GO GRAZE! Go plant-based in September

Throughout September, Green Club and the School of Natural Sciences and Health are running a meat-free eating campaign. The initiative aims to highlight the environmental impact of the meat industry, explore the colorful and diverse world of plant-based eating, and showcase meat-free options available at Tallinn University. All participants will be entered into a prize draw for two free tickets to the Vegan Fair taking place in October!

All month long, we will be sharing recommendations, tips, and ideas on the Green Club’s Instagram, Facebook, and website regarding how to reduce meat consumption and the exciting new possibilities offered by plant-based food.

Change begins with small steps!

We don’t have to be perfect, and no one expects you to go from zero to a hundred overnight. The goal of this campaign isn’t to turn everyone vegan, but to open new doors, offer opportunities to experiment, and help reduce meat consumption.

By the end of the month, you might discover that meat is no longer a staple of your diet and feel inspired to try alternatives to other animal products as well. Or perhaps you’ll decide not to cut meat out completely but realize you don’t need it every day, that a couple of times a week is enough.

Wherever this journey takes you, we believe it’s worth trying something new at least once. You might discover a whole new world that you want to explore further. Or perhaps you’ve already considered making a change but haven’t yet dared to take that first step.

The impact of meat extends far beyond our plates

The food we consume is not merely a way to fill our stomachs. When considering the environmental impact of our food, packaging, transport, or waste might be the first things that come to mind. In reality, however, the impact is far greater and begins right in the field. The modern food system is responsible for an estimated 26% of all human-generated greenhouse gas emissions, 32% of soil acidification, and 78% of eutrophication. These are not insignificant figures; they permanently alter natural ecosystems and destroy biodiversity and ecological resilience.

Animal-based products have a particularly significant impact. The production of meat, milk, eggs, and similar products utilizes nearly 83% of all agricultural land, yet these products provide only about 37% of the protein and 18% of the calories in our diet. Even animal products with the lowest environmental impact generally have a greater footprint than plant-based protein sources.

Animal feed is a major factor driving the high environmental impact of animal products. Raising livestock requires producing feed for them first, crops such as soy and corn make up a large portion of this. Only a small fraction of the energy and protein consumed by the animal over its lifetime actually reaches the human dinner table. Furthermore, livestock farming and feed production require vast amounts of land and water and result in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, nitrogen emissions from livestock farming account for nearly a third of all anthropogenic nitrogen emissions, and 68% of that figure is directly linked to the production of animal feed.

A change for the better for your health and the planet starts on your plate

We can all contribute to reducing the food industry's environmental impact by changing our dietary habits. If everyone were to eliminate animal products from their diet, the land used for agriculture would decrease by approximately 76%, and greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 49%.

Of course, this does not mean everyone needs to become vegan overnight, as even small changes can have a significant impact. For example, a flexitarian, or predominantly plant-based, diet can be associated with numerous positive health and environmental outcomes.

Compared to a conventional omnivorous diet, vegan, plant-based, flexitarian, and pescatarian diets are generally associated with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Vegan and plant-based diets are linked to the lowest emissions, though the impact of a flexitarian diet is also notable. It is also worth noting that growing plants requires land and water; for instance, almond cultivation entails very high water and land usage. Furthermore, consuming plant-based products that are highly processed or made from ingredients sourced from very far away is not beneficial for the environment. In any case, it is best to prioritize local and organic options.

A plant-based diet is also good for your health. Studies have shown that vegetarians and vegans tend to have better blood lipid profiles and a lower risk of developing diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and certain types of cancer. However, a plant-based diet must be well-planned to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Poor planning in a plant-based diet can lead to a risk of deficiencies in vitamin B12, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, or iodine. However, this does not mean that deficiencies cannot occur with a mixed diet. For pregnant women, the risk of lacking essential vitamins and nutrients on a plant-based diet is heightened, and potentially more dangerous, as it can directly affect fetal development.

Several studies have also highlighted the adverse health effects of red and processed meat. Specifically, the consumption of these products is linked to higher mortality rates and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. In general, consuming red and processed meat is considered more harmful than beneficial to human health.

Flexitarianism and the EAT-Lancet diet

This year, a scientific article was published regarding the EAT-Lancet diet, also known as the "Planetary Health Diet" (PHD). The diet is science-based and optimized for both human health and the environment. The PHD was developed with diverse population groups, cultures, and regions in mind. It is largely plant-based, with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes making up a significant portion of the diet. Moderate or limited consumption of fish, meat, and dairy products is recommended. Such a dietary pattern may be associated with lower mortality rates and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A direct link to reduced greenhouse gas emissions has also been identified. 

However, before the widespread adoption of the EAT-Lancet diet, it is important to note that its health impact varies across different regions of the world, and in some areas, it may be economically inaccessible to the population. Research has shown that in some countries (such as Brazil, Canada, China, and Denmark), transitioning to the EAT-Lancet diet could lead to an overconsumption of certain nutrients, whereas in countries like Norway and Australia, there might be a risk of nutrient deficiencies. The PHD could also result in higher food costs in many countries; expenses would rise most significantly in nations such as New Zealand, Canada, India, Kenya, and Uganda, while decreasing in countries like the United States, Iran, and China.

So what now?

In reality, it is impossible to say with 100% certainty which diet is objectively good and which is bad. However, it is certain that our current level of meat consumption is unsustainable and cannot continue as it is. Cutting back on meat consumption for just a few days a week can have a significant impact on your health and the planet.

So, click the button at the top of the article, fill out the questionnaire, and skip meat today (and perhaps on a few days to come)!