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Eat More Plants, Save the World

Driving an electric vehicle, carrying a reusable water bottle, and switching to more energy efficient light bulbs are some of the most common to-dos when it comes reducing our individual carbon footprints. Even plastic straws are increasingly reaching villain status in mainstream consciousness. But you want to do more, right? Consider this: One of the most effective ways any nature-loving, animal-adoring, eco-conscious friend of Planet Earth can slash his or her impact on the environment is to adopt a plant-based diet.

We eat many times in a single day, and it turns out the choices we make in these mealtime moments hold a lot of power when it comes to fighting climate change. A comprehensive new study by the University of Oxford and published in the journal Science essentiallydropped the mic on the subject in June 2018. Over the course of five years, scientists sought to analyze the detrimental effects farming can have on the environment and included data on nearly 40,000 farms in 119 countries. They examined a total of 40 agricultural products in the study, which cover 90% of all food that is eaten. Their findings unequivocally prove how devastating animal agriculture is to our planet.

The study showed that cutting meat and dairy out completely can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73%. And that kind of action has a ripple effect; if everyone stopped eating meat and dairy, it would reduce global farmland use by up to 75%, which would not only drastically diminish atmospheric greenhouse gases (agriculture is second only to electricity and heat production as a global greenhouse gas emitter), but would also free up more wild lands – the loss of which is a primary cause of mass species extinction. Indeed, Nature released a 2014 study finding that emissions from the production of beef and lamb are 250 times higher than those of legumes, and pork and poultry are 40 times higher than legumes. Natural Resources Defense Council reported, in “To Shrink Your Carbon Footprint, Ease Up on the Dairy,”

that 14 kilo-calories of fossil fuels to produce a single kcal of dairy milk, whereas just 1 kcal of fossil fuels can produce 3.2 kcal of soybeans (for use in soymilk). That measurement takes into account the fertilizers, pesticides, and other industrial inputs used in dairy production.

Unfortunately, the massive amounts of land needed to raise livestock for meat and dairy consumption and the resulting greenhouse gases are just the tip of the bull’s horn when it comes to animal agriculture’s impact on the planet. Animal agriculture is an inefficient way to produce a single meal, such as the quarter-pound of conventional beef in a typical cheeseburger, because it requires so many resources. Business Insider broke it down, and it’s staggering. Among many things, there’s the water – estimated at more than 460 gallons – and the corn-based feed, which totals 13.5 pounds per quarter-pound hamburger. Grass-fed beef requires even more resources. Beef and dairy production also release plenty of methane but also nitrous oxide, which are dangerous greenhouse gases that trap 20 and 250 times more heat than carbon dioxide, respectively.

So, while you may pay a buck or two for that cheeseburger at a fast food restaurant, the cost to Mother Nature and mankind is far greater. Deforestation (80% of all Amazon deforestation is due to beef production), ocean acidification, sea level rise, erosion, famine, extreme weather, widespread disease, fresh water scarcity, and the loss of biodiversity are all major fallouts from the greenhouse gases produced by the animal agriculture industry. These things hit poor and vulnerable communities hardest, so there’s a moral imperative to cutting meat and dairy from our diets, as well.

In Summer 2018, global carbon dioxide levels rose to the highest they’ve been in at least 800,000 years. The landmark Paris Agreement aims to keep global temperatures from rising 2 degrees Celsius. A Bloomberg report from June 2018 states, “Given current efforts, the world is probably heading for temperature gains of 4 degrees or more, according to climate negotiator Tovivo, citing figures from Climate Action Tracker.” While political will and policy shifts may lag, we as individuals can take the reins by cutting meat and dairy from our diets.

It’s a great time to try out this whole vegan thing. There are scores of amazing companies (like Follow Your Heart!) creating ever more tasty and nutritious dairy and meat alternatives. CNN columnist John D. Sutter wrote in his powerful essay “Why Beef Is the New SUV,” “Our diets are a rare chance for us to take control of our climate footprints, as researchers explained to me. We don’t need governments or utilities to help. Apathy is all that stands in the way.” If you’ve read this far, the motivation is clearly there to get you started on the journey towards a greener (pun intended) diet. It’s time to take action.

