Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that aims to exclude the use of animal products in all aspects of life. This includes abstaining from meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and other animal-derived ingredients. In addition, vegans also avoid using or wearing products that are made from animals, such as leather, fur, wool, and silk. In recent years, veganism has gained popularity and is now considered a mainstream lifestyle choice. Many restaurants and food companies now offer vegan options, and numerous resources are available to help individuals transition to a vegan lifestyle. Veganism is a way of life that promotes compassion, sustainability, and overall health and well-being. As such, it has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice for individuals worldwide.
Encouraging veganism in society is a topic of much debate, and there are valid reasons to support it. One of the main reasons to encourage veganism in society is ethical considerations. Many believe using animals for food or other purposes is unethical and cruel. According to the scholar Francione, “animals have rights, and their interests ought not to be sacrificed or traded away, no matter how great the human benefit” (Francione, 1997). This means that animals have the right to life and should not be exploited or killed for human consumption. Veganism can help promote compassion for animals and reduce their exploitation. Therefore, people more compassionate about animals are likely to adopt veganism since they feel hurt when animal meat is consumed. Therefore if a large percentage of people adopt veganism due to ethical considerations, then the welfare of the animals would be taken care of.
Another reason to encourage veganism in society is environmental benefits. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that animal agriculture is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation worldwide. Animal agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. A plant-based diet can help reduce the carbon footprint and preserve natural resources, making veganism a more sustainable option. As the scholar Beverland notes, “there are powerful ecological and social reasons to choose plant-based foods” (Berveland, 2014). Adopting plant-based agriculture would help in balancing the ecosystem. Therefore, choosing a vegan diet would promote plant-based agriculture largely and, in return, help in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Since many people would adopt plant agriculture, the environment would be conserved greatly compared to when a large population adopts animal agriculture.
Encouraging veganism can offer several health benefits to individuals and society. A well-planned vegan diet can provide all the nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet while reducing the risk of chronic diseases (Patterson et al. 2012). One of the primary health benefits of a vegan diet is the reduced risk of heart disease. Research shows that a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Since a vegan diet is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in these plant-based foods, it can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Another health benefit of veganism is the reduced risk of certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancer (Bernstein et al., 2013). A vegan diet can also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, as it is typically lower in calories and higher in fiber than a typical Western diet.
Encouraging veganism can also have economic benefits. The meat industry is a significant contributor to healthcare costs and environmental damage. Consuming more animal products may lead to many lifestyle diseases for consumers. Many of these diseases are very expensive to treat and control. The scholar Gary Francione notes that “there is no moral justification for the consumption of animal products in a world where alternatives are available” (Francione, 2010). Encouraging veganism can help reduce healthcare costs and promote a more sustainable economy. The funds pumped into treating lifestyle diseases caused by consuming lots of meat can be re-invested into other sectors. The scholars also note that the meat industry is a major contributor to global warming and other environmental problems and imposes a significant economic burden on society (Koneswaran & Nierenberg, 2008).
Veganism can also help address the issue of global food security. A plant-based diet requires fewer resources and can help feed more people, making it a more viable solution to food insecurity. The scholar Peter Singer argues that “if we are serious about feeding the world’s hungry, we must first acknowledge that there is enough food to feed everyone” (Singer, 2002). Encouraging veganism can help reduce food waste and promote a more equitable distribution of resources.
In conclusion, encouraging veganism in society promotes a more compassionate, sustainable, and healthy world. While it may not be for everyone, it is a viable option to bring about positive change in our society. As the scholar Melanie Joy notes, “veganism is not just about what we eat; it is about who we are as a society” (Greenebaum, 2012)
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Bernstein, J. T., Diangelo, C. L., Marsden, S. L., & Brisbois, T. D. (2013). Sugar claims on foods: Health professionals’ understanding compared to marketplace practice. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 37, S71. “
Beverland, M. B. (2014). Sustainable eating: mainstreaming plant-based diets in developed economies. Journal of Macromarketing, 34(3), 369-382.
Francione, G. L. (2010). Animal welfare and the moral value of nonhuman animals. Law, Culture and the Humanities, 6(1), 24-36.
Francione, G. L. (1997). Animal rights theory and utilitarianism: Relative normative guidance. Animal L., 3, 75.
Greenebaum, J. (2012). Veganism, identity and the quest for authenticity. Food, Culture & Society, 15(1), 129-144.
Koneswaran, G., & Nierenberg, D. (2008). Global farm animal production and global warming: impacting and mitigating climate change. Environmental health perspectives, 116(5), 578-582.
Patterson, N. J., Sadler, M. J., & Cooper, J. M. (2012). Consumer understanding of sugar claims on food and drink products. Nutrition Bulletin, 37(2), 121-130
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