Was going vegan your new year’s resolution? If so, you’re
one of many who chose to ditch animal products in favor of a truly
compassionate lifestyle. While we’re certain you’re enjoying this new
adventure, you might be wondering just what difference you’ve made in these
past two weeks. Well, look no further for your answers!
Each year, the typical American consumes around 30 farmed
animals (that’s not even counting wild-caught fish). This averages out to
about one animal every two weeks. So by going vegan, you’ve already spared at
least one animal a lifetime of horrific suffering.
From throwing baby chicks into macerators to tearing baby cows away from their mothers, the
meat, dairy, and egg industries put profits ahead of animals. The saddest part
is that so much of the abuse at factory farms is legal. Fortunately, the longer you continue
your vegan journey, the more animals you spare.
But the positive impact of your food choices doesn’t stop
there. According to a
recent study, you’ve also saved a lot of water. And you’ve cut your carbon
footprint in half. Consider this: A pound of beef requires 13 percent more fossil fuel to produce
than a pound of soy.
Animal agriculture is a leading cause of climate change and
deforestation. In fact, according to the World Bank, animal agriculture is culpable for nearly 91 percent of
Amazon destruction. Additionally, the meat industry emits more
greenhouse gas than all the transportation in the world combined.
By not consuming animal products, you also greatly improve
your health. Eating
vegan reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
Plus, a report published in Men’s Journal found that people
who followed a plant-based diet had an early mortality rate 20 percent lower
than that of meat eaters!
What’s more, by withdrawing your financial support from factory
farms, you take a stand for poor
rural communities and workers’ rights. Often undocumented immigrants denied
basic labor protections, factory farm workers are exposed to countless
workplace hazards, including injuries,
respiratory illness, PTSD,
and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Lastly, by going vegan, you’ve taken a step in creating a
kinder world—one filled with more compassion, peace, and harmony.
Congratulations on sticking to a resolution that truly makes a difference.
Click here to visit
our Action Center to learn more about how you can help farmed animals!
Hungry for more? Click here to check out our Pinterest page for thousands of recipe ideas!