If you are one of those people who tend to consume less animal products or have already switched to a plant-based diet, you have contributed to the saving of 500 million lives this year.

As awareness towards the treatment of animals grows, an increasing number of people consider the option of consuming less meat.

First of all, most people tend to become more humane, as they know that animals have emotions too, and they deserve to live in peace, particularly in the wild. 

The modern agriculture system treats cows, pigs, chickens, and fish as commodities, and they live in crowded conditions, fed with fattening grains, injected with hormones, given hoards of antibiotics, and are artificially inseminated, which is really horrible.

Additionally, people tend to live in a more environment-friendly way, and animal agriculture is a key contributor to environmental degradation. Among the other risks, the rising sea levels and warmer temperatures will result in famine and exacerbated natural disasters.

Yet, many people avoid meat and animal products but do not feel the need to label themselves as vegetarians or vegans, as they believe it is more important to be mindful about the amount of meat and animal products they are consuming.

Since 2007, the consumption of meat has been steadily on the decline, and it has dropped 10% per capita in the US. Seven years later, almost half a billion fewer animals were subjected to the torment of factory farming and industrial slaughter plants, despite the increase in the U.S. population.

These numbers continue to fall, and sparing 500 million lives within 10 years is quite impressive. If this trend continues, no animals would have to suffer in the near future, and those animals which would be used for food could be treated with respect and raised in adequate conditions.

The increasing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants also confirms that people are reconsidering their dietary habits and turn to healthier, less animal-based diets. People have become more open-minded and turn to tasty alternatives to meat, which help them easily make a shift.

This just shows that things can and will change, if we decide not to be ignorant, and realize that we have the power to make the world a better place.

Sources:
truththeory.com
educateinspirechange.org