Our world is slowly dying right before our eyes. Before it is too late, we as higher education students must make even the smallest of changes that will impact not only ourselves but the Earth in resolving this prevalent issue. As society deteriorates before our eyes, small steps, such as turning to vegetarianism, will aid in the saving of the human race and the Earth we inhabit. Put the meat down before it puts you down.

Switching to a plant-based diet will reduce obesity rates and contribute heavily to the overall health of Americans. From The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “Approximately 34% of the US adult population is obese, and 67% are overweight or obese on the basis of current clinical guidelines.” (Sabaté, Joan, and Michelle W). While the link between obesity rates and unhealthy diets has been well concluded, further studies produced data reflecting these statements regarding meat-based diets vs plant-based diets. Additionally, they found that “Epidemiologic studies have consistently shown that vegetarians are thinner than comparable nonvegetarians.” (Sabaté, Joan, and Michelle W). With this research in mind, it is essential to note that switching to a plant-based diet not only assists in weight loss or even appearing thinner but also aids in improving one’s overall health, significantly preventing obesity. However, despite significant research to support this claim, some healthcare professionals do not support this idea. 

I interviewed Rita Costantino, a healthcare student who works with both children and adults. When presented with the question regarding doctors recommending plant-based diets to those who struggle with obesity, her response was as follows, “Doctors think that that would be effective because that would lead a lot of people towards things like salads and vegetables rather than…red meat, which is the main cause of weight gain, high cholesterol and other things that are very damaging to a person…”

When questioned about the outcome Costantino predicted, she responded with, “ I don’t think that it’s a good idea…that could actually make them gain more unhealthy weight…resorting to eating lots of carbs and…sugars that they wouldn’t be eating if they were having the amount of protein they…should be prioritizing in their diet.” The argument Costantino poses, however, does not denote the effects of a plant-based diet; instead, it is about humans’ other flaws in maintaining a healthy diet, which is an entirely different argument.

Aside from apparent health issues associated with meat eating, the problem-solving process regarding our falling climate can be resolved through one’s turning to vegetarianism. Cara Buckley, a climate reporter who studied human actions and their effect on the environment, wrote in The New York Times, “People who follow a plant-based diet account for 75 percent less in greenhouse gas emissions than those who eat more than 3.5 ounces of meat a day, and a vegan diet also results in significantly less harm to land, water, and biodiversity, according to new research from the University of Oxford.” (Buckley). Vegan or vegetarian, eliminating meat from your diet significantly contributes to the world’s health. In terms of the given data, an argument is further supported regarding the effects of switching diets. Understandably, there are difficulties in cutting out meat, for lack of a better term, the “cold turkey” way; despite this, even a tiny contribution to eliminating meat in one’s diet can help reduce the burning of greenhouse gases. 

A plant-based diet will also contribute to reducing deforestation by lessening accommodations made for meat-producing factories. According to The New York Times, “Globally, the food system is responsible for about one-third of planet-heating emissions, 70 percent of freshwater use, and 78 percent of freshwater pollution.” (Buckley). When presenting this data to a vegan colleague, Zebulon Mikula, I followed up by asking him how he would respond to the majority of the population that ignores this data by continuing their meat-eating habits. In response, Mikula stated, “I think they’re setting the future generations up for a world that’s ravaged by ill health and climate disaster…So, I think people who are vegetarian now will be looked at as forward-thinking and progressive for the people of the future when almost everyone is vegetarian.” By banning deforestation as a means to accommodate space for meat-producing factories, more space for animals to live and grow in their natural habitat will be created, and the prevention of climate disasters will also come into effect. The more land we allow for animals, the better our environment, as fewer corporations and space would be needed; the burning of fossil fuels produced by such factories affects the environment and the animals many advocate for consuming, doubling the risks for human health. 

Taking small steps, such as turning to vegetarianism, will immensely improve the health of humans and the Earth. Many positives come from vegetarianism, outweighing the misinformed negatives; plant-based diets reduce obesity rates, heavily contribute to the positive improvements regarding climate change, and minimize the need for deforestation, further protecting the habitat of animals. To save ourselves and the Earth that provides us with life, we must become more aware of the adverse effects of our actions; if you care, turn to vegetarianism.

Ava Folcarelli is a sophomore at Holy Family University majoring in English. Her studies primarily focus on critical analysis and mastering the practice of editing. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2027.

Feature image courtesy of My Fitness Pal