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Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient for maintaining good health. It plays a vital role in maintaining good vision, healthy skin, and a robust immune system. While many people believe that the only source of vitamin A is animal products, there are plenty of vegan sources of this essential nutrient. Here are some of the best vegan sources of vitamin A.

<h2>Sweet Potatoes</h2>
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. One medium-sized sweet potato contains more than 400% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber and other essential nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. 
<figure id="figure-flro5c77ylkm1arg5"><img id="flro5c77ylkm1arg5" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1580324613766-3b5d415bb34a?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxzd2VldCUyMHBvdGF0b3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTA1MTU1Mjl8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="sweet potato" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>Carrots</h2>
Carrots are another great source of beta-carotene and are an excellent way to boost your vitamin A intake. One medium-sized carrot contains more than 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Carrots are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent snack for weight loss. 
<figure id="figure-3z8fwirel1jlkm1atkh"><img id="3z8fwirel1jlkm1atkh" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1532509774891-141d37f25ae9?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMXx8Y2Fycm90c3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTA1MTU1MzJ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="carrots" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>Spinach</h2>
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is loaded with essential nutrients, including vitamin A. One cup of cooked spinach contains more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Spinach is also an excellent source of iron, calcium, and vitamin K. 
<figure id="figure-grksc65ud4lkm1avse"><img id="grksc65ud4lkm1avse" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1598278242809-6c21ee17aef1?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxM3x8c3BpbmFjaHxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTA1MTU1MzV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="spinach" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>Kale</h2>
Kale is another leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients, including vitamin A. One cup of cooked kale contains more than 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Kale is also an excellent source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron. 
<figure id="figure-r97gbg602dlkm1ay6i"><img id="r97gbg602dlkm1ay6i" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1515543237350-b3eea1ec8082?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxrYWxlfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5MDUxNTUzOHww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="kale" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>Mangoes</h2>
Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit that is rich in beta-carotene. One cup of sliced mango contains more than 35% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Mangoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. 
<figure id="figure-wpozvi3rfklkm1b0ek"><img id="wpozvi3rfklkm1b0ek" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1613201686798-ae66bdf5ce65?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyM3x8bWFuZ29lc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTA1MTU1NDF8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="mangoes" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>Pumpkin</h2>
Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable that is loaded with essential nutrients, including vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains more than 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Pumpkin is also an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. 
<figure id="figure-f9wr2ilqvklkm1b2hl"><img id="f9wr2ilqvklkm1b2hl" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506917728037-b6af01a7d403?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxwdW1wa2lufGVufDB8fHx8MTY5MDUxNTU0M3ww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="pumpkin" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>Red Bell Peppers</h2>
Red bell peppers are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamin A. One cup of chopped red bell peppers contains more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Red bell peppers are also an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. 
<figure id="figure-5gfx3xtpxolkm1b58g"><img id="5gfx3xtpxolkm1b58g" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1525607551316-4a8e16d1f9ba?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxyZWQlMjBiZWxsJTIwcGVwcGVyc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTA1MTU1NDd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="red bell peppers" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Getting enough vitamin A is essential for maintaining good health, and there are plenty of vegan sources of this essential nutrient. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help ensure that you are getting enough vitamin A to support your overall health and well-being.

