Meat consumption continues to prevail in most countries, but the growth of plant-based diets is already noticeable.
Numerous arguments support this way of life, including improved well-being and environmental preservation.
While people’s environmental consciousness is growing, there is still room for greater understanding. It is crucial to realize that by taking care of nature, nature reciprocates, ensuring our well-being.
This article discusses how adopting a green, plant-based lifestyle can affect human well-being.
What are Some Ways to Lead a Green-Focused Lifestyle?
#1 Be Water Wise
Tap water is a cost-effective option compared to bottled water, as it often surpasses quality and taste tests against branded alternatives.
Additionally, the extraction and production of plastic bottles have detrimental effects on communities and wildlife. Conserving water becomes increasingly important due to population growth and unprecedented droughts.
Simple things like taking shorter showers and fixing leaks contribute to water conservation efforts.
#2 Boycott Products that Endanger Wildlife
The trade of endangered animal products is prohibited in the United States. What about the rest? They can be hunted and bred for slaughter without any restrictions.
At the same time, people continue to indirectly harm Red Listed species. A simple example is cutting down old forests where they live or feed.
To safeguard wildlife, shop responsibly for sustainable materials like bamboo and support restaurants that avoid serving imperiled species.
#3 Organic Gardening and Green Space
Consider how you develop a green lifestyle. If you think you’re still not sustainable enough, try organic gardening and only consume products from sustainable farmers.
What may be holding you back is a lack of knowledge. Don’t worry; with a plant identifier app, you can learn more about flowers and other crops.
The advanced app for plants is able to give any information about plants: their features, exact appearance, care information, etc. With a plant and tree identifier, you can overcome the lack of your own knowledge.
Moreover, an app for iPhone is easy to install on your smartphone and will always be at your fingertips.
What is especially convenient, the plant app works with a camera and can automatically detect the type of plant and give all the information related to it.
#4 Choose Sustainable Energy
Kicking the fossil fuel habit is crucial for wildlife conservation, mitigating climate change, and safeguarding our natural resources.
If your state permits choosing an electricity supplier, opt for a Green-e-certified company generating over 50% of its power from clean sources like wind and solar.
Additionally, consider installing rooftop solar panels or solar water heating in your home, and exploring available tax credits.
Some individuals even contribute clean power to the grid, further reducing their carbon footprint.
#5 Pay Attention to Labels
When you’re minimizing your impact on wildlife and the planet, there are clear leaders in various categories.
For coffee drinkers, “shade-grown” coffee is an excellent choice as it preserves forest habitats for migratory birds and other species.
Supporting companies that are dedicated to sustainable production and fair wages can be done by choosing Fair Trade-certified goods.
Additionally, opting for organic food whenever possible is a great way to contribute, despite the potentially higher cost.
#6 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The 3Rs rule of waste management helps us produce less waste and improve our waste management process.
Knowing and following your city’s recycling rules is crucial! When we reduce what we produce and consume, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste we generate. Instead of throwing things away, let’s find new purposes for them and give them a second life.
And don’t forget to recycle items like aluminum cans, plastic, paper, and glass – these materials can be transformed into new items.
Let’s all do our part in taking care of our environment!
Check out this video by Plufo for more on the 3 R’s of Waste Management:
#7 Reconnect with nature
Living a greener life also means reconnecting with the outdoors. So, why not go out and see for yourself whatever you’re trying to protect?
Nature is absolutely beautiful and you must personally see and contact with it in everyday life.
You should consider spending at least 30 minutes a day outdoors, no matter what you choose to do during that time.
What are the Benefits of Plant-Centric Lifestyles?
#1 Mental Wellness
According to a recent study, adopting a plant-based lifestyle and diet may have the potential to prevent neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Foods that are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for brain health include vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains and fresh fruit.
For instance, incorporating leafy green vegetables into your daily diet can boost your intake of folate and fatty acids. Do you know why they are important? They are crucial for brain development and function.
To promote mental well-being, one suggestion is to begin each day with a nourishing plant-based meal.
#2 Physical Wellness
Plant-based foods offer a wealth of essential nutrients and lessen the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
They can also aid weight loss due to their high fiber content, which keeps you feeling satisfied longer.
However, pre-made plant-based products often contain fillers and additives. To have more control over your ingredients, it’s ideal to cook plant-based meals at home.
#3 Emotional Wellness
Adopting a plant-based lifestyle can boost self-esteem and self-confidence.
By making positive dietary choices, individuals feel good about the impact they have.
People get inner satisfaction from the fact that they leave a positive mark on the planet Earth. It also enhances moods and emotions.
Healthy diets rich in fruits, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables show promise in reducing depression symptoms and improving the quality of life for those with mental disorders.
Notably, Chef Mokgadi Itsweng, an author, food activist, and advocate of ancient grains and seasonal produce, champions these dietary patterns.
#4 Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Around the world, did you know that the production of food is responsible for about 30% of the greenhouse gases caused by humans?
It’s fascinating to discover that meat is actually the leading culprit when it comes to producing these gases.
There have been studies showing that cutting down on meat consumption not only helps to lessen greenhouse gas emissions but also has positive effects on overall health and reducing chronic diseases.
Interestingly, there’s also research that supports the idea of making better environmental choices without completely giving up meat and dairy.
You can still embrace a plant-based lifestyle while enjoying meat and dairy products, all while making a positive impact on reducing greenhouse gases.
Conclusion
A plant-based lifestyle is a more sustainable lifestyle. By sourcing whole foods that are local, in season, organic, and GMO-free, individuals can improve their health, budget, and the environment in a win-win situation.
One can start by making simple swaps on their plate, replacing processed items with fresh fruits and vegetables.
It’s important to be patient and not expect a perfect diet overnight. Starting with small changes will yield rewarding results in due time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between plant-based and vegan?
Both of these meal plans have gained attention for their health benefits in recent years, and although they share similarities, there are some noteworthy distinctions. Vegan diets completely cut out all animal products, while plant-based diets primarily revolve around consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts, and predominantly plant-based foods, without necessarily excluding animal products. Read the full guide to learn more about plant-based diets.
How do plant-centric lifestyles reduce carbon footprint?
According to researchers at the University of Oxford, adopting a vegan diet can reduce an individual's food-related carbon footprint by up to 73%. This is because of the large amounts of food that need to be fed to livestock before they go through the energy-intensive process of being killed, processed, transported, and stored. Read the full guide to learn more about how a plant-based diet will reduce your carbon footprint.
How do plant-centric lifestyles affect sustainability?
Compared to diets based on animal products, plant-based diets are considered more sustainable. They use far fewer natural resources and have a lower impact on the environment. Read the full guide to learn more about plant-based diets and how they positively impact sustainability.
Can plant-centric lifestyles lower the risks of diseases?
A good plant-based diet can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health conditions. Read the full guide to learn more about the health benefits of a plant-based diet.
References & Useful Resources
IUCN: Red List of Threatened Species
Nature Food: Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Animal-based Foods are Twice Those of Plant-based Foods (Journal Article)
No Meat Athlete: Vegan Protein: A Simple Guide to Getting What You Need
Phys.org: Commentary: Animal Agriculture’s ‘Water Footprint’ is Putting the Planet in Peril