Commentary: Do you want to help the environment? Eat vegetarian

Have you ever considered that what you eat could have an impact on the environment?

It is estimated that as low as 18% and as high as 51% of greenhouse gases are produced through raising animals for food, a process known as livestock rearing, according to the New York Times.

In addition, the amount of water needed to produce just one pound of beef is more than the amount of water needed to shower every day for an entire year.

These facts help to demonstrate that the consumption of animal products, such as meat and dairy, is an incredibly resource-intensive process.

Cutting the demand for animal products not only has the potential to alleviate the drought in California, but can create a positive impact on the entire planet.

It is difficult for an everyday citizen to cut back on his or her meat consumption because of its integration within our society. As a long-term vegetarian, I am painfully familiar with the limited number of vegan or vegetarian options available when going out to eat.

With an overwhelming amount of dishes that are based in animal products, fats and oils it is difficult for consumers to make healthy, environmentally conscious choices in Orange County restaurants. I am committed to help create social responses to environmental issues. These challenges will not be tackled unless citizens take personal accountability.

Every plate of food that an individual consumes has consequences that reach far beyond his or her own health. Climate change continues to present itself as a pressing social issue, and much of the warming can be attributed to greenhouse gases.

Livestock that we raise for food are fed crops that require pesticides. The pesticide process results in nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that is far 300 times more harmful than carbon dioxide, according to The Conversation blog.

In addition, the gas that farm animals release through their bodily functions contain methane – a substance that is far more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. This demonstrates the incredible amount of greenhouse gases given off by livestock rearing.

The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is another large factor in air pollution. Cutting down trees results in less oxygen production and clears away the natural habitats of many species. Interestingly, 80% of the areas that have been deforested have been used to raise cattle, according to the Planet Save website.

This could be the first generation in many years in which the children will live shorter lives than their parents. What are you willing to sacrifice to ensure the health and well-being of yourself, your family and your planet?

True change begins with personal accountability. It is essential for the health of our society and our planet to reduce the demand for meat and dairy and move toward a more plant-based lifestyle. Our current practices are not sustainable — and the facts cannot be ignored any longer. When choosing the next meal for your family, consider these factors and become an agent of change.

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Irvine resident SARAH ROSS is pursuing her master’s in social work at USC.