The best thing is, you don’t have to kick all of your favorite foods to the curb at once. Subtle tweaks will help you achieve any lifestyle overhaul – and the planet will thank you for it. Just don’t beat yourself up if you encounter setbacks or succumb to temptations along the way. This kind of thing takes practice, which is ultimately how you’ll discover what works best for you. Try swapping one foodstuff for another. You want vegan ice cream? You got it. Vegan beef or chicken? Plenty of options await your tastebuds. Vegan cheese and eggs? You’ve come to the right place!

Here are our best-sellers to help you get started on your journey towards a more plant-based diet!

Follow Your Heart Original Vegenaise

Follow Your Heart Organic Garlic Aïoli Vegenaise

Follow Your Heart Vegan Shreds Italian Blend

Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Parmesan – Shredded

Follow Your Heart Organic Vegan Caesar Dressing

Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Yogurt Vanilla

Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Sour Cream

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May 17

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This Vegan French Onion Burger 🍔 from @thee_burger_dude will have your tastebuds singing! It’s the perfect mashup of two comfort food favorites, made with our melty-licious #DairyFree Smoked Gouda and Vegenaise. Link in bio.

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May 12

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Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day brunch recipe? Look no further than this scrumptiously savory #Vegan Asparagus Bacon Cheese Tart from @theyummyvegan, made with our #DairyFree Shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan 🧀. Full recipe in bio.

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May 10

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🎉GIVEAWAY🎉 We’ve teamed up with our friends at @smallhold, @eatbanza, and @gothamgreens to bring you a RALPHal to celebrate @smallhold’s recent launch in Ralphs (ralph-al, like raffle, get it? You get it). We’re giving one lucky person the chance to win a $100 Kroger gift card and all the ingredients you need to whip up a delicious Green Pasta Salad. 
 
How to enter:
👉 follow @eatbanza, @followyourheart, @gothamgreens, and @smallhold
👍 like this post
✉️ tag a friend and enter your email in the link in our bio
 
Giveaway includes:
💚 Follow Your Heart FREE product vouchers and a prize pack filled with goodies
🍄 Smallhold Organic Mushrooms
🍝 Banza High Protein Chickpea Rotini
🌱 Gotham Green Vegan Pesto and Basil
🎁 $100 Kroger gift card
 
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited by law and outside U.S. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. (and DC) who are 18 yrs+ (19 yrs+ in AL and NE, 21 yrs+ in MS) at entry. Sweepstakes begins 3:00 PM EST. on May 10th and ends 11:59 p.m. EST on May 12th. Odds of winning are based on the number of eligible entries received. This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram.

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May 4

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Find us making this Vegan Chickpea Toona Melt from @plantcrazii on a weekly basis. Our creamy Vegenaise and melty #DairyFree Smoked Gouda Style Slices were used to create this deliciously simple snack. Link in bio 👀

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May 3

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Seduce your palate with these luscious Loaded Tots. Made with our melty #DairyFree Cheddar Style Shreds 🧀 for maximum gooey goodness. Recipe link in bio.

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Apr 21

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🌍Earth Day Giveaway!🌍 To celebrate Mother Nature, we are giving one lucky winner a chance to win:
👉🏼 10 Follow Your Heart FREE product vouchers!
👉🏼 a prize pack filled with Follow Your Heart merch

TO ENTER simply:
💚 like this post
👀 make sure you’re following @followyourheart
🌱 tag a #FollowYourHeart lover in the comments

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited by law and outside U.S. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. (and DC) who are 18 yrs+ (19 yrs+ in AL and NE, 21 yrs+ in MS) at entry. Sweepstakes begins 12:00:01 a.m. ET on April 21 and ends 11:50:59 p.m. ET on April 28. Total ARV of prize(s): 1,589.48. Odds of winning are based on the number of eligible entries received. For complete rules and eligibility requirements, visit https://followyourheart.com/giveaway/. This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram. Good luck!

