Congratulations on successfully completing Day 1 of Pledge to Veg!! We hope you are enjoying the challenge so far and learning a lot! Today’s focus is Cowspiracy! Cowspiracy is an incredible documentary produced by Kip Anderson and Keegan Kuhn that uncovers the environmental impact of the animal industry. Everyone knows that global warming is major threat, but what people don’t realize is that the change begins on our plates. The animal industry is the leading cause of water waste, deforestation, species’ extinction, global warming, land use, ocean dead zones, and much more! You can recycle diligently, take quick showers, opt for bike-riding rather than driving, use reusable bags, and take other protective measures for our world, but the change that is REALLY going to make a difference is in your diet.
The animal industry requires a lot of water to carry out their tasks, which include growing the feed, providing drinking water for the livestock, running dairy operations, sanitizing and washing down the facilities, and maintaining waste disposal systems. The amount of water estimated to produce one pound of beef is 2000 gallons, which is estimated to be around 6 months worth of showers. This is not a sustainable practice, especially in areas like California that are facing drought. While there are problems with water shortages, the animal industry is not facing any restrictions (like the citizens are). The only way to fix this problem is to address the major cause- animal agriculture. According to a report from the Natural Resource Defense Council, around 80 percent of water in California is used for agriculture.
Also, a California Water Education Foundation study found that one gallon of tofu requires 219 gallons of water per pound, compared to 477 gallons for eggs, 896 gallons for cheese and 2,463 gallons for beef.
Animal Agriculture is responsible for 51% of the human caused climate change. The animal industry uses fossil fuels to grow feed for the livestock, maintain & raise animals, transport animals to the slaughterhouse, and in other methods. These practices contribute significantly to global warming. Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation. While driving a Prius may seem more efficient, you can simply switch the meals you are consuming to protect our planet.
The Amazon rainforest is another major concern. Animal agriculture is expected to be responsible for 91% of the amazon destruction. National Geographic says that with our current rate of deforestation, the world’s rainforest could diminish and possibly vanish in the next 100 years.
The rainforests are being cut down in order to make more space to grow feed for livestock and to raise livestock. The rainforests are being destroyed at a fast rate, and it is causing major habitat loss to the species there. Many species exist in the rainforest, and they are being killed at a rate of about 150 species per day. These include insects, plants, animals, bacteria. Many of the plants found in the rainforest have been used in medicines and treatments for cancer and other diseases. Additionally, deforestation is causing the depletion of carbon stores. As deforestation continues, carbon is released from the trees into the atmosphere, further contributing to global warming.
So the next time you are wondering what you should eat for dinner, think about what effect it will have on the environment. Not only are you affecting the animals that you are consuming, but you are also contributing significantly to a water pollution and waste, global warming, and species loss.
The only way to stop this destruction from continuing is to eliminate animal agriculture, and changes need to be made now before it is too late.
(Obviously) Cowspiracy- on netflix! You can see for yourself the astounding impact the animal industry has on our earth! Be sure to check out Cowspiracy’s site for some of their research and statistics!
Quick Clip from Cowspiracy
Environmental Benefits of Veganism / Ted X
In light of Independence Day Weekend, we have decided to feature our favorite vegan burger brands!
MorningStar vegan burgers
If you don’t want to spend money on meat alternatives and are happier making your own awesome plant-based burger, more power to you!
Here are some of the best, homemade veggie burger recipes we could find:
Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
Black Bean Quinoa Burgers
Smoky Black Bean Beet Burgers
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Sign up for a vegan mentor with Vegan Outreach’s mentor program! You will be able to connect with a fellow vegan for personal support and tips!
Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation.
Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 91% of Amazon destruction.
Agriculture is responsible for 80-90% of US water consumption.
Livestock or livestock feed occupies 1/3 of the earth’s ice-free land.
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