Why ones choose a vegan lifestyle?

People choose to adopt a vegan lifestyle for a range of reasons, from improving health to a growing awareness of the impact meat and dairy is having on our planet.

However, many people choose to go vegan to help stop animal cruelty, particularly when it comes to animal agriculture.

It is estimated that every year, one billion animals are farmed and slaughtered for consumption in the UK alone – and that’s excluding fish, shellfish and marine animals.

Factory farming

To meet demand for meat and dairy products, large-scale, industrialised farming, know as factory farming, is now widespread.

On some factory farms, animals reside in windowless units, deprived of natural sunlight, grass and fresh air.

The confined conditions in which they live deny the animals their natural instincts, and can also lead to injury, disease and death.

Antibiotics in animal agriculture

What’s more, staggeringly, an estimated 66% of all antibiotics are used in farmed animals, and not people.

Used to keep animals alive, and boost growth, the use of antibiotics is often applied to whole flocks or herds, and not just sick animals.

Why using antibiotics in animals could be bad for our health?

Well, there are several concerns like impact on human hormones as it goes into our system, and it might interfere with hormone balance.

One of the other concerns is that the antibiotics can be left in the animal body and be transported to a human organism after consumption, causing a health risk because the infections will be more resistant and more difficult to treat as a result.

Mutilation and transportation

Factory farmed animals can also endure mutilations, force feeding, and genetic manipulation to better suit the commercial food market.

Their pain and suffering isn’t confined to the farm itself, and often animals endure long journeys in cramped conditions without proper ventilation, food or water – and that’s before they even reach the slaughterhouse.

Animal cruelty in animal agriculture: Did you know?

1. More than 331 million cattle globally were slaughtered for meat production in 2021.

2. In the United States of America, more than 46 million turkeys are killed each year – for Thanksgiving alone.

3. 90% of farmed animals globally are living in factory farms. 

4. Factory farming contributes at least 11% of the global greenhouse gases fuelling climate change.

5. Nearly 74 billion chickens were slaughtered for meat in 2021.

Are all animal products that bad?

No, not really. Mainly from big farms which supplies corporations, supermarkets and big chain restaurants. 

If you are worrying about this, check the label from where the meat is coming from, or ask the restaurant from where they source the meat.

Better choice is always free range chicken, free range eggs or grass fed beef or diary, if you have a chance then get it.

It is not only more delicious and better quality with more nutrition, but you also know it was farmed in an older farming way, not the stressful for the animal way.

In general, local butchers and local little farms are really good, they don't have a need or scale to reach the drastic measures. So don't be afraid and support the local!

What about Organic farming?

Another good choice which you can make to get extra assurance is to chose organic meat, eggs and dairy products.

The organic certification means that meat has been produced with certain organic farming standards and practices. 

Hear are some key aspects of organic farming:

No Synthetic Chemicals: Organic meat is produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, such as synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Instead, organic farmers use natural methods for pest control and soil fertility.

No Antibiotics or Growth Hormones: Organic livestock is raised without the routine use of antibiotics or growth hormones. If an animal becomes sick and requires treatment with antibiotics, it may be treated, but it is typically removed from the organic production system.

Non-GMO Feeds: Organic livestock feed is typically free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Animals raised for organic meat are fed organic feed that is free from synthetic pesticides and GMOs.

Access to Outdoor Spaces: Organic farming standards often require that animals have access to outdoor spaces and are provided with living conditions that allow for natural behaviours.

Animal Welfare: Organic standards may include requirements for humane treatment of animals, providing them with sufficient space and living conditions that support their well-being.

Related reading

Read our blog post about the impact of meat and dairy on the planet.

Thinking of going vegan? Read our beginner's guide to Veganuary. 

Here to support you 

Eco Natural Products is here to support, whether you’re currently living a vegan lifestyle and looking for more great products, or you’re thinking of going vegan for the first time. 

Discover our range of vegan lifestyle products.  

Sources

The sources used in the writing of this article can be found at:

Animal Aid

Our World in Data

PETA

Sentience Institute

Veganuary

World Animal Protection

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only. Eco Natural Products is not responsible for the nature of any external content or third party links.