Conscious Consumption

For the Lenten season, I attempted to become a more conscious consumer in an effort to reduce my carbon footprint through my food and beverage choices. The goal was lofty, and admittedly, the efforts have not been entirely successful thus far. Between studying for and sitting for the Bar Exam, travelling, and moving, it seems as though my consumption has become more conspicuous than ever! I’ve resorted to fast food on more occasions than I’d care to admit; I have indulged in imported cheeses and fruits; I have not ensured that the coffee I drank was shade-grown only. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have been a bad, bad environmentalist.

I have not given up, however. Now that I am settled in a new apartment in Cedar Rapids, I have begun to regain stability, and with stability has come a host of better choices. I have unearthed my travel mug and walk between two and twelve blocks to a local coffee shop each morning to have it filled. I have been driving much less, thanks to choosing an apartment within walking distance of a grocery store, convenience store, and coffee shop. This lack of driving has limited my opportunities to cruise by the drive-through and pick up a cheeseburger.

This brings me to my biggest accomplishment. I am slowly but surely eliminating meat from my diet. According to information released in 2008 by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, direct carbon emissions from meat production amount to nearly 18% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. An article published by the BBC indicates that this 18% figure includes greenhouse gases released in every part of the meat production cycle - clearing forested land, making and transporting fertilizer, burning fossil fuels in farm vehicles, and the “front and rear end” emissions of cattle and sheep. A February 2009 article from New Scientist suggests that eliminating meat production and consumption could cut as much as $20 trillion dollars from the cost of fighting climate change.

Eliminating meat from my diet not only helps the environment; it helps me live more in line with the Buddha’s teachings. While not all Buddhists are vegetarians (and indeed, there is conflict within and among Buddhist communities regarding this issue), I feel more at peace with the world around me when I am living off a diet that respects all living beings.

While I do not experience the Lenten season as most other members of Iowa IPL do, I have enjoyed the opportunity to challenge myself, see my successes, and confront my own shortcomings as I attempt to live a carbon-neutral, planet-friendly life. Peace.

About the author: Liz Johnson is Iowa IPL's Treasurer and serves on its Board of Directors.

For more information, please visit these articles:
Eating less meat could cut climate costs
Shun meat, says UN climate chief
Buddhism and Vegetarianism

Next week, Linda Farkas from the Iowa IPL Board of Directors will be discussing washing her clothes on cold.