Sonia Lakshman’s Post

2 years ago, on this very day, I made a conscious choice to embrace a vegan lifestyle driven by my deep-rooted ethical concerns for the environment and animal welfare. Today, as I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the positive impact my choices have made, not only on my own well-being but also on the planet we all call Mother Earth. Apart from the speed and severity of threats like nuclear wars, climate change is widely considered one of the most concerning threats to our existence. It has the potential to cause widespread devastation which could displace millions, cause mass extinctions, and fundamentally alter the planet we live on. Climate change exacerbates and amplifies other global challenges, creating a complex web of interconnected risks that ripple through ecosystems, societies, and economies. Let's delve into some facts & figures that underscore the significance of veganism in mitigating climate change: 🌿 According to the UN FAO, the livestock sector accounts for approximately 14.5% of global GHGs emissions. By opting for plant-based alternatives, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. 🌍 The WRI highlights that animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, habitat destruction, & biodiversity loss. By shifting towards a vegan diet, we can help conserve precious ecosystems and protect vulnerable species. 🚰 Water scarcity is a pressing issue exacerbated by animal agriculture, which consumes vast amounts of water for livestock production and feed crops. By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we can conserve water resources and promote sustainable water management practices. It's essential to recognize that our individual choices could contribute to broader environmental conservation efforts. Every meal devoid of animal products represents a step towards a greener, more sustainable future: 🌱 By opting for plant-based foods, we reduce the demand for land, water, & resources associated with animal agriculture, thereby alleviating pressure on ecosystems and natural habitats. 🌿 Embracing cruelty-free alternatives in our daily lives sends a powerful message to industries & policymakers. As a Rural Management student, I find it imperative to amplify the voices of marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. Through advocacy, education, and collective action, we can foster a more compassionate & environmentally conscious society. On this special anniversary, I invite you to join me in realising the transformative power of veganism and the boundless possibilities it offers for creating a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. Together, let's continue to inspire positive change and pave the way towards a world where compassion, justice, & environmental stewardship prevail. #VeganAnniversary #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #AnimalWelfare 🌱🌍

Here are some of the excuses which non vegetarians put forward for not turning Vegan: 1. They multiply in huge numbers if we didn't eat them. Well,it's so kind of you for putting in so much effort to maintain the ecological balance by mistreating, confining, artificially impregnating , electrifying and causing serious mental trauma to the animals. Henceforth, do not hold agressive viewpoints towards terrorists , let them do their job, they are trying to maintain the human population after all! 2. Plants too have a life, do not eat them either! Yes , plants too have a life. Do you remember the pregnant elephant who was being fed a cracker stuffed pineapple by the locals , when the news about such a cruel act circulated online everyone expressed grief towards the animal, did we come across any person saying how cruel of the locals to stuff a cracker into a pineapple, how much of pain the pineapple might have endured....you won't come across any, you will be called insane if you even think of it, this brings us to a conclusion that when we already know that plants do not experience pain , they do not have a nervous system , then why do we say that it is unethical to eat plants? 3.They are meant for human consumption. Obviously not. If you overhear somebody claiming that women are meant for household duties, they must be abstained from education, politics, business , you would probably call that person a Mysogynist , then why not call the person who claims that animals are only meant for human consumption a Speciesist ? Afterall , he justifies the animal exploitation by saying it is for human benefit , just like the mysogynists justify women exploitation for their benefit ! It's all the question of " who is the victim" If we hold the victim perspective we probably won't put forward such irrational claims. 4. It is the law of nature, it is the survival of the fittest, would you tell a lion not to eat a goat? Ofcourse not , would you tell a chimpanzee not eat a banana, humans are the descendants of chimpanzees not lions , so it's better to think rationally and stop comparing ourselves with the carnivores. 5. What about the insects and other animals which get killed in the process of crop harvesting, do not eat the crop either! According to a study animal agriculture shares three fourths of the total farm land . This typically means that Non Vegans cause more harm to animals than Vegans do. Moreover, the point of Veganism is to minimise animal exploitation to the extent practically possible and be more empathetic and less inhumane. Finally, I would like to quote ancient Greek Philosopher Plato hereunder, "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people find a way around the laws"

