Climate, Cows, and Cars by Mitch - HTML preview

Conclusion

From all of these sources, it’s my conclusion that a both a vegan lifestyle and a carfree one are essential for us to improve the health of the planet. The decision to boycott oil and the automobile has a larger effect on our health and quality of life in cities. People can choose (to some degree) whether they live near an animal slaughtering plant or not and so most people aren’t regularly exposed to the pollution and carnage caused by raising and slaughtering animals. However there are very few places in the western world where the spectre of highway pollution (toxic gases, smog, or noise) aren’t felt. The health of children, the level of stress in adults, and the ability of seniors to get around are all impacted by the dependence on high-speed gas powered transportation. Meanwhile the impact of an animal-based diet mainly affects the non-human beings that we share the earth with.

© Berkeley Breathed used without permission

There’s two ways that you, dear reader, can respond to this essay. One is to say ‘Aw hell, everything that I do is bad for the planet. I’m just gonna get drunk.’ But the other is to realize that wherever you are at, there is always an opportunity to do more. Simply deciding that you’re vegan and that’s enough or simply accepting that you’re carfree and that’s enough, is to ignore the vast potential that we all have to enjoy a happier relationship with the world. There are people who protest oil pipelines, or who grow all their own food, or build houses out of recycled materials. Anything that you can do to reduce your impact is great, and ...... you can always do more.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.