Why am I a vegan?

Greetings Fellow Travellers,

I choose to follow a vegan lifestyle because I think that it is the right thing to do. It is an ethical and practical choice, and makes sense to me. I feel that this way of life is a way of practising what I preach (not that I preach, oh no).

For animals.

I am not an animal person. I say that with no bad feelings. I wish them no harm, just let them get on with their lives and I will get on with mine. Letting them get on with their lives means not inflicting cruelty and harm upon them. Killing them, separating them from their young and forcing them to exist in cramped, unsanitary conditions would be an example of this.

For the environment

Animal agriculture is killing the environment. Excessive nitrates end up in the water supply through manure. The rainforest is destroyed to make way for beef cattle. The hooves of the animals impact the soil and contribute to desertification. Farmed animals which are non-native species threaten the biodiversity of the environment.

Carbon emissions

You’ve probably heard about the methane emissions of all these cows, so I won’t go into that. But have you thought about the fuel used to transport animals and the grain needed to feed them? How about transporting the “food” they produce? Refrigeration is important to keep meat and milk fresh. What about the electricity which has to be used to power all the refrigerated trucks and supermarket fridges?

Health

Animals are routinely fed antibiotics into their feed. Intensive farming has proved to be a breeding ground for superbugs and resistant bacteria. Not to mention that at the centre of every major food poisoning incident in the UK in the last 20 years, animal products have been to blame. Salmonella , listeria or E-coli anyone? No takers?

Health

Aside from possible food poisoning, meat and animal products are not necessary for good human health either. Protein is not an issue, and a balanced vegan diet provides all the nutrients that a person needs. It makes sense to me not to consume them when there are so many other delicious foods out there.

Food and water shortages

Animal agriculture is extremely wasteful. It is estimated that about 80% of the UK’s arable land is used to produce animal feed. During the 1984 famine in Ethiopia, the country was still exporting grain to the west to feed cattle. Large amounts of water are also needed to feed animals, and also to irrigate the crops which are grown for this purpose. A huge diversion of resources which could be going to feed people directly.

For my own peace of mind

Maybe this might sound selfish to some, but this article is about why I choose to follow a vegan lifestyle. I like to look at my plate of yummy food and know that nobody was harmed in producing it. That no calves were separated from their mothers to produce it. That no chickens had to endure their short lives lame and wading around in their own excrement. That no blood was spilt. Knowing that makes me feel good.

~ Quirky Vegan