The Beef with Plant-Based Diets: Is It Sustainable to Go Vegan?

By Midori Sylwester, Economics and Environmental Studies ‘24

Is whole milk okay?

With heightened awareness of the impacts of the meat and dairy industry, some of us are questioning the type of milk we prefer in our morning coffee or the type of meat we want to throw on the barbeque. Sales in plant-based alternatives are on the rise and the option to avoid animal products are cited as conscious environmental decisions. While going vegan or vegetarian significantly reduces your carbon footprint, are these alternatives truly sustainable?

The meat and dairy industries are responsible for notably high levels of carbon dioxide emissions, yet the environmental impact of plant-based alternatives are often overlooked. Non-local fruits and vegetables can emit more greenhouse gasses than poultry meat. Since 2003, nearly 7500 square miles of land has been deforested in Brazil for soy production – a popular protein alternative. Plant-based diets are infamous for demanding disproportionate amounts of water: avocados, for example, can require roughly 180 gallons of water per kilogram of fruit. Almonds, cashews, and walnuts can take up to 909 gallons of water per kilogram. Consequently, non-dairy milk alternatives require significant water consumption as well and tend to be more expensive than dairy milk, creating barriers for accessibility to low-income households.

While the plant-based diet footprint pales in comparison to that of meat and dairy products, finding ways to reduce environmental harm should remain at the forefront. Opting for local in-season produce can minimize carbon dioxide emissions from air-transported fruits and veggies. Making conscious decisions regarding how much water-intensive food you consume can lend a hand in decreasing your personal footprint and the demand for those products. Going vegan does not automatically make you environmentally conscious, and personal acknowledgement of the trip your food makes before getting to you is equally as important as understanding the carbon contribution of meat and dairy options.

And if you’re not ready to make a deep-dive into restricting your options to only plant-based alternatives, reducing your meat and dairy consumption can make a huge difference to the carbon emissions harming the environment. The journey your food makes to your plate is important to remember, and supporting local economies through farmers markets or growing your own produce is the key to a more sustainable diet. How will you squash the beef?

Image Credit: Madison Inouye, Fruit Market · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com).

This seasonal food guide can help direct your choices to minimize your carbon footprint: Seasonal Food Guide.