Concern for the environment is important and seemingly growing in its urgency. It seems reasonable to conclude that a major contributing factor to the accumulation of non-biodegradable materials we see negatively impacting the planet and the reported consequential changes in the atmosphere is over-consumption by human beings. Excessive utilization of materials and resources for non-essential and superficial satisfaction drives environmental destruction. We eat more than we need, we purchase and discard more than we can use and the production and disposal necessary to support that activity causes the artificially accelerated decay of our environment.

Recognizing that we do not need the inessential nutrition and unhealthy extra calories from the super-large portions of meat that we consume and acting accordingly would likely result in less industrial farming, which is a large contributor to environmental destruction.

Recognizing that we can live comfortably and happily without a large percentage of our daily purchases of consumables and hard goods would likely result in less nearly indestructible waste in our landfills, waterways, and forests, as well as lessening the over-utilization of resources for the production of plastic trinkets and gadgets.

To speak directly to your question, Which individual choice would have a stronger impact on the environment, being vegan or going plastic free? Unknown, and perhaps unknowable. What can be said with confidence is that living more mindfully, which will likely include both activities in your question and many more, will result in a happier, more satisfying life that arises with a much smaller environmental impact footprint than does repeated and mindless over-consumption.

Peace to You Always.

This article originally on Quora.com https://www.quora.com/Which-individual-choice-would-have-a-stronger-impact-on-the-environment-being-vegan-or-going-plastic-free/answer/Jim-Moore-21