Madeleine Hull
Vegetarianism is often associated with ethical, environmental, and health benefits. People who abstain from eating meat are generally known as vegetarians, and those who avoid all animal by-products are known as vegans. The main ethical argument for vegetarianism is the opposition to the killing of animals, which is considered a common reason for people to adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, it is important to note that dairy production also involves slaughter, and some vegetarians may still contribute to unethical eating. The environmental impact of meat production is another key factor, with vegetarian and vegan diets generally considered better for the planet. Additionally, health considerations play a significant role in the decision to adopt a vegetarian diet, with some people citing it as the primary motive.
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What You'll Learn
Animal rights and welfare
Vegetarianism and veganism are often associated with animal welfare and ethical consumption. The argument for removing animal products from one's diet is an ethical one, as animals are complex creatures capable of experiencing pain and joy. Factory farms, where animals are kept in cramped, unsanitary living quarters with a lack of sunlight and persistent disease, are inhumane. Free-range and other "humane" farming alternatives are not much better, as they still involve the unnecessary suffering and slaughter of animals.
The egg industry is also problematic, with hens forced to lay up to 30 times more eggs than natural and kept in cramped battery cages, often de-beaked and suffering from broken bones, hemorrhaging, and dehydration. Male chicks are often killed, and newborn calves are forcibly removed from their mothers within 12 hours for dairy production.
Some argue that an ethically carnivorous life is possible if the animals consumed have lived and died without unnecessary suffering. However, philosopher Carl Cohen writes that if animals have any rights, they must have the right not to be killed to advance the interests of others, implying a duty not to kill them.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are motivated by a desire to reduce animal suffering and respect their right to life. A study found that vegetarians and vegans were more strongly motivated by environmental and animal rights concerns than omnivores, and these concerns predicted lower commitment to meat, dairy, and egg consumption. However, it is worth noting that vegetarians were less motivated by animal rights than vegans.
While a purely plant-based diet may not be feasible for everyone due to constraints on arable land and food security issues, reducing meat consumption and choosing ethically-farmed animal products can still contribute to improving animal welfare and reducing unnecessary suffering.
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Environmental impact
Vegetarian diets are generally considered to be environmentally preferable to meat-based diets. Meat, especially beef, lamb, and pork, is known to be one of the highest-emission foods, and the production of animal-derived foods is more resource-intensive and taxing on the environment than most plant-based alternatives.
According to the United Nations, raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. The livestock sector accounts for 9% of CO2 emissions from human-related activities, but it produces a much larger share of other, more harmful greenhouse gases. A vegetarian diet can help reduce these emissions.
A vegetarian diet requires significantly less land than a meat-based diet. More agricultural land is used to raise cattle than all other domesticated animals and crops combined. By switching to a vegetarian diet, individuals can reduce their land consumption and the environmental impact associated with it.
Water usage is another important consideration. Meat production, especially for cattle, requires significant amounts of water. For example, a single chicken breast takes over 735 litres of water to produce, which is enough to fill up a bathtub almost five times. In contrast, vegetarian sources of protein, such as nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils, require less water and can help reduce water consumption.
However, it is important to note that not all vegetarian diets are equally environmentally friendly. Some plant-based foods, such as avocados, have a high water footprint, especially when grown in water-stressed regions. Additionally, the impact of air miles, processing, and food waste can also contribute to the environmental impact of a vegetarian diet.
Overall, a well-planned vegetarian diet that considers the environmental impact of different food choices can be a more environmentally preferable option than a meat-based diet. It can help reduce land and water usage, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
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Health considerations
A vegetarian diet can be ethically preferable for a variety of health reasons. Firstly, a well-planned vegetarian diet can meet all of a person's nutritional needs and is recognised as not only being nutritionally sufficient but also as a way to reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. Vegetarians tend to consume less saturated fat and cholesterol and more vitamins C and E, dietary fibre, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals. As a result, they often have lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and a lower body mass index (BMI), all of which are associated with longevity and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
However, it is important to note that some nutrients, such as protein, iron, calcium, and zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin K, can be harder to obtain from a vegetarian diet, especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have young children. For example, vitamin D and vitamin K are essential for bone health, and while green leafy vegetables contain vitamin K, vegetarians may need to rely on fortified foods or supplements to ensure adequate vitamin D intake. Similarly, protein is essential for tissue building and repair, and while it can be obtained from plant sources, most plant foods are not "complete proteins" and only contain some of the essential amino acids. Therefore, careful planning is required to ensure a vegetarian diet meets all nutritional requirements.
In addition to the potential health benefits of a vegetarian diet, it is also worth considering the potential drawbacks or challenges. For example, some people may find it challenging to give up meat completely and may prefer a more flexible approach, such as a flexitarian or pescetarian diet, which includes small portions of meat or seafood, respectively. Additionally, cultural, traditional, and sensory factors, such as the taste and pleasure of eating meat, may also influence an individual's decision to continue consuming meat or adopt a vegetarian diet.
Overall, while a vegetarian diet can offer potential health benefits, it is important to carefully plan and ensure that all essential nutrients are included in the diet, especially for certain vulnerable populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
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Religious beliefs
Vegetarianism and veganism are dietary choices that are influenced by a variety of factors, including ethical, health, and environmental concerns. Religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping these choices for many individuals. While some religions have specific dietary restrictions, others encourage a plant-based diet as a spiritual or ethical practice.
