As farming has grown from small-scale to massive factory models, people have become increasingly concerned about its environmental effects. For many, a simple solution is to switch out meat and dairy products for a plant-based diet. Studies show there are several environmental benefits of plant-based foods, including less water consumption, reduced emissions, and less land needed for food production. 1.   Plant-Based Foods Use Less Water There’s some debate about whether plant-based diets are as nutrient-rich and healthy as omnivore ones. However, raising meat takes a significantly larger amount of water than growing crops. Since the 1960s, the amount of meat produced globally has more than quadrupled. Asia is the world’s largest meat producer,…