There are many ways to be kind to the environment, but not all of them are only about recycling, reducing waste, and reusing. Did you know that one way to reduce your carbon footprint is by reducing the amount of meat you consume? 

Though I am no health nut, and I am certainly not vegetarian or vegan, I do appreciate simple decisions that can make a positive impact on the planet. One of those ways is to adopt the Meatless Monday, which my sorority sister got me hooked on while we were studying at the University of Virginia. By eliminating meat just one day per week, we all can reduce the demand, the pollution, and methane emissions produced by livestock.

However, if you are just new to this movement, you don't necessarily have to do it on an already-tough-enough-Monday. 

You can start the same way I did. This weekend I tried the best vegan pizza. It was homemade, and I couldn't believe the simplicity of it coupled with the amazing flavor palate. I am talking about cashew-based Alfredo, with mushrooms and spinach; and pesto, and tomato that was so satisfying you didn't miss the cheese.

When looking for vegan recipes, One Green Planet is the place to explore both vegan and vegetarian options. You can use these and get together with your neighbors, a group of girlfriends, or have a cooking date with yourself and plan your meals for the Meatless Monday tradition. If you are looking for something both festive for fall, here is an interesting assortment of seasonal sushi that will fit right into your eco-friendly and heart-healthy diet plan.

But wait, doesn't sushi need to be prepared with... fish?

If you think that the idea of vegan fish is a bit crazy, bear with me. Vegan sushi has been coming up a bit lately, namely because Whole Foods has picked up on the trend.

They are shelving at select locations, Ahimi, a vegan product from Ocean Hugger Foods. It mimics raw tuna using cooked Roma tomatoes flavored with umami-laden ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil. Some Whole Foods stores in New York and Los Angeles are using it in vegan nigiri sushi and California rolls.

Ocean Hugger nailed the color and texture of tuna, and you may be won over after trying Ahimi in sushi.

Please comment below other ideas for Meatless Monday recipes or how you can modify your diet to make a positive impact on the environment. 

Eat green and stay Swell, my friends.

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Ahimi, $11.99 for nigiri combinations, $8.99 for California roll starting Wednesday from Whole Foods sushi counters at all Manhattan and Brooklyn stores.