Meat
Beef outstrips all other foods when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, so cutting down on beef is probably the single most important thing you can do to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet. However, the highest impact beef produces around 12 times more greenhouse gas than the lowest impact beef , so choosing more sustainable beef can also have a huge impact.
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The Pasture for Life mark certifies that meat comes from animals raised only on grass and pasture, which has benefits including a lower carbon footprint, higher animal welfare and increased biodiversity on farms. We are lucky enough to have two Pasture for Life suppliers in the East Neuk - Ardross Farm Shop and Butchery at Bowhouse.
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Be wary of meat labelled 'grass-fed'. This term currently has no specific definition in the UK, and could refer to animals that are fed a combination of grass and grain or manufactured feeds.
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Our top tips for carnivores:
Eat less meat.
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Replace it with plant-based sources of protein such as beans, peas, nuts and tofu.
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Eat less red meat.
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Pork, chicken, farmed fish and eggs almost always have a lower carbon footprint than beef and lamb.
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Buy meat that is Pasture for Life certified.
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Have a look at the Pasture for Life website to learn about the environmental benefits of pasture-fed beef and lamb.