Why the plant-based movement?

By Téla Green

Have you noticed more and more people going vegan, and wondered why? Worldwide, the plant-based movement is increasingly on the rise. The reasons why people are joining the movement include the climate crisis, their health and to stand against animal cruelty.

CLIMATE CRISIS

Along with its significant carbon footprint, animal agriculture is a significant contributor to deforestation (including the Amazon forest), habitat loss, species extinction and water pollution. If those of us with food choices adopted a plant-based diet, the area of farmland necessary to provide food for the earth's population would be more than sufficient to eliminate world hunger and would permit rewilding of vast areas.

HEALTH

People who follow plant-based diets benefit from better physical and mental health. Many studies have shown lower rates of health problems such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, and many other chronic diseases, as well as anxiety and depression.

ANIMALS

Each year, 60 billion land animals and 1 trillion marine animals are exploited and killed for human consumption. There is also increasing societal awareness of the horrific conditions sentient beings face in meat, dairy and egg factory farms.

I now challenge you to 2 full days of plant-based foods! Here are a few easy and delicious recipes to get you started.

BREAKFAST

These overnight oats are perfect, and can be ready for you soon after you wake up!

PERFECT VEGAN OVERNIGHT OATS

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This tofu scramble inspired by Chocolate Covered Katie tastes just like real eggs, but healthier!

VEGAN TOFU SCRAMBLE RECIPE

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LUNCH

These burritos bowls inspired by Loving it Vegan are super easy and tasty!

VEGAN BURRITO BOWLS

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This is a delicious and quick lunch recipe inspired by The Simple Veganista

VEGAN CHICKPEA TUNA SANDWICH

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DINNER

Try this tofu and vegetable stir fry inspired by skinnytaste

EASY VEGAN TOFU STIR FRY

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Try this delicious vegan bolognese sauce inspired by Vegan Huggs

VEGAN BOLOGNESE SAUCE 

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SOURCES

• Why go vegan? The Vegan Society. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/why-go-vegan

• Slabakova, B. (2020, June 26). The age of veganism: Vegan statistics for 2020 (infographic). HealthCareers. Retrieved March 19, 2022, from https://healthcareers.co/vegan-statistics/

• Food and climate change. David Suzuki Foundation. (2020, August 17). Retrieved March 19, 2022, from https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/food-climate-change/

• How veganism mitigates world hunger & food waste: Get the science. Truth or Drought. (n.d.). Retrieved March 19, 2022, from https://www.truthordrought.com/food-waste-and-hunger

• Food security. The Vegan Society. (n.d.). Retrieved March 19, 2022, from https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/environment/food-security