Plant-based eating

Plant-based Eating 101

Did you know that the way we eat affects both our health and the planet? Food production creates greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, with a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions coming from food.

Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, generally use less energy, land, and water than animal-based foods, this means they’re better for the environment. While meat and dairy do provide important nutrients, choosing more plant-based meals is one of the best ways to improve your health and significantly reduce your impact on the planet.

Small changes, big impact

Even small steps, like skipping meat just one day a week, can add up. For example, if you skip meat just one day a week, you’re reducing your carbon footprint as much as not driving for a whole month!* Imagine how much of a difference we could make together if we all made just a few changes.

  • Start small: Begin with Meat-Free Mondays, or try swapping out one meal each week with a plant-based option.

  • Try it out: If you are looking for tasty recipes that your whole family will love, check out our Veggie-licious Family Meals that we developed with Aussie cooks!

  • Look for inspiration: Check out the hundreds of recipes available on Vegan Easy or Veganuary

  • Learn about nutrition: Visit Heart Foundation or Health Direct for further advice on how to build a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Shop smart: Choose seasonal, locally grown produce. You’ll support local farmers, eat fresher food, and reduce your carbon footprint.

* Meat Free Mondays calculation based on Weber CL and Matthews HS, Food-miles and the relative climate impacts of food choices in the United States, Environmental Science & Technology (2008), 42(10), pp. 3508-13.

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