Could Americans ever give up beef all together? With more than 30% of Americans now purchasing faux meat products, this growing trend suggests it may just be possible. And what a difference to the planet it would make! In fact, new research suggests that if Americans turned to beans instead of beef, the United States would “immediately realize approximately 50 to 75% of its greenhouse gas reduction targets for the year 2020.” The switch would also free up 42% of U.S. cropland currently under cultivation, which is approximately 1.6 times the size of California. Although the prospect of Americans ditching beef remains unlikely, the research shows just how beneficial it would be for the environment.