How to Save Energy with a PB&J Sandwich

Changing the world one sandwich at a time; that's the philosophy behind the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Campaign, a grassroots effort to change one meal per day to save energy and reduce emission costs. Sound like an extreme proposition? The PB&J Sandwich Campaign sheds some light on the issue with some interesting statistics.

The PB&J Sandwich Campaign encourages you to fight global warming and help the environment by choosing alternative meals for lunch. According to pbjcampaign.org, "it takes about 16 PB&J sandwiches to save a chicken's life." The organization's calculations also put the spotlight on gas, carbon emissions, and water consumption with the following statistics:

· It takes 2.5 lbs more carbon emissions to put together a lunch of hamburger or tuna sandwich than a simple PB&J sandwich

· Just three PB&J sandwiches per month can save 280 gallons of water per year; the equivalent is the same as switching to a low-flow showerhead

· Save between 12-50 square feet of land from pollution and deforestation by switching to ingredients that require much less maintenance

Is a PB&J sandwich an ideal lunch concoction? It's definitely a healthier alternative to a greasy hamburger, pizza, or other meat-based meal during the day. It's a healthy source of protein, especially if it's made with a soy nut butter or organic ingredients. Ultimately, the environmental impact of a PB&J sandwich compared to a meat-based product is far less overall.

The pbjcampaign.org website offers the following alternatives for your eco-friendly lunch:

• Black bean soup
• Bean burrito
• Falafel and falafel sandwiches
• Tofu stir-fries
• Vegetarian chili or stew

When the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization published the Livestock's Long Shadow report, thousands of eco-friendly consumers and environment supporters took initiative to make some community changes. While long-term results will take some time, some simple options do exist.

The PB&J Campaign mission statement is listed on the website as: