Sustainable Eco-Veganism: An Introduction

Welcome!

Concern for the environment in this country is growing rapidly. Everywhere you turn, people and companies are encouraging you to “go green.” Bringing your reusable bags to the grocery store is no longer seen as trendy, it’s common place; environmentally-friendly cleaning products have caught up with harmful chemical-based cleaners; organic farming practices are encouraged by the population at large, not just a select few. People are becoming more cognizant than ever about their impact on the world we live in. However, few people know what kind of impact our current food consumption patterns affect the environment. According to the UN, facotory farming – the industrial production of livestock – contributes to 18% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, more than any other industry. The combined emissions of transportation (cars, planes, trains, ships, etc.) account for nearly 13% of greenhouse gasses! Think about it for a second; raising livestock for food consumption is almost 40% more responsible for global warming than transportation. Imagine the change we could initiate by gradually reducing meat consumption.

My mission is simple. Educate the consumer about his/her impact and give sensible solutions to make a difference. A vegan diet doesn’t consist of just vegetables and rice. In fact, when properly advised, a vegan diet can be just as delicious as and MORE nutritious than an omnivorous diet centered on meat. Additionally, when purchased responsibly, an alternative vegan diet won’t have the impact on your wallet that you may think.

This blog is not meant to be preachy; rather, I wish to present a viable alternative to current food production and consumption practices. I will provide you with delicious recipes, educational information and resources to make the vegan diet more accessible to everyone. If you are considering a vegan diet, DO NOT BE AFRAID. I understand that changes in any diet can be challenging, and I am in no way suggesting that you should immediately change your food habits. Rather, try making a few meals a week vegan. Soon, you can set aside one day a week to abstain from animal products. Take it easy, and don’t go overboard as you begin this transition. You may, at first, find it hard to eliminate certain dairy products from your diet – this is to be expected. Listen to your body, and make decisions you feel comfortable committing to. Remember, you are making a lifestyle change… this takes time. Feel proud that you are doing your part in an area you have accountability for. We can’t change the way our world operates overnight, but we can do what we can to change our involvement in it!

Jacob