#Reducing consumption of animal-based products

[livelocalorganic]

The Impact of Your Food Choices on The Environment

More and more people are becoming aware of the impact their actions have on the environment. One area where our choices can make a significant difference is in our food consumption. The food we eat not only affects our health but also has a profound impact on the environment. As environmentally conscious individuals who value sustainable and organic farming practices, we have the power to make a…

[reasonsforhope]

"A global shift to a mostly plant-based “flexitarian” diet could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help restrict global heating to 1.5C, a new study shows.

Previous research has warned how emissions from food alone at current rates will propel the world past this key international target.

But the new research, published in the Science Advances journal, shows how that could be prevented by widespread adoption of a flexitarian diet based around reducing meat consumption and adding more plant-based food.

“A shift toward healthy diets would not only benefit the people, the land and food systems,” said Florian Humpenöder, a study author and senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, “but also would have an impact on the total economy in terms of how fast emissions need to be reduced.” ...

The researchers found that adopting a flexitarian diet could lower methane and nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture and lower the impacts of food production on water, nitrogen and biodiversity. This in turn could reduce the economic costs related to human health and ecosystem degradation and cut GHG emissions pricing, or what it costs to mitigate carbon, by 43% in 2050.

The dietary shift models also show limiting peak warming to about 1.5C can be achieved by 2045 with less carbon dioxide removal, compared with if we maintain our current diets.

“It’s important to stress that flexitarian is not vegetarian and not vegan,” Humpenöder says. “It’s less livestock products, especially in high-income regions, and the diet is based on what would be the best diet for human health.”

In the US, agriculture accounts for more than 10% of total GHG emissions. Most of it comes from livestock. Reducing meat consumption can free up agricultural land used for livestock production, which in turn can lower methane emissions. A potent greenhouse gas, methane is mainly expelled from cows and other animals raised for livestock. Animal production is the primary contributor to air quality-related health impacts from US food systems.

“This paper further confirms what other studies have shown, which is that if we change our diets to a more flexitarian type, we can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jason Hill, a professor in the University of Minnesota’s department of bioproducts and biosystems engineering.

According to the study authors, one way to achieve a shift toward healthier diets is through price-based incentives, such as putting taxes on the highest-emitting animal products, including beef and lamb. Another option is informing consumers about environmental consequences of high meat consumption."

-via The Guardian, March 27, 2024

[acti-veg]

The FAO roadmap was published at the Cop28 climate summit in December and accepts that diets “absolutely must [change] for human and planetary health”. But its 120 actions do not include reducing meat and dairy consumption in nations where most people already eat unhealthy amounts. Instead, many of the FAO’s recommendations are to intensify the efficiency of animal farming techniques.

“It’s very striking: the FAO doesn’t include one of the clearest interventions that would help meet both environmental and health targets,” said Cleo Verkuijl, of the Stockholm Environment Institute US and one of the eight authors of the commentary from academic institutions in the US, the Netherlands and Brazil.

“Also really surprising is the fact that the FAO completely dismisses alternative proteins,” she said. These had been shown to have far smaller environmental impacts than conventional meat but the FAO claimed, without providing evidence, that plant-based meats had “nutritional deficiencies”, the experts said.

A report from the UN Environment Programme (Unep), published in December, said “alternatives to animal products such as meat and dairy may contribute to significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the current global food system”.

[ramshacklefey]

Dear Person who Loves Hating on Veganism,

Not all vegans are white, USian, or wealthy. In fact, those demographics aren't remotely representative of people who practice veganism.

Most vegans aren't obnoxious fucking idiots, and we hate the idiots as much as you. They're just louder, and people see them because they're obnoxious fucking idiots who won't shut the fuck up.

We're very aware of the fact that the agribusiness industry exploits and abuses workers who are disproportionately immigrants and people of color. There's a big overlap between people who are vegan and people who try to buy local produce that we can confirm is made ethically. Unfortunately, this is expensive, and see above point about most vegans not being wealthy.

It's impossible to buy fucking anything these days without it being made by exploited workers. It is possible to avoid buying products that are produced by both worker exploitation and unimaginable cruelty to animals. Harm reduction.

Many of us also try to avoid buying stuff (Palm oil, quinoa, etc) that causes massive ecological harm.

Vegan "replacements" for animal products are not necessary for being vegan.

We know that eating eggs doesn't hurt chickens, that taking wool doesn't hurt sheep, and that eating dairy doesn't hurt the animals it comes from. Those of us who aren't idiots are fine with animal products that come from animals who are well-treated.

The animals that produce eggs, wool, and dairy for mass consumption live in conditions that would be illegal to keep a pet in.

Opinions vary on killing animals for meat if they're otherwise well-treated through their lives.

