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2 Friday, October 13, 2023brooklintowncrier.com If you're considering a plant-based or primarily plant-based diet, environmental concerns would be a good starting point. The most significant contributor to global warming is human activity. To reduce our impact, we often do small daily tasks such as taking shorter showers, walking when possible, and reducing our use of single-use plastics. The move to electric cars is primarily driven by the need to reduce emissions. Impact of livestock The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that livestock production accounts for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As well, the World Watch Institute states that livestock's contribution to GHG Supporting the environment Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson emissions could be as high as 51% and that about 37% of these emissions come from the animal's manure, which emits methane. Methane heats the earth almost 20 times faster than carbon dioxide, another contributor to global warming. So, while percentages vary depending on the organizations reporting the numbers, it's still enough to think about making changes. An often-overlooked greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming is nitrous oxide and agriculture is the source of it, mainly through fertilized soil and animal waste. According to The Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, 80% of Canada's barley supply, 60% of available corn supply, and 30% of our wheat supply are used to feed livestock. In other words, cutting down on animal farming would cut back on the release of nitrous oxide. Ozone layer depletion Nitrous oxide is also 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide and depletes the ozone layer, which protects us from the sun. It has a shorter life span, around 121 years, compared with carbon dioxide, which could last centuries. Reducing nitrous oxide could have a faster, more significant impact on global warming. Livestock uses a significant amount of fresh water when compared with plant foods. This is a concern, especially in areas facing water scarcity. Stanford Magazine stated that producing one pound of animal protein requires 100 times more water than producing one pound of grain protein. Dairy products also use large amounts of water to produce and prepare dairy for human consumption. According to the Water Footprint Network, making just one gallon of milk takes almost 1,000 gallons of water. Well then, what can you do? Eliminate or cut down on your consumption of animal products, buy organic when you can, and continue reducing your use of single-use plastic. Sheree's hack: Do an inventory of your personal emissions and work on reducing their impact. Have a few meatless meals, walk to local stores, and buy products that don't use unnecessary plastic packaging. Monday - Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm Friday 9:00am-5:30pm Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday Closed Top Dollar for Your Trade 1201 Dundas St. East, Whitby SALES 905-668-5846 SERVICE 905-668-8871 PARTS 905-668-8853 ORDER YOUR PRE-OWNED CAR WITH US! SALES (905) 721-6599 SERVICE (905) 721-6588 PARTS (905) 721-6577 445 Winchester Road East, Brooklin Check out our Pre-Owned Inventory on our website! Hyundai Breakaway Sales Event. Swing by to take a practice shot on our Net in the showroom! Made for Those Who Drive Hockey!Made for Those Who Drive Hockey!