Meatless Mondays to Reduce Water Consumption
Did you know that 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water are used to create just one pound of beef?
According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, significantly more water is being used to grow food for cows and other animals than is used to grow grains and vegetables.
The meat industry uses millions of gallons of water every year, but its also responsible for approximately 1/5 of man-made greenhouse gas emissions.
In comes Meatless Monday, an organization designed to improve the quality of the planet and the humans that live on it. “Our goal is to help reduce meat consumption 15% in order to improve personal health and the health of our planet.”
If everyone in the United States participated in Meatless Monday just one time, it would be equal to removing 20 million midsize sedans from the road, according to the Huffington Post.
Participating is easy, and it doesn’t require any major changes in lifestyle. People can stay within their comfort zone, but lower their health risks over time.
Avoiding meat once a week is great, but try it on a Monday! By doing so, you will be unconsciously setting yourself up for more healthy decisions throughout the week. One good decision is often followed by another, and Monday is proven to be the best day to start new beginnings and routines.
Meatless Monday is gaining some serious attention. Not only does it have the support of stars like Mario Batali, Kate Moss, Al Gore, Paul McCartney, John Tesh, and Gwyneth Paltrow, but it is also gaining the support of US schools. Baltimore City Public School System, the first to adopt the idea, will be offering only vegetarian meals on Mondays and hopes to set an example for schools around the country.
Meatless Monday is attacking two birds with one stone. If Monday is just too busy, don’t worry. Meatless Tuesday works, too!
Tell us about your Meatless Monday! What did you choose to eat instead of meat? If you have some good vegetarian recipes, post them here!
Meatless Monday is a great and easy way to improve your health and also the environment. Did not
realize how much water and gas emmisions were caused by the meat industry. You are correct in
that once you start with meatless meals, it tones down your appitite for meat – those meals almost
seem heavy and you start eating less meat. Think pasta, pasta, pasta! Sauce with fresh tomatoes
and herbs can’t be beat. But then watch those carbs – we just can’t win!
I agree with you, MM is a great way to cut back on both emissions and dietary health risks. Pasta IS an amazing way to keep ourselves away from meat, and as long as we all keep ourselves active it shouldn’t been too hard to stay healthy!