Katharine Kolin

It is a well-known fact that the richest countries in the world eat the most meat, and that poor countries eat less - however, it should be noted that middle-income companies are helping to drive the demand for meat. There are multiple reasons to eat less meat - eating less meat helps people reduce their environmental impact, become healthier, and become more considerate of animal welfare and practices such as factory farming. However, according to the BBC, overall meat consumption is higher than it has been in the last 60 years, despite rising concerns about animal wellness and the environmental impact of meat farming and consumption (Ritchie, 2019).  While moderate amounts of meat consumption can offer health benefits, excess red meat consumption can have dangerous health effects, such as higher risk of cardiac arrest. In addition, there are negative impacts on the planet, which are disproportionately felt in poorer countries. Overhauling our meat production systems in densely populated, wealthy countries will require a vast overhaul of our daily ways of living and meat production systems - for now, I am happy to do what I can by reducing my personal meat consumption.
Ritchie, H. (2019, February 4). Which countries eat the most meat? BBC News; BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-47057341

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To reduce the number of flights I take per year, I'm going to commit to taking the amtrak or the bus for regional travel. As I go on work trips to Boston once per month, it's important that I use regional travel as an opportunity to explore alternative modes of travel. It is also a huge hassle to go all the way to the airport and through long security lines just for under an hour's flight. I'd much rather appreciate the beauty outside a train or bus window and avoid the hassle of flying wile reducing my carbon footprint. 

While I don't believe I spend 1500 dollars a year on wasted food, I would rather donate this money to charity, and spend the rest on my education. I'm generally fortunate enough that I don't feel I lack for anything in this life, which is very lucky. However, I do think that the resources we spend on wasted food would be worthwhile contributions to food pantries, community gardens, healthcare organizations, and educational initiatives, especially in population-dense areas. 

Recently, I've noticed that I've begun to feel the impact of not getting enough nutrients as my diet has moved more towards meat and carbs in the last year. I find that this has impacts on my gut health, mood, weight, general disposition, and most of all, my energy. When I am eating less meat and carbs, and more fruits and vegetables, I feel the opposite - I feel in control, I feel the power of a balanced diet, and I have enough energy to make it through the day. It's beneficial to my partner, too, who eats the same food I cook, generally - he begins to fill, in his words, more "well". The impact on the planet also can not be ignored - it is a well known fact that it reduces carbon and waste of resources to cut back on eating meat, even once a week.