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The animal agriculture industry is the leading cause of mostÌýÌýThese detrimental effects happen as a result ofÌýovergrazing, habitat loss, overfishingÌýand more. We are currently in the next mass extinction and animal agriculture is only fueling this catastrophe.ÌýWaste in the meat industry,Ìýtoo, is a major problem as well.

Animal agriculture’s impact

The following facts and numbers are from theÌýdocumentaryÌý:

• Processing one pound of beef uses 2,500 gallons of water, while it takes 477 gallons of water for eggsÌýand nearly 900 gallons for cheese. BurningÌýfossil fuels is the leading cause of climate change and the greenhouse effect has led to an unprecedented warming of the earth's temperature. Meanwhile, 82% of the world's underfed children live in countries where food is fed to livestock, and then sold to wealthier and developed countries. Animal agriculture produces 65% of the world's nitrous oxide emissions which has a global warming impact 296 times greater than carbon dioxide.
• Raising livestock for human consumption generatesÌýÌýwhich is greater than all the transportation emissions combined. It also usesÌý, contributing to deforestation, biodiversity lossÌýand water pollution.Ìý

Ending our meat and dairy production could pause the increase of greenhouse gas emissions for 30 years, aÌýÌýAll we need to do is adapt to a plant-based food system.

´¡±ô²õ´Ç,ÌýÌýdiscusses if animal agriculture costs more in health damage than it contributes to the economy.

Agricultural waste,Ìý, creates agricultural pollution.ÌýIn reference to farming, theÌýcontamination of the environment due to agricultural pollution is worrisome. However, sustainable farming can be possible.

Some negative effects of this pollution includeÌý

Zero waste agriculture means that the output of one process will be the input of another, such as composting with worms or using wastewater treatments solely.Ìý

Transforming our food production systems and consumption habits are undeniable solutions that must be part of the changes when addressing climate change. Right now, it is not specifically being addressed as a key factor of climate change. Step one is recognizing that it is a contributor, and then committing to developing and implementing solutions and strategies that will support a transition away from these animal agricultural food systems and depend more heavily on the plant-centric food systems.Ìý

This moving documentary sheds light on why some of the truths of agricultural practicesÌýare hushed in climate discussions.ÌýSince animal agriculture’s impact on the climate is so large and catastrophic, it is important to discuss this difficult topic.

Here are some small modifications you can make to your daily routine to reduceÌýyour own personal greenhouse gas emissions.

Doing your part

• A plant-based diet:Ìýif there is apprehension, begin with Meatless Mondays then adapt to meatless meals as often as you can! Get creative with your meal-prepping, there are countless recipes using all sorts of plants in various ways. Here are some of my favorite places I get inspiration from:

• Try non-dairy milk, spreads, cheesesÌýand more.

  • Milk alternatives

• Stop supporting factory farming.

• Compost.

• SupportÌýfarmers that prioritize composting practices, as it reduces climate change.

• Composting:

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions in landfills.

  • .

  • Makes our gardens and farms more sustainable and resilient against other effects of climate change.

  • Compost breaks down organic matter and puts it to good use, benefiting the environment.

  • Promotes healthier plant growth.

  • .

Zero waste farming is notÌýa new idea;Ìýin fact, this concept is what farmers in developing countries have typically done for centuries! Farmers use their land and resources to their full potential.

A lot of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives have political, corporate and societal barriers that prevent some communities from wanting toÌýadoptÌýthis lifestyle. Lower prices and increasing access must be tackled and considered in influencing consumer decisions and protecting our environment.Ìý

Check out thisÌýÌýabout how Indigenous communities are the creators of regenerative agriculture!