Would you believe that cow burps and manure are a big part of the problem of climate change and global warming? It’s true! What animals, and humans, eat every day matters!
Because so many people, especially in North America and Europe, eat a lot of meat, there are many cows and other animals being raised all over the world. According to a United Nations report, all of those cows (and sheep and goats) put lots and lots of methane and nitrous oxide, two greenhouse gases, into the air. Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and climate change. Changing what we put on our forks and spoons everyday can be a powerful tool to fight global warming and climate change.
Global climate change is also connected to how our food is grown. Besides farm animals releasing methane, across the world forests are cut down to make way for bigger farms, which means there are fewer trees absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. And to fight climate change, we need more trees, not less! And have you every wondered how we in Canada can eat fresh lettuce and tomatoes in the middle of winter, when the land all around us is covered in snow and nothing is growing? The next time you go to the grocery store, find out what countries the fruits and vegetables on the shelves come from. Some of them might be from as far away as China or New Zealand, and have been brought across the ocean in large ships and then unloaded onto big trucks and brought to that store here in Winnipeg. Those ships and trucks burn a lot of fossil fuel traveling all that way, and that releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. When you and I choose to buy more food that was grown close to our home, that didn’t need to travel a long way from the farmer’s field to the grocery store shelf, it is better for the planet.
Did anyone in your family ever tell you that eating leftovers can be a way to look after our planet? Maybe not, but you can talk to members of your family about using up food in the fridge to save money and also reduce the amount of garbage that ends up at the landfill. You can also help the planet by buying less junk food and eating more food that doesn’t need a lot of packaging, like fruits and vegetables. So, saving the planet is good for your body because fruits and vegetables help make you strong and healthy! You can also talk with your family about eating vegetarian meals more often and less meat, because meat takes more energy to produce and don’t forget about all that methane that cows make causing more global warming.
Sustainability + You = Remembering that your food choices matter!
Yes, our students and teachers are making a difference!
Check back soon to learn about new climate change initiatives!
Yes, our division is making a difference!
We are excited about the Sustainable Living program being implemented throughout the school division. Its aim is to further SJASD’s principles and to challenge students and staff to explore activities and learn about conserving resources, protecting the environment, and ensuring human health and welfare through education about the consequences of our actions and our responsibilities to each other and to the planet.
Get more involved!
Read about gardening and grow plants during the summer such as tomatoes, oregano, and basil for pizza!
