I discovered throughout my findings that a lot of the arguments against Veganism were opinion based, or unrelated to the environment. So, to stay on point with my initial question, I wanted to express my opinion to why that is; not a lot of opposing arguments on Veganism and the Environment. The few arguments I did read about mainly said it'll be no different; the industry will continue to do what it does and you taking yourself out of the equation (so to speak) is just you not eating what they are providing.
I thought I would do a bit more research on this aspect of my question so it didn't hit a dead-end, nor did I want it to be irrelevant to my initial question...
I realized in my previous research that not only are you polluting while the livestock is being processed, but also has its being transported, and Local livestock is actually just as good as reducing or removing the amount of meat and dairy you eat. So what that means for Veganism and the environment, is that it is just one of the options in reducing your effects on the environment based on what you eat (or won't eat.)
How are you taking yourself out of the equation of the food that is provided for you? You still buy vegetables and fruits and other items at the grocery store? So what's the difference between purchasing animal bi products and non animal bi products? Do they come from the same supplier?
ReplyDeleteBeing Vegan (in my opinion) can create a sort of domino affect; you don't eat one thing and that company loses that potential profit, then another person follows, and more profits are lost...The problem with especially factory farms is that it is all about gaining the most profit (and the food system already is quite profitable.)
DeleteI don't quite understand what you mean about still buying vegetables and fruits at the store, are you asking if they they can be just as bad (environment-wise)-and unfortunately the answer is yes, I briefly touched on the topic of local foods and how that is just as environmentally friendly...But its not nearly as bad for the environment as the meat industry.
Animal bi-products are things made from animals (on in my personal beliefs, tested by animals) this can range from make-up, shampoos and other beauty products, as well as certain ingredients; i.e. Gelatin ("Gelatin is protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs." http://www.peta.org/about/faq/What-is-gelatin-made-of.aspx) and the differences is as follows non-animal bi-products are Vegan and contain no traces of animals. And generally i would think yes, that they would come from the same supplier, but as for a definite answer I am afraid I don't know. Perhaps something I can do further research on.
I hope I answered your questions.
But I think that prospective consumers who "take themselves out of the equation" might mean a potential drop in sales that producers could be forced to confront. Are they already confronting it somehow? I wonder.
ReplyDeleteI believe that they are being confronted with this, I believe we have all witnessed the increase in new labeling such as "cage free" or "free range," but the secret behind that is there is no official criteria for the terms "cage free" or "free range." http://www.upc-online.org/freerange.html (warning on this link: extremely sad and disturbing)
ReplyDeleteThe coffee shop I work at is locally owned, and we get our coffee locally. I noticed on the entrance door that it said "Think global, eat local". First time I've seen that sign, and thought it was an interesting poster.
ReplyDeleteDo you eat eggs and cheese and drink milk? I'm very curious about this question because I heard some people said vegetarians can eat eggs and milk, but they are from animals. I read an article which pointed out that cows in Australia is one of the factors caused Global Warming. I regard myself as a half vegetarian because I think some proteins from animals can't be replace by plants.
ReplyDeleteI am currently a Vegetarian and have been for years, Vegetarians can eat eggs and dairy products, however its a personal choice. I am and have been easing my way into a more Vegan diet and as a Vegan you don't consume or wear anything from an animal or animal bi-product. I hope that answered your question.
ReplyDeleteI was astounded when I first learned about the drastic affect the food system had on Global Climate Change as well!
Thank you for your comment!