HopeNet Blog

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE VEGAN DIET

For some time now I have found that a vegan restaurant located not far from my home is not only convenient, but also healthful.  But are there other reasons for choosing to go vegan in today's world?  

According to a recent federal report by a federal panel that helps to set federal dietary guidelines, eating less meat is also good for the environment.  Needless to say, according to the article which appears in the April 5 online issue of The Hill, this has not made the nation's purveyors of beef, pork and poultry, happy!  And of course they are fighting back.

But does the federal panel have a point?  The scientific evidence would appear to say emphatically "yes."  In this day, when water is becoming ever more valuable and important, it does seem to be essential to understand that it takes about 1600 - 1900 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef!  Compare this to the small amount of water it takes to raise beans (200 - 300 gallons) which may produce all the protein you body may need.  And then there is the carbon footprint caused by cattle, pigs, and poultry. The UN report says the following: The livestock sector is a major stressor on many ecosystems and on the planet as a whole. Globally it is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gasses and one of the leading causal factors in the loss of biodiversity, while in developed and emerging countries it is perhaps the leading source of water pollution.—Food and Agriculture Organization, Livestock's Long Shadow And compare that to the carbon footprint of raising veggies. Maybe that is why The Hill entitles its article: Federal Report: Vegan diet best for planet.  Think about it!

-- Wayne Young