Earth Day 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the event that today is recognized across 175 countries around the world and by over 500 million people. Originally the idea of Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1969, the initial goal was to educate children and the environment. Now held on April 22nd, after the first recognized Earth Day in 1970, this day represents a time when many people think about living in a healthier and more sustainable way.

The results of a new study from Context Marketing show that ethical foods represent quality and safety to American consumers. Broadly defined as foods that are produced with conscious regard to environmental protection, high quality and safety standards, and animal welfare, nearly seven out of ten consumers are willing to pay more for foods produced according to these higher ethical standards. According to 91% of consumers, among other things, “ethical foods” avoid the inhumane treatment of animals.

In late 2008, the Dutch Vegetarian Association studied the environmental consequences of substituting vegetable proteins for animal proteins in the Dutch diet. By looking at both the product and menu levels of consumer diets, the environmental burdens of both types of products were analyzed and researchers drew several conclusions about the environmental impact a change in diet from animal to vegetable proteins might have.