January Challenge: Earth Friendly Diet

January Challenge: Earth Friendly Diet - Happy Earth®

It's the beginning of the new year, and we're ready to tackle more sustainable initiatives in 2021!  This month's Ambassador Challenge centers on diet - a major contributor to an individual's carbon footprint.

Many people are now aware that industrial animal farming is an environmental catastrophe, creating harmful emissions and driving deforestation.  If factory farming continues along the same path, gas emissions from our food system will account for over half of global emissions created by humans by 2050.  Meat consumption in the US is higher than any other country.

This month, challenge yourself to eat more sustainably.  The world doesn't need a handful of people being perfectly sustainable, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly. Adjusting your diet means something different to everyone.

Big red-meat eater? Try adapting dishes to exclude beef. 

Routine carnivore? Try integrating more non-meat centered meals into your schedule.

Can't break away from certain foods? Try scaling back in areas that won't be a deal-breaker.

Vegetarian? Try some full-vegan days and new plates.

Vegan? Try some bringing in more seasonal foods or locally-sourced options.

Test out new dishes.  Opt for the more sustainable version (e.g. pasture-raised, organic eggs) Give alternatives a whirl.  Buy what you need and aim for less waste.  Expect some slip-ups and keep pushing forward!  Everyone's journey is different - track yours this month and let us know your thoughts and challenges.

Download worksheet