International NGO Million Dollar Vegan (MDV) is on a mission to spread awareness about the benefits of a vegan diet and specifically how that can help to avoid future pandemics. Million Dollar Vegan functions in over ten countries and in seven languages, with a worldwide team working around the clock to inspire more people to choose vegan. The NGO also provides free nutritional guidance and support for people who are new to veganism, and free plant-based meals to essential workers and underserved communities around the world.
Sharing about the climate change issue and how it is causing damage to our whole ecosystem, the CEO of Million Dollar Vegan, Naomi Hallum, says, “Animal agriculture is a primary cause of climate change, and the world’s leading driver of deforestation and habitat loss. 70% of the Amazon Rainforest has already been destroyed and is now occupied by pastures and feed crops for farmed animals. When we cut down forests, we displace wildlife and expose ourselves to the deadly pathogens they house.”
She continues, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 out of 4 emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals or animal products. Our disrespectful treatment of animals and nature puts our lives and the lives of our loved ones at great risk. To prevent another pandemic, we must change our relationship with animals, and that begins by taking them off our plates. The great news is there’s never been a better or more convenient time to do so!”
India Campaign Manager, Darshana Muzumdar, shares, “The thing to remember is that zoonotic diseases like Covid 19 originate from animals. The present one is thought to have originated from a fish market in Wuhan. Its impact is well known: millions of people suffering and dying all over the world. Not only did our treatment of animals cause this pandemic, but our consumption of animals also makes it harder to fight. Research suggests that those who eat a plant-based diet get sick less often and less severely than those who consume animal products. Meanwhile, vitamin D looks like to play a positive part in protecting us, too. So, eating a plant-based diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, and getting out into the sunshine both appear to confer significant benefits. It’s clear that eating a plant-based diet is not only good for us personally, but it is also good for all of humanity, as it could prevent the next pandemic.”
Million Dollar Vegan has helped hundreds of thousands of people by distributing meals in India and across the globe. Many renowned personalities like Sunny Leone, Sada Sayed, Neha Bhasin, Shilpa Shetty and Rakul Preet have joined them to spread the message of the cause.