Eating vegan is straight up cheaper than not as long as you don't insist on buying luxury items to replace every single animal product in your diet.

Plant-based milk is only more expensive than dairy in the USA because of the extent to which the US government subsides the dairy industry.

The amount of meat that USians eat is fucking insane, unhealthy, and ecologically unsustainable. If we enacted laws that required farmers to give their animals the space and care needed for them to be remotely healthy and kept up the current rate of meat and dairy production, something like 70% of the available arable land in the country would be going to animal farming.

Cattle farming is the largest source of methane emissions on the planet. Methane is far more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO2. Reducing cattle farming would have a huge impact on global warming.

Humans are not carnivores. We aren't even omnivores, strictly speaking. We are primarily frugivores with a limited ability to digest animal products.

There is no nutritional benefit you get from animal products that is not available from plant-based food. Often, your body will obtain the nutrients more readily and efficiently from plants than from animal products.

The only exception to this I'm aware of is vitamin B12. This is because this vitamin doesn't come directly from plants, but from the soil they grow in, and most plants are washed too thoroughly and grown in unhealthy soil. Vitamin supplements can easily replace this.

There are innumerable health benefits to plant-based diets, even if you aren't fully vegan.

Most of us have pets. Most of us support caring, sustainable animal husbandry.

Whether or not you are vegan, you should, imo, be aware of the reality of how the animals you consume are treated. What you do with that information is your own business.

We would also like to launch PETA into the fucking sun.

Sincerely,

A Vegan Who Is Fucking Tired of This Bullshit.

[climatecalling]

The “gigantic” power of the meat and dairy industries in the EU and US is blocking the development of the greener alternatives needed to tackle the climate crisis, a study has found. The analysis of lobbying, subsidies and regulations showed that livestock farmers in the EU received 1,200 times more public funding than plant-based meat or cultivated meat groups. In the US, the animal farmers got 800 times more public funding. The money spent on lobbying the US government by meat producers was 190 times more than for the alternatives and was three times higher in the EU. The researchers also found that almost all dietary guidelines avoided highlighting the environmental impact of meat production and bans on alternative products using terms such as “milk”. Cutting meat consumption in rich nations is vital to tackling the climate crisis. Livestock production causes 15% of all global greenhouse emissions. Cutting meat and dairy consumption also slashes pollution, land and water use, and the destruction of forests, with scientists saying it is the single biggest way for people to reduce their impact on the planet.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Grist:

A new report finds that the United States could more efficiently produce food if half the country’s protein supply came from plant-based or alternative proteins rather than meat or dairy. 

The analysis demonstrates how a shift toward a plant-based diet provides ample benefits for the environment and the climate. In its latest report, the Good Food Institute, or GFI — a nonprofit think tank that supports the growth of alternative proteins — calculates that if Americans replaced 50 percent of their animal protein consumption with plant-based options, then 47.3 million fewer acres of cropland would be needed to grow the same amount of protein.

That land, which altogether makes up an area roughly the size of South Dakota, represents tremendous opportunities for carbon sequestration and biodiversity, according to GFI. The organization argues that if those acres weren’t used to grow crops, they could instead be transformed into carbon sinks or used to restore threatened ecosystems. That would deliver climate benefits on top of the reduction of animal agriculture’s more direct emissions sources: manure and cow burps.

The U.S. currently devotes a tremendous amount of land to agriculture: Over 60 percent of land in the contiguous U.S. is used for agriculture, and 21 percent of that is cropland. A majority of the nation’s cropland — 78 percent — is used to raise crops that are primarily used to feed animals. 

The shift toward increased alternative protein production detailed in the GFI report would not require growing more plants. Instead, the U.S. could meet its current protein demand by growing fewer crops overall, and ensuring that more of the commodity crops we already produce — such as soy, grain, corn, barley, oats, and sorghum — are grown for human consumption.

“I think a lot of people, when they hear about plant-based diets, they’re like, ‘That’s going to take so much soy,’” said Priera Panescu Scott, GFI’s lead plant-based scientist, whose background is in material and agricultural science. But Panescu Scott, who co-authored the report, points out that soy is mostly grown to feed livestock, not humans. Worldwide, a majority of soy is used for animal feed, while only 7 percent winds up becoming tofu, tempeh, soy milk, or other foods. 

[angelacademy]

Clear skin is more than just skincare: Gut Health

(A science based read)

What you eat is shown through your skin and on body. If your constantly shoving junk down your throat, junk is what will be shown on you. Essentially what you eat is what you are.

Eat bad -> bad skin

Eat good -> good skin

If your constantly breaking out and you feel icky. You need to figure out what is up with your gut health.

Research suggests many skin disorders are linked to an altered or unbalanced gut microbiome.

