Five reasons to try vegan in 2021

1. To help reduce animal suffering

   Every year, billions of animals are farmed and slaughtered for consumption. This is true of the dairy and egg industries, as well as the meat industry. The majority of these animals will have spent their short existence on a factory farm, where they are confined to packed sheds or cages, where many of their natural instincts are denied, and where disease and mortality are commonplace. The suffering these animals go through doesn’t stop there. Regardless of whether the animals are raised on intensive farms, ‘free-range’ or ‘pasture-raised’ systems, they all suffer a brutal and terrifying death at the slaughterhouse.

By going vegan, you will be able to stop supporting these cruel practices.

2. For the environment

   Animal farming is one of the biggest causes of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, fresh water use and water pollution. The production of meat and dairy is responsible for around 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

“A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use […] It is far bigger than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car.” – Joseph Poore, University of Oxford.

3. To help prevent future pandemics

   We all know the impacts COVID-19 has had on the world. It is most likely that COVID-19 originated at a wet market in China. In fact, 3 in 4 of the world’s new or emerging pandemics comes from animals. Factory farms are breeding grounds for such pandemics. Filthy sheds filled with animals in poor health who are pumped full of antibiotics, thus making certain medicines ineffective when it comes to treating human diseases… it’s a disaster waiting to happen. By withdrawing your support for these practices, you will be helping animals, yourself and others.

4. For your health

   Studies show that those following a plant-based diet have a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, type-2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other illnesses. Indeed the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is the largest organisation of dieticians in the world says:

“[A]ppropriately planned […] vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. [These diets] are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes. […] Vegetarians and vegans are at reduced risk of certain health conditions, including ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain types of cancer, and obesity.”

5. To save money

   Whilst some may view veganism as being more expensive than non-veganism, this doesn’t have to be the case. Of course, if you’re splashing out on the fancier meat-alternatives (which are delicious, by the way!) or buying products such as vegan Ben & Jerry’s ice cream regularly, you may end up spending more. But it is important to note that some of the cheapest foods on the planet are plant-based. I’m talking about beans, legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables (opting for frozen may be an option if you are on a tighter budget), potatoes and rice. You can make simple, delicious and nutritious meals using cheap ingredients that not only help the planet and animals, but also save you money.