…people in developing markets appear to put a bit more weight on sustainability in purchasing, with 78% of U.S. and 53% of U.K. consumers saying they feel better about buying products that are sustainably produced, vs. 85 to 88% of consumers in India, Turkey and Brazil saying so.

This quote explains the differences between developing and developed markets when it comes to sustainable buying habits. It is my understanding that developing countries are more sustainable because they need to be. The high consumption high waste North American society I am familiar with doesn’t need to be sustainable. Most of the time, the impact of our consumption and resource use is not directly felt. But in a developing country? Wasting resources just isn’t an option.

Source: https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nrw47tPGg_I/TSX5mTHmejI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Z6oN6m9RvZQ/s1600/carbon_footprint.gif

So how do we combat general North American apathy? My ideal solution lies with consumer education, but that only goes so far. I know eating local is better, but sometimes that extra $2 a week for the cucumber makes me pause. I know I need to turn off all of the lights, but coming home alone to a dark house after work often unsettles me.

Source: https://www.toonpool.com/user/10691/files/foreign_food_905185.jpg

The role of government and companies in the fight for a more sustainable world is imperative. I don’t believe I should have the choice of a less sustainable product. I want my choice of products and services to protect the earth while being socially and economically responsible.

National Geographic has a wonderful resource called Greendex. The online sustainability calculator asks a set of in-depth questions about your personal consumption of resources, and approximates a score. Check it out!

Sources used (hyperlinked in post):

http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/sustainability-marketing-work/307359/

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/greendex/calculator/

https://www.toonpool.com/user/10691/files/foreign_food_905185.jpg

We’ve all seen the videos. Cringe-inducing footage of chickens packed tightly in cages and factory slaughterhouses. Most of us, if not all of us, know that animal agriculture is a leading cause of climate change.

Back in 2006, the United Nations reported that livestock production is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide- more than transportation. More recent information estimates 7.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent. Though technology is catching up to mitigate these climate concerns, the solution is simple. Eat less meat. 

Humans are funny. In a scary, “the world is ending but I don’t really care” type of way. I admit, I am a creature of habit and that includes my favorite foods. I’ve been known to down 2 McChickens at a time (shhh it’s a secret). Though I’ve known the countless benefits of a plant-based diet- and experienced them for periods of time- I always had an excuse.

Life’s too short not to eat my favorite foods. I can’t change the inevitable. If I don’t eat the chicken nuggets, someone will.

These excuses are dangerous. It takes a little bit of preparation and a little bit of inspiration to replace meat entirely. While I am not vegan or vegetarian, I reduced the amount of times I eat meat to 2-3 times per month. I quickly got bored of salads, so I got more creative in the kitchen. Thanks to Instagram, the inspiration is endless and aesthetically pleasing. My favorite vegetarian/vegan meal is a grain bowl. Top a healthy, filling grain with whatever’s in your fridge and pantry. Drizzle a little sauce on there and you’re ready to tackle climate change.

Cutting down meat consumption is an individual responsibility. Taking it upon ourselves to choose more vegetables and less beef has the potential to change the course of the environment. One person cannot do it alone. Reducing the demand, and therefore supply, requires a team effort. I’m in.

Sources:

http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/resources/en/publications/tackling_climate_change/index.htm

https://journals.law.stanford.edu/stanford-environmental-law-journal-elj/blog/leading-cause-everything-one-industry-destroying-our-planet-and-our-ability-thrive-it

http://fitfoodiefinds.com/2016/01/healthy-buddha-bowl-recipes/