Our Planet has 99 Problems + Plastic is Just One

This year's World Environment Day theme is to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ and while it is a noble cause, what we choose to eat holds far more impact to save all of humanity from the Climate Emergency than all the plastic reduction efforts combined. Whilst we agree that ditching single use plastics like straws is a good idea, reducing our reliance on plastic isn't even in the top 50 solutions to combat climate change, according to Project Drawdown.

Here's a fact that might knock your socks off: food production is responsible for a whopping 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a quarter of the blame for humanity overheating our home Planet Earth right there on our dinner plates. The crazy thing is, we have a delicious solution that can slash carbon footprints by up to 85% – a plant based diet. 

So why aren’t more consumers already adopting more of a plant-based diet? Climate change anxiety is prevalent; there are too many messages that consumers are receiving on all the things they could and should do to help the planet. This is why focusing on problems like plastic pollution isn’t productive - instead, we should be prioritising action and change on the main drivers to fight climate change. 

If we shift our diets towards plants, we can fight climate change like never before. We can save forests from being cleared for cattle pastures, we can reduce water pollution runoff from intensive battery hen houses, and we can spare countless animals from lives of suffering. It's a win-win-win that even your tastebuds will thank you for.

So, it's time for world leaders, organisations and our government to step up and be the heroes our planet needs. Stop the madness of subsidising an industry that's hurting us all. Redirect those resources and invest in legislation that promotes plant based diets. Let's make it easier for people to choose plant powered sustainability and pave the way for a greener future.

This isn't just about saving the planet; it's about inspiring a movement and addressing the problems that matter most; yes, addressing solutions to plastic pollution is hugely important. But ultimately, eating less meat is one of the best investments individuals and governments can make in the future of our planet today. With so much at stake, it's time for those in power to take action and really look at what’s on their plate.