Vegan Sources of Vitamin A

Animal rights advocacy has been around for decades, but social media has brought new opportunities for activists to spread their message and reach a wider audience. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become powerful tools for animal rights advocates to educate, raise awareness, and inspire action. In this post, we will explore the role of social media in animal rights advocacy.<h2>Spreading Awareness</h2>Social media has made it easier than ever for animal rights advocates to spread awareness about animal cruelty and abuse. By sharing photos, videos, and stories on social media, activists can reach a larger audience and raise awareness about issues that might not have received as much attention otherwise. Social media has also made it easier for advocates to connect with each other and share information, resources, and ideas. <h2>Building Community</h2>Social media has also allowed animal rights advocates to build communities around their cause. By creating Facebook groups, Twitter chats, and Instagram hashtags, advocates can bring together like-minded individuals from all over the world. These communities provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging for animal rights advocates.<figure id="figure-iu5jrf00nolkm14clh"> </figure><h2>Campaigning</h2>Social media has become an important tool for animal rights campaigns. By creating hashtags, petitions, and online campaigns, advocates can raise awareness, put pressure on companies and governments to change their practices, and inspire action. Social media campaigns have been successful in raising awareness about issues like animal testing, factory farming, and the fur industry.<figure id="figure-anbwzg7uj9lkm14enk"> </figure><h2>Education</h2>Social media has made it easier for animal rights advocates to educate the public about animal welfare issues. By sharing informative articles, videos, and infographics, advocates can educate people about animal cruelty and abuse, as well as the benefits of a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Social media has also made it easier for advocates to share information about animal-friendly products and services.<figure id="figure-s5b4ywexf9lkm14h4i"> </figure><h2>Connecting with Influencers</h2>Social media has made it easier for animal rights advocates to connect with influencers and celebrities who can help spread their message. By reaching out to influencers on social media, advocates can ask for their support, ask them to share their message with their followers, or collaborate on campaigns and projects. Influencers and celebrities who are passionate about animal rights can be powerful allies for advocates.<figure id="figure-hq8j3kqybz8lkm14j5f"> </figure><h2>Challenges</h2>While social media has brought many benefits to animal rights advocacy, it also presents some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with online harassment and abuse from people who disagree with animal rights advocates. Social media can also be a breeding ground for misinformation and fake news, which can make it difficult for advocates to get their message across.<h2>The Future of Animal Rights Advocacy on Social Media</h2>Social media is constantly evolving, and animal rights advocates will need to adapt to these changes. As new platforms emerge and existing platforms change their algorithms and policies, advocates will need to find new ways to reach their audience and spread their message. However, social media will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in animal rights advocacy for years to come.<figure id="figure-x3mzt5e03lkm14m72"> </figure><h2>Conclusion</h2>Social media has become an essential tool for animal rights advocates. It has allowed advocates to spread awareness, build communities, campaign for change, educate the public, and connect with influencers. While social media presents some challenges, it has brought many benefits to animal rights advocacy, and it will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in the future.

