Veganism & Environment: What’s the Connection?
Veganism is a concept that focuses on promoting the use and consumption of plant-based products. It is also considered a drive to create buzz about the need to save the ecosystem and environment. You may wonder how going vegan can help manage environmental issues. When you eat animal products and meals that are made using animal cruelty, you contribute to the production of greenhouse gases in the environment.
Moreover, the extinction of species is also related to the increased consumption of animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. As per a study, animal agriculture and rearing pose a harmful environmental impact. Including instances like the emission of greenhouse gasses, increased chance of acid rain, and depletion of natural resources, a number of issues may arise.
Experts believe that about 14.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions are generated by livestock. Furthermore, diet change and a positive shift toward veganism remain the best option to contribute to decreasing environmental degradation.
Another connection between veganism and the environment is that the two are sustainably supportive of each other. They both play a critical role in creating the balance of the ecosystem. Also, it is no longer tough to switch to a vegan diet because of the increased availability of plant-based alternatives to animal products.
Animal Product |
Plant-based Alternative |
Milk derived from Animals |
Coconut Milk, Hazelnut Milk, Soy Milk, Oat Milk |
Meat and Fish |
Tofu, Pulses, and Tempeh |
Bacon |
Coconut Bacon |
Chocolates |
Vegan Energy Bars |
These alternatives help in choosing veganism over animal products easily. Most people may believe that animal products are a rich source of protein and no alternative can make it up for that. However, it is not completely true. A variety of plant-based protein sources such as peanuts, spirulina, and quinoa serve a beneficial quantity of high-quality protein. Also because they are all plant-based, they don’t adversely affect the environment as compared to animal sources.