“This Earth Day—and every day—people should eat a plant-based diet to keep themselves and the planet healthy,” said Roxanne Becker, MBChB, DipIBLM, a doctor with the Physicians Committee. Becker recommends a plant-based diet to patients for their health. “From cutting greenhouse gas emissions to cutting the risk of diet-related chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, a plant-based diet is a win-win.”

Courtesy of Unsplash/Mert Guller

Beef Ranks Highest in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

According to research compiled by the United Nations that looked at the greenhouse gas emissions of several foods, beef ranks highest in kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions (70.6 kg) per kilogram of food. This is followed by cheese (23.9 kg), tofu (3.2 kg), vegetables (0.7 kg), and nuts (0.4 kg).

Survey participants were asked, “How strongly do you agree that federal food policy, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, should discuss the impact that food choices have on climate change, ecosystems, and the environment?” A combined 60% said they “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree.”

Healthy Vegetarian Dietary Pattern Better for the Planet

Although the impact of diet on the environment is not mentioned in the Dietary Guidelines, research shows that the Dietary Guidelines’ Healthy Vegetarian Dietary Pattern has half the carbon footprint of the Guidelines’ main recommendations. The Healthy Vegetarian Dietary Pattern’s protein group replaces meat, poultry, and seafood with plant-based items including legumes, soy, nuts, and seeds.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in education and research. You can find them online at PCRM.org or on Instagram at @physicianscommittee.