by Carolyn Gevinski ’22, Opinion Contributor
Nine months ago, I decided to make a slight change to my lifestyle: I became a vegan. I cut all animal products out of my diet, including red meat, white meat, eggs, dairy products, and honey. The conversion was surprisingly smooth. I was raised to eat little red meat or food with high-fat content such as butter, milk, and ice cream, so converting to veganism was a mere matter of removing lean meats and eggs from my diet.
I decided to become vegan at the peak of an “environmental epiphany.” I had always valued environmental protection, but as I became more enlightened on the specific implications of our food industry, I decided it was time to take the next step.
According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), in my choice to become vegan, I save 219,000 gallons of water per year. According to the One Green Planet newsletter, by being vegan, I reduce my carbon emissions by 1⁄3 more than I would if I decided to replace my “regular” car with a hybrid car. In removing meat and dairy from my diet, I also greatly reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Methane is 20 times better at trapping heat in earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide is 300 times more powerful!
I’m not trying to brag about my lifestyle or push my agenda on others. Veganism isn’t right for everyone. People with severe allergies may have limitations as to what they can consume, and would not be capable of receiving their necessary nutrients if they went completely vegan. Also, many athletes would have a difficult time obtaining an adequate protein source. I understand the implications of protein-deficiency because I am an athlete as well. There are a variety of circumstances under which veganism would be an incredibly difficult feat.
I do not think that veganism is necessary or viable for everyone. I am passionate about protecting and preserving the environment, so I have made a personal decision to take as many steps as I possibly can to reduce my ecological footprint. I do not believe this choice is right for everyone. However, I do believe that it is in everyone’s best interest to become more environmentally aware. By taking small steps to reduce our individual environmental impact, the collective effect could be astronomical. According to the One Green Planet newsletter, “If every American dropped one serving of chicken per week from their diet, it would save the same amount of carbon dioxide emissions as taking 500,000 cars off the road.” No matter how trivial our individual ambitions may seem, by creating personal, environment-based goals, we can substantially reduce our national footprint.
Going “full-vegan” can actually be incredibly beneficial to your health when done right. A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits, plant-based proteins, and whole grains, can reduce the risk of heart disease, type two diabetes, and even certain cancers. If simple steps are taken to obtain necessary amino-acids and critical nutrients such as iron from plant sources, vegetarianism and veganism can be two extremely healthy lifestyle options. New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady is an excellent example of a professional athlete who follows a vegan diet for the health benefits.
Despite the evident benefits of following a diet that is low in animal products, there are still some fears that many people looking to reduce their meat and dairy intake face. One of these fears is the “crazy vegan” stereotype. Believe me, I have met my fair share of aggravating vegans who think that they are better than everyone around them because of their lifestyle choices.
This point of view is embarrassing. I was an environmentalist before I became a vegan. I aim to spread awareness about the benefits of a more plant-based lifestyle. An inflated ego is not a promising strategy to advocate for an important cause. To these vegans, I say, we are all adults, we make our own decisions. It is not anyone’s right to sneer at another’s lifestyle because it is different than their own. However, through education and respect, it is possible to spread a common message of environmental protectionism. The egotistical attitudes of a few vegans is a rare circumstance. Most of the vegans I have met are peaceful, empathetic individuals, with diverse goals and interests that include protecting the environment, decreasing animal cruelty, or improving personal health. It is discouraging that the negative attitudes of a minority can cause such large stereotypical implications. Our message as a vegan community should not be as misrepresented as it is currently.
Above all, I would recommend a vegan lifestyle to those who are searching for a source of pride. For those who feel lost in their endeavors, or are going through a rough patch in their journey through life, a vegan lifestyle can be an excellent way to boost self-esteem. In my case, at the end of every day, there is always one constant in my life. I know that I am making a positive choice for the world as a whole, and for my own mental and physical health.
