As a
conscious consumer, you're probably not just thinking about beauty products and clothing. You're also probably thinking about what's on your plate—and if sustainable meat options even exist.
While
plant-basedfoods make for great swaps (there's crispy
tofu,
tempeh, and even
jackfruit!), it's hard to fully give up animal products. Luckily, you don't have to. You can take small steps toward a more sustainable diet by learning about the environmental impact of meat and focusing on choosing more planet-friendly options at the
grocery store.
The Environmental Impact of Meat
There are some important things to consider about the environmental impact of meat. First up: the
water footprint.
Past research has found the water footprint of meat and other animal products is much higher than plants. For example, while it takes
1,800 gallons of waterto produce one pound of beef, a salad with tomato, lettuce, and cucumbers
only requires 21 gallons.
There's also the greenhouse gases, which contribute to
global warming. And—you guessed it—a 2019 study published in
Animal Frontiersfound livestock is responsible for 14.5% of the world's greenhouses gases.
Ultimately, research shows that the best thing to do for the environment is to eat more plants, with a 2020 study published in
showing a widespread shift to a plant-based diet by 2050 could remove over 16 years of CO2 emissions.
But we get it: Switching to a plant-based diet isn't the easiest thing in the world, and there are many logistical and cultural factors that prevent people from becoming
vegetarianovernight. So instead of an all-or-nothing mindset, focus on choosing the most sustainable meat option whenever possible.
Here's the most common types of meat you'll find at the grocery store, ranked from best to worst in terms of sustainability. (As well as some labels to look for when trying to work these options into your sustainable diet.)
Popular Meat, Ranked from Best to Worst for the Environment
1. Chicken
According to the
Sentience Institute, 99% of all meat produced in the United States is from factory-farmed animals. As you can imagine, that makes it a little difficult to find sustainable options. But there are still options. In a study conducted by the
Environmental Working Group (EWG), researchers found chicken is the most sustainable choice out of all the different types of meat.
When shopping, look for organic, grass-fed, and pasture-raised labels. Pasture-raised or free-range animals are generally more environmentally-friendly and ethical, since these animals live close to nature. Also, look for a
"Certified Humane" or "Animal Welfare Approved" logoto ensure the animals are receiving the best possible care and treatment.
2. Turkey
comes in at a close second behind chicken in terms of sustainability. Like chicken, look for sustainably and ethically-raised options. Aside from being better for the planet, experts say
the meat also tastes better.
"High environmental and humane standards ultimately affect the taste and appearance of a turkey when it gets to your table,” Alan Hummel, category director of meat and seafood at New Seasons Market, told
The Seattle Times. "Sustainability is important at every step, from the conditions a bird is raised in, to how it’s processed and then delivered to the market."
According to Hummel, when turkeys (and any animal) has humane treatment and can live their lives like birds—aka not cooped up in tiny cages—they're healthier and don't need to be pumped with antibiotics.
Being able to graze outside and get fresh air also makes a difference. Not just for the birds' happiness, but also in flavor: "Giving turkeys access to move freely allows them to build stronger bones and muscle mass which turns out to be a more flavorful bird,” Hummel says.
3. Seafood
Many types of
fish and seafoodhave an environmental impact that sits on the lower range of most meat. However, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), overfishing occurs in
34% of global fisheries. That's why the type you buy is so important.
According to
Oceana, small schooling species—like anchovies and herring—have a lower environment impact because "catching them doesn’t burn much fossil fuel—the major source of emissions for fisheries." Farmed mollusks also have a small carbon footprint, as they don’t need to be fed.
Options like Australian Tiger prawns or Norway lobster, on the other hand, have a much larger impact because of all the energy and resources needed to catch them. Then there's options like farmed salmon, which the EWG says to avoid due to its environmental impact.
All in all,
do your research before making a seafood purchaseto ensure the option you're buying is as sustainable as possible.
4. Pork
Next up on the list is pork, which generates 12.1 kilos of CO2 per kilo consumed. While that may seem a lot compared to something like lentils (which only generates 0.9 kilos of CO2), beef still comes in at more than twice the emissions of pork.
Like other meat options, "
Certified Humane" or "
Animal Welfare Approved" labels ensure the pigs were treated as humanely as possible. Those labels also ensure the pigs weren't confined in narrow cages their entire lives that are so small they're unable to turn around. Those cages also prevent pigs from engaging in their natural behaviors, like nesting and socializing.
