5 Ways You Can Help The Environment By Cutting Back On Meat
Fires in the rainforest are nothing new. Neither is the sad fact that many are started in order to clear land for agriculture. Recent news of Brazilian cattle ranchers setting fire to the Amazon might have you thinking about quitting meat altogether.
Fashion giants H&M and Timberland are boycotting Brazilian leather to ensure they won’t be putting extra stress on the environment. (Only around 5% of Timberland’s leather actually comes from Brazil.)
Locked in a vicious cycle, clearing vast amounts of land causes drought, which increases the likelihood of fire dramatically. But it’s not all gloom. The good news? Research shows some areas of the Amazon might be quicker to recover than previously thought — as long as people leave them alone.
It’s difficult to know how much Brazilian beef ends up on our dinner plate. The US has banned or rejected certain imports on and off over the years due to safety concerns — especially from foot-and-mouth disease. Some of it is low quality, often used in pet food and bi-products. But without much labeling oversight, it’s hard to know where food comes from.
No matter your reason, cutting back on how much meat you eat every year is definitely a win for the environment — but no one said you have to quit cold turkey. Gradually reducing the amount you eat is always best. The so called “flexitarian diet” means you only eat meat occasionally, and that can make a world of difference.
Mercifully, the vegan world has moved on from tofu and mushy veggie burgers. There’s a ton of gourmet snacks available to tempt your critter-loving conscience.
1. Try Plant-Based Meat Alternatives (They’re So Much Better Than They Used To Be)
Plant-based meat is going mainstream. Beyond Meat, a new player in the alt market is making big waves dishing up burger and sausage look-alikes. They recently signed on with KFC and Subway. Impossible Foods, their main rival, isn’t far behind. They’ll be collaborating with McDonald’s supplier, OSI Group, and their “burgers” will be available at several other fast-food chains.
Well-known meat distributors are jumping on the bandwagon too. Nestle is testing an “Awesome Burger” in Germany and Tyson has invested in a “New Wave” shrimp. Hormel’s unveiled its “Happy Little Plants” soy-based line earlier this month.
All look like the real thing and are offered in traditional meat style packaging.
2. Eat More Eggplant, Squash, And Jackfruit
Eggplant — Eggplants are an old standby in the vegetarian community. There are endless ways to incorporate them into your meal plan. From eggplant ‘bacon” to casseroles and dip, think of this versatile veg as your go to.
Squash — With over a hundred varieties to choose from, squash make an easy main course or side dish. Whether they are oven roasted, pureed into soup, or the ‘meat’ fill in ravioli. Spaghetti squash, named for its resemblance to actual spaghetti when cooked, makes a great meal all on its own.
Jackfruit — This protein rich plant can take on the texture of meat — a great choice for vegan BBQ. It’s naturally sweet, so you can use it in desserts as well. The seeds are edible, with a flavor that’s not unlike chestnuts when roasted.
3. Substitute Meat With Other ‘Meaty’ Foods
Use beans, chickpeas, lentils, or Shitake and Portobello mushrooms in place of meat. Loaded with protein, iron, and other essentials, the recipe possibilities are endless. If things get boring, combine varieties of beans or pair them with an exotic vegetable. Red lentils can cook faster and have a slightly different flavor than brown.
4. Find Beef-Jerky Alternatives
You don’t have to give up on this well-remembered after school snack and trail favorite. Primal Strips Vegan Jerky is made with soy, mushrooms, and seitan (a Chinese food created from wheat gluten). Shroom Snacks are made exclusively with dehydrated oyster mushrooms and spice.
5. Give Meat-Based Soups A Break
Rotate in a veg-only recipe. Swap beef stock for vegetable in your onion soup. Or make a creamy, Asian inspired brew with rice noodles, water and coconut or almond milk. Autumn is the perfect time for butternut squash soup. Infuse this sweet, hearty dish with curry. It’s so satisfying, you won’t even miss the meat.
*Experiment! Don’t be afraid to mix things up, especially with spice. Like it hot? Add cayenne, paprika, or a splash of hot sauce if things are getting a bit dry. Cumin, curry, and turmeric go well together, as do oregano, garlic, and basil. Pure spices offer an array of health benefits too.
Sick of rice? Try vegetarian noodles, couscous, or quinoa instead. Take some time to explore the foreign food aisles, and look to Asian recipes for inspiration.
