Veganism, a truly ecological diet?

Does the vegan diet have a lower environmental impact than an omnivorous diet?

The positive aspects of veganism

1. The meat and dairy industry is very polluting because it uses large amounts of water, land, fossil fuels, and produces greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution. This industry is also responsible for 91% of deforestation in the Amazon and is the main cause of loss of biodiversity on earth. By eating vegan, we significantly reduce the ecological footprint of our food. It is also considered the least polluting diet.
2. More than 1.1 billion animals are slaughtered each year in France, not counting fish and the aquatic world. More than 80% of these animals come from factory farms. It is also necessary to underline the deplorable conditions of breeding that these animals undergo: genetic manipulations, unsustainable living conditions, stress and mutilations on the spot before transport and slaughter. Being vegan therefore means consuming in a more ethical way and with respect for the animal.

The limits of veganism

1. From an ecological point of view, some studies show that eating vegan would not be 100% ecological. Crop production also requires water consumption. Admittedly, it is less important than meat production, but it is still substantial.
2. A vegan diet can become dangerous to your health if it is poorly accompanied. This lack of animal protein must be replaced by vegetable protein. This fashion effect is sometimes poorly understood or managed, and many people are unaware of the equivalences.

And the marks in all this?

The vegan label, which you can find on many fashion and cosmetic products, is a term that is currently neither mandatory nor framed by law. There is no law prohibiting the creation of one's own "vegan" pictogram, which often gives rise to abuse of language or false advertising. However, there are European associations or official agencies that are recognized by consumers. Vegan certification from these organizations is chargeable but guarantees the consumer vegan traceability from the field to the plate.You should always look at what the vegan label means, its specifications and how it follows its labels

It is also important to note that buying and consuming vegan does not automatically mean that the products are eco-responsible, ecological or healthy for our body and the environment. In cosmetics, for example, a product can be vegan, without animal origin, but contain not very clean substances such as silicones or parabens.

Adapting to a vegan lifestyle has many positive aspects for the planet and our bodies. However, we must redefine veganism in all its aspects and not focus only on food in order to adopt a more ecological and healthy lifestyle. So you can be vegan without systematically adopting responsible behavior.

That's why Zèta is committed to offering you vegan products, but not only: all our shoes are made of recycled and recyclable. We have also limited intermediaries on the production chain, stopped deliveries outside Europe, while ensuring that we remain as transparent as possible.