Vegetarian diets have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many individuals are choosing to cut out meat in favour of a plant-based diet. 

 

According to the UN, cattle rearing produces more greenhouse gases than cars. Raising animals for meat takes up far more land and water than growing plants. 

However that doesn’t mean a vegetarian diet is the only way to reducing our carbon footprint. Food waste accounts for 6% of greenhouse gas production. Only buying what you need is another way of fighting climate change that doesn’t require you to give up meat completely.

 

According to a study by Oxford University, vegan diets reduce food costs by up to one third. Common ingredient in plant-based dishes, like pasta, beans and tofu, are much cheaper than meat, but artificial meat alternatives can be expensive.

 

Research has found that vegetarians are 25% less likely to die of heart disease. But there are potential drawbacks to vegetarian diets as well. It can be challenging to get all the nutrients your body needs on a plant-based diet,. Vegetarians may need to take supplements to ensure they get the nutrients they need.

 

A student, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “you can do without meat using supplements, but I think that the diet isn’t healthy on its own. It isn’t what humans were designed for and it’s possible to get meat from ethical sources.”

However, vegetarian Ruby Moulden said: “I think a definite positive way of going forward would be for more people to adopt a plant-based diet, for the good of us and the plant.”

 

A vegetarian diet is just one of the many ways we can combat climate change. Ultimately, a switch to a plant-based diet is a personal decision.