Eat Less Meat! (But Keep the Bacon If You Must)

I know what you’re thinking… “But bacon makes everything better!” Sure, bacon is delicious, and it might make your taste buds do a happy dance, but it doesn’t exactly do the same for the environment.

Good news—you don’t have to quit bacon entirely to make a difference. Just think about eating less of it and the impact that could have.

What Does Meat Have to Do with the Environment?

So glad you asked! Turns out, it’s a lot.

Did you know that 23% of total greenhouse gas emissions come from forestry, agriculture, and land use? Yup, those sprawling farms and fields require a hefty amount of fertilizers and pesticides, which lead to a massive loss of natural habitats and biodiversity.

And let’s not forget the livestock industry—it contributes 12–18% of total greenhouse gas emissions. That’s right, cow farts are literally a problem. Cow burps, too, but we’ll leave that for another day.

Here’s the cool part: You don’t have to go full vegan to help out. If everyone in the U.S. cut their meat consumption by just 25%—think two nights a week without steaks or burgers—we could seriously reduce those emissions. Fewer cow farts = happier planet. You’re welcome.

Meat Consumption Is on the Rise

Since the 1980s, meat consumption has skyrocketed:

• 204% increase in the supply of meat products.

• Up to 500% increase in how much meat we’re eating.

While only about 5% of the population identifies as vegetarian, a growing number of people (14–60%) are embracing “flexitarian” diets. What’s a flexitarian? It’s someone who eats less meat but doesn’t fully give it up. Basically, it’s being mindful of meat consumption without having to say goodbye to your favorite burger forever.

Why Should You Go Flexitarian?

Remember that classic line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings”? Well, in this case, it’s:“Every time someone becomes a flexitarian, there are fewer cow farts in the world.” (Feel free to quote me on that.)

Here’s the breakdown:

• A high-meat diet emits 7.19 carbon dioxide equivalents per day.

• A vegetarian diet? Just 3.18.

That’s more than half the emissions!

But Don’t I Need Meat to Stay Healthy?

Buzzer sound! Wrong! The idea that you need meat for protein and vitamins is a myth, brought to you by meat corporations who’d really like to sell you more steak (and maybe take over the world while they’re at it).

Here’s the truth:

• A diet rich in vegetables, beans, grains, lentils, fruits, and nuts provides all the protein, fiber, and nutrients your body needs.

• Plant-based eating helps reduce unhealthy fat intake, which means better-fitting clothes and a lower risk of heart disease. Who doesn’t want that?

Eating red and processed meats frequently can actually increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. On the flip side, a plant-focused diet lowers those risks and leaves you feeling healthier overall.

The Ultimate Win-Win (Win!)

Eating less meat is:

1. Better for the planet.

2. Better for your body.

3. Better for your future.

So, pass the peas, hummus, and maybe some avocado while you’re at it. The earth and your body will thank you—and your heart will too. (Because let’s be honest, avoiding heart disease is kind of the goal here.)

You don’t have to give up meat entirely to make a difference. Just start small—swap a few meals a week for plant-based options. Trust me, it’s a win-win-win situation!