In 2010, the UN declared that in order to reduce carbon emissions, everyone should strive to adopt a plant-based diet.

While some countries have actually increased their meat consumption since, some nations, like Sweden, are considering a “meat” tax in effort to encourage a shift towards sustainability.

This isn’t the only way Sweden has shown its dedication to ‘going green.’ Two years ago, the nation of 9.5 million people ran out of garbage and began incinerating neighboring countries’ trash for fuel. For reasons like this, Sweden has even been deemed to be the “Most Sustainable Country In The World.”

News of this possible tax comes two years after Sweden ruled out the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s recommendation that a tax on meat could curb consumption and reduce environmental implications. But now, the government is considering the idea after a successful petition urged policy makers to take the issue more seriously.

And why not? A survey conducted last year found that 10% of Swedes have gone meatless, and the studies concluding a plant-based diet to be more healthful are mounting. Some of the reported benefits of eating predominately plant-based, high-fiber diets include weighing less, a reduced risk for diabetes and Cancer, and improved physical appearance from attaining more nutrients and minerals via diet.

And plant-based diets most definitely can be satiating without meat products. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, butters, and high quality oils (like coconut oil), alongside complete plant proteins, like edamame, hemp, chia, and blue-green algaes can bulk up a diet and offer a bounty of nutrition.

Plus, don’t forget the environmental benefits of going plant-based. As the production of meat is one of the leading sources of greenhouse-gas emissions, climate change scientists believe that by taxing meat, and thereby reducing meat production, pollution in its many forms will be drastically reduced.

Finally, if governments are able to tax tobacco and alcohol – known substances to be detrimental to the body and the well-being of the planet, then why shouldn’t a tax urging citizens to reduce their carbon footprint and become healthier be implemented?

Obviously this topic will rile up a lot of emotions and debate, therefore we urge you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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