The Role of Social Media in Animal Rights Advocacy

The devastating effects of climate change are impossible to ignore – rising sea levels, soaring temperatures, and extreme weather events have become all too common. While many factors contribute to this crisis, one action within our control has the potential to make a significant difference: ending our flesh eating culture.<img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/d85ce8ae-19f6-495f-a70d-3c8197ed31c7_png_20230708_024656_0000.png" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/d85ce8ae-19f6-495f-a70d-3c8197ed31c7_png_20230708_024656_0000.png">The fishing, meat, dairy, and egg industries not only cause immense suffering to animals but also pose a severe threat to our environment.The United Nations recognizes the urgent need for unprecedented changes, including a shift towards plant-based diets, to limit the catastrophic damage caused by climate change. Let's explore some of the key ways in which animal agriculture adversely affects the environment. <img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/b35dc7b2-2508-42e5-99b7-f901e2ed1489_20230708_025627_0000.png" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/b35dc7b2-2508-42e5-99b7-f901e2ed1489_20230708_025627_0000.png">Animal agriculture accounts for a staggering 14% to 18% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, surpassing the emissions from all forms of transportation combined. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released in large quantities by sheep and cows. This gas traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes significantly to climate change. Moreover, the production of feed crops, transportation, and the freezing of animal carcasses necessitate substantial amounts of fossil fuels, releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;<img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/46f900bc-f665-4e4e-a53c-c6950f30adc2_dietary-graph1.jpg" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/46f900bc-f665-4e4e-a53c-c6950f30adc2_dietary-graph1.jpg">Scientists concur that plant-based foods have a smaller carbon footprint, making veganism an effective way to combat climate change. <img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/fb0aaee1-2eb0-45e1-88df-d87677ae4ea6_png_20230708_030138_0000.png" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/fb0aaee1-2eb0-45e1-88df-d87677ae4ea6_png_20230708_030138_0000.png">Animal agriculture leaves a shocking water footprint. The average meat-eater is responsible for consuming 15,000 liters of water per day, while it takes over five times more water to produce 1 kilogram of beef compared to growing 1 kilogram of wheat. Raising cows for milk requires 72% more water than producing soya milk. The excessive water usage contributes to ecological imbalances, depletion of aquatic biodiversity, and a strain on safe water resources. Embracing plant-based diets significantly reduces our water footprint. <img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/965ec77c-2139-4c1d-8d28-bd30c01d2362_20230708_030513_0000.png" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/965ec77c-2139-4c1d-8d28-bd30c01d2362_20230708_030513_0000.png">The extensive use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals on feed crops results in widespread pollution. These pollutants enter the environment through waste water and excrement, contaminating land and water sources worldwide. Soil degradation, harm to human health, and the creation of ecological "dead zones" in oceans are just a few of the devastating consequences. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to water pollution, with run-off from farms polluting rivers with faeces, pathogens, antibiotics, and other drug residues. The emissions of ammonia gas from cow, chicken, and pig farms pose a threat to human health and can cause premature death. <img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/8b2ded36-2b8c-4176-9b80-08ea1bc4d243_20230708_030649_0000.png" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/8b2ded36-2b8c-4176-9b80-08ea1bc4d243_20230708_030649_0000.png">Animal agriculture occupies one-third of the Earth's land surface and is responsible for 30% of biodiversity loss. Deforestation, primarily driven by raising animals for food, destroys vital habitats and accelerates species extinction.<img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/30188ecd-ac58-44c1-a881-763244452822_img_20180329_080137.jpg" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/30188ecd-ac58-44c1-a881-763244452822_img_20180329_080137.jpg">Wildlife populations are dwindling rapidly, and many animals face the risk of extinction. By transitioning away from animal agriculture, we can combat deforestation, preserve natural habitats, and protect countless species. <img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/5765ed58-63bb-4f21-8774-5d93daf52faf_20230708_031056_0000.png" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/5765ed58-63bb-4f21-8774-5d93daf52faf_20230708_031056_0000.png">Fishing practices, including the use of destructive gear, have decimated the world's oceans. With approximately 90% of fish populations fully exploited, the future of marine ecosystems hangs in the balance. Discarded fishing gear, known as "ghost gear," mutilates and kills millions of sea animals annually. Fish farms, touted as a solution, are unsustainable and contribute to pollution, disease, and high mortality rates among farmed fish. To make matters worse farmed fish are often fed captured wild fish! <img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/04d7d18d-1436-45d1-a009-3cf2f6f79c35_png_20230708_031324_0000.png" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/04d7d18d-1436-45d1-a009-3cf2f6f79c35_png_20230708_031324_0000.png">While the world faces a food shortage that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, 760 million tonnes of grain are fed to animals annually. The inefficiency of using crops to feed livestock, rather than directly nourishing humans, exacerbates global food insecurity. By redirecting grain towards human consumption, we could alleviate hunger and ensure ample food for everyone.<img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/2a381a4c-1874-49c6-8f39-39fdbe6993eb_fb_img_1527374380004.jpg" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/2a381a4c-1874-49c6-8f39-39fdbe6993eb_fb_img_1527374380004.jpg"> By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we can take the most effective action for animals and combat the devastating effects of climate change. Going vegan not only reduces our personal ecological footprint but also spares the lives of nearly 200 animals annually, rejecting the cruelty inherent in animal agriculture. Transitioning to plant-based diets can decrease our carbon footprint by up to 73%, significantly reduce farmland use, conserve water resources, and prevent pollution. Furthermore, embracing plant-based diets has the potential to protect biodiversity and alleviate world hunger.&nbsp;<img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/fbb0dff3-475e-4d20-a4c8-011b2440fa5d_20230708_032529_0000.png" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/fbb0dff3-475e-4d20-a4c8-011b2440fa5d_20230708_032529_0000.png">Let us seize this opportunity to make a positive impact and pave the way for a sustainable and compassionate future.

