When it comes to doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions, living sustainably and trying to save the planet, the same things tend to come to mind. Take less flights, don't drive more than you need to and recycle, recycle, recycle. But there is a huge area of our lives that we should be paying more attention to - food. And while we may have watched the Cowspiracy documentary and Instagrammed along with the #meatfreemonday movement, we might have underestimated just how much of an impact meat and dairy is having on the environment.
New research published in the Science journal has found that our consumption of meat and dairy is causing the most damage to the planet. It uses a huge 83 percent of the world's farmland and produces 60 percent of agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions.
The study, lead by the University of Oxford, found that the even lowest impact meat and dairy products damage the environment more than the least sustainable growing of cereal and veg, reports The Guardian. And while the stats sound scary and, at such a scale, way beyond the reach of our individual capabilities, it might be worth givingveganism a second look. By the sound of it, it'll make much more of a difference than sacrificing a flight or two every year.
Joseph Poore, one of the study's authors, explained: 'A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use'.
'It is far bigger than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car', he added. Why? Because these simple changes only effect greenhouse gas emissions while the bigger picture requires a far wider reduction to pollution.
That's not to say we should rev our diesel engines and re-book that flight to Bali without the bat of an eyelid, of course. But while we're on the road to heightened environmental consciousness, it couldn't hurt if we looked to our shopping lists as well as our travel habits.
MORE: Ready To Switch Up Your Diet? These Vegan Protein Sources Are A Great Place To Start
Vegan Protein Sources - Grazia
1 of 17Chickpeas
1/2 a cup of chickpeas will give you 6-8 grams of protein depending on the brand!
2 of 17Peanut Butter
Delicious AND nutritious, peanut butter is a body builders secret weapon. Two tablespoons give you eight grams of protein!
3 of 17Asparagus
Also a great source of vitamin B, asparagus contains 4 grams of protein per cup.
4 of 17Broccoli
It's not all vitamin C, calcium and fibre, broccoli also contains four grams of protein per cup.
5 of 17Spinach
A known favourite of #bodygoals icon Pop Eye, spinach contains 5 grams of protein per cup!
6 of 17Almonds
Almonds are not only a healthy and morish snack for your afternoon slump, they also contain seven grams of protein per cup.
7 of 17Edamame Beans
With 8.5 grams of protein per half cup, edamame beans are a great addition to dish for an extra kick.
8 of 17Hemp Seeds
These are a protein powerhouse with 13 grams in just three tablespoons! Add them into a smoothie or your oatmeal and you'll be meeting your macros for days.
9 of 17Artichoke
It might not be the prettiest vegetable, but with four grams of protein per half cup it's a great additional to your evening meal.
10 of 17Oatmeal
With three times the protein of brown rice plus less starch and more fiber, oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day.
11 of 17Green Peas
A household favourite, green peas contain eight grams of protein per cup, making that fish, chips and peas combo sound a little more nutritious. ..
12 of 17Chia Seeds
A known superfood, chia seeds contain five grams of protein per two tablespoons. You can put them in a smoothie or your breakfast for that extra kick of goodness.
13 of 17Quinoa
This gluten-free grain gives you eight grams of protein per cup, plus its a delicious addition to any rice dish.
14 of 17Tofu
This tasty meat substitute provides 10 grams of protein per cup PLUS it can be used as anything from dessert to entrees.
15 of 17Lentils
With 9 grams of protein per half cup and 15 grams of fibre, you're in for a nutritional treat with any lentil dish.
16 of 17Black Beans
One of the healthiest of all beans, black beans provide 8 grams of protein per half cup!
17 of 17Soy Milk
Organic soy milk contains eight grams of protein per cup, and serves as a substitute to cows milk.
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