Vegetarians who eat high amounts of dairy are even worse for the environment than flexitarians who reduce their meat intake, according to new research.

Major research by the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, America modelled the impact of vegetarianism, veganism, flexitarianism and meat eating.

In line with other leading research, veganism is by far the best way to reduce your carbon footprint, researchers concluded. But interestingly flexitarians came out as less damaging to the environment than vegetarians who replaced their meat products with dairy.

Replacing meat with cheese and yoghurt only slightly improved an individual’s environmental impact. In comparison, taking up a ‘two thirds vegan diet’ which only allows meat once a day and increases fruit and veg intake was more environmentally friendly than a typical vegetarian diet. 

The two thirds vegan diet contributes 762.7 kg of Carbon Dioxide emissions (CO2e) per-person, whereas a vegetarian diet is up at 1,265.2 kg, the research revealed.

‘Meaningful impact’

Study author Dr Keeve Nachman told The Telegraph: “Dietary shifts don’t have to be as draconian as many people think to have a meaningful impact on the environment.

“Our study found that in the UK, switching to a vegetarian diet that includes eggs and dairy is actually less helpful for reducing greenhouse gas emissions than a diet that includes meat, dairy and eggs for one of three meals, and is exclusively plant-based for the other two meals.”

The research revealed the highest greenhouse gas intensive foods are cattle, sheep and goats.

The average household contributes 1,968.1 kg of CO2e per-person to the atmosphere, two thirds of which is from dairy products for vegetarians, and a quarter of which is from dairy for meat eaters. 

Vegan future

The study concludes that meat intake must be reduced as current consumption levels are unsustainable.

“Certain forms of beef production can significantly reduce our capacity for carbon sequestration. In particular, production that involves deforestation for feed production and grazing land has serious implications for our climate,” said Dr Nachman.

“Including beef in our diets at current rates would have grave consequences for the environment.”

Authors said a global switch to a vegan diet would reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent.

• Read: 1 in 5 Brits think chicken eggs and goats milk are vegan

Are the effects of a vegetarianism fully understood? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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