The Importance of Veganism
Our diet and how it affects the environment is one of the most discussed topics all around the world. Even though we have unlimited amounts of information at our fingertips, many of us still aren’t aware of all of the facts about our food, where it comes from, and how it affects us. Some are aware and choose to ignore the issue. But some are making changes to their lifestyle as needed, making the world a better place one meal at a time.
Veganism is a lifestyle that does exactly that. It is a term that means different things to different people, but the foundation is the same for all: a diet that consists of no meat, seafood, or any byproduct from animals. In order to adhere by the rules of veganism, an individual must also avoid all products made from dairy, eggs and honey. Since those ingredients are a part of the animal agriculture world, they are not a part of the vegan world.
The reasons to go vegan are aplenty. Here are just a few reasons why veganism is important to our society.
Reduces Animal Cruelty
Eating cheeseburgers, steak, ribs, and many other meat-driven foods can be delicious, but at what cost? The processes put in place to achieve those meals are horrifying, and this is no secret. A simple YouTube search on this topic will show you exactly how awful it is inside the walls of slaughterhouses all around the globe.
No matter what type of food we eat, we can all agree on one thing: animal cruelty is terrible and unacceptable. At no point should an animal suffer this much, just for some people to have a meal that they can either go without or choose a healthier alternative. Even the regular standards set for slaughterhouses reek with animal cruelty. For example, when a cow is ready to be killed, they put a bullet through its head, which causes a massive brain injury, and then a chain from the ceiling hoists the cow up in the air as someone cuts its throat. The pain that an animal feels when they go through this process is unbearable, cruel, and horrifying. No living thing deserves such pain.
Helps the Environment
Veganism is great for the environment, and it promotes a greener world. Research conducted in 2019 found that vegan and vegetarian diets were associated with greatest reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and if we shift the paradigm to those diets in the future, we can reduce those gas emissions by up to 70% in 30 years. We can quite literally save the planet. Producing meats and dairy products requires a ton of resources, which produces more greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based products.
Veganism is here to stay, and this lifestyle is only growing bigger. As the horrors of slaughterhouses are more documented, more people are switching over to 100% plant-based foods, and by doing so, they are taking a stance against animal cruelty. Going vegan has a plethora of benefits, and alongside helping the environment, it is also a great way to stay healthy and energetic. Fruits and vegetables are healthy foods and having a diet filled with them will enhance your health in no time.
