Vegan diet = 87% less greenhouses gases than meat diet

A study by Germany’s Institute for Ecological Economy Research has proved yet again that a meat-free diet is the best dietary choice for the environment.

The study shows that a diet which includes meat is responsible for annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the same as driving a mid-sized car 4,758km. A vegetarian diet is responsible for generating 50% less (same emissions as driving 2,427km) and most remarkably, going vegan cuts the emissions released by around 87% (to the equivalent of driving just 629km).

It’s also interesting to note switching to an organic meat-based diet only reduces emissions by around 8% – from the equivalent of 4,758km to 4,377km.

The calculations are based on emissions of greenhouse gases, including methane produced by the animals themselves, as well as emissions from food production including manufacturing feed and fertiliser and the use of farmland.

This is certainly not the first or last to prove that eating meat is bad for the environment. Now enough of the studies and more action! No more excuses.