We all have the power to make a difference with our everyday actions. It’s not always easy, but as a consumer, you vote with your wallet and by supporting businesses that are making changes for the better. There are so many things we can all do today as individuals that will lower our impact on animals, especially those who are most heavily impacted by our consumption habits—whether it’s reducing or eliminating animal products in your diet, shopping second hand, or using eco-friendly products instead of disposable ones.
Plant-based eating: a great starting point in positively impacting the animal agriculture industry and the planet
Plant-based eating not only benefits humans, but other animals as well. If we're silent about environmental issues that negatively affect both humans and non-humans alike, then we shouldn't be surprised that animals will continue to pay the price with their lives.
While plant-based eating and veganism is often referred to as a "lifestyle choice,” consider the massive demand of the animal agriculture industry and the unnecessary suffering of animals at our hands because of it. We don't NEED to eat meat at every meal, we choose too. What if we all decided to eat meatless one day per week? Do you know that you would save 4000 litres of water alone?
If you're already vegan or eating plant-based, that's great! If you’re not - that's okay too - it’s easy to start making small changes. There are so many ways each and every one of us can do our part: here are our top five ideas for lowering your impact on the planet and on animals.
1. Learn how to cook plant-based meals
Our instagram will be loaded with ideas and step by step tutorials. We are also creating a digital cookbook so you're never left without ideas!
Try taking a plant-based cooking class to learn how to cook some amazing plant-based meals. There also a ton of online resources where you can find great plant-based resources and cooking tips, all for free.
2. Inspire friends and family to join you!Share your favourite plant-based recipes with your friends and family so they can try delicious plant-based foods too. You can also look for local plant-based potlucks or events in your community, or even organize one yourself.
3. Support plant-based businessesCheck to see if your area has an online plant-based directory or plant-based guide. They’ll list plant-based restaurants, stores, businesses, everything! Here are a few to get you started:
Plant-Based Business Directory
Happy Cow
4. Use eco-friendly productsWhile eco-friendly products are often more expensive than disposable products, keep in mind that they tend to last much longer. One easy swap you can make is using reusable bags instead of disposable plastic ones.
5. Recycle!Remember to always recycle plastic or glass: it can make a tremendous difference. It’s also cheaper to recycle and re-use products, rather than buying new ones. It all adds up!
Love, Venessa
P.S.: Do you have any ways that you conserve the environment and benefit animals as well? We'd love to hear from you! Leave your tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this with all your friends and family so they can explore plant-based living too.
Looking for more information on plant-based foods? Check out our other blogs here. Don’t forget to follow us on social @Mindful_Fud.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.