Well, this is a win for innovation and sustainability 💚 cultivated pet food coming to a UK retailer near you soon! Big congrats to Meatly 🐶 who just received clearance in the UK to sell its cultivated chicken for pet food. > The vast majority of meat is eaten by people – but it also makes up almost half of the 10.5 million tonnes of pet food sold in Europe each year > It’s easy to think that by-products would otherwise go to waste and are therefore sustainable – but they make an important contribution to meat industry profits > The agricultural land used to produce meat and other pet food ingredients is twice as large as the UK > Peer-reviewed research suggests cultivated meat could cause up to 92% less climate emissions, reduce air pollution by up to 94%, and use up to 90% less land than conventional beef Great article by Alex Mayers from Good Food Institute Europe:

The relationship between veganism and climate change is profound and increasingly recognized as a vital part of the solution to environmental #sustainability. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions through methane production, deforestation for grazing, and intensive resource use. By embracing veganism, individuals can drastically reduce their carbon footprint. Plant-based diets require fewer resources compared to animal-based diets and have been shown to emit substantially fewer greenhouse gases. Replacing animal products with plant-based alternatives not only reduces emissions but also conserves water and natural habitats critical to mitigating #climatechange. In addition to environmental benefits, veganism addresses ethical concerns surrounding animal cruelty in industrial farming practices. Factory farming methods subject animals to confined spaces, unnatural living conditions, and inhumane treatment, which not only causes suffering but also degrades animal welfare. Veganism promotes compassion by rejecting the consumption of animal products, minimizing demand for such products, and supporting ethical #food production methods. This compassionate stance aligns with principles of animal rights, advocating for the fair treatment and respect of all living beings. The global adoption of veganism holds immense potential for climate change mitigation and animal welfare. As populations grow and food demands increase, transitioning to plant-based diets can offer a sustainable solution to feed more people while reducing environmental harm. Despite challenges like cultural preferences and food accessibility, increasing awareness of the climate crisis and advancements in plant-based food technology are making vegan options more accessible and appealing. Governments and organizations are recognizing the importance of promoting plant-based diets as part of broader climate action strategies, indicating a positive shift towards more sustainable and compassionate dietary choices. In conclusion, veganism is a tangible way for individuals to contribute to environmental sustainability and animal welfare. By choosing plant-based diets, people can actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and promote ethical treatment of animals. The adoption of veganism not only addresses climate change concerns but also fosters a more compassionate society that values the well-being and rights of all living beings. As awareness continues to grow and more resources become available, the impact of veganism in combating climate change and promoting animal welfare is poised to become increasingly significant on a global scale. ... And of course, no one can make someone change their choices if they don't want to. Changing is something a person decides to do on their own, not because someone else forces them to. #innovation #environment #India #biodiversity #economy

Vegan for the planet In this week’s feature Victoria takes a curious look at why going vegan is such a powerful act. The article examines the massive impact of animal agriculture on our planet and how our individual choices can make a difference. https://lnkd.in/g84scysF Did you know…? - Our current food system is responsible for 25% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, that’s around 13.7 billion tonnes of CO2e every year. - Half of all the habitable land on the planet is used for agriculture, and it is the leading cause of deforestation. - Producing just 1 kg of beef uses over 15,000 litres of water. It would take the average person 20 years to drink that much! - Food production is responsible for around 70% of biodiversity loss. Making the switch towards a more sustainable diet (not even fully vegan!) could reduce emissions by 36%, reduce land use by 75% (from 4 billion to 1 billion hectares), and reduce biodiversity loss by 20%. Be curious! Go vegan! Make the commitment by signing up to Veganuary (it’s not just for January!), or if you’re not quite ready to make the big leap, then try cutting down on meat and dairy in your diet – even a small reduction can still make a big difference. Watch one of the following documentaries to find out more about the benefits of a vegan diet for people and the planet: - Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy - Gamechangers - Land of Hope and Glory  - Earthlings - I could never go vegan - Punk rock vegan Find loads more info on why and how to go vegan with these amazing organisations: - Compassion in World Farming - The Vegan Society - The Humane League - Viva: https://viva.org.uk Have a play with the BBC foodie carbon footprint tool to see just how much of a difference changing your diet could make: https://lnkd.in/eVGY3cF Support the World Animal Protection and Compassion in World Farming campaigns to end factory farming: - https://lnkd.in/gsd4gi-B - https://lnkd.in/gEGTQzCJ Article written by: Victoria Johnsen Edited by: Annie Mellor

