Change What You Eat and Change the World : Eating Less Meat Could Make a Big Difference by Ashley Herrera
The Purple Ghost Haunting America by Abby Howlett
Change What You Eat and Change the World : Eating Less Meat Could Make a Big Difference by Ashley Herrera
America is about 5 % of the world ’ s total population , yet eats almost 271 pounds of meat per person per year , more than almost any other country on the planet . Americans consume more meat than is sustainable for the planet and than is necessary for survival .
The amount of meat being consumed in the U . S . not only increases our carbon footprint , but it also compromises our health . Vegetarians , those who do not eat meat , generally eat fewer calories and fats and have a lower risk of cancer , cardiovascular disease , diabetes , and obesity . Red and processed meats are associated with colon cancer . Adults need protein to be only about 10-35 % of their total daily calories . For a 2,000 calorie diet , that is about 50-175 grams of protein needed every day . Meats aren ’ t the only foods you can get protein from . Eggs , low-fat milk , beans , soy products , nuts , and seeds all contain protein , in addition to other foods . Going vegetarian isn ’ t for everybody , but if every person had at least one meal once a week that was meatless it would help save resources such as water and fossil fuels . The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization believes that the meat industry is responsible for about one fifth of man-made greenhouse gas emissions . The increase in greenhouse gas emissions is advancing climate change worldwide . In addition to creating greenhouse gas emissions , eating so much meat also uses a lot of water resources . About 1,800-2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef . Each person in the U . S . is estimated to eat 271 pounds of meat per year . That is 487,800-677,500 gallons of water used just to maintain one person ' s meat-eating habits in the United States .
If we cut down the amount of meat people consume in the United States and if everyone ate at least one meatless meal a week , we could make a huge difference in our health and in saving resources . The steps we take now will help not only our country , but the entire world .
The Purple Ghost Haunting America by Abby Howlett
The latest shock in the American media is our new president . Donald J . Trump is to be the next president of the United States of America . Many find hope in this new outcome . Others find fear and dismay . This brings awareness to our political system .