VEGANISM - Environmental Impact
We are in the middle of horrific ecological devastation. Raising animals for food is the single greatest human-caused source of destruction to our environment. It’s the largest source of greenhouse gases, land use, water pollution and rainforest deforestation. The other resources used to raise animals for food are land, fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides, fossil fuels, fresh water, and food. It is also a costly and inefficient use of our limited natural resources.
If you’re serious about protecting the environment, Veganism is the solution. The most important thing that could be done is to stop eating meat, eggs, and dairy products. For most of the people shunning dairy, meat and other animal products may seem like an extreme sacrifice. The shift to a vegan diet is associated with personal and societal benefits. There is need to care about our fellow creatures and to maintain ecological balance in the environment. Animals do not deserve to be killed and eaten, It’s highly unethical.
A well-balanced ecosystem purifies the environment, giving us clean air to breathe, a healthy water system to support diverse marine life, and arable land for agricultural production. Veganism in a way combats world hunger, conserves water, cleans the soil, and reduces energy consumption.
My journey
I am from Hyderabad and undoubtedly, used to love chicken. Hyderabad is renowned for its extravagant meat dishes which are considered as staple food. Every year we used to wait for Ramadan so that we could roam around Charminar, shop, eat haleem in Pista House (A very famous Haleem center), and have chicken biryani in Shadab Hotel.
There used to be always a debate with my vegetarian friends, that the meat industry is economics and commerce for society. Meat industry is a livelihood for many people and there is a reason this food cycle exists, such were my beliefs. One fine day my cousin said that she’s stopped eating meat for a while and suggested me to watch a documentary, ” COWSPIRACY”.
I watched it and learned about how it can impact the environment, which I never knew and I was inspired. It was tough for me to avoid chicken or any kind of meat. Somehow I made it happen, it’s been 8 months now. I’ve been successful in avoiding cheese, paneer, and butter for a month now and I hope I continue. This has become my objective, to encourage individuals and to stop animal exploitation.
We need to protect animals and stop exploiting them in any kind. Let’s take every step to protect our environment and animals. Veganism is a major, easy step. Let’s go vegan and make the world a better place to live in.
About the author
Siri is a third year undergraduate student.
She loves to travel and explore the food which is the celebrated dish of that place.