Veganism Research Paper

Plants For The Win

It could be contemplated why so many people dislike vegans; they are simply living a sustainable lifestyle. Veganism is the practice of choosing not to eat meat or animal by-products. Being vegan is a marvelous choice because it benefits the lifestyle of many people, both directly and indirectly.

The environment is a very relevant issue for every human, animal, and plant on this earth. Going vegan could help the environment in many ways. The factory farming industry has and is continuing to contribute to global warming. “The livestock sector is a major player [of global warming], responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions measured in CO2 equivalent.” (Environmental) Greenhouse gas emissions are theorized to

be responsible for global warming, which is therefore melting our glaciers and shifting ocean currents. Omnivores additionally help enlarge the amount of water pollution. “The major sources of pollution are from animal wastes, antibiotics and hormones, chemicals from tanneries, fertilizers and pesticides used for feed crops, and sediments from eroded pastures.” (Environmental) In turn, these pollutants cause coral reef destruction, human health problems, and much more.
Vegans are more likely to have better health than their meat-eating counterparts.The saturated fats found in meat and other animal by-products are known to be hard on ones heart.

“Heart disease is much less common in countries where people consistently eat low-fat diets containing minimal amounts of animal products. “(Marcus 9). The epidemic in America of heart-related diseases would go down tremendously if more omnivores embraced a vegan lifestyle. Due to being low-fat, following a plant-based diet is also a fantastic way to lose weight. “Those who followed a plant-based diet [study comparing diets] shed roughly four pounds more on average than those whose meals allowed meat.”(Fowler) America’s obesity epidemic is getting worse every day, and this is partially due to the mass-consumption of factory farm meats. Going vegan could be a simple way to lose weight for many

people.
Meat-eaters endorse animal cruelty every day.

Numerous numbers of animals suffer for the entirety of their short lives each day.“Each year on today’s factory farms, over eight billion animals are confined in windowless sheds, tiny barren crates, and filthy wire cages. The vast majority of these animals are mutilated without painkillers, denied veterinary care, and ultimately slaughtered.” (Saved!) Any normal person that saw this happening before their eyes would think twice about ever eating meat again. These farm workers disrespect animals and think of them as objects. Despite the labels on food that claim they are “organic” or “free-range”,consuming these animal by-products is still not cruelty-free. “Many ‘organically raised’ cows are sent to crowded factory-farm feedlots to be fattened prior to slaughter. Cows who are transported long distances and fattened on feedlots can still be labeled “organic” as long as they’re given organic feed.” (The Organic) This is just one example, there are many more. It is easy to be manipulated into thinking that animals are being treated appropriately prior to slaughter, because of how the meat industry can lie with such ease. Animals have souls and feel pain, whether society chooses to put a blinder to it or not. Factory farmers care purely about profit, and nothing else. Like any other business, if they don’t have customers they will be forced to shut

down.
The environment needs help, and being vegan would benefit it in so many ways. Practicing a vegan lifestyle also lower the risks of heart disease and help people lose weight. On top of that, there would be no more suffering of innocent animals. Everyone may be forced to be vegan sooner than later due to limited resources, so why not start now?