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Apr 12

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Meet the comfort food mashup of your dreams: #Vegan Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese. @thee_burger_dude used our #DairyFree American Slices and Grated Parmesan 🧀  to create this culinary masterpiece. Give this recipe a try by clicking the link in bio.

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Apr 11

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When life gives you bread 🍞, make #Vegan Bread Boat Cheese Fondue! Our #DairyFree Mozzarella Style Shreds melt to perfection to create this fabulously fun dip to get your party started. Full recipe in bio.

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Apr 7

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Friday calls for creamy-licious #Vegan Beer Cheese Dip, so grab a pretzel 🥨 and dig in! Made with our #DairyFree Shredded Cheddar 🧀 and Smoked Gouda Slices. Recipe from @theyummyvegan ➡️ link in bio.

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Apr 6

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These #Vegan Garlic Cheese Bombs are the bomb dot com. Loaded with melty, gooey goodness from our #DairyFree Mozzarella Style Shreds and sprinkled with our Dairy-Free Shredded Parmesan for a sensational snacking experience. Recipe 🔗 in bio.

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Mar 29

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Find us making this Vegan Cheesy Spinach Pull Apart Bread for the unforeseeable future 🤤. Our #DairyFree Shredded Mozzarella and Original Vegenaise are the creamy, dreamy, all-star duo featured in this decadent dish. Head to our bio for the recipe.

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Mar 21

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Taco Tuesday never looked so good! @thee_burger_dude’s Crispy Taco Melt 🌮 features our gooey #DairyFree Mozzarella Style and Cheddar Style Shreds, topped with a Spicy #Vegan Ranch Sauce made with our creamy Vegan Ranch. Grab the recipe at the link in bio.

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Mar 20

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Celebrate the first day of Spring with this lusciously creamy and tangy #Vegan Whipped Feta Dip from @theyummyvegan made with our #DairyFree Feta Style Crumbles. Spread this delightful dip on grilled bread 🥖 and top with a Greek Style Salad 🥗 for the perfect pairing. Recipe link in bio.

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Mar 10

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Hello saucy goodness! This Buffalo Chick'n Sandwich 🍔 from @joesveganfoodgram is slathered in Vegenaise and our #Vegan Ranch Dressing to create a creamy cabbage slaw that will make all your sandwich dreams come true.

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Mar 3

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How good does this Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread 🧀🥖 look? It's made with our #DairyFree Mozzarella Shreds for supreme stretch and drool-worthy deliciousness 🤤. Link in bio.

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Feb 22

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Do yourself a favor and try this BBQ Jackfruit Flatbread from @turnipvegan. It’s equal parts smoky, sweet, and oh so cheesy thanks to our #DairyFree Cheddar Shreds 🧀. Grab the recipe at the link in bio.

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Feb 17

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There’s no better duo than gooey Grilled Cheese 🧀 and creamy Tomato Soup 🍅. @theyummyvegan takes the classic combo to new heights with this comforting Grilled Cheese Bread Bowl made with our #DairyFree American Slices. Find the recipe at the link in bio.

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Feb 10

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Get Game Day ready with these mouthwatering Mini Cheesesteaks from @thee_burger_dude. Our #DairyFree Cheddar Shreds 🧀 are used to make a creamy Cheez Whiz that’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Recipe link in bio.

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Feb 9

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Celebrate #NationalPizzaDay with this flavor-packed Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza 🍕 featuring our #DairyFree melty Mozzarella Shreds and tangy Bleu Cheese Crumbles. Grab the recipe at the link in bio.

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Feb 3

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Level up your salad game with this BLEU-tiful Roasted Veggie Salad 🥗 loaded with roasted cauliflower, yellow potatoes, and topped with our tantalizingly tangy #DairyFree Bleu Cheese Crumbles. 🎥 @jackfruit.jill.eats

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certified plant based

Follow Your Heart believes that a better world begins with better food choices. We make Vegenaise, the best vegan cheeses, and other delicious and innovative plant-based alternatives. Follow Your Heart® Earth Island® Vegenaise® Vegan Gourmet® Rocket Cakes® VeganEgg® Better Than Mayo® Live Healthy® are registered trademarks of Follow Your Heart®/Earth Island®

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