“When the relationship between gut microbiome and the immune system is impaired, subsequent effects can be triggered on the skin, potentially promoting the development of skin diseases.”

“13 Several dermatologic conditions, such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea are linked with intestinal dysbiosis. 223 Many studies have associated gastrointestinal health with skin homeostasis and allostasis, and there is evidence of a bidirectional interaction between the gut and the skin.”

Diet, drugs and other consumed substances affect skin through gut microbiome:

“Several studies have related the diversity and pathogenicity of the gut microbiome to skin disorders, which can be significantly altered by long-term dietary patterns. 43,105–107 Diet can affect the skin condition both positively and negatively through alteration of the gut microbiome, indicating that there is a relationship between the skin and the gut. 16 Not only diet, but also many synthetic and natural products consumed by humans as drugs can provide direct and indirect evidence on the connection between gut microbiome and skin.”

High and low fat diet:

“In the gut, a diet high in industrial trans-fatty acids increases the number of harmful microbes (such as Desulfovibrionaceae and Proteobacteria) while suppressing populations of advantageous microorganisms (e.g. members of Bacteroidetes, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidales). 121 Refined and hydrogenated oils (e.g., soybean, sunflower, safflower, canola, corn, and vegetable oils) can cause inflammation in the gut, which then manifests on the skin.”

Industrially produced trans fat can be found in margarine, vegetable shortening, Vanaspati ghee, fried foods, and baked goods such as crackers, biscuits and pies. Baked and fried street and restaurant foods often contain industrially produced trans fat.

Prebiotics:

“133,134 Prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, inulin, polydextrose, lactulose, sorbitol, and xylitol are a promising group of compounds that modulate the gut microbiome and can also provide skin benefits.”

“The effect of prebiotics on the skin condition is also obvious. For example, a Lactobacillus extract helps to reduce the size of acne lesions as well as inflammation by reducing skin erythema, improving skin barrier function and lowering the microbial counts on skin.”

types of prebiotics include:

Chicory root

Garlic

Onion

Dandelion greens

Apples

Bananas

Jerusalem artichoke

Asparagus

Probiotics:

“Probiotics can prevent gut colonization by pathogens and support anti-inflammatory responses by producing metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties. The most common probiotic microbes currently in use belong to the genera Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus. 143,144 Several beneficial effects of probiotic consumption have been demonstrated on many dermatological conditions, thus proving the existence of the gut-skin axis.”

Common types of probiotics include:

Lactobacillus: This is a common probiotic found in fermented foods, such as yogurt.

Bifidobacterium: This probiotic is found in some dairy products and helps with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Saccharomyces boulardii: This is a type of yeast found in many probiotics. You can find these probiotics and more in supplements and select foods.

Yogurt

Buttermilk

Cottage cheese

Miso soup

Sauerkraut

Kefir

Kimchi

Tempeh

Protein:

“The proteins from animal-based food sources may have better effects on gut microbiota compared to plant-based food sources due to the higher protein digestibility of animal proteins and the fact that the digestion of plant proteins may be limited by the presence of antinutritional factors found in plants [67]. Animal proteins have more balanced essential amino acids than plant proteins [68,69] and are thus considered higher quality protein.”

“Dairy and meat protein intake at a recommended level increased the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus and maintained a more balanced composition of gut microbiota compared to soy protein, which is beneficial to the host [25,26,28].”

“Your body makes lots of different peptides, each of which has a different role. Scientists can also make synthetic peptides in the lab. Companies have been adding peptides to skin care products for decades.”

High protein foods:

Salmon

Chicken breast

Tuna

Red split lentils

Tofu

Greek yogurt

Fibre:

“Dietary fibre is comprised of plant-based carbohydrates that cannot be metabolised by digestive enzymes encoded in the human genome, such as amylase. Instead, fibre can only be metabolized by certain species of gut microbiota through anaerobic fermentation, with the main product of this reaction being SCFAs.”

“Dietary fibre is a carbohydrate in plant foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes, which have been dominant in human diets for millions of years. From the Paleolithic era, when the hunter-gatherers mainly ate fruit and wild grains, to the agricultural era, when crops began to be cultivated, the ancients consumed more than 100 g of various digestible and indigestible dietary fibre from plants per day [1,2].”

