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Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Alabama Mississippi

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.

 

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