Now what?
What will successfully and sustainably feed us in the future? Does the entire world need to go vegan? This complex issue of eating animals doesn't seem simple solution, but it's root is clear- factory farming. Industrial-scale agribusiness results in deforestation, pollution, and the deaths of millions of animals. It may not seem like a big difference, but if those who were able to cut meat from their diet, these companies would be greatly affected; in fact, even purchasing meat at the farmer’s market or another local source is better than nothing.
My personal journey towards veganism has not been completed, I’ve decided to stay a vegetarian for now. However, I still plan on reaching that goal; if I can get through a Wisconsin winter on a plant-based diet, nothing is impossible. I also think as I get older, and my travels take me elsewhere, a vegan diet will be more practical for me. Luckily these past months I got a lot better at being a vegetarian. It’s much less of a hassle now, more of just the way things are. I still crave meat sometimes, but I’m more indifferent to it now, plus I know a bunch of delicious vegetarian recipes that are actually fun to make. Additionally, my diet encouraged my mom to make at least one meatless meal a week; I think it’s pretty cool that by simply caring about something you can inspire others to make change.
Conclusion:
In today’s society, eating meat is one of the most convenient things to do. Eating animals is something deeply rooted in the way we go about our lives as Americans and as humans in general. When you can go to Mcdonalds and get a hamburger for a buck and a salad for four dollars, the choice is obvious. No matter, I think the three primary reasons for cutting animals out of one’s diet are not only practical but cover an array of points, and therefore have the ability to appeal to many kinds of people. Whether it is for ethical, health, environmental reasons, or a combination of all three, I believe almost everyone can find a reason to either reduce animal product consumption or cut it out completely.
Although any battle against huge corporations is an uphill one, I’m happy to know that my choices matter and I’m on way to a animal-free, cruelty free, and environmentally sustainable diet. Perhaps after reading this you discover going vegan is the thing for you; perhaps not, or maybe you’re somewhere in between. If you finish reading this and eat a chicken sandwich, I won’t be offended, I won’t feel as if I have failed. If after being educated you make your daily choices a little more thoughtfully, if you’re conscious of where your food comes from, grateful that it’s available to you, and aware of the impacts you have the ability to make, then I’ve done my job.