ASK A VEGAN
Doesgoingveganreallysavewater?
Yes. Animal products account for ~27% of humanity's freshwater footprint. Beef uses ~15,000 L/kg vs. ~1,250 L/kg for pulses.
ENVIRONMENT
Short answer
Yes. Animal products account for ~27% of humanity's freshwater footprint. Beef uses ~15,000 L/kg vs. ~1,250 L/kg for pulses.
ENVIRONMENT
The detail
Water Footprint Network data: beef ~15,400 L/kg, cheese ~3,200 L/kg, chicken ~4,300 L/kg, lentils ~5,900 L/kg (mostly rain), tofu ~2,500 L/kg.
Most livestock water goes to growing feed. Direct animal drinking water is a small share.
Source: Mekonnen & Hoekstra, Ecosystems 2012;15:401-415.
RELATED
More questions like this
- How much does going vegan help the climate?
A vegan diet cuts food-related emissions by ~50-75%, land use by ~75%, and freshwater use by ~50% compared to an average omnivore diet.
- Why should I go vegan?
For the animals, your health, and the planet — three independently strong reasons that reinforce each other.
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