Issue No. 13
July 01, 2013
How becoming a vegan is good for the planet
V
egans (say: vee-guns) are a type of vegetarians who do not eat meat of any kind including eggs, dairy products, or processed foods containing these or other animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin. Many vegans also refrain from eating foods that are made of animal products or that may contain animal products in the finished process, such as sugar and some wines. People have different reasons for becoming vegetarians. Some cultures and religions have vegetarian diets while others become vegans for health consideration. Concern for animals and environmental reasons are also cited by vegetarians for not eating meat. In essence, being a vegan is good for the planet. Here’s how: •
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Help save the land. For each hamburger that originated from animals raised on land, several square feet of land have been destroyed as the grazing land needed to raise cattle is often found by clear-cutting dense forests and rainforest land. Help conserve energy. Crop production to feed animals and transporting it to slaughterhouses require energy consumption. Help conserve water. The global effects of meat consumption do not stop on land. Meat production is inefficient as it needs to consume an extensive amount of resources like water over many months and years before it becomes a usable food product. Reduce water pollution. The manure created from the billions of animals killed for food has to go somewhere, and often, it ends up in rivers and streams, killing millions of fish in one fell swoop. Reduce emission. Calorie production of a plant protein requires less than ten times the fossil fuel input as one calorie of animal protein.
Eating a vegan diet is truly the easiest way to work towards a greener future. Any self-proclaimed environmentalist says vegetarianism is environmentalism.
If you are decided to become a vegan, here are quick tips to help you make the transition: • • • • •
Transform dishes that you already know and enjoy.For example, instead of using meatballs for your favorite spaghetti recipe, replace it with veggie meat. Browse health food stores. Shop for something new to try and ask the staff for advice on which products are best. Explore new foods or restaurants. Be adventurous; try other ethnic vegetarian recipes. Replace meat with healthy foods. Eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables, and proteins, such as tofu or veggie burgers to stay full and healthy. Give yourself a break.Allow yourself once a week to eat meat. Giving yourself a break in the short-term rather than giving up will help you become vegetarian in the long run.
Sources:
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http://vegetarian.answers.com/vegetarian/how-is-being-avegan-good-for-the-planet
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http://vegetarian.about.com
Published by the Trade and Industry Information Center (TIIC) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please e-mail us at publications@dti.gov.ph.