Do YOU care about YOUR planet? Do YOU care about CLIMATE CHANGE? Do YOU want to make a DIFFERENCE? If you answered YES, this article is for you.

Climate change and global warming is on the rise. The central cause of global warming is the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which absorb sunlight and solar radiation, trapping heat in our atmosphere. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, among the 6,587 million metric tons of greenhouse gases emitted in 2015, 9 percent came from the agriculture sector, meaning we can make a change by simply changing our diet.

In a study conducted by University of Oxford, researchers showed that a meat-rich diet produces twice the amount of carbon dioxide as its vegan counterpart. In the long run, vegetarianism will alleviate our planet from global warming. So why not try to make a difference today? Here are three simple, delicious, and budget-friendly recipes to get you started!

The prices are approximations based on average groceries prices, and the price calculation excludes kitchen staples such as salt and oil. Some ingredients are available at the Foothill food pantry (located in the Student Affairs Office, Room 2002) for students in need. Everyone can make a difference, even on a budget!

Breakfast: Breakfast Taco (Serves Two)

Start your morning with a delicious, easy to prepare taco. This simple breakfast is a twist on your usual Chipotle tacos and will keep your energized through classes. Simply take 15 minutes from your morning routine to prepare and enjoy!

Ingredients:

How to Make It?

1. Heat the tortillas over an open flame, or in a pan over medium heat, for 30 to 60 seconds.
2. Scramble the eggs the way you prefer.
3. Cut the avocado open and slice it into pieces, place them on the tortillas.
4. Put the scrambled eggs onto the tortillas.
5. Top off the tacos with sour cream and hot sauce, or other garnishes as desired. Enjoy!

Lunch: Buddha Bowl (Serves One)

Recharge at noon with this yummy Buddha Bowl. This Instagram-worthy bowl of goodness will definitely catch everyone’s attention in the dining hall. If you are having lunch on campus, prepare this at home in advance and simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

How to Make It?

1. Prepare the rice according to the instruction on the packaging.
2. While the rice is cooking, wash and chop the broccoli, mushroom, and kale, or the veggies of your choice. Set aside.
3. Remove the beans from the can and rinse them, set aside.
4. Once the rice is ready, place it at the bottom of the bowl, then layer the prepared veggies and beans.
5. Top off with slices of avocado and hummus, or other desired garnish. Snap a pic and enjoy!

Dinner: Black Bean Soup (Serves Two)

End your day with a bowl of comfort soup. This simple recipe requires little preparation at the end of your long school day. Just throw all your ingredients in the pot, wait for ten minutes, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

How to Make It?

1. Separate the can of black beans into two parts. Pour ½ of the can into a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Mash the other ½ of the beans with a potato masher, or with a spoon. Add mashed beans into saucepan.
3. Add the vegetable broth, salsa, chili powder, and your choice of vegetables if desired.
4. Turn on high heat and bring the soup to a boil.
5. Serve when it comes to a boil.
6. Top the soup with sour cream, onion, cilantro, or other toppings of your choice if desired. Pair the soup with some bread for extra carbs and energy. Enjoy!