In human history, our dietary journey traces back to the primal instincts of survival, where early humans, nomadic in nature, relied on the sustenance of meat for survival. From the hunky Neanderthals to the nomadic tribes that roamed ancient land, meat was not merely a culinary indulgence but a fundamental necessity that was seen as a gift from the gods. Years of hunting and gathering defined our relationship with food, as we nearly drove buffalo and steelhead salmon to extinction. However, the rise of animal agriculture and agrarian societies marked a transformation in our diets, with the old tradition of hunting ending giving way to the adoption of animal farming. Yet this transition was not without its ethical and environmental consequences, as the unchecked exploitation of animals resulted in ecological imbalance and pollution. These concerns have led to a rise of vegan diets, in which people completely cut out all consumption of products derived from animals. Some decry veganism as a threat to masculinity while the other side champions it as a solution to environmental degradation. Others have taken a more neutral standpoint. They acknowledge the benefits of the vegan diet, but also emphasize with the other side, as sophomore Addison Parker states, “I just think it is really hard to cut meat from your diet entirely.” However, with that being said, it is crucial that we must reevaluate our relationship with food and the natural world amidst these changes.
Today, the landscape of dietary choices is evolving pretty quickly, with an increasing number of people embracing veganism as a lifestyle choice. Vegan diets, once considered extreme and hippie-like, are now gaining mainstream acceptance. According to an article published by the University of Sunderland, “Social media influencers are believed to have played a significant part in the rise of the vegan in a number of ways.” Specifically, the activist known as “That Vegan Teacher” has sparked controversy and caused people to question the consumption of meat. Additionally, vegan food options are becoming more prevalent in urban areas worldwide with the presence of the Beyond Burger on the menus of KFC and Denny’s. This shift is also evident in the market, as supermarkets stock shelves with an expanding array of plant-based products, from meat substitutes to dairy alternatives. Moreover, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH),”Organizations like the American Heart Association and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics now recognize that a well-planned plant-based diet is healthy and safe for most adults.” As more people recognize the benefits of a plant-based diet, the momentum behind the vegan movement continues to grow, challenging traditional notions of food and reshaping our culinary landscape.
One of the main arguments supporting the switch to vegan diets draws upon the cruelty towards animals in factory farming. Documentaries such as “Vegucated” and “Indigestible” have exposed the inhumane treatment of animals in factory farms, in which chickens, geese, and cows endure confinement, mutilation, and often painful slaughter. This has led a lot of people to reconsider their dietary choices, as they grapple with the morality of supporting companies such as McDonald’s, Subway, and Olive Garden, that prioritize profit over animal welfare. For those who have embraced veganism, the decision is not solely about personal health or environmental concerns, but is deeply rooted in a commitment to compassion towards all living beings. By actively denying their taste buds the immense pleasure of meat, they aim for a more compassionate and ethical approach to food consumption.
Another compelling argument in support of the vegan diet is its positive impact on the environment. As concerns about climate change continue to escalate, more attention is being drawn to the big impact that animal agriculture plays in climate change. Livestock farming is a major contributor to carbon emissions, as senior Summer Morgan states, “Cows especially are pretty bad for the environment.” Studies have shown that cows in particular, can produce up to 250-500 liters of methane a day (which is 80 times more potent that carbon dioxide). By opting a plant-based diet, people can drastically reduce their carbon footprint, as plant agriculture generally requires less energy compared to animal agriculture. Additionally, the production of plant-based foods produces fewer emissions and pollutants, making veganism a more sustainable choice for the planet. As the world grapples with the urgent need to mitigate climate change, adopting a vegan diet is a good way to contribute to environmental preservation.
However, while vegan diets are often seen as a sustainable solution, it is important to recognize the problems associated with their environmental impact. For example, BBC News States, “To grow a single avocado it has been estimated to take anything from 140 litres (30 gallons) to 272 litres (60 gallons) of water – or about 834 litres (183 gallons) per kilogram of fruit. In some areas, like Peru and Chile, the growing demand for the crop has led to illegal extraction from rivers and has been blamed for an increasing water-shortage crisis.” Additionally, transportation plays a crucial role in the environmental footprint of vegan diets, as shipping produce over long distances can result in greater carbon emissions. Moreover, BBC News states that “in some cases, the majority of a food’s carbon footprint comes from the way it’s cooked rather than what’s in it.” Therefore, while embracing a vegan diet can be a positive step towards reducing environmental harm, it is important to consider the broader context of food production and consumption to make truly sustainable choices.
That being said, an increasing number of athletes are making the switch to vegan diets, challenging the misconception that plant-based eating may compromise athleticism. For instance, according to World Athletics, Australian professional distance runner, Andreas Vojta, noted, “I started feeling a faster recovery after intense workouts and competitions and also needed less sleep” after adopting a vegan diet. Additionally, junior Kieran Hunter who is an avid basketball player states, “We don’t buy meat very often. Unless you are a very rich person, you wouldn’t be eating meat every day. On average, I usually eat meat twice a month and drink protein shakes to make up for it.” Thus, these athletes serve as an example of how vegan diets can support optimal health and athletic achievement.
The rise of veganism represents a significant shift in our dietary landscape, driven by concerns for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. As evidenced by the growing number of people, including athletes, who have embraced plant-based diets, veganism is gaining more mainstream acceptance. However, while the benefits of veganism are substantial, it is important to approach dietary choices with considerations regarding not only water consumption, but also the way in which you cook your food and the distance it has traveled to get to your plate. I would like to think that despite the rise of veganism, our divine attachment to meat remains unwavering as freshman Landon Armstrong put it, “Meat is an important part of our diet, and you can’t really change that for a lot of people.”
