Why Vegan (and Vegetarian) Food Options Are Better for the Environment

The average person may turn up their nose at the thought of vegan food, but that is probably because they either haven’t tried it at all OR they haven’t tried GOOD vegan food. They also probably don’t understand why eating a vegan diet is good for the environment.

According to the New Leaf Vegan Society, “animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change” because of their high CO2 and methane emissions. Furthermore, the World Watch Institute states that it takes 25 gallons off water to produce one pound of wheat, while it takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat. That 2,500 gallons includes the care and feeding involved with raising the animal and then slaughtering it. That is a heckuva lot of water for just ONE POUND OF MEAT. Multiply that times ALL the POUNDS of meat processed daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and that adds up to a lot of water -- something we are lacking on already (just ask California). In fact, many experts say that the shortage of water is going to be the next big world crisis.

I’m not trying to turn the world vegetarian or vegan, even though it would be pretty fabulous. We all need to do all we can to protect the environment. At the very least, try to eat less meat and dairy. Maybe start out by having a meat free day and then maybe a dairy free day. Heck, I’m not perfect. I’m a cheese-addicted vegetarian and know I need to eventually eliminate it from my diet. I’m working on it.

If you are an event professional, start working in more vegan and vegetarian options into your menus. More and more people are turning vegetarian/vegan, so why not offer more options?

Tasty Vegan Food

As you may have read on my previous post, when I jumped into the Chesapeake Bay as part of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s 5th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, I was able to enjoy REALLY TASTY vegan muffins and cookies from New Leaf Vegan Society. The crowd ate it ALL up!

A week after the Plunge, I visited Sticky Fingers Bakery in Washington, DC. What a cool place! I have heard much buzz about them and then tasted a delicious brownie at the DC Green Festival back in October. I asked them to be part of the Mid-Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase on Sunday, February 21st and they will be there! I was curious to check out their café, so I went there in person on a Friday afternoon at 4:00.

You’d think on a Friday at 4:00, a BAKERY would be dead, but this place was hoppin’. Not only do they serve great-tasting sweets, they also have a variety of savory fare for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner, as well as organic coffee, hot and cold teas and other healthful beverages. In addition, they have a cute seating area where you can take advantage of their free WiFi. They are in the heart of bustling Columbia Heights and a 5 minute walk from that Metro station. So whether you need a vegan wedding cake or a catered lunch, check out their tasty, VEGAN fare.

If you are asking, “Why vegan food and what is so sustainable about it?” read my next post about why a vegan diet is better for the environment.

I just got hungry…