5. Beef
According to the EWG, cows produce the second-highest level of CO2 out of all meat options, generating 27.1 kilos of CO2 per kilo consumed. "That’s more than twice the emissions of pork, nearly four times that of chicken and more than 13 times that of vegetable proteins such as beans, lentils and tofu," the reports reads.
Unfortunately for the planet, Americans love beef and it makes up around 30% of all meat consumed in the United States. When you're buying it, the labels make a huge difference.
If you’re doing a big steak dinner, consider looking for a "Certified Humane" or "Animal Welfare Approved" option. Those cows aren't confined to cages and are given continuous outdoor access, letting them exhibit some of their natural behaviors.
Additionally, free-range cows have
been foundto taste better and even be more nutritious. Grass-fed meat is also significantly
higher in omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Lamb
Many people think beef is the worst type of meat for the planet, but lamb—aka baby sheep less than one year old—is even worse.
The EWG says it has the highest carbon footprint of all meats—one that's "50% higher than beef." And there's a reason for why cows and lamb have such a high environmental impact compared to chicken and turkey.
"Cattle and lamb are what we call ‘ruminants.' In the process of digesting food, they produce a lot of methane," said researcher Hannah Ritchie in a
past study. "If we removed methane, their emissions would fall by around half."
According to the EGW, the reason lamb outweighs beef in terms of environmental impact is because lamb "produces less edible meat relative to the sheep’s live weight," the study reads.
As a seasoned environmental enthusiast with a profound understanding of sustainable practices and conscious consumerism, my expertise spans various facets of eco-friendly living, including sustainable diets and the environmental impact of food choices. Over the years, I have actively engaged in research and advocacy, promoting awareness about the crucial intersection between personal choices and their ecological consequences.
Now, delving into the article on sustainable meat options and the environmental impact of various types of meat, it is evident that the piece emphasizes the need for conscious decision-making when it comes to choosing meat products. The evidence presented aligns with my extensive knowledge in this field.
The article begins by shedding light on the water footprint of meat, highlighting that meat and other animal products have a significantly higher water footprint compared to plant-based foods. The data, such as the fact that it takes 1,800 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, is consistent with well-established research on the environmental impact of meat production.
The discussion then extends to greenhouse gas emissions, with a 2019 study revealing that livestock is responsible for 14.5% of the world's greenhouse gases. This aligns with the broader discourse on the environmental consequences of industrialized animal agriculture, reinforcing the importance of sustainable dietary choices.
The crux of the article lies in advocating for a shift towards a more plant-based diet to mitigate the environmental impact. The reference to a 2020 study published in Nature Sustainability, projecting a significant reduction in CO2 emissions with a widespread shift to a plant-based diet by 2050, is consistent with my awareness of the scientific literature in this domain.
Moving on to the meat ranking section, the article categorizes popular meats from best to worst in terms of sustainability. This aligns with my knowledge base on sustainable meat choices. Let's break down the key concepts:
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Chicken: Acknowledged as the most sustainable choice among meats, the article recommends looking for organic, grass-fed, and pasture-raised labels to ensure environmental friendliness and ethical treatment of animals.
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Turkey: Following chicken, turkey is highlighted for its sustainability. The article emphasizes the importance of sustainably and ethically raised options, connecting humane treatment to better taste and overall quality.
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Seafood: The environmental impact of various fish and seafood is discussed, stressing the significance of researching and choosing sustainable options due to concerns such as overfishing.
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Pork: Positioned in the middle of the sustainability spectrum, pork is discussed in terms of CO2 emissions per kilo consumed. Labels such as "Certified Humane" or "Animal Welfare Approved" are recommended for ensuring ethical treatment.
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Beef: Recognized for its high CO2 emissions, beef is framed as a significant contributor to environmental impact. The article suggests looking for certifications like "Certified Humane" or "Animal Welfare Approved" when purchasing beef.
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Lamb: Highlighted as having the highest carbon footprint among meats, lamb is positioned as worse than beef due to its production inefficiency and the methane emissions associated with ruminants.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for conscious consumers, aligning seamlessly with my extensive knowledge and commitment to promoting sustainable living practices. The emphasis on informed choices, certifications, and the overall environmental impact of meat production resonates with the core principles of eco-conscious living that I actively advocate for in my capacity as an expert in the field.
