We’re often described as lazy, entitled, and unwilling to
leave our parents’ homes. But this isn’t the truth, nor is it what I’m here to
discuss. We need to talk about what we’re eating and how it affects the world,
our health, and the countless animals at factory farms.
We’re not only the world’s largest generation; we’re the largest
generation of self-identified vegetarians and vegans. Concerned about
health, the environment, and animal welfare, nearly 12 percent of us avoid
animal products.
While it’s great that so many of us care, it’s important
that we all understand the negative impact that eating meat, dairy, and eggs has
on the world.
Let’s start with the environment. It’s clear that killing
animals for food is killing our planet. Consider this: Raising animals for food
produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transportation combined. Simply by avoiding animal products,
we can cut our carbon footprints in half.
Animal agriculture isn’t only a leading cause of climate
change; it’s also a leading source of water pollution. And it’s a huge drain on
natural resources—for example, a pound of beef requires 13 percent more fossil fuel and 15 times
more water to produce than a pound of soy. If you say you care about the
environment, it’s time to put your money where your mouth is and eat a
plant-based diet.
Millennials are the age
group most likely to be uninsured, so it’s important we discuss the
negative health effects of consuming animal products. Study after study has shown that one of the best ways
to improve your health is to adopt a vegan
diet. In fact, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that compared to
shorter-term vegetarians, people on a vegetarian diet for more than 17 years
enjoyed a 3.6-year increase in life expectancy. Just think about all you could
do with that extra time!
But surely the most important reason we millennials need to
start caring about what we eat is because it directly affects the lives of
billions of innocent farmed animals.
Cows, pigs, and chickens raised and killed for food are just
as smart and sensitive as the dogs
and cats we adore at home. But at factory farms they’re subjected to
extreme confinement; brutal mutilations; and of course, bloody, violent deaths.
See for yourself:
Fortunately, we have the power to stop this. We can help the
planet,
animals, and ourselves
by simply switching to a vegan diet. And I know what you’re thinking—yes, you can
still enjoy
brunch.
So what do you say, fellow millennials? Let’s be the
generation that puts an end to this cruel and unnecessary industry and makes the
world a kinder place for all. Click here
to get started!