Fibre rich foods:

Chia seeds

Lentils

Broccoli

Avacado

Carrots

Red kidney beans

Raspberries

XOXO

[etherealspacejelly]

Wanna help save the planet??? Here's how!

hey you! yeah, you! do you hate climate change??? wanna do something about it?? let me tell you about one simple thing you can do to help!

i study environmental science at university, and every day it seems like we are looking at Yet Another graph that shows how royally fucked we are, and that sucks!! there is not much the average person can do to prevent this, however, as the vast majority of our greenhouse gas emissions come from fossil fuel burning to generate electricity, something we the little people do not have much control over. and yeah, you can go to protests and email your MPs, but that doesnt really feel like its doing anything a lot of the time, so you are probably wondering what You Specifically can do Right Now to help prevent climate change even the tiniest amount. and the answer is probably not what you expect!

the second largest greenhouse-gas-producing industry is agriculture. this is due to ruminant animals (animals that eat and digest grass such as cows, goats, and sheep) producing vast quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas which can be 80x as potent as carbon dioxide.

meat production is also highly space inefficient, as animals require wide areas of pasture, but are also often fed crops too, so require Even More area to grow those crops. this means cattle farming is a huge contributor to deforestation, as farmers require more and more space.

so what can you do to help? the answer is simple: cut down on your red meat consumption! this doesnt necessarily mean go vegetarian, although that is Even Better, because any reduction in the consumption of red meat, especially beef, will reduce your carbon footprint massively! simply replace the red meat in your diet with fish, poultry, or plant-based protein sources, and you're already making a difference!

i myself chose to go vegetarian last year for this exact reason, and it hasnt been nearly as difficult as i thought. so if i can do it, you can too!! share this post, tell your friends, spread the word! we can help save the world, one veggie burger at a time :)

tl;dr : the red meat industry produces hella methane, switch to poultry, fish, or veggie protein instead!

[dailyanarchistposts]

Solutions?

In a video interview with Critical Theory in Berlin[8] he proposes to set up a planned economy to reduce emissions yearly and instate sanctions forcing corporations to pursue technocratic solutions (e.g. drawing down Co2 from the atmosphere) in a bid to recuperate the power of the state for planetary salvation.

In a co-authored editorial Seize the Means of Carbon Removal: The Political Economy of Direct Air Capture,[9] he plays through different scenarios of carbon removal from the air and demands that the “the left” confront it. Natural carbon sinks cannot possibly do all the work, so what remains apparent is the inherent need for new technological advancements and centralized planning to make capture solutions viable.

Malm, however, believes if the “means of removal” were socialised, capital accumulation could be off the table and the process would help repair climate damage, never mind the ecological and energetic costs of those technologies.

To be clear, large-scale carbon capture and storage technology is merely a hype, not a viable technology at our disposal. It remains unproven at scale, with current test facilities shutting down due to repeated mechanical failures[10] and exorbitant operating costs.[11]

It requires vast industrial complexes and a further scarring of the environment, all the while releasing more Co2 to the atmosphere than sequestered (as seen in Norway’s Sleipner Facility,[12] currently the best facility on Earth).

From geoengineering [R.F. – see Return Fire vol.3 pg8] utopia, Malm continues during his interview, and I am paraphrasing: If we can lock up people inside their houses for a period of time, surely we can say you can’t eat beef from Brazil any longer. Even if a State is able to stop industrial beef production in the tropics for all groups and people, is this really the way to create lasting social change? Swedish authoritarianism, and the state naiveté fabricated by social democracy, shines through his political theory.

Malm’s authoritarian desires continue in Corona, Climate, Chronic Emergency. Here he plays with ideas such as “mandatory global veganism”[13] and invokes the “duty” of the “richest countries” to “lead and assist a global turn to plant-based protein” to oppose the consumption of “bushmeat”[14] in other parts of the world. “Bushmeat” here, refers to how Indigenous people, farmers and low-income households hunt and subsist on local animals (e.g. rabbits, snakes, iguanas, deer, gazelle, etc.), as they have for centuries. Malm exhibits colonial hubris, meanwhile demonstrating an uncritical belief in industrial food systems and the relationships they engender.

The careless, and ultimately Eurocentric and racist, assertions by Malm are even more dumbfounding considering his credentials as a human geographer, situated at one of among Sweden’s most prestigious universities. Human geography research is famous for revealing the ecological harms of colonial land management schemes and, later, “fortress” and “community” conservation programs.[15] These programs have been largely ineffective, failing to curtail “commercial poaching” and intensifying attacks on Indigenous people, militarizing forests and regimenting ecologically destructive practices.[16] Enforcing authoritarian relationships over land, especially against so-called “subsistence poachers” – or acquiring “bushmeat” in Malm’s words – has been a resolute disaster extending colonial practices of land control, degradation and warfare into nature.[17]

This insanity extends to silence regarding the Indigenous people under constant attack by mines and wind turbines in Sweden. As Kuhn points out, Malm “does not mention the Sámi with a single word”, although they see themselves as “radical environmentalists by the very nature of their traditional livelihood”. Kuhn explains this might be because “all Swedish leftists do” this, or because it is “easier to point to struggles far away”, or even that he has “political reasons” for ignoring them (e.g. them not talking about “fossil capital”?). At the same time, he goes into great length telling of his own involvement in an action group horribly named “Indians of the Concrete Jungle”. In essence, he likes Indigenous peoples when they resist in attention-grabbing news headlines, but demonstrates radical disinterest, if not contempt, for their lifeways, culture and autonomy with his political philosophy and proposals.

