> Please cite a neutral source on the matter.
I did.
American Dietetic Association
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.
NHS UK
A vegetarian or vegan diet can be suitable for everyone, regardless of their age.
British Dietetic Association.
It is possible to follow a well-planned, plant-based, vegan friendly diet that supports healthy living in people of all ages ...
World Health Organisation
For adults, protein from two or more plant groups daily is like to be adequate. For children, however, and especially those aged 6-24 months, each meal should contain wherever possible two complementary sources of plant protein
> In the end, the food you buy, clothes you wear, even the computer
We have to choose our battles.
> That only applies to a developed economy
Yes, I'm talking about western economies. No point talking about Ethiopia, for example. [1]
> we have been able to feed the large populations of the US and Europe without destroying local environments
Have you read about soil degradation [0] or that animal agriculture is leading driver behind tropical deforestation ? What's the point in celebrating of "saving" of local environments, when we're destroying rainforests in the process?
> no individual responsibility, as I said, will change what the mass of society will do
Yesterday I was clever, and wanted to change the world. Today I'm wise, so I'm changing myself. Or something along the lines ... No, one individual can't. But many together can. And that was my point.
[0] https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2020/06/24/eart...
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_meat_cons...