The Positive Collective Impact of a Plant-Based Diet

How many people do you think eat a completely plant-based diet in the United States? Less or more than one million? According to a recent research sampling, it was found that two percent of the U.S. population are vegetarians and even less vegans. It was discovered that only half of one percent of the U.S. population follows a completely plant-based diet. Although these percentages may seem small, in the grand scheme of things, they equate to a community of compassionate individuals who stand by the environment, as well as their own health and well-being. Even though going plant-based is an individual choice, it impacts not only other humans and animals, but also an at-risk planet that relies on our compassion and awareness now more than ever. By going plant-based, not only can you make a positive impact on your own health and well-being, but your decision can also have a positive collective impact.

As briefly mentioned above, 0.5 percent (1.62 million) of Americans eat a strictly plant-based diet. Although this is heavily pushed and often led by millennials, a 2017 research sampling discovered that the average age of someone eating a strictly plant-based diet, or vegan, is 42 years old. Young adults in their 20s and 30s only account for about half of this population in the U.S. It’s important to know that whether you have been abiding by a plant-based diet for a few weeks, months, years, or decades, you’re making a significant difference on an individual and collective level.

In general, millennials are the central drivers in this transformative shift. However, people within all kinds of demographics and age groups are joining the movement, such as celebrities, athletes, public figures, business owners, and overall compassionate human beings, like yourself. Even though plant-based eating hasn’t spread like wildfire yet, more people are accepting and adopting this healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle.

So, how much of a difference are you really making by going plant-based?

Over the years, our planet has been suffering from significant deforestation, damaged ecosystems, extreme pollution, and an overconsumption of animals and animal byproducts. Although this is an issue prevalent in the U.S., it’s also a widespread, worldwide issue.

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, and habitat destruction. If you’ve adopted a plant-based diet recently and have stuck with it for at least one month, your choice has resulted in saving the following: 33,000 gallons of water, 1,200 pounds of grain, 900 square feet of forest, and 600 pounds of Co2. Due to raising awareness of these environmental issues and the increasing number of people who are paying more attention and care to their health, more and more people have started adopting a plant-based diet and lifestyle.

Collectively, different communities and cities across the world have organizations in place that promote healthy eating, healthy habits, and incentives to prioritize taking care of your health and well-being. Nowadays though, there are countless online plant-based communities/organizations to join. These provide all interested health-conscious individuals an opportunity to connect with others on the same journey as them or further along on a similar journey.

Overall, the movement to adopt a plant-based diet continues to spread into more regions and countries than ever before, and due to the internet, we can connect in ways we couldn’t years ago. This allows more individuals who are and want to adopt a plant-based diet the opportunity to join an online community that shares the same values and goals while also gaining advice and help when needed - because we’re all in this together!

At the end of the day, adopting a plant-based diet and lifestyle is the best choice for you as an individual, as well as on a collective level. Not only can you help save the planet from further destruction and turmoil, but maybe even your own body and well-being in the process. Although you have control over your decisions in life, if you wish to make a difference that’ll impact much more than yourself, go plant-based, and embrace the many positive changes that come with it.