stop sites for recipes and info about a plant-based diet
      ...more
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      Sustainable PlanetBy Kimberly Weir