By Contributing Writer Caroline Quirk

The standard American diet consists of pre-packaged foods, processed meats, and high-fat dairy products. It doesn’t sound so good when said out loud, does it? Thursday October 10 at 12:30 in the campus center the Green Navigators will be leading a discussion about how a plant-based diet will help reduce the impact on people, the planet, and profits.

A plant-based diet used to be unpopular and even unheard of in some regions, but it is now an up and coming trend that young people especially are committing to and sharing with their communities. Why is it growing in popularity? Not only is a plant-based diet much better for human health, but it is also significantly better for the environment.

Animal agriculture is the second largest contributor to human-made greenhouse gas emissions, and yet all of the focus seems to be on limiting fossil fuels. Fighting climate change goes beyond walking instead of driving, it takes real commitment to change to daily life.

Animal agriculture is extremely demanding on the Earth’s land, water and natural resources. mass-produced meat -which is what makes up most of American’s diets- is especially demanding on Earth’s resources because it takes up a copious amount of space and uses very cheap resources, producing cheap, low-quality meats.

Due to the meat being so cheap, Americans don’t think twice about the meat they are eating and what it took to make it. They don’t realize that it takes 660 gallons of water to make one burger. If that number is put into context of how many burgers are produced each day, the results are terrifying.

Switching to a plant-based diet uses natural resources and is naturally grown. It is easier than it seems too! Join us October 10 to learn more about how to switch!