About this calculator
Our Vegan Footprint Calculator lets you measure how your vegan diet affects the planet in terms of carbon emissions, water use, and land impact.
vegan footprint definition
A vegan footprint refers to the environment impact relating to adhering to a vegan diet or to the production and consumption of foods that constitute a vegan diet. It is a life-cycle notion: as opposed to one number, a vegan footprint considers various environmental indicators related to food production, distribution, processing, consumption and disposal. Greenhouse-gas emissions (CO 2 -equivalents), land use, freshwater use, nutrient runoff and pollution, biodiversity loss, and energy use were among common indicators.
How to go vegan?
By being vegan, you eliminate all animal foods (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey and animal-derived products), and replace them with plant foods; begin with slow changes (replacing milk and cheese, increasing the number of legumes and whole grains), use planning to make sure you meet these needs: protein, iron, calcium and omega-3s, and consider taking a supplement of reliable B12. To be safe and balanced, read the labels on food items, eat fortified food (plant milks, nutritional yeast), and see a registered dietitian or clinician to get individual advice.
What can vegans eat?
Vegans consume an enormous amount of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, lentils, and chickpeas), whole grains, nuts, seeds, and soy, tofu and tempeh. They also take dairy and meat alternatives which are plant-based, including almond milk, oat milk, seitan, and plant-based cheese or burgers. To maintain a balanced diet, many vegans rely on fortified foods and supplements particularly in vitamin B12, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. A vegan diet can be very healthy with all the necessary nutrients as well as offer much variety and flavor with proper planning.