Your sandwich may be harming the environment. A 2015 Dietary Guidelines’ scientific report states that the average American diet has a larger environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use and energy use compared to a healthier, more plant-based diet. When it comes to land use, the answer is clear: Malaysia’s oil palm plantations. This eco-friendly country utilizes the smallest amount of land to meet much of the world’s vegetable oil needs. Less land use equals less deforestation.
What about the rest of the foods you eat? Discover how your typical American lunch stacks up.