There are many reasons to choose a vegan diet, whether it's related to health, the animals, or the environment. Yes you read that right, the environment. Many people consider environmentalism to be driving less, taking shorter showers, as well as reducing trash and plastic waste, but what about the food you're eating? Here are the top reasons why you should cut animal products out of your diet for the sake of the planet.

Deforestation is a huge threat to our planet right now, with wildlife going endangered and thousands of trees being chopped down. Many people blame palm oil or soybeans for this issue, however the leading cause of this issue is in fact the cattle industry. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it; not only do the cows need space to live, but we also need the space to grow their food, which, in the end, takes up a LOT of space, and no, grass-fed is not greener. The soybeans definitely aren't very good for the environment, but the fact remains that most of the soybeans grown are actually fed to livestock, not humans, making their environmental impact even worse. Grass-fed cows take up even more land in order to give the cattle enough grass to survive.

When you think of your consumption or water, you probably think that the solution is to take shorter showers, or to turn off the sink while brushing your teeth. The truth is that although these are great steps in the right direction, it is not the area in which we need to focus on. The leading cause of water waste is the cattle industry; in fact, one hamburger requires the equivalent of 2 months of showering for the average person. If this confuses you at all, look at it this way: the cows need to drink, and the food that they eat needs to be watered. It's very simple when you think about it. Not to mention the fact that most cattle are fed soybeans, which use a lot of water to grow.

When talking about your carbon footprint, most people think about cars and other vehicles. Little do they know that animal agriculture is responsible for more carbon emissions than all forms of transportation combined. Biking, walking, or taking the bus are easy steps to take, but ordering a veggie burger over a beef burger is even easier (and often yummier). Thankfully, vegan options are readily available at most chain restaurants now, and even ones that aren't have ways to make it vegan through various side options.

Despite the fact that you may have been told that to fight the plastic issue, we must switch to bamboo toothbrushes, reuse bags and water bottles, and refuse straws, the leading cause of plastic pollution is actually from discarded fishing nets. The best way to reduce plastic consumption is to stop eating fish, not to mention the fact that the chemicals from the plastic they eat absorbs into their muscles, which is typically what people tend to eat in a fish. Furthermore, most animal products are packaged in plastic; however, if you are looking for meat substitutes, the most sustainable options are to make your own, opt for bigger packaging, or to support brands like Yves that allow you to send their packaging back to them through terracycle for recycling. In conclusion, if you're looking for a change in habits for the coming years, for a better future for your children, considering your consumption of animal products is the first step. Thanks for reading!