Over at Plenty Magazine a reader wrote in to ask just how sustainable of a grain quinoa really is. According to Plenty, there isn’t a whole lot of information available regarding quinoa’s footprint in relation to other grains like millet or rice. But even if you can’t determine what the amount of water and land use is to harvest quinoa, because it’s a complete protein, you can use to grain to replace meat in your diet.

Even if you don’t want to go full-on vegetarian, cutting down on meat consumption can help cut greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, according to the UN, the livestock industry is responsible for 20% of those emissions worldwide, so replacing a few meat meals with quinoa every week will help make for a better environment.

Since October 1st is the official World Vegetarian Day, even if you’re a meat-eater, consider giving it up for today. Studies show that cutting meat out of your diet can help cut greenhouse gas emissions.

My tips for quinoa — and 100% vegetarian — recipes to make today:

Salade de Quinoa Rouge via Chocolate and Zucchini

Warm and Nutty Cinnamon Quinoa via 101 Cookbooks

Quinoa Vegetable Paella via Fat Free Vegan Kitchen

Any other suggestions?