[vezlayfood1]

The Ultimate Guide to Unveiling: Health Benefits of Veg Chicken

Introduction: Exploring the Wonders of Veg Chicken

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the extraordinary health benefits of Veg Chicken! In a world where dietary preferences and health-conscious choices are becoming increasingly prevalent, veg chicken emerges as a delightful alternative that not only satisfies the palate but also offers a plethora of nutritional advantages.

Understanding Veg Chicken: A Nutritious Alternative

What Exactly is Veg Chicken?

Veg chicken, often referred to as plant-based chicken or meat alternatives, is a protein-rich substitute crafted from a blend of plant-derived ingredients. These innovative products mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional chicken, providing a savory experience without the use of animal-derived components.

Nutritional Composition of Veg Chicken

Despite its meat-free nature, veg chicken boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Rich in plant-based proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals, this delectable alternative offers a wholesome dining experience without compromising on nutritional value. From soy and pea protein to vital nutrients like iron and B-vitamins, veg chicken serves as a commendable source of sustenance for individuals seeking a balanced diet.

Unveiling the Health Benefits of Veg Chicken

1. Protein Powerhouse

Protein serves as the building block of life, playing a crucial role in muscle repair, growth, and overall cellular function. Veg chicken, abundant in plant-based proteins, offers a fulfilling protein source suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and individuals looking to reduce their meat consumption. Incorporating veg chicken into your diet ensures adequate protein intake, supporting muscle development and enhancing satiety levels.

2. Heart Health Promotion

One of the most notable advantages of veg chicken lies in its potential to promote heart health. Unlike conventional meat products, which may contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risks, veg chicken offers a heart-friendly alternative. Low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, veg chicken aids in maintaining optimal blood lipid levels, reducing the likelihood of heart-related ailments and enhancing cardiovascular well-being.

3. Weight Management Support

In the pursuit of a healthy weight, dietary choices play a pivotal role. Veg chicken, with its low-calorie content and high protein density, emerges as a valuable ally in the battle against excess weight. By fostering feelings of fullness and satisfaction, veg chicken helps curb cravings and promotes portion control, facilitating weight management endeavors without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value.

4. Environmental Sustainability

Beyond individual health benefits, embracing veg chicken aligns with broader environmental sustainability efforts. Traditional livestock farming practices often exert a significant ecological footprint, contributing to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. In contrast, veg chicken production entails fewer environmental repercussions, making it a more eco-conscious choice for conscientious consumers striving to reduce their carbon footprint.

Incorporating Veg Chicken Into Your Culinary Repertoire

Creative Cooking Ideas

From savory stir-fries to succulent sandwiches, the versatility of veg chicken lends itself to a myriad of culinary creations. Experiment with diverse recipes and cooking techniques to unlock the full potential of this plant-based delicacy. Whether you’re grilling, sautéing, or baking, veg chicken serves as a canvas for culinary innovation, allowing you to craft wholesome meals that tantalize the taste buds and nourish the body.

Dietary Diversity Enhancement

Integrating veg chicken into your dietary regimen introduces a refreshing dimension of variety and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or a curious omnivore, incorporating veg chicken into your meals diversifies your palate and broadens your culinary horizons. Embrace the culinary adventure and savor the delectable delights of veg chicken in all its forms, from classic favorites to bold, inventive dishes.

Conclusion: Embracing the Virtues of Veg Chicken

In conclusion, the health benefits of veg chicken are as diverse as they are remarkable. From its protein-packed prowess to its heart-healthy attributes and environmental sustainability, veg chicken embodies the epitome of nutritious innovation. By incorporating veg chicken into your dietary repertoire, you embark on a journey of culinary discovery and wellness enhancement, reaping the rewards of a plant-powered lifestyle.

[pastel-charm-14]

embracing eco-friendly living

reduce, reuse, recycle: it's the mantra we all know and love! try to minimize your waste by opting for reusable items like water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags. and don't forget to recycle whenever possible to give new life to materials.

go plant-based: consider incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. not only is it healthier for you, but it also has a significantly lower environmental footprint compared to animal products.

choose eco-friendly products: look for products that are made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo toothbrushes, reusable silicone food storage bags, and biodegradable cleaning supplies. every little switch adds up to make a big difference!

conserve energy: be mindful of your energy consumption by turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and investing in energy-efficient appliances. small changes like these can help reduce your carbon footprint.

support ethical brands: seek out companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in their production processes. by supporting these brands, you're voting with your dollar for a greener, more responsible future.

