Readers React: Eat less meat, save the planet

To the editor: Thank you for bringing attention to the fact that our meat-heavy diets are harming the Earth. (“From icky bugs to good grub: Why more people are eating insects,” Sept. 4)

Aside from contributing to water scarcity, current meat production methods also cause air and water pollution, deforestation, land degradation and loss of biodiversity. According to the United Nations, cattle rearing generates more greenhouse gases than transportation.

Cutting back on meat is one of the quickest and easiest ways to help the environment.

Fortunately for the people who do not want to eat bugs, there are countless other environmentally sustainable foods containing protein, amino acids, iron and potassium.

Rachel Keller, Warrenville, Ill.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook