Celebrate Earth Week

Sometimes it can be daunting to imagine how you, as just one person, can do anything to help protect our planet, but the truth is, there are all sorts of ways kids can make a difference.

Today, we suggest you try "Meatless Mondays." If you reduce the amount of meat you eat today, or even replace it at one meal with something else, you can make a big difference. Here's why:

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change worldwide, more than transportation! Replacing meat once a week can cut down on those emissions.

MINIMIZE WATER USAGE. The water needs of livestock are tremendous, far above those of vegetables or grains. An estimated 1800-2500 gallons of water go into making a single pound of beed. Soy tofu produced in California requires 220 gallons of water per pound.

HELP REDUCE FOSSIL FUEL DEPENDENCE. On average, about 40 calories of fossil fuel energy go into every calorie of feed lot beef in the U.S. Compare this to the 2.2 calories of fossil fuel energy needed to produce one calorie of plant-based protein. Moderating meat consumption is a great way to cut fossil fuel demand.

So try it out!

Thanks to our friends at Huffington Post and Meatless Mondays for this great idea!