If the world went vegan, what would happen to farmed animals? If the world went vegan, we would increase the well-being of all lives, including farmed animals, wild species, and humans. The transition would spare 95 billion land animals and trillions of aquatic animals from suffering and violent death every single year. This does not mean we would face an overpopulation of cows, pigs and chickens. Farmed animals are bred into existence for economic purposes, leading to artificially high reproduction rates. In a vegan world, farmed animal numbers would gradually decline over a short period, and sanctuaries could provide shelter for those no longer used for food (and other purposes). Farmers could transition from animals to plants, mushrooms and algae. People would thrive on nutritious food, seeing a sharp rise in their physical and mental health. Without the demand for animal products, which are resource-intensive, we would free up 75% of agricultural land. This would allow vegetation to regrow and wild animals to thrive, reducing the staggering rates of species extinction. Evidence shows that this shift could feed a global population of 10 billion people on a fraction of the land, water, and energy, reducing global hunger and water scarcity. A vegan world would also curb the climate crisis, as animal agriculture is the leading driver of deforestation and a top source of carbon emissions. Marine ecosystems would dramatically benefit from the cessation of capture fishing and aquaculture, while aquatic animals would be free from unnecessary harm. Fishing vessels and fish pens (both on land and in water) are closely linked to ocean pollution, water overuse, species extinction, and animal suffering. Numerous studies show that a vegan world would improve public health outcomes, particularly in reducing the prevalence of heart disease, cancer, and obesity, but also by preventing antibiotic resistance and limiting exposure to pollution from animal farms. This would spare millions of human lives from health conditions and premature death every year. Most importantly, veganism is crucial for a society that is serious about peace, ethics and justice. In a vegan world, violence and oppression of the vulnerable are no longer normalised, sending a valuable message to younger generations and ensuring a brighter future for everyone. Text and images by Camila Perussello www.camilaperussello.com

Food Sustainability - How - a practical guide - Protection of biodiversity and improved animal welfare. In the aftermath of the Green Revolution, a few high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice gained prominence, leading to the obscurity of countless other native varieties. India, which once boasted around 100,000 varieties of rice, now stands at a mere 6,000, underscoring the drastic loss of crop variety and biodiversity. Similar patterns are observed in seafood, where popular fish like salmon, trout, and tuna dominate, while lesser-known species remain overlooked. The global overconsumption of avocados further exemplifies the need for a conscious effort to protect biodiversity. To safeguard biodiversity, consider these steps: 1. Lead by Example:   Maintain biodiversity by embracing various plant, grain, and protein varieties. Advocate for 'wild' variants and avoid monoculture. 2. Support Local and Seasonal Variety:   Discourage monocultures and opt for a variety of crops, including grains like bajra, jowar, makka, samak, alongside traditional wheat and rice. 3.Choose Sustainable Animal Products:   Prioritize free-range, cruelty-free, farm-fed, and hormone-free options. Support producers committed to higher animal welfare standards and avoid industrialized livestock production. 4. Diversify Fish Choices:   Opt for a variety of sustainably sourced fish, promoting the preservation of marine biodiversity. This approach is not only beneficial for the planet but also for us. A diverse range of foods on our plate supplies various nutrients and enhances gut biome. Locally grown food is fresher, introducing new tastes and flavors that make meals more delightful. At Indisalads, our menu includes chickpea as a source of protein alongside cottage cheese, chicken etc. encouraging a diverse array of produce on our plates. Seasonal produce is featured in our bowls like strawberry in winters, mangoes and melons in summers and is discontinued once the season is over. These are few ways we work towards this thematic area of sustainable food. This article is part of a series of articles where we explore what, why and how of Sustainable Food. Awareness is the first step toward action, and we invite you to stay tuned as we explore the intersection of food and sustainability, delving into practical ways to make a positive impact. Indisalads is an enterprise putting food sustainability into action through its delicious salad meals day in and day out. Its on a mission to make healthy eating pleasant, easy, accessible and sustainable. Sources - https://lnkd.in/gXm_-ns2 https://lnkd.in/gA-enji6

