A simple idea to help solve a big-complex environmental crisis and lower our carbon footprint by over 30%!

I am Mili, a 14-year old middle school student. I’m very passionate about solving one of the most critical crisis affecting our planet earth! My initiative started as a science fair project analyzing the biggest factor that adversely impacts our environment...climate change!  I was alarmed to find out how our food habits have a huge impact on our carbon footprint and more how a simple change can greatly reduce the negative impact we cause on our environment. Beef amongst all foods is by far the largest contributor to one’s carbon footprint. Determined to find more evidence, I conducted a study in my school and community to analyze the impact of  beef consumption on our carbon footprint. The results were quiet shocking-the annual beef consumption of only  68 residents in the town of Secaucus is equivalent to using the water in nine olympic sized pools (6,000,000 gallons) and 78,000 miles in car driven annually.

However, this huge impact can be reversed by cutting out beef from our diet just once a week...If 68 residents cut their beef consumption by just 1-day/week we could save the water equivalent to over 3 olympic sized pools (2,000,000 gallons), 23,000 miles in car driven annually. This finding was very alarming, and motivated me to take action for a cause that not only affects my generation growing up but also future generations. I feel deeply concerned about this un-sustainable high carbon footprint and urge you all to support my initiative to have our school cafeteria's implement one #beeflessday /week. Let's lower our beef consumption just once-a-week, for the sake of our environment because every little bit goes a long way! Every pledge is one step closer to a better planet, a better tomorrow...

Link to my original presentation with the mayor, town council and study results posted on Secaucus.gov website.

Reduce our Carbon Footprint​

Mili Carbon Footprint Study_Secaucus