Vegan is a Cheap Way to Eat

There are many reasons why some people choose a vegan diet, avoiding products made from animals and tested on animals (such as cosmetics and medications). Reasons for going vegan may range from concerns for animal welfare to opinions about nutrition to a moral/political belief in independence from factory farming and animal testing. Regardless of motivation, two “green” benefits to eating vegan are clear: one environmental, the other economic.

Environmental benefit:

• Animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs have the highest carbon footprint, requiring drastically greater amounts of energy and resources than vegan items. By avoiding products tested on animals, vegans show their commitment to respecting all members of our ecological community, and in turn support products that are less toxic and are safe enough not to require animal testing.

Economic benefit:

• Simply put, vegan food is cheaper! The most expensive items on grocery shelves or on the dinner menu are meat items. Foods such as legumes, nuts, grains, seeds, and fresh produce are the most economical. Vegan food can be just as versatile, too. Creative cooking keeps the vegan diet interesting and nutritious, and there are many online resources for vegan recipes. Vegans can find meals at most restaurants nowadays, as the food industry is becoming more aware of vegan and vegetarian dietary needs. 

To learn more about veganism, visit Vegan Action.