Environmentally Eating

It is no secret that Vegans love the environment. Many associate the term "tree huggers" with vegans but the reasoning behind it is sometimes unknown. Yes, Vegans care about the environment more than most however many do not realize that the day to day vegan lifestyle makes a huge impact on the environment. Earlier in the week, I read an article from The Human League and it talked about all the environmental impacts of a vegan diet. I will be taking what I learned in that article and in today's blog we will highlighting the environmental impacts that a vegan diet has on the environment.

Veganism Conserves Water

In elementary science, we all learned about the water cycle or how the earth is mostly made up of water. This created a notion in people's minds that the Earth could never run out of water, which in some part is true. However, the Earth can face a water scarcity if humans use fresh water faster than the Earth can produce it.

The Human League released an article explaining agriculture uses 70% of global water use which is the most of any other major global industry. Most of that water usage goes to livestock maintenance and care.

"It takes 460 gallons of water to make one beef patty...which is equal to 23 showers"- Human League

Vegan food requires far less water usage in its production. Going vegan can reduce a person's water footprint significantly.

Veganism Protects the Rainforest and Lands

"One-third of the Earth's landmass is dedicated to raising animals for consumption"- The Human League

Millions of acres of land are cleared every year by the meat industry to make room to raise animals.Animal agriculture is the leader in mass deforestation, this deforestation is causing a rise in carbon in the air.

"Over a fifteen year period the meat industry destroyed over 111 million acres of forest, the equivalent of 84 million football fields"-The Human League

Plant-based meat uses a substantially less amount of land than conventional meat to be produced. If more people switched to plant-based meat alternatives deforestation could decline up to 94% (The Human League ).

What can I Do?

This information can seem overwhelming. Take a breath there is hope! Making small changes to your everyday diet can seem like a small change but can make a lasting difference! We created a 5 point checklist that you can try to implement this week to help reduce your personal carbon footprint.

1. Switch to plant-based meat alternatives.

2. Buy from sustainable companies.

3. Buy Local

4. Use a reusable water bottle.

5. Be Vegan

For more information check out The Human League .