Jainism
Jainism, a religion centred in India, is known for its strict adherence to non-violence and vegetarianism. Jains are mandated to refrain from harming all life forms, and this belief extends to their dietary choices. They follow a vegetarian diet and also exclude certain vegetables that grow underground, such as carrots, potatoes, garlic, and onions, from their meals.
Hinduism
Hinduism, another Indian religion, has a long history of vegetarianism. While it is not a requirement, many Hindus believe that vegetarianism promotes a spiritual life. Some Hindus also follow a lacto-vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat and pungent or fetid vegetables.
Buddhism
Buddhism, which also originated in India, has varying attitudes towards vegetarianism. In China and Vietnam, Buddhist monks typically do not consume meat, while in Japan and Korea, some Buddhist schools allow meat consumption. However, all Buddhists, including monks, are allowed to practice vegetarianism if they wish.
Taoism
Taoism, a Chinese religion, encourages practitioners to minimise harm by adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet, as all life forms are considered sentient. Taoist monks may permanently adopt veganism or vegetarianism, while lay practitioners may eat vegetarian meals on specific days of the lunar month.
Judaism
Jewish law (Kashrut) prohibits the consumption of specific animals, such as pigs and shellfish, and restricts the mixing of meat and dairy. These laws often lead to occasional vegetarian meals. Jewish philosophy also lends itself to vegetarianism through ethical considerations, environmental concerns, and the principle of not causing pain to living creatures (Tza'ar ba'alei hayyim).
Christianity
Christianity has a long tradition of vegetarianism, with some groups advocating for it on spiritual or ethical grounds. Some Christians interpret the Bible's creation narrative in Genesis as an endorsement of vegetarianism, believing that God's original intention was for humans to be vegetarian. Others highlight Jesus's concern for animals and the environment, promoting a plant-based diet as a way to honour God's creation.
Islam
While mainstream Islamic authorities do not promote vegetarianism, some Muslims choose to abstain from meat due to concerns about the treatment of animals in the industrialised world of factory farming. They argue that truly halal meat does not exist in today's industrialised meat production systems.
Sikhism
Sikhism does not prescribe a preference for meat or vegetarian consumption. However, passages from the Guru Granth Sahib indicate a preference for a simple diet, which could include meat or be plant-based. The tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, prohibited the consumption of halal or Kutha meat due to the belief that sacrificing an animal in the name of God is ritualism, which should be avoided.
Baháʼí Faith
The Baháʼí Faith does not have specific dietary restrictions, but 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the son of the founder, noted that a vegetarian diet was desirable. He and Shoghi Effendi, the head of the religion in the early 20th century, believed that a vegetarian diet avoided killing animals and was more compassionate. However, they also stated that these teachings did not constitute a Baháʼí practice, and Baháʼís are free to choose their diet while being respectful of others' beliefs.
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Ethical veganism
The Vegan Society, founded in 1944, played a pivotal role in shaping ethical veganism as a distinct socio-political movement. Philosophers such as Tom Regan, Peter Singer, and Richard Ryder further contributed to the development of ethical veganism by exploring ethical approaches to animal protection and introducing concepts like 'speciesism' and 'sentience'.
Adherents of ethical veganism argue that it is more than just a diet; it is a commitment to animal rights and welfare, environmental protection, and social justice. They believe that the meat industry inflicts unnecessary suffering on animals, contributes significantly to climate change, and often exploits undocumented workers in farms and slaughterhouses. Ethical vegans advocate for a holistic approach to veganism, addressing not only food choices but also lifestyle alternatives that minimise harm to animals, the environment, and marginalised communities.
While ethical veganism is a strong stance against animal exploitation, some critics argue that it is ineffective in isolation. They suggest that combining ethical arguments with health and environmental concerns creates a more robust foundation for veganism, making it more resilient and appealing to a wider audience. However, others counter that ethical vegans already intertwine these arguments, recognising the interconnectedness of animal rights, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
In 2020, ethical veganism was recognised as a legally protected philosophical belief in Great Britain, underscoring its significance as a socio-political movement. Ethical veganism offers a comprehensive framework for individuals seeking to align their values with their daily choices, advocating for a world where humans, animals, and the planet can coexist harmoniously.
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Frequently asked questions
A vegetarian diet is often considered ethically preferable because it avoids the slaughter of animals and the associated animal welfare issues. It is also better for the environment, reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
Some people argue that meat is a natural part of the human diet and that the meat industry is vital for maintaining certain ecosystems. Others point to the fact that vegetarianism does not always guarantee ethical eating, as it can be just as unhealthy and environmentally damaging as meat-eating if the wrong foods are chosen.
The main motivation for people to adopt a vegetarian diet is health, but this is closely followed by animal rights and environmental concerns.
Ethical vegans argue that veganism is the only way to truly avoid animal cruelty, as dairy and egg production also involve the slaughter of animals. Veganism is also better for the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% compared to a meat-heavy diet.
Some people argue that it is possible to eat meat in an ethical way, for example, by only eating meat that has been produced in ecologically benign circumstances. Others argue that meat-eating is only truly ethical when human survival is at stake.
