Why We Need To Stop Bashing Vegans | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why We Need To Stop Bashing Vegans

When did caring about the environment become a joke?

85
Why We Need To Stop Bashing Vegans
Photo by Flickr user Oli.

I am not a vegan. And I don’t plan on convincing you to become a vegan either. However, I am a user of the internet and I am kind of confused. Vegans are extremely hated on the internet. And unfairly so.

November 1st was #WorldVeganDay and all of our little leaf-loving friends came out to share the benefits of veganism. I was shocked by what I read on Twitter and even more puzzled by what I saw on Facebook. The surprisingly significant impact vegans have on our global environment is startling. I’m sure we’ve all heard an infinite number of reasons to be vegan or at least vegetarian, but none of them are as essential or universally positive as these.

The United States of America’s meat market, in particular, is massive. With Americans eating nearly three times the amount of meat than the average human being, this comes at an enormous cost.

The worldwide livestock industry is estimated to embody 14.5% of global human-induced greenhouse gas emissions alone. These emissions are developed through mostly feed production, pasture expansion, enteric fermentation, manure processing, and the transportation of the animals by use of fossil fuels. Therefore, the livestock sector has an absurdly prominent role in climate change. In fact, the livestock industry’s emissions footprint is larger than all of the world’s airplanes, trains and automobiles emissions combined.

Additionally, this colossal American meat market guzzles an immense portion of water usage in America. The production of livestock requires 1,799 gallons of water to generate one pound of meat. Fortunately, it only takes a mere 132 gallons of water to produce a pound of wheat.

Furthermore, the usage of raw materials between livestock and vegetarian agriculture is vastly different. Animal agriculture consumes nearly 33% of the world’s raw materials, while the vegetarian agriculture consumes a mere 2%.

A 2006 United Nations report determines that animal agriculture spurs a variety of environmental problems, both locally and globally. In 2010, the UN and the European Union decided that meat-eating is largely responsible for world deforestation.

After hearing all of that, how could you possibly see vegans as snobby or stuck up? If anything, they’re probably just overly-defensive, because they’re sick and tired of hearing everyone ridicule them every time they order food. In reality, these are just a bunch of admirable people who simply want the best for our planet at the price of their own taste-buds. That’s pretty heroic. Belittling and degrading this kind of selflessness is blatantly hateful. We shouldn’t feel the need to make fun of people who are purely trying to do good, but rather we should rather feel inspired by their noble way of life.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18296
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7789
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5695
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4944
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments