BETA
How plant-based choices change the world?
Eating a largely plant-based whole-food diet, or gradually shifting toward one, is one of the most effective ways to benefit the environment, animal welfare, and your health.
Research consistently shows that plant-based meals significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption, support animal welfare, and improves your health.
Every plant-based meal we choose sends a message that we care for the environment and all living beings.
Math behind the calculations
It uses data on average per-capita diets from different regions (the USA, the EU, and the world) and estimates the impact of different levels of animal protein consumption based on a typical three-meal-per-day eating pattern.
The analysis is based on data available from Our World in Data, which draws on the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the work of Poore & Nemecek. It also uses data from Faunalytics, the Water Footprint Network, The EU Fish Market, and the National Fisheries Institute, as well as studies on the impact of plant-based and animal-based diets on health, published on PMC or PubMed.
Animals saved
The average amount of animal products consumed per person in a given region is divided by the estimated number of animal lives lost per kilogram of each product, including both direct and indirect deaths. This shows the number of animal lives that could be saved.
CO₂e prevention
The average amount of animal products consumed per person in a given region is multiplied by the greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of each product. Subtracting the emissions of a plant-based diet shows the amount of CO₂e that could be prevented.
Preserving land
The average amount of animal products consumed per person in a given region is multiplied by the land use per kilogram of each product. Subtracting the land requirements of a plant-based diet shows the amount of land that could be preserved.
Water conservation
The average amount of animal products consumed per person in a given region is multiplied by the water footprint of each product. Subtracting the water footprint of an average fully plant-based diet shows the amount of water that could be conserved.
Health risk reduction
Based on scientific studies, vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians can reduce cholesterol by 5–25%, lower diabetes risk by 23–70%, and decrease overall mortality by 9–15%, depending on diet.
Disclaimer: this calculator provides estimates of environmental and animal impacts, as well as health risks, based on the chosen diet. It is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice on medical, environmental, or animal welfare matters.
