In previous hubs we have discussed action that everyday folk like you or I can take to reduce our impact on the environment. So far these ideas have been simple and not particularly life-changing such as recycling and using energy efficient lighting.

However there are more dramatic changes we can make in our lives to help reduce the causes of climate change. One of these changes is moving away from the meat and dairy industry. Confused? Let me explain :)

The production of meat and dairy products is responsible for around 18% of the planets climate changing emissions - that is more than all the cars, planes and lorries in the world. It also accounts for 70% of the worlds agricultural land.

Approximately 90% of of the Atlantic Forest in tropical South America - which is home to over 20,000 plant species - has been destroyed, much of it to make way for soy plantations for animal feed.

Ten million hectares of land in South America is required to grow Soy for Europe, that's an area the same size as Hungary! If the current trend continues, deforestation for cattle ranching and soy production will destroy 40% of the Amazon rainforest - the lungs of our planet - by 2040.

Of course a vegetarian (this means not eating meat) or vegan lifestyle (this means not eating meat or dairy or eating or buying any animal by-product, such as wearing leather, having milk in your tea, or using honey/beeswax) can also bring health benefits. Eating too much meat and dairy is linked to a number of dietry health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

By cutting out meat and dairy products form you diet it's quite likely you'll experience some 'vegan weight loss', but it's very important to ensure you're diet is healthy and balanced - you don't want to become malnourished!

One idea we haven't yet explored is a concept called 'Freeganism'. It's quite possible you have never heard of this term and I will do my level best to explain, however I must point out that freeganism may not be for you. Some hardcore vegans will totally disagree with this concept while others will embrace it's ideals;

If you are a Freegan you live your daily life according to your vegan morals. No leather belt, silk underwear or milk and honey for you. However, if you were to become aware of, for example, a leather sofa that was going to be sent to landfill, or a block of cheese that a friend was going to throw out, a Freegan would happily give these items a new home.

The Freegan is not ashamed to sit upon their new leather sofa, eating their cheese sandwich - for they have done a good deed by preventing the needless wastage of these, or other items.

I am a firm advocate of Freeganism :)

There are a number of delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes available, Why not give it a shot? Over the coming days I will endeavour to publish some new hubs containing a selection of my favourite vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes, so I can share them with you.

Here's to delicious, meat-free yummys!

If you have enjoyed reading this hub why not read some of my other hubs;

Natural Aluminium Free Deodorants

Recycle Old Mobile Phones for Cash

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Green Energy - Wind Power

Legal Highs and Legal Weed