Veganism

“A person who follows a vegan diet produces the equivalent of 50% less carbon dioxide, uses 1/11th oil, 1/13th water, and 1/18th land compared to a meat-lover for their food.” ~ Cowspiracy – the Sustainability Secret

It is a powerful act to realise how much potential each and every single human being has to make a difference in this world. Finding out about veganism was a key turning point for me on realising this.

Research has shown me that a vegan lifestyle is a cruelty-free and the eco-friendliest way of eating and living. Veganism is not only about what you eat but also the products that you buy and the way you behave and act. However, it is also important to note that veganism means different things for different individuals and not everything that is labeled “vegan” necessary means that it is impact-free. Nothing that we do or consume is impact-free but veganism is a big step towards achieving a more humane and compassionate world and towards committing to an environmental consciousness lifestyle.

A plant-based vegan diet excludes all animal products, such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. Not only is it proven that a vegan diet is much more environmentally-friendly, but it is also healthy and beneficial to your body. Studies have shown that is reduces the risk of many diseases. A documentary addressing the health issue regarding meat and dairy is called “Forks over knifes” and is worthwhile watching when researching more about the vegan diet and its benefits. Another eye-opening movie that will change your perspective on health is called “What the Health”.

The documentary  that inspired me to become vegan addresses the environmental impact of the meat and dairy industry and is called “Cowspiracy“. The documentary “Earthlings” addresses the ethics behind animal cruelty and veganism. Both movies are worthwhile when aiming to live a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle. It is important to inform yourself about veganism and find out about the industry interests that lead to animal cruelty, profit-making conspiracy and environmental destruction.

Changing the world starts with every single one of us: a single individual can make a difference and can change circumstances. Just like one single individual can cause great harm to people, animals and the environment the opposite is true as well. Our love and the way we respond to our conscience shows the humans that we are behind the masks we wear.

However, even when eating a plant-based diet it is advisable to eat seasonally as far as possible in order to support the local market and avoid imported food with a larger carbon footprint.

In addition, due to the harm caused by palm oil plantations and deforestations I avoid all products containing palm oil to protect the wildlife, chimpanzees, eco-systems and the local people in those areas.

Some facts from Cowspiracy [www.cowspiracy.com/facts/]:

• Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation.
• Cows produce 150 billion gallons of methane per day.
• Even without fossil fuels, we will exceed our 565 giga tones CO₂limit by 2030, all from raising animals.
• Animal Agriculture is responsible for 20% – 33% of all fresh water consumption in the world today.
• Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 91% of Amazon destruction.
• 82% of starving children live in countries where food is fed to animals, and the animals are eaten by western countries.
• A person who follows a vegan diet produces the equivalent of 50% less carbon dioxide, uses 1/11th oil, 1/13th water, and 1/18th land compared to a meat-lover for their food.
• Each day, a person who eats a vegan diet saves 1,100 gallons of water, 45 pounds of grain, 30 sq ft of forested land, 20Ibs CO2 equivalent, and one animal’s life.