How Becoming a Freegan Aids the Environment
Some believe that small farms are more environmentally friendly. However, this notion is sorely mistaken. In fact, the exact opposite is true. It takes one acre of intensive farming for a vegan to produce all their own food, whereas it takes 12 acres of intensive farming per omnivore. This discrepancy exists due to the high resources required for animal protein production. Every pound of animal protein necessitates 12 pounds of grain or soy to create it.
In animal farming, one can choose to treat animals kindly or aim for sustainability. Both are mutually exclusive as they represent opposite goals. Unfortunately, the amount of arable land on our planet is insufficient to provide 12 acres per omnivore, and our population continues to grow rapidly.
Those who have managed to observe factory farming situations firsthand can confirm that such practices are incredibly cruel to animals. However, from an environmental perspective, factory farming is much more sustainable. Animals fatten up quickly and require less land compared to grass-fed animals. Grass-fed animals take up much more resources because they live longer and require more land.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Switching to a plant-based diet significantly reduces your carbon footprint. For the typical global consumer, adopting a vegan diet cuts emissions by 28%, land use by 75%, and water pollution by around 60%. Such was the power and necessity of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, as highlighted by the United Nations' report which underscores the critical impact of meat and dairy farming on climate change.
The Impact of Veganism on the Planet
Converting to a vegan diet significantly contributes to environmental sustainability. By choosing plant-based diets, vegans help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and minimize the deforestation associated with livestock farming. Plant-based lifestyles typically have a lower ecological footprint compared to diets rich in animal products.
The Environmental Benefits
The United Nations (UN) has found that meat and dairy farming account for 11.2% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions. If the entire population were to adopt vegan diets, scientists predict that food-related emissions could drop by 68% within 15 years, greatly limiting global warming. A vegan lifestyle also reduces the need for animal agriculture, which is a major source of deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. This promotes sustainable food production practices and helps preserve precious resources.
Conclusion
The decision to adopt a vegan or freegan lifestyle may seem like a small, individual choice, but its impact on the environment is substantial. From reducing your carbon footprint to promoting sustainable practices, every choice counts. By making conscious decisions to eat more plant-based meals, we can collectively help mitigate climate change and preserve our planet for future generations.