By: Rahal K.
Photo from: Abigail Hurtt (North Texas Daily)
The current state of Earth’s environment is deteriorating by anthropogenic climate change, as seen through the many occurrences of wildfires in California or melting ice caps in Alaska. While various news stations harbor individuals with a new environmental crisis such as an increase in ocean pollution or a high amount of fossil fuel consumption, many individuals have taken the initiative to minimize their carbon footprint. Recycling or reusing items is an act that is highly encouraged, but it is still widely ignored as many places around the world do not have adequate recycling programs, making it difficult for every single person to take part in. There is also the idea of implementing gardens around community centers or schools which can decrease carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. All of these solutions and many more are great ways of reducing climate change’s harmful effects, but there is a solution that is becoming more universal: veganism, the practice of abstaining from all animal products. Veganism also emphasizes that an individual must not consume nor take possession of items that exploit animals (TheVeganSociety). In that sense, veganism is not only a food diet, but also a lifestyle that promotes the use of cruelty free products. Veganism can be confused with vegetarianism, but they are different concepts. While vegetarians also don’t consume meat, they don’t exclude animal-based products. For instance, they would still consume milk or cheese while vegans will go for a non-dairy alternative. A vegan diet will mainly consist of fruits, grains, vegetables, and at times substitutes for meat and dairy products.
Currently, 9.6 million Americans are vegans (Vegan News, 2020). From 2014, this is a six percent increase. Globally, there are approximately 75 million people who are vegans (Lane). Although these numbers seem to constitute the notion that there are vegans everywhere, this only makes up 0.1 percent of the total population of the world. A nutrient-dense vegan diet can benefit the livelihoods of people while also helping the environment. Since vegans exclude meals that use animal products, they do not consume the harmful toxins that animals are injected with. Also, vegans don’t drink milk from animals they use substitutes such as almond milk or soy milk. Scientists have found that a vegan diet can lower the risk of heart disease and various cancers since GMOs and toxins from animals are not being ingested. Additionally, water conservation is a major issue in the environmental world, as “it takes 100 to 200 times more water to raise a pound of beef than it does to raise a pound of plant foods” (McCarthy and Sanchez). Incorporating veganism within the food industry will decrease the amount of water that is needed for livestock and other processes. Vegan diets can also reduce the amount of energy consumption in both farms and factories dedicated to livestock production. Livestock cultivation takes a long process from feeding the animal to sending it to the slaughter house. A vegan diet proves to be more efficient as less equipment is needed to suffice its availability. However, as good as veganism sounds, it may not be sustainable for the entire world to commit themselves to.
The vegan diet is closely tied to the economical world, meaning that there are certain limitations placed on individuals when it comes to their morals and their bank account. Vegan produce can be expensive to marginalized groups which pushes them to continue purchasing non-vegan items which are held at a cheaper price range. It is even more difficult for working class families to implement a healthier diet for their family, as fast food and store-bought meat are much cheaper compared to many non-GMO foods or vegan foods.
However, as special-ed educator Fan (2020) points out, many vegans argue that this is a wrongly presumed ideology of veganism. In fact, an individual's socioeconomic status greatly contributes to the opportunity cost of consuming vegan dishes over meat based ones. Nevertheless, that entirely depends on the socioeconomic status of the individual who maintains such a diet.
Additionally, veganism’s lack of wide accessibility has been tied to food deserts. Food deserts are “geographic areas where residents’ access to affordable, healthy food options is restricted” (FoodEmpowermentProject).
Photo from: Chapman University Sustainability
These areas usually are composed of black and brown communities who are subjected to a cycle of poverty and in turn cannot afford healthier options. In food deserts, the distance between a resident and their grocery store is usually more than a mile, and sometimes they may not have access to multiple grocery stores in their area.
Photo from: Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control
With this tremendous socioeconomic gap in mind, the prices to pay for both gas, electricity, and food, veganism is not a viable option for these communities. Although veganism places many benefits on the environment, there needs to be a larger discussion on how to make vegan choices more accessible for everyone who is interested in fulfilling a vegan lifestyle.
However, there are some possible solutions for those living in food deserts (or other individuals who are unable to go vegan) to make better food choices. Even if a lifelong vegan diet cannot be attained, there can come certain days or months where people can swap a fast food meal with a home cooked vegan one instead. Programs or other types of services can be created to make veganism more accessible to low-income people. Many services such as those listed prior from a local level to a political level can be implemented to help our people and our environment.
Discussion Questions:
What are some ways you can make veganism more affordable for individuals? A club perhaps?
Should there be a greater emphasis on veganism, or the socioeconomic difficulties that are placed on individuals who want to value their morals rather than their survival?
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