Environmental Concerns and the Mainstreaming of Veganism

Abstract

Increasing awareness about the environmental consequences of consuming animal products together with recognition of animal rights and health benefits, has played a significant role in the rising interest in veganism. The chapter analyses recent trends in veganism in the Western world, focusing on the substantial environmental impact of animal agriculture being highlighted by respected agencies including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and widely read publications such as the Guardian and the New York Times. Growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal products and greater visibility of veganism in the mainstream media have assisted in veganism emerging as an important response to the environmental crisis.

Communicating Veganism: Evolving Theoretical Challenges to Mainstreaming Ideas

“…Indeed, while the vegan activism that propels much of the relevant social media content is focused on animal rights and the shock-factor, combining veganism with these extant, successful discourses may help to slipstream ideas to a broader audience. The advantage of this is also that it lowers the threshold for acceptance, connecting ethical decisions in one domain (animal welfare) to such notions as environmental sustainability (Pendergrast, 2016). Framing information in this way can generate increased paths to virtuous action without the more controversial foundational principles.…”

Animal (De)liberation: Should the Consumption of Animal Products Be Banned?

“…Therefore, I believe that it is justifiable to conclude that there is some evidence to suggest that a growing number of people are ready to take a giant leap forward, a trend that has also been observed in some other countries, for example in the USA and in Australia (Pendergrast 2016). Apart from these signs that the times are changing, there is at least one further reason why it may not be appropriate to focus merely on small, incremental steps.…”

Special Issue: Crime, Fear of Crime and Environmental Harm in Rural Areas

“…The first two articles share a common thread, namely they focus on animal rights but adopt complementary perspectives. With the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of consuming animal products, and growing recognition of animal rights and interest in veganism (Pendergrast, 2016), conflicts among animal rights activists and those who defend ethical animal production have also become more frequent. The first study by Pedersen & White analyses the discourses featuring animal rights activism.…”