[hushpuppy5-blog]

Periods? A Bloody Waste of Time 🩸

I'm entirely convinced at this point that anything that they tell us (women) is normal is actually bad for us. While pregnancy from male insemination can be avoided, periods are a different matter. I am certain that they are not meant to be painful at all, nor are we meant to bleed so heavily. If a period is (as some claim) truly the removal of toxins and other fluids, are we not going to analyze what the heck is intoxicating us to begin with?

I saw this documentary a while ago called "Red Moon: Menstruation, Culture, and the Politics of Gender" were several women were discussing the stigmatization of periods. I don't remember which part it was exactly, but they were mentioning how painful periods were an energy thing. For some women, especially those who have suffered from abuse in their past, something may energetically be going on with each monthly release. I think it even goes beyond that.

This world's version of normal seems to be in praise of degeneracy at every corner of life. Pregnancy is normal, yet many women die from it or leave with life long scars (physically and emotionally). Intercourse (which seems to skirt itself alongside pure violence) is normal, yet many women leave with disease or some form of mental disorder. Periods are normal, but many women suffer monthly from it to the point where they can become immobile for a day or two. It seems that just as man has intoxicated nature, he has intoxicated the women as well. Expertly so. Now women have convinced themselves and others that pain and suffering is normal. I found this document online discussing some doctors who observed the difference between the western women and who they called "primitive" women. The western women were described as having highly acidic bodies, whilst the other group of women had alkaline bodies.

During the study, the women who consumed more animal products were more susceptible to bleeding heavier and for a longer period during their menstrual. With the alkaline women who consumed more plant based foods, the menstruation almost ceased to exist.

Modern doctors will claim that the absence of a period is signs of a terrible condition. They'll even suggest that an eating disorder it at play. It's interesting they'll say that losing your periods is unnatural, but popping a pill full of foreign chemicals to "regulate" it is totally not cause for future concerns. Speaking of eating disorders—from a western perspective—arguably many people already have eating disorders. We eat until our bellies our stretched beyond normal, and we consume foods that are lifeless and will end up rotting in our stomachs. I do believe that an aspect of periods is normal, given their spiritual nature. In ancient times, they hinted at a connection between the cycles of the moon. This was when women could be most in tune with their bodies and souls, perhaps harnessing spirtual powers that may have been dulled any other time. Now, women are lying in bed curdling in pain during that time of the month. Not much can be done productively. Of course, not all women have this problem, but plenty do.

This is just some speculation though. For me personally, omitting meat and other animal products from my diet has changed the way I think. I'm only four months in though, and my decision to do this was spontaneous and came about due to some health concerns for mine. I have had asthma and eczema for most of my life. These are two inflammatory conditions that have left me breathless and peeling off my own skin to a gross degree. Since reducing my consumption of eggs and milk and taking out meat completely, I've been breathing better and I've had little to no rashes. As a shift to something completely plant based, I'm curious as to how it will further effect me physically alongside my future menstrual cycles as well. Again, this is just the case for myself and could effect others differently. I just know that society doesn't care for case by case conditions and wants EVERYBODY to do the exact same thing healthwise, regardless of how it effect them personally. They've been choosing death for us for centuries. Now, when some of us choose life, they want to call it dangerous pseudoscience. Spare me. Women need to get to know their own bodies on a personal level. Many modern doctors aren't healers. They're band-aid solutions. This includes female doctors, since they are getting paid too. We need to be in charge of our own health and start educating ourselves.

Periods were once considered the first curse on women. Perhaps they still are. They certainly aren't desired. This isn't to take the Christian perspective of "woman bad", but there are hidden truths within these ancient books that must be analyzed. In the case of Eve, she suffered two curses from God in Genesis 3:16:

"I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children."

And

"Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."

There's no explicit mention of periods here, but pregnancy and periods go hand in hand on the pain spectrum it seems. The second quote is also intriguing. This desire for her husband is linked to pain as well as "inequality". I believe that her desire for Adam makes them far more equal than we realize. She suffers with him in his degeneracy now, although on a different level. It's also notable that her suffering is more severe and constant. Would she have this pain if she loved "God" more than Adam? Or if she loved herself more than Adam?

There are so many questions, many left unanswered. Regardless, there can be a more optimistic lens to this. Like many curses, perhaps this one can be broken.

[market-insider]

How the Plant-based Milk Market is Growing Worldwide: A Sustainable Alternatives

The global plant-based milk market size is estimated to reach USD 32.35 billion in 2030 and expand at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of the plant-based milk market is primarily driven by shifting consumer preferences towards healthier dietary choices and increasing awareness of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies. Consumers are increasingly opting for plant-based alternatives such as almond, soy, oat, coconut, and others, which offer nutritional benefits including vitamins, minerals, and proteins, without compromising on taste.

