5 Shocking Reasons Why Veganism will Save the Planet

What if I told you that veganism isn't just about avocado toast and hummus? Veganism actually has a massive impact on the planet and we're currently destroying it for a hamburger that's going to give us 5 minutes of pleasure. I've compiled a list of why the vegan lifestyle can help save our planet:

Conserves water.

One in ten people around the world do not have access to clean water. Many more people struggle with periodic water scarcity, sometimes because of drought and sometimes because of mismanagement of water sources. Livestock use up more fresh water than anything else. They're also one of the biggest polluters of fresh water. It takes 100 to 200 times more water to raise a pound of beef than it does to raise a pound of plant foods. Cutting down on just one kilo of beef saves 15,000 litres of water and replacing a roast chicken with vegetables saves 4,235L. Is your mind blown yet?

Cleans the soil

Livestock erodes and weakens soil, this is because raising livestock leads to deforestation and that clears huge swaths of land of the different elements that provide nutrients and resilience, to make room for the livestock.

More ethical

Over 150 billion land animals are slaughtered every year for our consumption. If we include the 2.8 trillion fish, the marine animals and even bees and silkworms, we're into the trillions. These animals are sentient - they feel pain, fear, grief, are capable of joy, love and excitement. Even cutting out meat just once or twice a week will help change the grim reality the animals have to face. 

Combats world hunger

More than a billion people in the world go hungry and the only way to produce enough food is, according to Worldwatch Institute, "to cut back sharply on meat consumption, because conversion of grazing land to food crops will increase the amount of food produced." We use substantial amounts of land, water, and other resources to grow grains and other plants to feed animals who are then used for food, instead of directly giving that food to humans. It is estimated that 700 million tons of food that could be consumed by humans goes to livestock each year. 

Reduces energy consumption

Raising livestock costs a lot of energy. This is because it takes a long time to raise animals; they consume a lot of food that was cultivated on land that could have been put to other use; meat products need to be shipped and refrigerated; and meat takes a long time to process from slaughterhouse to kitchen table.

Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions for future blog posts. I am also happy to answer any questions about veganism you may have.

💓 Phoebe xoxo