Help keep One Green Planet free and independent! Together we can ensure our platform remains a hub for empowering ideas committed to fighting for a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate world. Please support us in keeping our mission strong.
A recent analysis by the Good Food Institute (GFI) suggests that the U.S. could greatly enhance food production efficiency by shifting half of its protein intake from meat and dairy to plant-based or alternative proteins. This shift could lead to a significant reduction in cropland use—by nearly 47.3 million acres, an area comparable to South Dakota.
The report highlights several environmental benefits associated with this transition. With fewer acres needed for protein crops, large tracts of land could be repurposed for carbon sequestration and biodiversity restoration. This change would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock but also improve ecosystems by restoring forests and natural habitats.
Currently, over 60% of U.S. land is dedicated to agriculture, with a significant portion used to grow feed for animals. By increasing the production of plant-based proteins and redirecting commodity crops like soy and corn for human consumption, the U.S. could meet its protein needs more efficiently without expanding agricultural land.
The GFI report focuses on the potential land-use benefits within the U.S., excluding international protein imports and seafood. While the analysis does not account for global impacts or shifts in international production, it provides a clear picture of how domestic land could be better utilized.
The Midwest and South offer the most significant opportunities for land use transformation due to their extensive cropland and existing forests. However, this shift could impact farmers who rely on growing traditional crops. To address these potential economic challenges, the report suggests exploring new market opportunities and compensating landowners for habitat restoration efforts.
Latest Petitions to Sign:
Related Content:
Easy Ways to Help the Planet:
- Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
- Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
- Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
- Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
- Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
- Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!