Big news for sustainable pet owners! 🌱 Hungarian insect producer Agroloop is taking a giant leap towards eco-friendly pet food. Their new €20 million facility, set to open near Budapest Airport in autumn 2024, will harness the power of black soldier fly larvae to create a protein-rich alternative to traditional animal feed. Why this matters: - Water Wise 💧 Uses 40x less water than traditional livestock farming. - Land Steward 🌍 Requires 30x less land per unit weight of protein. - Energy Efficient ⚡ Produces feed with reduced energy consumption. - Climate Champion 🌿 Generates 40x fewer carbon emissions per unit weight. Plus, their circular economy model upcycles over 20,000 tonnes of food byproducts annually, transforming waste into a valuable nutrient source for insect production. Have you considered insect-based pet food for your furry friend? (this is not a paid endorsement - I just have a very strong interest in insect foodstuffs) #InsectProtein #EcoFriendlyPets #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/eCk2JrCP

INSECTS in Pet Food 🦗🪳📈 The alternative and sustainable market Insects are able to eat by-products and foods that are surplus to human requirements and efficiently convert them into quality proteins and produce valuable byproducts such as #chitin and insect oil This biological reprocessing of by-products is the key concept underpinning the use of insect #protein in animal feeds Moreover, the excrements of insects, so called insect frass, can be used as a natural fertilizer. The insects are mainly rendered into high protein meal (e.g. 55% protein with an average 80% digestibility) and fats, or made into puree which is stored frozen. Whole dried insect alternatives are available, but these are mainly targeted at the bird and fish market SUSTAINABILITY is the key factor : A gram of edible protein from beef requires 8-14 times more land and 5 times more water than a gram of protein from mealworms and has a higher environmental impact with respect to greenhouse gas emissions #alternative #petfood #protein #byproducts

Grub Club – offering the ultimate sustainable protein boost for dogs -London Business School alumnus Alessandro Di Trapani has found a way to be kind to pets and the planet There’s something of biologist and natural historian David Attenborough, with perhaps a hint of naturalist Chris Packham, in the way that Grub Club co-founder and London Business School alumnus Alessandro Di Trapani enthuses about the benefits of the company’s hypoallergenic insect-based dog food that’s “perfect for sensitive tummies, itchy skin, and the planet”. With pets responsible for an incredible 20 per cent of the world’s consumption of fish and meat, London-based Grub Club has turned to making bug-based dog food as a healthier alternative to standard dog food fare, while also being kinder to the planet. Grub Club’s food and treats are all grain-free, come in fully recyclable packaging, and are vet-approved. The company uses the larvae from the black soldier fly as its source of protein. These flies are fed on organic plant-based matter and come from two insect-farming facilities - Protix in the Netherlands and UK-based Better Origin. “Black soldier flies are the perfect protein for pets,” says Alessandro, ‘Ale’. “They can be fed on food waste so they’re effectively a closed loop food system where organic matter and its nutrients are put back into the food chain. Our food range – including such products as an ‘All-Day Buffet’ that includes blueberries and pomegranates to boost immune health, to ‘Poop Perfector, to ‘Sit Roll Treat and Repeat’ -- benefit from key amino acids and omega 3. Our range has everything a pet needs.” #sustainability #entrepeneurship #entrepeneurialsuccess https://lnkd.in/e_-gn8Ay