Vouching for Vegetarianism

October is Vegetarian Awareness Month, so the North American Vegetarian Society is encouraging people to gather to celebrate a healthy , meat-free diet. Whether you eat animals every day of your life or are a seasoned vegetarian, NAVS wants you to spread the word, get involved, and further the discussion about the damages of the livestock industry.

Why should people consider changing their meat-consumption habits? For one, the recent New York Times article about the spread of E. coli and lax meat inspection has people wondering what exactly is in their beef. Besides health risks, meat production has one of the largest impacts on the environment. Trees are demolished and replaced by fields dedicated to feed livestock. Grazing leads to soil erosion and desertification. Besides animals and animal crops requiring immense amounts of water, it also leads to huge pesticide, herbicide, and waste runoffs that pollute rivers, streams, and water supplies. This is all before animals even reach the slaughterhouses.

While this information might make some transition completely, others might be reluctant to give up such a significant portion of their diet. NAVS encourages everyone to participate in whatever way is meaningful to them, whether that means cutting meat out of one meal per week or going a full day without it.

Looking to get involved in ways other than your personal consumption habits? Host a vegetarian potluck or party. You can also order or download a free vegetarian information poster to post somewhere prominent.

--Michael Mullaley