Veganism: A Sustainable Solution

You may think that honey is a safe and ethical choice. After all, it's a natural sweetener that comes from bees, right? Unfortunately, the reality is a bit more complicated than that. <h2>Why Honey Isn't Vegan</h2>While it's true that honey is produced by bees, the process of obtaining honey involves exploiting these insects for their labor and their honey. Beekeepers often remove honey from hives and replace it with sugar water or other substitutes, which can be harmful to the bees' health. In addition, the mass breeding and transportation of bees can lead to stress and disease, which can be fatal for these insects.Furthermore, bees are not the only animals affected by the honey industry. Many commercial beekeeping operations use pesticides and other chemicals that can harm other pollinators, such as butterflies and birds. These chemicals can also contaminate nearby water sources and harm other wildlife.<h2>Alternatives to Honey</h2>If you're looking for a vegan alternative to honey, there are plenty of options available. Some popular choices include:<ul><li>Agave nectar</li><li>Maple syrup</li><li>Molasses</li><li>Date syrup</li></ul>These sweeteners are all plant-based and do not involve the exploitation of animals. They can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to salad dressings.<h2>The Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle</h2>Choosing to avoid honey is just one small part of a larger vegan lifestyle. By choosing to consume plant-based foods and avoid animal products, you can reduce your environmental impact, improve your health, and reduce animal suffering. Studies have shown that a plantbased diet can lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. It can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water and other resources.<h3>Conclusion</h3>While it may be tempting to for some to use honey as a natural sweetener, the reality is that this product involves the exploitation of bees and other wildlife. By choosing to avoid honey and other animal products, you can make a positive impact on your health, the environment, and most importantly animals.<figure id="figure-9k2n9lla6mlkj4rx40"><img id="9k2n9lla6mlkj4rx40" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1610167646703-849889407e40?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNHx8aG9uZXklMjBiZWVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5MDMzOTk3MHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="honey bees" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1610167646703-849889407e40?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNHx8aG9uZXklMjBiZWVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5MDMzOTk3MHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>

Honey ISN'T vegan

Vegan protein source. Tofu, beans, chickpeas, nuts and seeds on a white background, top view, copy space. Healthy vegetarian food concept.

This is a question every vegan, or just a person adhering to a plantbased diet, will hear at least once, if not so much&nbsp;their superior oblique muscles will get a thorough workout from all the eye-rolling 🙄To answer this question, we first need to have an understanding of what protein is. What is protein?Protein is found throughout the body, in virtually every body part or tissue. At least 10,000 different proteins make you what you are and keep you that way. What is a protein made of?Protein is made from 20+ basic building blocks called amino acids.&nbsp;Our bodies can make them in two different ways: either from scratch or by modifying others. There are 9 amino acids; histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine that are known as essential amino acids meaning our bodies can’t make them; and so, they are essential to get from our diet, but other animals don’t make them either. All essential amino acids originate from plants (and microbes), and all plant proteins have all essential amino acids.&nbsp;Six other amino acids are considered conditionally essential in the human diet, meaning their synthesis can be limited under special pathophysiological conditions, such as prematurity in the infant or individuals in severe catabolic distress. These 6 are arginine, cysteine, glycine, glutamine, proline, and tyrosine. These are also readily available in plant foods. "Complete protein"This fallacy was refuted decades ago. The myth that plant proteins are incomplete, that plant proteins aren’t as good, that people have to combine proteins at meals have all been dismissed by the nutrition community as myths decades ago.Our body maintains pools of free amino acids that it can use to do all the combining for us and is very effecient protein recycling so our body can mix and match amino acids to whatever proportions we need, whatever we eat.The only truly “incomplete” protein in the food supply is gelatin, which is missing the amino acid tryptophan. So, the only protein source that you couldn’t live on is Jelly (Jell-O) - so plant-based consumers do not need to be at all concerned about amino acid imbalances. How Much Protein Do I Need?The National Academy of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day. If you weigh 70kg for example you need 56g of protein.If you want to eat more protein as an athlete or bodybuilder this is easily achievable - most people in the west consume far more than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein including adherents to plantbased diets.If a person is consuming enough calories, protein deficiency would take significant planning and effort because every food contains some protein - with the exception of refined oils and sugar which have had the protein removed in the refining process.<img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/fdb34e50-0c56-4197-98ef-f50916d0956d_img_20170803_233401.jpg" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/fdb34e50-0c56-4197-98ef-f50916d0956d_img_20170803_233401.jpg">There are plenty of plant foods that have a lots of protein: Beans, peas, lentils, peanut butter, quinoa, and many other veggies, nuts, seeds, and grains.There are also plenty of meat substitutes and soy foods even higher in protein: Tofu, tempeh, textured vegetable protein (TVP), seitan, and “mock meats.”There are also vegan protein powders often based on pea protein for those interested in joining the ranks of great&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatveganathletes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow nofollow nofollow nofollow nofollow nofollow nofollow nofollow" data-mce-href="http://www.greatveganathletes.com/">vegan athletes</a>. What do I say to those that ask?<ul><li>"What about your fibre?" 🧐</li><li>"Food" 😐</li><li>"I don't, I died years ago" 👻</li><li>"Beans, nuts, grains, veg" 🤓</li><li>"I swallow it" 😜</li><li>"I worship Seitan" 😈</li></ul>Or just show them this summary of statements by reputable health and dietic associations: <img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/91a7baa4-a366-4595-8ea0-dd6714c598ac_img_20170725_080929.jpg" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/91a7baa4-a366-4595-8ea0-dd6714c598ac_img_20170725_080929.jpg">

