A new UK-based study shows that the average male diet causes 41% more greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) than the average female diet. This is primarily due to men’s higher meat consumption.
The given results were obtained by comparing emissions caused by the food consumption of 212 people. To reach these findings, researchers consulted an existing chart of average GHG emissions associated with the production/consumption of over 3,200 food items.
It’s no secret that food production accounts for almost a third of the climate-changing GHG emissions globally. What many aren’t aware of, however, is that we can help lower those astronomic numbers by altering our nutritional choices and not buying more than we consume.
For instance, in the UK, around 25 million tons of GHG emissions come from producing food that will end up being thrown away. This is why so many environmentally conscious people turn to vegan or vegetarian diet plans—either temporarily or permanently.
In addition, another recent study revealed that adhering to veganism in richer countries can save you up to 34% of your food budget.
This study, published in the Plos One journal, revealed what most already suspected—the biggest part (32%) of the participant’s GHG emissions came from eating meat, 14% from dairy consumption, and 8% from indulging in confectionery delights, cakes, and biscuits.
What is surprising, though, is the fact that drinks ranked higher than dairy for GHG emissions (15% vs. 14%). Actually, a quarter of the emissions were related to the consumption of drinks like coffee and alcohol as well as sugary snacks.
Results also showed that meat-based alimentation produced 59% more greenhouse emissions than plant-based diets. On the basis of men’s diet, they were found to contribute to climate change 41% more than women due to:
- heavily meat-based diet (especially red meat)
- bigger meals
- drinking more.
Men were also more likely to order from meal delivery services.
Still, we have to also mention that the stats are gradually changing for the better. As awareness of climate change grows, people are starting to rethink meat consumption and turning toward a more sustainable, plant-based diet.
