Stop eating meat -- and save the planet!

"This whole Lent thing is meant to transform us not just for forty days but for a lifetime" - Mary DeTurris Poust 

I suppose that's my intention with this journey -- is to learn sustainable ways to help the environment on a daily basis. It's so important to turn off the lights at work, to use less (or no!) paper towels, straws, etc. This meatless journey has proven to be very fruitful so far, making me more conscious of what I am eating, and also making others around me aware. 

One of the great articles (thanks Jenn!) I found is called 'Stop eating meat and save the planet' says United Nations. The article states shocking facts, like "80 per cent of the nitrogen and phosphorus used in fertilisers is consumed by livestock because it is used to grow the crops they eat." Great. Another argument for consuming local and organic meat, if ever consumed -- because goodness knows those fertilizers cannot be good for us!

"Americans overeat [protein] by 58 per cent - and most of it comes from meat," the article quotes. My friend Angie recently shared similar information with me. I am excited to research this more -- but even in just the first ten days, noticing that I often am full after a meal, even if the quantity of protein is not as high as I normally would eat. 

I also notice, from the nutrition labels, that my intake of protein doesn't always have to come from those protein-rich foods. It can come from an abundance of veggies (including spinach, which definitely has great amounts of protein!), from tofu, from seeds, or even from cheese! I've been experimenting with eating cheese, tofu, etc. more -- and trying not to rely on fish for an auto-substitute for meat very much at all. It's been really rewarding to discover more sources of protein, and to discover that protein isn't as crucial as we think! 

Lastly, the article notes, "While this has had huge benefits for world food and energy production, it has caused a web of water and air pollution that is damaging human health, causing toxic algal blooms, killing fish, threatening sensitive eco-systems and contributing to climate change." Okay, point taken. Cut down on meat, and save the environment. Animal rights, minimizing pollution ... I'm learning the myriad of benefits to not eating meat!