10 Reasons to Become a vegan
plant-based food benefits you, the animals, and the planet—and there are so many ways to create exciting, delicious meals.
At Plantespringet , we fight so animals won’t suffer pain and cruelty just because humans want to exploit them. In fact, there are many reasons to eat plant-based. So why become a vegan? And what are the reasons to eat plant-based? We'll give you some insight here.
Here are 10 reasons to become a vegan
1. Animal Rights
Conventional farming is one of the main causes of animal abuse and neglect. Over 99% of animal products consumed in the US come from conventional farming, known as factory farming.
One example is the turbo chickens, bred to have unnatural bodies that grow too fast and suffer serious health problems. They live cramped, never see sunlight, and are slaughtered just five weeks after hatching.
Choosing a vegan diet helps reduce demand for animal products and the suffering inflicted on animals.
2. Environment and Climate
Animal agriculture emits huge amounts of greenhouse gases and is a major contributor to climate change. According to a Worldwatch Institute study, animal agriculture accounts for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the entire transportation sector! It's more than the entire transportation sector combined!
Yderligere, er det animalske landbrug en af de ledende årsager til skovrydning og vandforurening. En vegansk livsstil kræver kun en tredjedel af det landareal og den mængde af vand, der skal bruges til at producere kød til en animalsk diæt. Yderligere udleder en vegansk kost langt færre drivhusgasser.
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 numerous health benefits. It can lower risks of heart disease, strokes, and various cancers. According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarians have lower risks of obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease..
A vegan diet provides all necessary nutrients—as long as you eat a varied diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
4. Hunger
Animal agriculture contributes to global hunger. A Food and Agriculture Organization study found that over half the world's crops are used to feed animals, while only 12% of the population consumes those animal products.
This means a huge amount of food is wasted by feeding animals instead of people. Animal farming requires far more land. If we used that land to grow plant-based food, we could feed many more people worldwide.
5. Biodiversity
Animal agriculture is a leading cause of wildlife extinction and poses a serious threat to biodiversity.
According to a World Wildlife Fund study, animal farming is the primary driver of deforestation, habitat destruction, and the loss of wild animal, insect, and plant species.
6. For Our Oceans
Animal farming harms ocean health through water pollution and overfishing.
The World Wildlife Fund states that 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 refuse to support the animal agriculture destroying our oceans.
7. Personal Ethics
Many switch to a vegan diet because they believe it’s morally wrong to harm and kill animalswhen it isn’t necessary.
This applies to the meat industry, animals in entertainment, lab testing animals,animals killed for their skins, fur,feathers, and those harmed by the climate crisis, which we are responsible for.
If you believe innocent animals shouldn't suffer, you should become a vegan.
8. Animals Are Intelligent, Sentient Beings
Animal farming is often unnatural and prevents animals from expressing natural behaviors. Studies show many animals like chickens, pigs, and cows have complex cognitive abilities and emotions.The meat, egg, and dairy industries are responsible for separating animals from their families and social groups, causing mental and physical suffering.
Choosing a plant-based diet supports more humane treatment of animals.
9. Save Money
Often, a vegan diet costs less than an animal-based one.
Protein sources like beans and lentils are usually more affordable than meat, especially now with rising prices. Switching to a plant-based diet can save you money.
10. Exciting Food
A plant-based diet opens a world of exciting dishes—and no, vegans don’t just eat salads.
There are plenty of options to cook exciting, healthy meals without harming animals or the environment.
If you're interested in eating plant-based, you can sign up for VeganerUdfordringen—a 22-day program with inspiration and recipes to kickstart your vegan lifestyle.
Kilder
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)
