Becoming Vegan for the Animals
My research project on the meat and dairy industry in middle school is what first drew me to veganism. I was appalled by the industry standards and practices. From that point, I had a deep conviction to make a change in our world to save the animals. This launched me into becoming vegan.
The animal product industries aren’t simply upsetting because animals die. They go so much deeper than that. The animal product industry is a violent one that contains so much brutality and torture it is unbelievable until you do your research.
It is my belief that if people truly knew what they were paying for, if they knew what their dollars were voting for in terms of animal torture, everyone would be vegan. The videos are so hard to watch and many people aren’t even aware of how the products they are consuming are procured. People are kept feeling safe with terms like “grass fed”, “cage free” and “free range” because they trust the vendors they buy from to treat animals with a reasonable humane level. But that is not the case. So many live in the blissful ignorance of societal norms.
I have heard many times “they are animals, they are here for us to eat”. Because humans are able to not only survive but THRIVE on a vegan diet, and because we have great power (and therefore responsibility), I believe it is our responsibility to have dominion over the creatures of the earth and not force them into tortured lives of misery and slavery. Their inability to speak up and fight back does not make their suffering not matter.
When we look back on human history, even very recent human history, we see behaviors that seem barbaric. We cringe and think “how could they do that to [insert marginalized and abused group of sentient beings]”. I believe that is what future generations will think about factory farming processes.
While the treatment of animals was the instigator to have me consider a vegan lifestyle, once I began doing research I found some other factors that told me I was on the right path of connecting my values with my actions.
Vegan for the Environment and Human Health
One of the most comprehensive analyses ever done on the effects of farming on the environment covering data collected from 119 countries was recently published in the journal Science. The lead author of this article reported:
“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.”
“Avoiding consumption of animal products delivers far better environmental benefits than trying to purchase sustainable meat and dairy.”
The book Impact of Meat Consumption on Health and Environmental Sustainability published through IGI Global goes over data in detail many areas of veganism impact: Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Climate Change Impact; Water Quality Impact; Evidence Regarding Red Meat, Health, and Chronic Disease Risk; Antibiotics and Meat, Sustainability; Meat, Egg, and Diary Industry Taxpayer Subsidies; Meat Myth Marketing.
Veganism has an enormous impact on reduction of human suffering. There are many scientific articles (such as this one by Yale University) that discuss the forgotten victims of the meat industry: slaughterhouse workers. The link between working in slaughterhouses and traumatic disorders such as PTSD is very clear. Slaughterhouse workers are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs and are more domestically violent than those in other lines of work (which were chosen for comparison because they were nearly identical in other variables and predictors of crime). Slaughterhouse workers had highest overall crime levels, and disproportionately high rates of sexual and violent crimes.
What if I like the Taste of Animal Products?
Now, keep in mind, my taste buds were not on the same page. Before this life-changing understanding of how humans get their animal products, I was the little girl who requested ribs, steak and ice cream cake for her birthday. So this transition required many changes in my diet and lifestyle. My tastebuds craved animal products, but the shift in my heart made my “veganizing” process less of a struggle and more of a championing experience.
Veganism is Becoming Easier!
While I had a strong spirit at that age, living a vegan lifestyle without the funds or transportation to specialized food stores was very difficult. Whole Foods was my mecca and the only place I could find prepared foods or vegan specialty items. This was a challenge for me, and I see now how God was working in my life to prepare me to spread this message as an adult. Not having access to ready-made food inspired the chef in me to get creative in my own kitchen. Preparing vegan meals to share with any friends and family who would humor me. Flash-forward to today – we can walk into some grocery stores and even some restaurants to find hearty, filling, delicious vegan food options!
This is so important because the world is changing. Plants are the future of food and lifestyle. Check out these blogs on the huge increase in veganism in the US and the rise of veganism worldwide. While we (vegans) used to be somewhat outcast and vegan food was thought to be tasteless or lacking nutrition, people of great authority in the taste and health arenas are revealing the deliciousness of a plant-based diet as well as the enormous health benefits over traditional diets.
Reasons for Veganism
Put simply, my reason for veganism started because I found a great calling in eliminating the torture and suffering of animals. However, time and research has grown those reasons to include:
- Animal Ethics
- Human Ethics
- Environmental Conservation
- Health and Wellness
- Athleticism
This is a Mission of Love!
I have to make a point of saying here that although my beliefs in these reasons are strong, I love many people who currently consume animal products. I believe that the plant-revolution is coming and that people will come to understand these incredible benefits in their own time. I’m here to make accessing vegan food and lifestyle really easy for people, so they can dabble, dip their toe, or dive right in, depending on what their psychology needs. I want to reduce the barrier to plant-based lifestyles because from the vegan side I’m here to tell you it is delicious, it’s fulfilling, it’s healthy, and it helps others.
I’m here to share this message with love, for the sake of goodness.
Xo,
Seyka
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