plant-based food is good for you, the animals, and the planet — and there are so many exciting, delicious options to try.
At Dyrenes Alliance we fight to end the pain and suffering animals endure just because humans want to exploit them. But there are many reasons to eat plant-based. So why become a vegan? And what reasons are there to eat plant-based? We try to give insight here.
Here are 10 reasons to become a vegan
1. Animal Rights
Conventional farming is a major cause of animal abuse and neglect. Over 99% of animal products consumed in the US come from conventional farming and what’s called 'factory farming.'
An example is the turbo chickens, bred to have an unnatural body that grows too fast and suffers health issues. They live in cramped conditions, never see sunlight, and are slaughtered just five weeks after hatching.
Choosing a vegan diet helps reduce demand for animal products, thereby reducing the pain and suffering inflicted on animals.
2. Environment and Climate
Animal agriculture emits massive amounts of greenhouse gases and is a top contributor to the climate crisis. According to the Worldwatch Institute, animal agriculture accounts for 18% of total global greenhouse gas emissions,more than the entire transportation sector combined! Det er mere end hele transportsektoren!
Animal agriculture also drives deforestation and water pollution. A vegan lifestyle uses only a third of the land and water needed to produce meat for an animal-based diet. Plus, a vegan diet emits far fewer greenhouse gases.
If you care about sustainability, climate, environment, and nature, switching to a plant-based diet is a smart choice.
3. Health
A plant-based diet offers many health benefits. It can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and various cancers. According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarians have lower risks of obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease..
Also, a vegan diet provides all the nutrients your body needs—as long as you eat a varied diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
4. World Hunger
Animal agriculture contributes to global hunger. According to a Food and Agriculture Organization study, over half of the world’s crops feed farmed animals, while only 12% of the global population consumes these animal products.
That means a lot of food is lost by feeding animals instead of people. Plus, animal farming requires much more space. If we used this land to produce plant-based food, we could feed many more people worldwide.
5. Biodiversity
Animal agriculture is a leading cause of wild animal extinction and poses a grave threat to biodiversity.
A World Wildlife Fund study shows animal agriculture is the top cause of deforestation, habitat destruction, and extinction of wild animals, insects, and plants.
6. For the Oceans’ Sake
Animal agriculture harms ocean health through water pollution and overfishing.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, animal production causes “ocean dead zones” and pollution.Ocean dead zones are areas with so little oxygen that most marine life dies.
By living vegan, you avoid supporting the animal agriculture ruining our oceans.
7. A Personal Ethical Choice
Many switch to a vegan diet because they believe it’s morally wrong to harm and kill animals when it’s unnecessary.This applies not only to the meat industry but also animals in entertainment,
test animals, animals killed for their skins,fur, feathers, and animals harmed by the climate crisiswe cause. klimaforandringer, som vi er skyld i.
If you also believe it’s wrong for innocent animals to suffer, you should become a vegan.
8. Animals Are Intelligent, Sentient Beings
Animal farming is often unnatural and prevents animals from behaving naturally. Studies show many animals like chickens, pigs, and cows have complex cognitive abilities and feelings.. Kød- æg- og The meat, egg, and dairy industries cause animals to be separated from family and peers, inflicting psychological and physical suffering.
By choosing a plantebaseret kost, bidrager du til en mere human behandling af dyr.
9. Save Money
A vegan diet is often cheaper than an animal-based one.
Protein sources like beans and lentils are usually less expensive than meat, and especially now with rising prices, switching to a plant-based diet can save you money.
10. Exciting Food
A plant-based diet opens up a world of exciting dishes — and no, vegans don’t eat just salads.
There are many ways to make delicious, healthy food that doesn’t harm animals or the environment.
If you’re interested in eating plant-based, you can sign up for VeganerUdfordringenVeganerUdfordringen. For 22 days, you’ll get inspiration and recipes to help you start a vegan lifestyle.
Sources
Worldwatch Institute, “Livestock and Climate Change” (2009)
American Dietetic Association, “Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Vegetarian Diets” (2009)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options” (2006)
