According to a new study co-authored by a Tulane University researcher, simple substitutions like switching from beef to chicken and drinking plant-based milk instead of cow’s could reduce the average carbon footprint from food by 35 percent while boosting diet quality by four to ten percent.
It highlights the potential of “small changes” that could encourage more consumers to adopt climate-friendly eating habits.
The study analyzed diet data from more than 7,700 participants, identified frequently consumed food with the most significant climate impact, and simulated replacing them with nutritionally similar, lower-emission options.
Mixed dishes, including burritos, pasta, and similar popular food items, had the most significant projected reductions in emissions.
On the other hand, the study also explored dietary data for children, noting that switching to plant-based milk at a young age can help lower carbon footprint and start positive habits earlier.
While these substitutes will not cure-all for climate objectives or personal health goals, they are evidence that small changes can have a massive impact.