Informative Speech

Is Vegetarianism Sustainable?

Informative Speech

Fiona Steinour

Imagine walking into a grocery store and looking around to see all of the things inside like fruits, vegetables, meats, and other various foods. Now can you believe that 5% of the United States and 8% of the world refuses to eat or buy any meat products inside stores like this because of a lifestyle choice called vegetarianism? Yes, In fact, I would. “Sales of plant-based foods in the United States is increasing by an average of 8% per year” (“A Vegetarian Diet”). Which is directly linked to the rising popularity of this food-based lifestyle choice.

Known little to people across the world, vegetarianism is defined as,  “A person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons” (Sass). Vegetarians also may not eat eggs, dairy products, fish, or honey, in fact, there are a lot of ways a person can be vegetarian while adjusting the diet to their specific needs. For example, someone who might not want to get rid of fish in their diet but not all other meats could be a pescatarian who is eating no meat besides fish. Furthermore, the most popular choice/version of vegetarianism is called Lacto-ovo-vegetarians, “Lacto-ovo-vegetarians avoid both meat and fish but consume dairy and eggs” (“A Vegetarian Diet”).  Although this diet was unoriginally unpopular, it is now popular; although this diet was not understood, it is now understood. This is because of the massive amounts of awareness being spread about this diet, usually through social media platforms, and more and more people are starting to research and experiment with it.

Sustainable, safe, and satisfactory are three words that would accurately describe this lifestyle choice. Not only is this diet safe for all ages ranging from toddlers to the elderly, but it can also sustain pro-athletes, pregnant women, and overweight individuals. This is because this diet requires people to eat more healthy food choices and plant-based foods, which vegetarian foods have been proven to keep the body fuller, and altogether the individual will be healthier. This diet is also packed with calories and nutritious material, despite mostly being vegetables, fruits, and pastas, and, all it takes is to eat a sustainable amount.

This diet altogether is sustainable and healthier for the body, and many people of all ages and stages in life can participate in it. With more awareness being spread, new movements are emerging also, like veganism, which is much more intense! It is also quite fascinating how this diet does not go against any social or religious beliefs, it is accepted all across the world!

Annotated Bibliography 

Sass, Cynthia. “What Is The Difference Between Vegan And Vegetarian?” health.com, 

21 May 2019, Accessed 15 Sept. 2020. 

This article was valuable because I learned many things I did not know about, for example how the popularity of this diet is spreading and more people are converting their diets. I learned how the rise of plant foods are also on the rise, like plant-based milk or nut-based milk. I think incorporating how there is a community of people will allow my readers to not feel alone if they choose to switch their diets. It's important that they know they have many options when going to the store or a restaurant. This is a valuable source because I will be able to distinguish the difference between vegan and vegetarian, so readers won't get the wrong idea. 

Steber, Caroline. “11 Suprising Ways Your Body Can Change When You Become A 

Vegetarian.” bustle.com, 31 January 2018, Accessed 15 Sep. 2020. 

This article discusses the changes an individual goes through physically as they switch their diet. It also talks about what one should expect during this transition, and how to switch to meat-free gradually rather than just cutting it out. Lastly, the author talks about how one’s outlook, emotions, and weight can benefit from the switch. This article provides me with a valuable way to teach my readers how to make the transition, if they choose to, comfortable for them, and how they will feel better very soon after this change. 

“A Vegetarian Diet Is Not Only Good For You—It's The Most Affordable Too.” 

medicalxpress.com, 23 May. 2018, 6 Oct. 2020.

This source goes over the health benefits as well as the monetary benefits of reducing meat in one's diet, it goes into depth about how an average American consumer would save a significant amount of money on their grocery bill. It also talks about national money-saving if the country would cut out funds to the meat industry and how that would save the economy lots of money. I see this source as a valuable piece to really go into depth about how much money can be saved. This source also discusses other countries' success with their economy with less funding towards meat-related products.