Thoughts on Earth Day

I recently took a little day trip to a town in Southern Minnesota and I saw a great blue heron near a waterfall. (Photo) It reminded me that the eco-system is much larger than I usually contemplate.

 

Generally, plantbased16 is focused on food and human health trying to spread the message that our food system needs to move toward eating more plants.  We eat and advocate for a plant-based diet, because it is the best for personal health. (What else can reverse diabetes and cancer in just a few weeks?)  Earth Day is April 22nd, 2019 providing a great time to start thinking about the health of the planet.

 

Earlier this year, the EAT Lancet Commission reinvigorated my interest in the health of the planet.  The Commission  focused on the degradation of the planet and how the population suffering from malnutrition and preventable disease.  "The global adoption of healthy diets from sustainable food systems would safeguard our planet and improve the health of billions."  The Commission explained that the "food we eat, the ways we produce it, and the amounts wasted or lost have major impacts on human health and environmental sustainability."  Food production consumes vast resources including 70% of freshwater use.  Up to 30% of greenhouse gas emission can be attributed to food production, and clearing land for growing food is the largest driver of biodiversity loss.  

 

The Commission determined that eating a "diet rich in plant-based foods and with fewer animal source foods confers both improved health and environmental benefits"  Increased consumption of plant-based foods – including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains – while in many settings substantially limiting animal source foods was the number one strategy put forth by the Committee.  

 

For Earth Day this April, consider the ways that you can purchase and consume food with a healthy planet in mind.