Veganism has surged in popularity over the past decade, with approximately 1.1% of the world's population abstaining from consuming or using animal products for ethical, environmental or health concerns. Vegan diets generally use less water, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and on the whole tend to foster more compassionate, informed choices that can help elevate the general consciousness towards a more holistic mode of living.
A vegan diet is often hailed as being of huge benefit to the environment. Whilst this is generally true, there are a few caveats to take into account.
Read on for a more nuanced understanding of some of the pros and cons of veganism on the environment.
Key Takeaways
The Negative Impact Of Non-Vegan Food Production
Animal agriculture is responsible for a wide range of negative impacts on the environment. One of the most persuasive arguments for veganism for the more rationally persuaded lies in the undeniable benefit for the environment above an animal-based diet.
Animal farming, especially cattle, is responsible for large amounts of greenhouse gases such as C02 and methane and also requires large amounts of land and water. A reduction in the amount of animals farmed for human consumption could help with climate change mitigation.
Land Use
Animal farming uses large amounts of both land and water. Land is needed to graze animals, and if the land used was formerly ecologically diverse, and has been cleared, the biodiversity loss will be significant. Similarly, how the land is managed is significant, with the majority of industrialised agriculture having a devastatingly negative environmental impact.
Vegan thinking fosters environmental concern and respect for all forms of life regardless of size. A radical shift towards a vegan diet could free up large swathes of land formerly used for animal agriculture, and allow for regenerative agriculture and reforestation efforts to supplant destructive and cruel industrial agriculture.
On the other hand, there are some farmers employing regenerative agricultural models with animals helping to bring back fertility into formerly over-grazed areas. Grazing animals, if properly managed, can help bring back fertility into the landscape.
Water Use
Animal agriculture is water intensive, and with 1.8 billion people expected to face water shortage in 2025, this is becoming more pressing than ever. Producing a kilo of beef uses significantly more water than a plant-based alternative, such as legumes, grains, vegetables or fruit. This reduction in water usage could prove a vital difference for the many people living in water-scarce regions.
Why Veganism Alone Isn’t Enough
Whilst studies have repeatedly shown that vegan diets can have a lower environmental impact than omnivorous diets, it also depends on the type of plant-based food consumed, how and where it’s grown, packaged and where it’s consumed.
As previously mentioned, veganism is about increasing the consciousness of mankind so we can make more compassionate choices. So it’s natural that how the food we eat is grown can have an important impact on the environmental effects of our food choices.
Importance of How And Where Your Food Is Grown
Whilst numerous studies have shown that meat-heavy diets have a greater environmental impact than plant-based ones, it also depends on the type of vegan diet and how the food is grown. It’s worth noting that a heavy reliance on crops grown in monocultures or imported from other corners of the globe can have a significantly negative impact.
Monocultures often rely on heavy amounts of synthetic fertilisers which wreak havoc on soil health and people’s health. It can also destroy biodiversity and soil health, as fields are often left fallow when not in use, leading to the loss of topsoil which increases desertification.
Those following vegan diets in colder climates may find that the food they consume is grown in far-off places, meaning large amounts of C02 are released during transportation. Focusing on locally grown and seasonal produce can eliminate this problem. However, vegans living in areas with long cold winters and shorter growing seasons may struggle to fulfill their needs with locally grown foods.
Food Waste
Food waste is a problem facing the sustainability of our food production regardless of dietary choices, with about one-third of food produced being wasted. This involves a huge amount of resources such as land, water, labour and energy being used in vain, which in turn causes an increase in greenhouse gases, and waste being dumped into landfills, plastic packaging as well as waterways being polluted.
Whilst all food production can lead to food waste, vegan diets, if not carefully managed, can contribute a lot due to the perishability of fresh produce. To counter this, proper food management practices at home such as meal planning can help, as well as either home or community composting initiatives. Managing food waste is equally as important for both vegan and non-vegan diets and needs to be taken into consideration if we are serious about creating a more sustainable food system.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sustainable farming practices are vital for the health of the environment, whether you follow a vegan diet or not. Whilst vegan diets are generally considered better for the environment, making sure the food you consume is grown with responsible and ethical environmental practices is vital, regardless of your dietary choices as industrialised farming practices have little regard for the health of the planet or that of consumers.
Focusing on decentralised and localised seasonal farmers and producers can ensure your food choices have the least negative environmental impact possible regardless.
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