Concerns about agriculture’s negative impact on the environment and its substantial role in climate change have driven many people to turn to vegetarian and vegan diets. Fruits and vegetables use considerably less water and fuel to produce, saving natural resources and creating fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Plants also take up a fraction of the land livestock does.
EarthSave says it takes “2,500 gallons of water, 12 pounds of grain, 35 pounds of topsoil and the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline to produce one pound of feedlot beef.” That is a lot of resources that could be allocated more efficiently.
According to Popular Science Magazine, to grow 100 calories of beef, potatoes, and broccoli, it takes 1000, 38, and 10 liters of water, respectively.
For a detailed discussion about the environmental impact of raising livestock and the benefits of a plant-based diet, read this from Global Issues, with commentary from some of the most reliable sources in the industry.