The growing adoption of vegan and flexitarian lifestyles worldwide has significantly expanded the consumer base for plant-based milk products. These dietary choices are driven by ethical considerations, environmental sustainability concerns, and perceived health benefits associated with reduced consumption of animal products is further expected to drive the market for plant-based milk during the forecast period.

The availability and convenience of plant-based milks have significantly improved, contributing to market growth. Major retailers and supermarkets now stock a wide range of plant-based milks, making them easily accessible to consumers. Online grocery platforms have also expanded their plant-based milk offerings, allowing consumers to conveniently purchase their preferred products from the comfort of their homes. This factor is further expected to drive the market for plant-based milk during the forecast period.

The plant-based milk market has seen significant expansion beyond North America and Europe, reaching new markets in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In Asia, where lactose intolerance is prevalent, plant-based milks are gaining popularity as a suitable alternative to dairy. In Latin America, the growing middle class and increasing awareness of health and environmental issues are driving demand for plant-based milks.

Manufacturers in the plant-based milk market are investing in research and development to innovate and expand their product portfolios. This includes the introduction of new plant sources such as almond, soy, oat, coconut, and others, as well as fortified variants enriched with vitamins, minerals, and protein. Innovations in flavor profiles and packaging formats cater to diverse consumer preferences and convenience.

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Plant-based Milk Market Report Highlights

Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. The rise of vegetarianism and veganism, driven by concerns about animal cruelty, supports the demand for plant-based milks.

Based on product, the oat milk is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR of 9.4% over the forecast period. Oat milk is rich in dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, oat milk often contains higher levels of protein compared to other plant-based milks, making it a nutritious option for consumers.

Based on nature, organic plant-based milk is expected to growth with the fastest CAGR of 11.5% from 2024 to 2030. Organic plant-based milks are free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Based on distribution channel, sales of plant-based milk proudcts through hypermarkets & supermarkets accounted for the largest share in the plant-based milk market in 2023. These retail outlets offer a wide variety of plant-based milk products, including different brands, types, and flavors. The extensive product range allows consumers to compare and choose according to their preferences, driving sales through this channel.

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We have segmented the global plant-based milk market based on product, nature, flavor, distribution channel, and region.

[acti-veg]

about the last post, the "no matter what it is, if it's associated with vegans they will find a reason to hate it" and I can say nothing truer has ever been said. I live in Italy and we have vegan staples like pasta with oil, garlic and chilli pepper, or pasta with beans. and people when think of veganism just FORGET about them. they think I as a vegan eat just salad all day. like??? my guy. my pal. pasta with beans is right there. rice with peas is RIGHT THERE. why would I deprive myself of those delicacies just because in the minds of meat eaters vegans are miserable?

I’ve seen this at parties and work events so many times, a very normal food like a potato or pasta salad is labelled vegan, and nobody wants to touch it. Doughnuts where the only thing that is different is that the dairy milk has been replaced with oat milk and they’re consistently the only ones people don’t eat.

I don’t know how we can get people to understand that vegan food is just normal food that we’ve been eating for thousands of years that doesn’t contain animal products. Vegan fabrics are just regular fabrics we’ve all been wearing our whole lives. Most of the staple foods of most of the world are plant-based foods, this insistence on including meat or dairy in every meal is a privileged habit that is very new in the grand scheme of things.

People miss out on so much delicious food and sustainable fabric options just because they have a prejudice against anything with the word ‘vegan’ on it, even ‘plant-based’ has the same bizarre stigma for many. More than that, people will have to dramatically reduce their meat and dairy consumption and opt for more sustainable fabrics in order to make their lifestyles more sustainable. Avoiding anything that isn’t made of meat, dairy or leather is the complete opposite of what they need to be doing at this stage.

[rubinaitoart]

So I want to write some things down cause this blog sorta serves as a little journal for me at times, and this is a pretty major turning point for me. A lot of this rambling might seem a little weird, or overdoing it, or whatever. But it’s important to me. I’ll be putting it under the cut because it’s going to be long and focusing on, of all things, environmental issues and plastic. Stuff I’ve never talked about on here before.

Over the past month or so, I’ve found myself in a state of severe anxiety. (I’m trying to remedy it, but there’s still some residual things that aren’t quite going away just yet.)

During this period of time, my anxiety settled on the state of the world in an ecological context. Namely, the depletion of resources and the impact of microplastics. It’s something I didn’t really consider or focus on for a while but now that I have it hasn’t really left my head.

