FORK UNIVERSITY
Environment
Probably the most well understood impact of the animal-laden western diet is its degrading effect on the planet. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) states that livestock account for 18% of “the global warming effect.” That represents a more devastating toll than all worldwide transportation combined. Furthermore, the animal agriculture industry is responsible for 68% of the ammonia that leads to acid rain. In addition to occupying 30% of the earth’s land that is not covered in ice and consuming 8% of the total fresh water used around the globe, the livestock industry is also, “a key factor in loss of species,” further catalyzing the unprecedented extinction event our generous is witnessing (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, “Livestock’s long shadow: environmental issues and options, 2006).
Farmed Animals
As more and more people around the globe adopt a diet that includes animal products, not only does the amount of grain used to grow livestock increase, but also the need for efficient means of production increases, leading to the proliferation of large-scale, industrial animal agriculture facilities. In 1999, 10 billion animals in the United States and 43.5 billion worldwide were slaughtered for consumption. The number of hog farms in 1950 had consolidated 96% by 1999. (Davis, Brenda & Vesanto Melina, Becoming Vegan: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet, Book Publishing Co., Summertown, TN, 2000). The beef, dairy, poultry, and egg-laying industries have undergone similar industrialization. As a result of the massive scale of most animal producers, not only are a staggering number of animals killed each year, but they also suffer tremendously during their short lives. Industry standards include confining laying hens to battery cages, mother sows to gestation crates, and veal calves to veal crates. All of these devices confine sentient beings to conditions that not only limit their ability to move, but actually eliminate their ability to fully extend their limbs. Confinement is just one of many forms of torture to which these creatures are subjected for months before going to slaughter.
Your Health
Eating a plant-based diet is good for the planet, animals, and YOU! Research shows that a low-fat, plant-based diet can reverse heart disease, lower the risk for Type 2 diabetes, and lower your risk for high blood pressure. Eating red meat has been associated with incresed risks for cancer and heart disease.
Plant-based diets are also a great way to lose weight in a healthy way. Reducing the amount of fast, fatty, processed, and sweet foods allows for long-term weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Not only will you cut out a lot of empty calories on a plant-based diet, you will also feel full when you are eating a diet full of fruits and veggies.
Ready to detox from dairy? The Dairy Detox can help.