The impact of human food production and consumption behaviors on the planet has formed the basis of numerous debates of the 21st century. Humans, plants, as well as animals, have experienced the harsh effects of environmental degradation in the past years as a result of the increase in animal and plant production activities (Raphaely 1). The activities are due to the increasing demand for food for humans. However, animal production has been identified to have the more significant impact on the environment as compared to plant production (Edelstein 295). Therefore, it is critical that strategies that will curb the problem and ensure the preservation of the present and future generations are developed. Veganism has been argued to be one of the ways that could effectively reduce the impact of food production methods on the environment. Edelstein identifies that “…the average American could do more to reduce global warming emissions by going vegan than by switching to a hybrid car” (295). Veganism is the dietary behavior of avoiding the consumption of animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs (Griffin 1). Individuals may decide to be vegans due to environmental, religious, or ethical principles (Griffin 7). Research has shown that not only does veganism positively impact on the environment, but it also has numerous health benefits for individuals (Berkman and Deane-Drummond 39). Statistics identify that the number of vegans across the globe is quite small since the individuals comprise slightly higher than 1% of the total human population on earth (Berkman and Deane-Drummond 37). The number may seem small, but the unity of the individuals in tackling environmental issues could produce the most substantial impacts on earth. This work discusses the environmental effects of veganism and supports the behavior as a possible means of dealing with the adverse ecological conditions witnessed in the present day.
The consumption of animal products has promoted the destruction of natural habitats and species. The increasing human population has intensified the need for an increase in the production of food to sustain communities across the globe. Individuals and organizations have increased the number of animals on their farms as a result of the high demand for animal-based foods. The large number of animals has necessitated for an increase in the need for the acquisition of vast tracts of land that provide space for animal rearing as well as the production of their food ((Keith 254). The transformation of natural areas such as forests into grazing lands and fields for animal food production have produced adverse environmental effects. “…there is compelling evidence that cattle ranching has ruined more square miles of land in the United States than any other activity…” (Iacobbo and Iacobbo 95). The situation is quite different when an assessment of the impact of veganism on land is conducted. Eating meat and other animal products have been identified to require three times more land as compared to veganism (Raphaely 3). The decline in the number of forested lands across the globe has been argued as one of the reasons behind the devastating climatic conditions evidenced in the present day (Amato and Partridge 20). A large number of areas that were previously rainforests have been transformed into arid, semi-arid and desert lands (Berkman and Deane-Drummond 39). Besides, the consumption of animal products has been discouraged since it negatively impacts on the soil. Overgrazing is one of the practices that has been identified to promote soil erosion. Animals weaken the ground and promote soil erosion (Keith 254). Amato and Partridge identify that “Approximately seven billion tons of topsoil are eroded every year in the United States” (19). Moreover, the clearing of land to facilitate the rearing of livestock has weakened the soil and improved soil erosion through some soil erosion agents. On the other hand, veganism enhances soil nourishment and preservation of the environment since less forested lands are destroyed. Besides, the production of plants, as well as the conservation of forests improve air purification (Edelstein 295). If only the demand for animal products by individuals across the globe can be reduced, there is a high probability that the rates of environmental degradation will be minimized.
Further, research has identified that veganism could be one of how hunger issues across the globe can be resolved. The increased number of individuals that prefer animal products has resulted in the allocation of enormous resources for the production of animal feeds. The consumption of animal products has been discouraged as an appropriate method of feeding communities (Amato and Partridge 21). Animals consume vast amounts of plants that could provide food for millions of individuals.
“Approximately 10 billion livestock animals are harvested for the animal-product diet system in the United States each year. The U.S. livestock population outweighs the U.S. human population by about 5 times. Approximately 250 million metric tons of grain are fed to U.S livestock each year. This is sufficient to feed approximately 800 million people as vegetarians” (Iacobbo K and Iacobbo M 95).
The promotion of veganism would significantly help channel these efforts towards the production of enough plant-based foods for human consumption. A large number of diversified plants that can provide suitable alternatives to nutrients obtained from animal proteins can be produced on these vast tracks of land dedicated to animal rearing. Research has identified that animals require at least 16 pounds of grain to provide a pound of meat, while the former has “21 times more calories, 8 times more protein, and a good deal more fiber” (Amato and Partridge 21). If veganism is adopted, public health problems such as malnutrition in many developing nations can be solved (Edelstein 295). Humans that are concerned about the welfare of other individuals should adopt veganism, and there will be enough food for everyone.
Additionally, veganism has been supported because it results in the production of minimal wastes that have reduced impacts on societies. The animal production industry has been identified to be one of the significant factors behind environmental pollution in the world. The industry generates more than two billion tons of manure every year and “The enormous quantity of waste generated give the animal food industry the distinction of being one of the world’s largest polluters of water” (Amato and Partridge 20). Animal wastes, as well as the numerous chemicals used in animal farms, are washed and carried into large water bodies (Edelstein 295). Animals in aquatic environments such as fish have been affected adversely (Amato and Partridge 20). The situation is quite different since plant waste material, as well as the production activities of plants, have reduced effects on the environment. Besides, animal production has been discouraged since it results in high rates of water shortage across the globe. Animals require high amounts of water for consumption, cooling as well as for cleaning their living spaces. In addition, large volumes of water are used for the farming of animal feeds (Edelstein 295). The massive amounts of water used have gradually created a water shortage in various parts of the world. Hence, an increase in the number of vegans in the world would significantly help in the reduction in the rates of water shortage across the globe.