One of my many coping mechanisms when my anxiety gets this severe is to try and think through solutions. Unfortunately this is on such a large scale that I can’t exactly do anything about it at this moment in time; but for the first time in a very long time, my anxiety did something useful and gave me a direction to take my life. It’s something that I’ve sorely needed for a while now.

This is where I want to take my education, and what I want my career to be focused on.

There’s a lot of thoughts that have been circling around in my head about everything. Lessening our use of plastic is great, but what kind of impact will it actually have on the environment on a large scale? With how the carbon cycle is out of balance and carbon emissions so high, can we afford to turn to paper as an alternative to plastic?

How do we find a solution that is feasible for the average person to commit to?

Plastic is a wonder material. It’s versatile and convenient; it can be whatever we need it to be. Thin and bendable, or solid and sturdy, or a thin wrapping to properly seal things. Bags, boxes, buckets, containers. It lines our aluminum cans to keep the aluminum from leeching into the drink, it makes it easier to distribute food on a larger scale, it means we don’t have to turn in milk bottles like in ye olden days, and it’s cheap to produce.

It’s in our clothes, it contains our food, it holds our water, it dispenses our personal care products.

It turns into microplastics that leeches into our blood and could be even worse than that, it’s a pollutant and cannot be composted nor is it biodegradable, it injures animals and floats in our oceans.

But it’s a wonder material, and for all the bad it’s doing, it’s difficult to stop using it. Because it’s convenient and easy to make, we’ve integrated it into our way of life to make things easier. It’s no wonder that trying to outright ban plastics doesn’t go very far. We might be able to get away with taxing plastic bags or banning plastic straws, but there’s so much more that’s still being used and discarded.

Plastic is not a disposable resource.

All of this to say, I want to find reasonable solutions to ecological problems, starting with plastic. There are many plastic alternatives that, in the long run, will cause far more environmental damage. Rapidly depleting resources for a massive population isn’t how we fix the problem; so we need to find a sustainable and renewable resources. Plant based solutions are a great start.

Like straws. There’s a company that produces straws made of sugarcane; specifically a byproduct of the sugar production process, the fibers that are stripped away.

Things like this make me optimistic that we can find more solutions to a plastic problem. And even if we only reduce plastic consumption by 50%, I’d be happy. I recognize that there are many situations where plastic is a good thing to use, such as evidence collection in forensics or necessary medical equipment like IV bags. We just need to find a way to reduce our usage of these plastic items to a less wasteful level.

So that’s what I’m going to get my degree for. I might not make much of a difference but I’d like to at least try and do something; and I’m a little excited that I finally have an idea of where I want to go in life.

[slatesoft]

I think what consistently frustrates me regarding anti-vegan rhetoric is the persecution complex–the notion that vegans are primarily interested in putting you down and making themselves feel self-righteous. Because veganism isn't about making you feel bad or putting the blame of mass animal consumption on people who cannot adopt a full plant-based lifestyle due to unfortunate life circumstances. In fact, it's not at all about you (or me!) individually. It's about how other living beings are being systematically abused and how much damage such systems are doing to our planet and everything that lives here–including humans!

And I understand the position of being against veganism because humans are also animals of this world subsisting on other animals and partaking in the cycle of life and death as all other animals do. But the thing is, that's not the case for modern humanity, nor would it excuse the harm it brings as a whole.

For example, people like milk and beef, so companies streamline the process of milking, feeding, forcefully inseminating (aka raping. Look it up if you think I'm exaggerating), and killing cows at a fraction of their lifespan to harvest milk and beef. Now companies need land and food to maintain and expand their cow populations. To make way for more farmland to house cows and grow their food, diverse ecosystems are burned or otherwise destroyed. In destroying the natural ecosystem, CO2 is released into the atmosphere, climate change continues to spiral, entire species are endangered, and we all suffer long-term. Additionally, the artificially bloated population of cows adds a ton of methane into the atmosphere. But now there are more cows for more milk and beef, which people like. So companies continue to streamline and expand, and the spiral continues.

Ultimately, there is no other species on the planet that has conquered, exploited, and industrialized as humans have. Yes, we are living beings who deserve to live as much as any other animal. But that doesn't make industrialized farming morally just or environmentally sustainable. And while some people may not have any choice, I would argue that a significant number of people do!

The cool thing is, you, personally, have the power to affect some positive change in the world. I'm not interested in shaming individual people who purchase animal products, be it wool, eggs, meat, honey, whatever. I'm interested in raising awareness of an extremely harmful system in the hopes that people will use their own power and–even if it's just by a little bit–reduce their participation in that system. The truth is, if environmentalism, climate change, species extinction, animal rights, or capitalist greed are topics that concern you, and if you look into it beyond bad-faith interpretations and easily disproved misconceptions, you might find that veganism aligns with your beliefs far more than you previously thought.