In order to live more sustainably, I have already made many changes including recycling nearly everything, only buying absolute necessities, driving as little as possible, using as little chemicals as possible, preserving water, and reusing things. Before I made all of these changes, I needed four and a half worlds to survive; today I only need one and a half. The only other thing I can think to do is cut back or cut out my intake of animal products. I have considered doing this because I already don’t eat dairy products, so I don’t think it would be much of a jump to cut out some other things as well. I also have many vegan and vegetarian friends who could help and encourage me along the way, so that’s reassuring as well. I slowly starting to make a transition by cutting down my frequency of meat consumption. This change will help the world become a better place because it would decrease the demand for animal products, which would decrease the farming of livestock, which would decrease the amount of methane that is released into the environment, which would decrease the warming of the earth, which would save the planet from becoming uninhabitable. This would also decrease the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste that get into our water and air. This change might enrich my own life because it could better my health and introduce me to new vegan/vegetarian communities.
I work on all of these things actively and face challenges every day. I have the urge to buy new unnecessary things, drive instead of walk, and eat meat because I love it. Also, despite the fact that I have a very encouraging college community, people from my hometown, including my own family, live in the past, believe global warming is a hoax, and make me feel like my work is unimportant. I run into these problems every day, not just every week, but as for triumphs for this week, I only ate meat twice. That’s a big difference from seven days a week. An unanticipated challenge I faced was wrapping my mind around meatless recipes when I’ve been taught my whole life that, “a meal has meat.” Also, going home and being tempted by all my favorite meaty meals was difficult. An unanticipated benefit I faced was my food coming out cheaper than normal and losing a bit of unhealthy weight. I think I can stick with this change because it wasn’t severely taxing to cut some meat out of my diet, and I feel good about doing it. As for advice for others taking on a similar challenge, I’d say educate yourself about the impact you alone can have. The more you know, the more you care; this makes it easier and more rewarding to make the transition. Also, try not to focus on all the things you can’t eat; instead focus on the things you can eat. And go to Marty’s because their food is vegetarian/ vegan friendly and BANGIN’.
I didn’t have a super relatable photo, so here’s a picture of me being one with nature in Ireland last summer. This is where I met my vegan/vegetarian friends and started making the transition. Look how it makes you glow!
Great post! Last year, my goal was to go vegan. I actually went through with the goal for about six months before stopping due to not having the time to meal prep. Although I am no longer vegan, I try to limit the amount of meat that I eat. I prefer to eat white meat over dark meat; I am also limiting the amount of times I eat meat per week. It was also hard for me to continue being vegan, when everyone around me consumed animal products, but what I learned was that if you are motivated to do something, you can accomplish it without anyone, even though it is easier having people around you that are experiencing the same thing. Have you tried the vegan pizza from Marty’s? It’s amazing!
I really enjoyed reading your post! It makes me feel better knowing that there are others that are going through the same transition as me. I have been trying to go vegetarian (with hopes to eventually go vegan) for the past few months. When I tried to inform my family of the change I wanted to make, they laughed and didn’t take me seriously because a meal isn’t a meal without meat. It seems like they have a similar background to your family. I just wish I had more supportive friends or someone who could hold me accountable. Even if I’m not fully vegetarian or vegan, I have become very aware of how much meat I eat and where it comes from! The next step is to try to eat locally sourced foods!