Veganism promotes the adoption of sustainable diets. Plant-based organic foods are better for the planet than animal products. The rearing of animals for the provision of food for humans requires high energy consumption rates for efficient production. Most of the energy is obtained from non-renewable sources of energy such as fossil fuels which have adverse effects on the environment (Edelstein 295). “On a weight basis, fewer emissions are generated from the production of vegetables and grains than from animal-based foods, and these generally stem from the power used for irrigation, processing and packaging” (Raphaely 2). Animal agriculture, and especially the rearing of cows has been highly related to the production of high amounts of methane gas that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. According to Raphaely, “…studies from developed countries shows that food consumption contributes between 15% and 28% to overall national greenhouse gases” (2). The largest fraction of the emissions originates from the animal industry. Research has shown that livestock together with their by-products such as manure account for more than 14% of the annual worldwide greenhouse gas emissions (Edelstein 295). Besides, animals require higher inputs of energy as compared to what they produce. Amato and Partridge identify that “16 pounds of grain and soy fed to a cow yield only one pound of meat in return” (20). Sustainable diets can only be achieved through the promotion of the production and the consumption of plant products.
Veganism promotes human health. Plant-based diets have been identified through research to provide humans with the necessary nutrients that are required for their bodies as compared to animal products. Plants provide individuals with excess nutrients; some of which could not be found in animal products (Edelstein 295). Further, the World Health Organization has discouraged individuals from the consumption of animal products such as red meat which has been proven to increase the prevalence of cancer, heart diseases, stroke and other severe health conditions within societies (Mariotti 97). Besides, meat is among the primary ingredients for the production of foods that contain added sugar, preservatives, chemicals, and elements that negatively affect human health (Raphaely 2). More individuals have been attracted to the consumption of animal products primarily due to the great taste delivered by their consumption. However, the feeling does not compare to that of well-cooked plant products. The severe medical complications would otherwise be avoided if individuals shifted into taking plant products.
Veganism has also been supported on ethical grounds. In most cultural environments, humans have had low regard for animals. As a result, animals have been poorly treated through being seen as sources of food for humans. Most animal activists have discouraged the consumption of animal feeds especially since many animals require to be killed to satisfy the human population. Statistics have identified that more than four billion animals are killed in America annually (Amato and Partridge 20). Besides, the farms apply poor animal management strategies since overcrowding, and poor sanitation is common problems that animal rights activists have fought against. Such issues can be positively resolved if humans avoid and discourage the consumption of animal products.
The idea that the promotion of veganism amongst individuals will promote environmental protection has been disapproved on various grounds. Recent research has identified that the small increase in the numbers of individuals deciding to consume plant-based diets has resulted in adverse environmental effects on the environment (Edelstein 295). The high demand for plants and fruits has promoted farming activities that are aimed at the production of these products. Hence, more natural lands have been cleared and set aside for the production of crops. The destruction of natural habitats has had adverse effects on the environment. Besides, the intensive farming practices aimed at improving the production of plant foods has increased the pollution of the soil, water, and the air in the same manner as livestock production. The farming, harvesting, packaging and the transportation of plant foods also significantly contributes to environmental pollution through emissions from machines involved in plant production. However, the claims can be refuted on the basis that plant production has reduced effects on the environment. Less energy is required in crop farming, decreased emissions and wastes are released into the atmosphere, and plants provide higher energy and nutrients as compared to a single unit of animal products.
In conclusion, the increased livestock rearing activities are detrimental to the human species. Taking plant-based foods is a more effective way of dealing with some environmental issues. Veganism reduces emissions that harm the environment, increases the productivity of land and enhances food security. More campaigns that promote awareness of the importance of the production and the consumption of plant products should be launched across the globe.
Work Cited
Amato, Paul R., and Sonia A. Partridge. The new vegetarians: Promoting health and protecting life. Springer, 2013.
Berkman, John, and Celia Deane-Drummond. "Catholic Moral Theology and the Moral Status of Non-Human Animals." Journal of Moral Theology 3.2 (2014): 1-10.
Edelstein, Sari, ed. Food science: An ecological approach. Massachusetts: Jones " Bartlett Learning, 2014.
Griffin, Nathan Stephens. Understanding Veganism: Biography and Identity. Springer, 2017.
Iacobbo, Karen, and Michael Iacobbo. Vegetarians and vegans in America today. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006.
Keith, Lierre. The vegetarian myth: Food, justice and sustainability. PM Press, 2009.
Mariotti, François, ed. Vegetarian and Plant-based Diets in Health and Disease Prevention. Academic Press, 2017.
Raphaely, Talia, ed. Impact of meat consumption on health and environmental sustainability. IGI Global, 2015.
