Change Your Plate, Change the World
May 31, 2024 09:31AM ● By Dr. Mark Hammond
Every April, Earth Day is celebrated
as a moment dedicated to the preservation and healing of our planet.
This global event draws attention to issues
such as electric vehicles, carbon emissions,
microplastics and other environmental
concerns that threaten the planet for future
generations. Earth Day traces its origins
to the iconic "Earthrise" photograph taken by the Apollo 8 mission in December
1968. During a time of immense societal
upheaval in the United States, this image of
Earth as a fragile blue orb in the vastness of
space served as a poignant reminder of our
shared responsibility to care for our planet.
There is a moving recitation of Genesis with
the Earthrise image in a YouTube video
(Tinyurl.com/Apollo-Earthrise).
The Environmental Impact of Diet
The past decade has brought a growing body
of scientific research linking plant-forward
diets to significant reductions in chronic
diseases due to a healthier gut microbiome
and decreased inflammation. Particularly
when sourced locally and responsibly, the
human health benefits of a whole food, plantbased diet are well-documented; however, the
environmental advantages are less frequently discussed.
It is coming to light that plant-based diets have
positive effects on the environment. A recent
article from IAPWA titled "The Environmental Cost of Animal Agriculture" highlighted
that replacing one daily serving of meat with a plant-based option for a year can reduce an individual's carbon footprint by the equivalent of
driving a car about 8,000 miles. Additionally,
producing one pound of ground beef requires
nearly 2,000 gallons of water. Astonishingly,
while 80% of global agricultural land is used
for animal production, meat only accounts for
18% of the world's caloric intake. This imbalance underscores the unsustainability of current trends.
Local Initiatives and Community Actions
The Gulf Coast, renowned for its beautiful
beaches, wildlife and natural habitats, faces
threats from rising sea levels and stronger
hurricanes, exacerbated by ongoing climate variability, according to research from
NASA. However, local efforts are working
toward a significantly healthier community
and planet.
One compelling monumental change is the
Blue Zones project, based on the research of
Dan Buettner and his team, which identified
lifestyle habits that contribute to longevity
and well-being in a variety of locales around
the globe. According to a 2018 article on
BlueZones.com, the dietary principles of the
Blue Zones not only promote human health
but also benefit the environment.
Locally, initiatives are underway to integrate
Blue Zones wisdom into community practices. Organizations such as Hope Community and the newly established Department
of Health and Integrative Medicine at the
University of South Alabama are at the forefront of this movement. Additionally, teaching kitchens like the USA Health Mapp Family Campus in Fairhope are collaborating with
local chefs to demonstrate the benefits of farm-to-table, plant-forward cuisine.
Reconnecting with Animals and Nature
Residents, Amanda and Nathan Upshaw and Elizabeth and Wade Oney, are making a difference by creating sanctuaries for abused farm animals. Their efforts highlight the importance
of reconnecting with animals and fostering a sense of stewardship for all living beings.
Looking at the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet and the community-driven efforts to promote sustainability, it becomes clear that individual choices can collectively lead to significant positive changes. By considering what we can do to preserve our
planet, we ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the same breathtaking view
of Earth from space that inspired people in 1968.
Dr. Mark Hammond has
practiced Internal Medicine for 38 years and currently serves as an adjunct
professor in the Department of Integrative Health and Wellness at the University of South Alabama.