November 1st is World Vegan Day, a time when millions of people around the world celebrate veganism, a way of living that seeks to eliminate the exploitation of animals for our own use. And what a lifestyle to celebrate! There are not many opportunities for the average person to make a difference in their world, but veganism is a powerful statement for peace that one can make at every meal. By removing the violence from our plates--meat, eggs and dairy products--we are consciously choosing to cultivate a more compassionate society, one in which animals' interests are taken seriously. When we stop killing other individual sentient beings simply because we enjoy the taste of their flesh and secretions, we begin to see just how far the consequences of all our actions go.
And the benefits of veganism extend beyond valuing and saving animals. Vegans have a 75% lower risk of heart disease than the general population. Their diets have been shown to reverse both heart disease and diabetes, and they eliminate the leading sources of dietary carcinogens, replacing them with healthy, cancer-fighting foods packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients and fiber. In the midst of an obesity epidemic, it should be noted that vegans are, on average, 10-13 pounds lighter than those who eat meat.
As we look around at ways we can personally do more to help the environment, the impact of going vegan should not be understated. It takes the equivalent of one gallon of gasoline to produce only a pound of grain-fed ground beef in the United States. A vegan diet is far less wasteful and more fuel efficient. According to a recent study at the University of Chicago, the average American diet also requires the production of an extra ton and a half of carbon dioxide-equivalent--that is, actual carbon dioxide, plus methane and other greenhouse gases.
Further, animal agriculture threatens fresh water supplies, putting pressure on the poor around the world. Biodiversity on our planet is threatened as well, with the oceans expected to be effectively emptied by 2048 at our current rate of exploitation. On land, farmed animals account for about 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomass. The land area they now occupy was once habitat for wildlife. Two thirds of Conservation International's "global hotspots for biodiversity" are affected by farmed animal production, characterized by serious levels of habitat loss.
So, World Vegan Day is a great time to highlight how easy it is to give veganism a try. The wholesome staples of a vegan diet--grains, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits--are widely available and more affordable than a diet centered on animal products, particularly when one considers the long-term costs of unhealthy eating. And, as consumers have become more conscientious about what they put in their mouths, grocery stores have begun catering to the rising demand for vegan convenience foods. No longer are vegan products consigned solely to natural food stores. Even Stop & Shop and Shaws have gotten into the action!
Need help figuring out what or how to eat without animal products in your diet? This past October alone brought us two truly epic cookbooks that demystify vegan food prep, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's "The Joy of Vegan Baking" and Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero's "Veganomicon." Paging through these mouthwatering tomes, you will find a wide variety of vegan goodness at your fingertips. And the internet is positively loaded with free vegan recipes that can have you cooking vegan in short order.
For those occasions where you prefer to dine out, you may be surprised to learn how many Boston area restaurants offer vegan menu selections, in addition to the restaurants that focus exclusively on vegan eating. Some fine dining establishments, including Chez Henri and Upstairs on the Square, will prepare delightful multi-course vegan meals for you when you specify your dietary preference at the time of reservation. Check out our ever-growing restaurant database at bostonvegan.org for more vegan-friendly options.
What more excuse do you need to give veganism a try for the month? Who knows? By the end of the November, you will likely find yourself feeling better, lighter and more energetic, and you may choose in good conscience to never look back.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Celebrate World Vegan Day
Posted by Eric @ 3:00 AM
So, I wrote an Op-ed to the Boston Globe, knowing that the chances of getting published would be slim. Maybe I should have hit up every local paper, but the Globe really is the big fat target for readership, so I went for it. Lest my letter go entirely unread, I will preach to the choir. Maybe you'll find something useful in this to share with someone else today.
