Choosing a vegan lifestyle reduces your ecological footprint, thereby making you either a deliberate or accidental environmentalist! While it’s exciting to know that becoming vegan for the Environment can affect positive change on our planet, leverage that impact by following our tips below. 

But first, let’s discuss some of the issues surrounding the topic of vegan environmentalism.

Is Veganism Better for the Environment?

These days, most of us are aware that being vegan for the environment is generally considered more beneficial than the current animal-based food system. Yet, there remains quite a bit of debate about exactly how much better. And, is it really the best answer for correcting our planet’s woes?

There are definite upsides to being a Vegan Environmentalist. For example, vegan crops utilize far fewer resources such as fossil fuels and water, as opposed to animal agriculture which has been reported to account for over half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

And, science has shown that the way we’re currently using our land and sea resources coupled with our direct exploitation of organisms are two of the largest factors for an astounding loss of biodiversity, with 1,000,000 species threatened with extinction. In fact, another international study found that our current level of extinctions may rank as one of the strongest forces behind environmental changes, negatively impacting Earth’s ability to provide clean water, food, and a stable climate.

Arguments Against Veganism
One valid counterargument says that veganism isn’t the only answer for bettering our environmental health. It claims that sustainable meat and dairy methods such as natural grazing can help promote soil restoration, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and the livelihood of pollinating insects – all beneficial for the healthy balance of our Mother Earth. Another movement promotes entomophagy (eating insects) as a way to help save the planet. Well, it does use less natural resources…

Environmental Issues & Our Choices
Despite the controversy and the myriad of ways to tackle our meat-eater vs. vegan, environmental, and ethical issues, the one thing we all have in common is that we share a home planet. It is in reckless peril as a result of our collective decision making and we know we can do better.

If you doubt your ability as a solitary vegan environmentalist, one person can make a difference. Dalai Lama hones the sentiment perfectly, “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

Why Become Vegan?
A quick glance on social media will demonstrate that people have all kinds of reasons for becoming vegan. For many, it’s a trend. For others, it’s a healthy diet. However, as The Vegan Society defines it:

Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.

Hold on to that “practicable” point because changing your lifestyle in response to animal exploitation, plus the added concern of being a vegan environmentalist, simply put, can make you feel like you’re a single mosquito going against the structure and norms of the whole world. In many ways, you are. To keep your motivation on track, check out the Vegan Calculator for an idea of how many natural resources and animal lives you can save on an individual basis. 

Let’s get into some helpful tips.

How to Help the Environment as a Vegan

Get Informed
One inevitable part of becoming vegan is the research involved in understanding what exactly you can and cannot consume, wear, or use and what certain ingredients are sourced from. It’s an education unto itself that can take time to master. Add in the concern of being a vegan environmentalist, and suddenly a trip to the store turns into a quest for truth, instead of a quick in-and-out errand. But, the more you know, the better choices you can make.

To become vegan for the environment, be sure to get your information from organizations that have a long history of expertise such as PETA and The Vegan Society. Avoid the drama and infighting of informal online communities which can add confusion about the do’s and don’ts of vegan environmentalism.

Suddenly, a trip to the store turns into a quest for truth.

Donate to an Environmental Cause
There are so many well-known and reputable organizations devoted to bettering our world. From Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund, and the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (part of Earth Alliance) to The Nature Conservancy, you can make a difference by donating once or pledging a monthly amount.

Reusables – Balance Your Choices to Minimize Your Footprint
Instead of putting all your environmental concerns in one plant-based “eggz” basket, be sure to balance your positive impact with a well-rounded arsenal of choices. For example, buy glassware and reusable straws instead of plastic. Bring your own shopping bags. 

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
In addition to reusables and recycling, why not try a plastic-free or waste-free challenge to help minimize your eco-footprint? Get started by making it a fun experiment you try for only a week, then accelerate your impact by going longer. Through this experience, you’ll become aware of the wasteful practices most of us take part in without thinking, such as reaching for the plastic produce bags in the grocery store, simply because they’re available. 

You’ll become aware of the wasteful practices most of us take part in without thinking.

Shop Local
Massive industrial crops mar our planet’s natural balance. We cut down forests and use potentially harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Demand directly affects supply. So, another way to become vegan for the environment is to shop at your local farmer’s market. Instead of an expensive brunch with friends, head over to the market and get some bonding done over the fresh veggie options! 

Grow a Garden
Instead of wasting water on an immaculate lawn of grass that you hardly ever walk on, plant a small garden. It’s a great way to spend quality time with loved ones or just some alone time with yourself. Grow easy veggies that you tend to eat regularly such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Plus, you can share the extra bounty with neighbors and friends.

Foster Wildlife
Bird and butterfly diversity is vital for the health of our planet. Not only are they pretty, but they also help control rodent and insect populations, provide pollination, and disperse seeds. Invest in some bird feeders and you might find your home becomes a rest-stop for migrating birds. They will come back year after year and you’ll hear the positive impact you’re making from your new songster friends. Grow butterfly-friendly plants such as lilac, mint, or pansy to encourage butterflies to make your garden their new hospitable home.

Plant a Tree
This is one suggestion most of us have heard before. But, how many of us have followed through? The more trees on our Mother Earth, the better! Trees provide oxygen, clean the air we breathe, and help combat climate change. (Plus, they make for great bird perches!) Deciding to become vegan for the environment just might put some oomph in your motivation and force you into action… next thing you know, the whole neighborhood might get involved, too!

Bike, Walk or Carpool More Often
This is another no-brainer many of us ignore due to our hurried lifestyles and pursuit of convenience. Perhaps a co-worker lives nearby. Maybe you could start carpooling 1 or 2 days a week just to try it out. It might become a more regular thing. Or, if you need to “run” to the store… why not actually run there?! When laziness tries to prevail, remind yourself of the kind of person you want to be for the benefit of our planet’s future.

Remind yourself of the kind of person you want to be for the benefit of our planet’s future.

Share Your Excellent Vegan Cooking
The most palatable vegan activism comes in the form of cookies, pastries, and other baked goods! Whip up some vegan yums and share with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone who is willing to try! Once they taste how good veganism can be, they will be more open to the concept and may even spread the word!

Do Your Best, Help Others, Educate
There is no such thing as a perfect vegan environmentalist. Just work towards your best by implementing one strategy at a time and share by example what you’ve learned with others.

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