"Where do you get your protein?"

This month we signed the plantbased treaty.<img class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/a3534747-c2c5-4e53-8218-ae742d5ee062_rz2v4u.jpg" data-mce-src="https://storage.ko-fi.com/cdn/useruploads/display/a3534747-c2c5-4e53-8218-ae742d5ee062_rz2v4u.jpg">What is the Plant Based Treaty?The adoption of a Plant Based Treaty as a companion to the UNFCCC/Paris Agreement will put food systems at the heart of combating the climate crisis. The Treaty aims to halt the widespread degradation of critical ecosystems caused by animal agriculture, to promote a shift to more healthy, sustainable plant-based diets and to actively reverse damage done to planetary functions, ecosystem services and biodiversity.&nbsp;There is a climate, ocean and biodiversity crisis. Fossil fuels and animal agriculture are the driving force behind runaway global warming as well as extensive biodiversity loss, large-scale deforestation, species extinction, water depletion, soil degradation and ocean dead zones.Addressing fossil fuels alone is not enough — we need action on food systems too; that’s where the Plant Based Treaty comes in. The three main greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are at record levels and rapidly accelerating; animal agriculture contributes to all three but is the main driver of methane and nitrous oxide emissions globally.Animal agriculture is driving Indigenous land theft in the Amazon; subjecting racially and ethnically marginalized communities to disproportionate amounts of toxic waste from factory farms and slaughterhouses as well as exposing workers to toxic chemicals, hazardous working conditions and severe trauma.Scientists warned in the&nbsp;IPCC sixth assessment&nbsp;that we need to cut methane or face collapse. Lead reviewer Durwood Zaelke said methane reductions were probably the only way of preventing temperature rises of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, otherwise extreme weather will increase and&nbsp;several planetary tipping points&nbsp;could be triggered, from which there is no coming back. Zaelke points out that “cutting methane is the biggest opportunity to slow warming between now and 2040. We need to face this emergency.”In short, the three greenhouse gases must be tackled both urgently and with equal measure. Plant-based and soft energy solutions that can mitigate this disaster are within our grasp — we just need to implement them.The Plant Based Treaty has three core principles:Demand 1 &nbsp; | &nbsp;RelinquishStop the problem increasing. No land use change, including deforestation, for animal agriculture<ul><li><ul><li>No building of new animal farms</li><li>No building of new slaughterhouses</li><li>No expansion or intensification of existing farms</li><li>No conversion of plant-based agriculture to animal agriculture</li><li>No conversion of any land for animal feed production</li><li>No clearing of forests or other ecosystems for animal grazing, animal rearing or animal farming of any kind</li><li>No new fish farms or expansion of existing aquaculture farms</li><li>Protection of Indigenous peoples; their land, rights and knowledge</li><li>Ban all live exports</li><li>No new large-scale industrial fishing vessels&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul>Demand 2 &nbsp; | &nbsp;RedirectEliminate the driving forces behind the problem. Promotion of plant-based foods and actively transition away from animal-based food systems to plant-based systems.