Giving Compass' Take:

• Lynsi Burton explains why living a meat free lifestyle is better for the planet and her health. She believes that meat agriculture is a wasteful use of energy.

• If rejecting meat is not a realistic plan for all individuals, what are more creative methods of  inspiring people to eat less meat products?

• Read about impact investing in food sustainability.

Lynsi Burton, a writer covering food, social justice, crime, and music, will be speaking at the Seattle Food Tank Summit, “Growing Food Policy." Based in Seattle, Burton writes for local publications SeattlePI, YES! Magazine, and Seattle Business Magazine on topics ranging from grassroots social justice movements to Seattle-area businesses. Burton’s favorite topics include exploring the impact of eating habits on the environment, public health, capitalism, and social justice.  Food Tank spoke with Burton about how her meat-free lifestyle and small, everyday choices can really make an impact.

FT: How are you helping to build a better food system?

LB: I believe my rejection of meat, dairy, and eggs, along with my consumption of plant-based foods, helps fuel the growing demand for healthy food that doesn’t require animal slaughter or deforestation. Animal agriculture requires a wasteful use of energy and land which could be better used to directly feed people.

FT: What’s the most pressing issue in food and agriculture that you’d like to see solved?

LB: Food waste! I love that the issue of food waste is gaining more attention. Food waste is an issue at every level of the food system from producers to home consumers. It would be great to see factories, retailers, restaurants, and home cooks learn to reduce waste by using food more creatively and efficiently.

FT: What is one small change every person can make in their daily lives to make a big difference?

LB: There are so many little changes people can make that truly add up. In regards to food choices, start by occasionally replacing meat with a can of beans or any other alternative source of protein.

Read the full article about living a meat-free lifestyle by Alaina Spencer at Food Tank.