Why I'm Going Vegan for Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual, global event, and on April 22nd we're celebrating this occasion in style. Over a billion people participate each year, and we hope many more join in this time.

Updated 3/27/23

My tip is to make a commitment to reuse, recycle, reduce, and repair, remake, refuse, remember, respect, and restore to live more sustainably. 

A special way I pledge to honor the earth is to reduce my carbon footprint even more than I have in the past. My grandson Noah has graciously agreed to guest  blog for me. I am thrilled and delighted to share it. 

Here's his post now.

Why I’m Going Vegan for Earth Day

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my guest blog. My name is Noah White and I am one of Nancy’s very lucky grandchildren. 

In 2018, I graduated from Duke University with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy and I am now living in Oakland, CA where I hold a Master's Degree in Sustainable Solutions from the University of CA, Berkley

While I’ll be going especially vegan for this upcoming Earth Day, it’s actually not the first time I’ve eaten on a strict vegan diet. 

In 2012, when I was training as a competitive runner, I read Scott Jurek’s Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness. Scott, a highly accomplished runner, explained how he made a transition to a vegan diet that improved his overall health and well-being.  

My stint at veganism only lasted for a month in 2012. I've transitioned to a more plant focused eating plan since then.

           
When asked, I tell people that I am a “flexitarian.” Why? Because there’s simply no denying the environmental impact that raising animals for livestock has on the environment and as such, I feel obligated to minimize my consumption of animal products. 

However, realistically, I love going out for Pizza with friends or eating a roast chicken prepared by a loved one, so I stay flexible.

            
What kind of environmental impacts am I referring to? Well, lots actually. According to a report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport. Yes. You read that right. If you went vegan, you would conserve more carbon emissions than if you gave up motorized transport entirely.

Greenhouse gas emissions aside, the land use impacts are hard to believe.
In fact, thirty percent of the earth’s entire land surface—a massive 70% of all agricultural land—is used for rearing farmed animals. 

Think of it this way. A third or 33% of the world’s lands suitable for growing crops and directly feeding humans, is used to produce feed for farmed animals and raise livestock.

Our overcrowded and infection-susceptible cities might just be a lot more resilient if we weren’t using so much land for livestock.

With this massive impact in mind, I won’t use any animal products on Earth Day.  And while this impact may be disheartening, I find it comforting to think that consuming less meat and animal products has such a large impact in helping the environment!

So, what will I be cooking? Well, breakfast will be sweet and rich in the form of hazelnut pancakes, using oat milk and hazelnut flour for an added twist. 

I plan on spending Earth Day isolated, in the sunshine, surrounded by greenery, breathing in lots of fresh air. 

However, when I stop for lunch, I’ll probably enjoy one of my go-to snacks. It's a hummus, cucumber, and avocado wrap; so simple, yet so delish. And while I normally enjoy cheese on this wrap, I’ll either forgo it or use some vegan cheese slices. 

At the end of the day, I’ll probably sit down to watch an episode of Planet Earth, with David Attenborough’s silky-smooth voice describing the marvelous natural splendor of our planet. 

For dinner I’ll be chowing down vegan Primavera sauce on homemade noodles I make with my newest favorite culinary device, a pasta maker. 

Happy Earth Day! And remember, a bit fewer animal products can really have a large positive impact for our global community.

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More Earth Friendly Ideas to Enhance Health and Happiness

Reasons Why it's Healthy to Eat Plant-based Every Day

Recipe for Vegan Hummus Wrap from Sam the Food Blogger at Ahead of Thyme

Vegan Hummus Wrap, Photo from Ahead of Time

How to Make Scrumptious Hummus, a Recipe Roundup

Improve Health Spend Quality Time in Nature

Eco-friendly Moves to Green the Holidays

Awesome Tips to Help You Raise Greener Kids

Ways-to-Use-Colors Including Green to Improve Work-life Balance

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Please comment below and share on social media with a link back to this post. I appreciate your comments and read every one.

In what ways can you treat the environment better this year?

Are you willing to eat more plant-based meals? What ideas do you have for accomplishing that?

From all reports the COVID-19 Pandemic has keep most of us home. It's reduced air pollution, by cutting down the usage of fossil fuel motorized vehicles. 

Can you image how healthy the planet, people, and animals would be, if we ate more plants and less animal products? After all, the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport. 

Stay Safe, Be Well, and Go Vegan for Earth Day!

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