<ul><li>Declare a climate emergency – join the 1,900+ local governments in 34 different countries that have already done so</li><li>Food security should be placed as a priority for all nations, with a focus on ending poverty and hunger and making nutritious food accessible for all</li><li>Acknowledge and support the pivotal role small farmers have in feeding the planet; support them to maintain (or restore) autonomy over their lands, water, seeds and other resources</li><li>Prioritize a switch to plant-based foods in Climate Action Plans</li><li>Update government food and dietary guidelines to promote wholefood, plant-based food</li><li>Design public information campaigns to raise awareness about the climate and the environmental advantages and health benefits of plant-based food, nutrition and cooking</li><li>Aim to reduce the public’s consumption of animal-based food through education in schools</li><li>Transition to plant-based meal plans in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and government institutions</li><li>Mandate honest labelling of food products, including cancer warning labels on all processed meats which have been declared carcinogenic by the World Health Organization</li><li>Introduce a meat tax (including fish) with proceeds funding restoration of land destroyed by animal agriculture</li><li>Subsidize fruits and vegetables to make a wholefoods, plant-based diet more affordable and end food deserts that hurt low income communities</li><li>Redirect government subsidies for animal agriculture, slaughterhouses and industrial fishing to environmentally-friendly production of plant-based food</li><li>End government subsidized advertising for the meat, dairy and egg industry</li><li>Create green bonds to fund a transition to a plant-based economy</li><li>Provide financial support and training for farmers, ranchers and fisherpeople to move away from animal production to diversified (ideally organic agroecological) plant-based systems&nbsp;</li></ul>Demand 3 &nbsp; | &nbsp;RestoreActively healing the problem while building resilience and mitigating climate change. Restore key ecosystems and reforest the earth<ul><li>Reforestation projects to be rolled out in appropriate ecosystems using native tree species to restore habitats to a previously similar state</li><li>Reforestation and restoration of the oceans is prioritised by designating additional areas of the oceans as zero fishing Marine Protected Areas (known as Highly Protected Marine Areas – HPMAs)</li><li>All existing Marine Protected Areas should be declared strictly no fishing zones and converted to HPMAs</li><li>Active programs rolled out to replant critical carbon absorbers in the oceans, such as seagrass beds</li><li>Restore key degraded ecosystems which are essential for carbon sequestration cycles: mangroves, peat bogs, forests, some types of grassland</li><li>Focus shift on nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation</li><li>Subsidies made available for farmers and landowners who practise good land stewardship and are actively restoring the land and the associated ecosystem services (such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity, flood defence, general climate change resilience)</li><li>Subsidies made available for rewilding and reforestation projects</li><li>Incentivised subsidies / grants for farmers to switch from animal agriculture to diversified plant production</li><li>Cities: increase trees and wildflowers, increase green community projects, wildlife corridors, green rooftops, local growing schemes, work towards biodiversity increases</li><li>Enhance food justice by providing access to healthy food for all, especially low-income communities of color</li><li>Repurpose available land freed up from animal grazing and animal feed production for: rewilding, reforestation (if appropriate), returning land to Indigenous people, nature reserves, hiking zones, community growing, allotments (if appropriate), agroecological food growing (where possible)</li><li>Shift of some land ownership into community hands so the land can be repurposed for reforestation, green space and community food gardens and allotments&nbsp;</li></ul><a href="https://plantbasedtreaty.org/who-has-endorsed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-mce-href="https://plantbasedtreaty.org/who-has-endorsed/">See who has signed and sign up here!</a>

Herbivore Club

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The Plant Based Treaty