ENVIRONMENTAL VEGETARIANISM Meaning and
Definition
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Environmental vegetarianism is a dietary practice adopted by individuals who follow a vegetarian lifestyle primarily for environmental reasons. It refers to the conscious decision to abstain from consuming animal products, such as meat, fish, and poultry, in order to minimize the detrimental impact of animal agriculture on the environment. This dietary choice is influenced by the understanding that modern animal agriculture contributes significantly to issues like deforestation, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and loss of biodiversity.
Environmental vegetarians believe that animal farming requires vast amounts of natural resources, such as land and water, and contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide. By reducing or eliminating animal agriculture, they aim to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change.
This dietary choice aligns with the belief that plant-based diets are generally more sustainable and have a lower environmental footprint compared to diets that include animal products. Environmental vegetarians often seek out alternatives to animal-derived foods, such as plant-based proteins like tofu, lentils, and beans, as well as fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
Overall, environmental vegetarianism is a conscious dietary choice that individuals make to reduce their ecological impact and promote a more sustainable future by avoiding the consumption of animal products.
Etymology of ENVIRONMENTAL VEGETARIANISM
The term "environmental vegetarianism" is a combination of two words: "environmental" and "vegetarianism".
1. "Environmental": The word "environmental" comes from the Latin word "ambiens", which means "encircling" or "surrounding". It originated from the Latin word "environs", which refers to the surrounding area or circumstances.
2. "Vegetarianism": The word "vegetarianism" is derived from the Latin word "vegetare", which means "to enliven" or "to animate". It was coined in the early 19th century by the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom to describe a diet that excludes the consumption of meat and focuses on plant-based foods.
When combined, "environmental vegetarianism" refers to a dietary practice that is primarily motivated by concern for the environment.
