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Veganism
5 years ago
General
I have been eating a vegan diet for a while now. For years I had assumed vegans were all tree-hugging hippies, but then both a close friend and respected colleague told me they were vegan. This challenged my simple view of veganism, so I questioned them both about why they had made such an 'extreme' choice. I still struggled with the moral aspects, but when they explained some of the environmental aspects it was enough for me to consider giving it a go. I didn't know all the facts & figures, but I knew enough about it that I was sure the change would only be positive for my body, the world and the animals. However, I was never a huge fan of meat, and already tended to use meat alternatives because they were healthier and more convenient to cook, so it wasn't a big sacrifice to make for what I knew was a positive impact. I can thus understand why others are more reluctant to make the change.
However, I have since learnt more about the huge impact animal agriculture has on our environment, far beyond any other industry. All other environmental efforts feel somewhat insignificant compared to the stats behind animal agriculture. I've learnt how animal agriculture far exceeds transport in generating greenhouse gases. I've learnt how industrial fishing could lead to fishless seas within my lifetime. I've learnt about how growing grain for livestock is responsible for most of the rainforest deforestation. I've also learnt about the impact consuming animal products has on our bodies, how it is the leading cause of all the most lethal human diseases, simply because our bodies were never designed to consume them. And I've also properly come to understand the abuse, torture and mutilation employed in the mass production of meat, eggs and dairy. So as I have learnt of all these things it gets increasingly difficult for me to sit quietly whilst I watch those I love continue to consume animal products.
But I understand that me getting angry or upset is unlikely to help others understand. And I appreciate that, as mentioned, it was an easier change for me to make than for most people. So all I would ask is that people take some time to listen to some of the content that helped me understand the depths of the issue. All of my suggested speeches are listed in this handy article:
https://plantbasednews.org/opinion/.....hes-ever-made/
They are all good, but I wouldn't expect people to watch them all. I personally think that Gary Yourofsky's speech is the most impactful, but it does contain some disturbing imagery part way through that you may want to skip (although... think about why you are skipping it). If you want something shorter and less graphic, then I'd suggest the Bite Size Vegan speech, as it mostly talks through the basic fundamental issues in a logical, factual way. I've even provided direct links to the YouTube videos below to avoid you having to go via the article above:
Gary Yourofsky (70 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5hGQDLprA8
Bite Size Vegan (30 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8KPpeNK5fU
For Gary's speech, you can consider skipping these bits to bring the length down to just under an hour:
- 14:20-19:00 = Graphic video (hard to watch)
- 44:00-51:30 = Vegan alternative foods (US specific and likely outdated)
- 59:30-1:03:00 = Graphic video (hard to watch)
I don't expect people to necessarily become vegan overnight, and I accept that it is entirely people's choice what they eat, so if people wish to continue consuming animal products then I will try to accept that. But I want people to at least understand why vegans make this choice and to consider reducing the amount of meat, dairy and eggs they eat.
However, I have since learnt more about the huge impact animal agriculture has on our environment, far beyond any other industry. All other environmental efforts feel somewhat insignificant compared to the stats behind animal agriculture. I've learnt how animal agriculture far exceeds transport in generating greenhouse gases. I've learnt how industrial fishing could lead to fishless seas within my lifetime. I've learnt about how growing grain for livestock is responsible for most of the rainforest deforestation. I've also learnt about the impact consuming animal products has on our bodies, how it is the leading cause of all the most lethal human diseases, simply because our bodies were never designed to consume them. And I've also properly come to understand the abuse, torture and mutilation employed in the mass production of meat, eggs and dairy. So as I have learnt of all these things it gets increasingly difficult for me to sit quietly whilst I watch those I love continue to consume animal products.
But I understand that me getting angry or upset is unlikely to help others understand. And I appreciate that, as mentioned, it was an easier change for me to make than for most people. So all I would ask is that people take some time to listen to some of the content that helped me understand the depths of the issue. All of my suggested speeches are listed in this handy article:
https://plantbasednews.org/opinion/.....hes-ever-made/
They are all good, but I wouldn't expect people to watch them all. I personally think that Gary Yourofsky's speech is the most impactful, but it does contain some disturbing imagery part way through that you may want to skip (although... think about why you are skipping it). If you want something shorter and less graphic, then I'd suggest the Bite Size Vegan speech, as it mostly talks through the basic fundamental issues in a logical, factual way. I've even provided direct links to the YouTube videos below to avoid you having to go via the article above:
Gary Yourofsky (70 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5hGQDLprA8
Bite Size Vegan (30 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8KPpeNK5fU
For Gary's speech, you can consider skipping these bits to bring the length down to just under an hour:
- 14:20-19:00 = Graphic video (hard to watch)
- 44:00-51:30 = Vegan alternative foods (US specific and likely outdated)
- 59:30-1:03:00 = Graphic video (hard to watch)
I don't expect people to necessarily become vegan overnight, and I accept that it is entirely people's choice what they eat, so if people wish to continue consuming animal products then I will try to accept that. But I want people to at least understand why vegans make this choice and to consider reducing the amount of meat, dairy and eggs they eat.
