By Kris Cameron and Dawn Angela Byford, Co-Chairs, ESRAG Plant-Rich Diet Task Force
Plant-friendly foods to lower your Carbon Footprint
For those of us who live in colder climates, warmer weather means cooking outside or barbeque season. While barbeques and cook-outs typically include putting meat on a grill, those who choose lower carbon, more planet-friendly foods for their health, as well as the climate and environment, have many delicious options to fill their plates.
Rotarians enjoying plant based potluck
Burgers and Hot Dogs
There are a variety of plant-based burger options on the market, such as Impossible, Beyond, and Boca. You can even make your own, like this recipe for Smoky Black Bean Beet Burgers. Beef has the highest carbon footprint of any of the foods we eat, and excessive consumption is associated with many chronic illnesses. There are many delicious plant-based hot dogs, bratwurst, and sausage products available as well. Eating hot dogs and other cured meats has been compared to tobacco smoking and asbestos exposure by the World Health Organization.
Side Dishes
Swap out pork and beans, for regular baked beans. Many brands offer this summer staple without animal ingredients.
Making a salad that calls for mayonnaise? Traditional mayonnaise contains eggs. It takes a whopping 53 gallons of water to produce a single egg! Plant-based mayonnaise is easily found in most grocery stores. Depending on the flavour profile you’re after, tahini can also add a creamy texture to your dishes.
Instead of mozzarella or feta cheese for bruschetta or salads, drained and marinated tofu is a tasty and healthy substitute. Want cheese on that burger? There are many delicious plant-based cheeses on the market to enhance your plant-based burger. Double bonus points!
Anna Gullickson, founder of the Ridge 2 River Animal Haven in Cashmere, WA
The Plant-Powered Potluck group, hosted by Wenatchee Confluence Rotarians, gathered at the Ridge 2 River Animal Sanctuary for a summer barbeque. Here are some of their favourite recipes for delicious, low-carbon, super-healthy summer fare.
Icebox Salad (simply use plant-based yoghurt)
Food Plant Solutions Carbon Footprint
Learn more from the ESRAG Plant-Rich Diet Task Force – visit our webpage, https://esrag.org/plant-rich-diet/, email us at [email protected], like us on Facebook, or Instagram, and take our 15-Day Plant-Rich Diet Challenge.
