By Jamie Kim

The meat industry is more detrimental to the environment than any other practice humans engage in, Ellie Diamant ’11 said.

“It is the number one cause of global warming, more than transportation and factories and all that combined,” she said. Being vegan is “the number one thing you can do to help the environment.”

Producing meat for consumption is energetically expensive, as cows are fed enormous amounts of grain and water that could otherwise feed many more humans. The waste products of processed meat are also a major cause of pollution.

Diamant became a vegetarian when she was eleven “for ethical reasons.” After learning more about the environmental impact of the food she was eating, she renounced dairy two years ago.

In addition to altering her eating habits, Diamant, a member of the Environmental Club, takes the bus every day. She thinks making small alterations to driving habits can make an impact in the long run.

“Just keeping your rpm below 2,500 saves a lot of gas, and not driving above 65 miles per hour increases the efficiency of the car,” she said

Diamant plans to start composting “soon,” she said. Composting is a way to make use of organic wastes that would otherwise be landfilled.

Diamant also remembers to unplug all electric appliances in her house. Being conscious of the impact of our daily habits is the first step, Diamant said.

“It’s getting the word out. If people know how to do it, and actually have the drive to do it, they will.”