Animal agriculture is responsible for around 16.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions! The global greenhouse gas emission of animal-based foods are twice that of plant-based foods, and research shows that the carbon footprint of a vegan diet can be as much as 60% smaller than a meat-based one.
One of the biggest causes of water pollution in the UK – and globally – is animal agriculture. Waste from factory farms runs off into waterways, rivers and streams which kills wildlife and pollutes the water.
4) If you eat meat, chances are you’re supporting factory farming!
Most people will tell you that they oppose factory farming, but the vast majority of meat and animal products come from intensive factory farms. In these farms, animals are confined to sheds or cages, with very little natural light, and their natural instincts are denied to them.
The worst thing of all is that all this suffering and environmental damage is completely unnecessary. We do not need to eat meat or animal products in order to survive – in fact, every major dietetic organisation agrees that a balanced plant-based diet provides all the nutrients one needs to live a happy, healthy life.