CFREE Tip #9 Benefits of a Shift to Plant–Based Foods
- jahaugh
- Dec 24, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Reducing the carbon footprint of humans is critical to preserving the viability of Earth. One of the few things affecting the climate that we as individuals can control, and one of the most important, is what we eat.
This is the first in a series of 12 very short weekly Tips on how we can change our diet to lower our carbon footprint.
Serving 1 of 12
A plant-based diet is healthier for us – the medical community is united on that.
And climate scientists say with one voice that it is also healthier for the planet.
In the graph below, notice the trifling impact of plant-based proteins (in green) on our world.
Serving 2 of 12
If cattle were their own nation, they would be the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Note: In graph, cattle figure represents CO2-equivalents. Sources: UNFCCC, European Commission, UNFAO
Serving 3 of 12
More than 1/3 of the calories produced by the world’s crops are being used for animal feed, but only 12 percent of those calories then become human food (as meat and other animal products).
Serving 4 of 12
Over 9 million acres of forest were lost globally in 2023. While agriculture is the top cause of deforestation globally, beef production is the worst culprit within this sector. Cattle farming alone causes 41 percent of the world’s tropical deforestation.
Serving 5 of 12
Plants rule! They contain health-promoting substances such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Eating a diet that is largely or entirely plant-based can:
- Support your immune system
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote a healthy weight
It can also help your body fight diseases including:
- Cancer - Diabetes
- Heart disease - Stroke
Serving 6 of 12
Though food alone can’t stop climate change, the data is clear: we can’t save the earth without changing our eating habits.
Serving 7 of 12
Can I get all the protein I need if I start cutting back on meat?
Absolutely.
As long as you’re getting enough calories and eating a varied diet, there’s a 99.9% chance that you’re getting enough protein, even if you’re eating only plant-based foods.
Serving 8 of 12
When starting to move away from eating meat, it’s not necessary to go whole hog. Here are some popular transition pathways:
“Meatless Monday” or “Vegan before 6”
Reducetarians are committed to eating less meat, dairy, and eggs — but following their own hearts and individual motivations.
Flexitarians mostly eat plant-based foods but occasionally take meat, fish, eggs, or dairy.
Planetarian Life is an approach that makes plant-rich cooking simple, sustainable, and delicious while saving time, money, and the planet. It recognizes the need to move at one’s own pace when transitioning away from meat.
Serving 9 of 12
“Beef” doesn’t just mean steak. It’s also consumed in burgers, burritos, stews, meatballs, roasts, pasta sauce, etc.
The best recipe for it is Beef Sayonara.
Serving 10 of 12
Major changes in the US diet are already underway!
From 2003 to 2018, greenhouse gas emissions related to the US diet fell by more than 35% due primarily to reductions in consumption of meat and dairy.
More than 50% of this decrease in emissions was due to lower beef consumption.
That’s great progress, but there’s still more to do!
Serving 11 of 12
Considering Eating Less Meat? These Cookbooks and E-Magazines can help you get started.
15 books (and 4 e-magazines) recommended by the New York Public Library.
Serving 12 of 12
On the graph below, notice the minimal climate impact of all the plant-based proteins (in green). Then scroll/stroll through a garden of wonderful meal ideas from Planetarian Life at the link below the graph.
Before you check out the meals shown on the site below, if you’d like to share what your family has done to move to a more plant-based diet, we’d love to hear about it, either on LincolnTalk or at lincolngreencoach@gmail.com.
And now, here are the meals!
CFREE (Carbon Free Residential - Everything Electric) is a subcommittee of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee. CFREE provides guidance on how households can reduce use of fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions to help Massachusetts meet statewide emissions limits set for 2030, 2040, and 2050. It also provides information about state and federal incentives that help reduce the cost of such changes.
For guidance on such projects at your home, contact: Lincolngreencoach@gmail.com. For more information visit: lincolngreenenergy.org.
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