World Vegetarian Day has been celebrated since 1977. It brings awareness to the ethical, environmental, health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. About one million people a year become vegetarian in the U.S. And according to a July 2002 issue of Time Magazine, more than 30 million Americans have explored the vegetarian diet and 11.4 million consider themselves vegetarians. here are many persuasive reasons to follow a vegetarian based diet. A primary one for many is the cruelty to farm animals. Many people in our town care for their pets, and are compassionate towards animals. They unfortunately may not be aware of the conditions endured by animals raised for human consumption. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), also known as "factory farms" are sites where thousands of animals are confined to cramped stalls where they are unable to walk, lay down or turn around. Their suffering continues during mistreatment while they are transported to the slaughterhouses, and many of them are inhumanely butchered while still alive. Environmental and world hunger concerns also prompt many to adopt a vegetarian diet. Forests are cleared to provide cattle with grazing areas, and our rivers, streams and drinking water are polluted by factory farms. As well, raising cattle consumes vast amounts of our limited water resources. Studies have also shown that 70% of all grain produced in the US feeds farm animals. This is clearly not the most efficient or sustainable method of feeding humans. There is a lot more to the cost of a hamburger than the 99 cents one pays for it at the cash register. Another compelling reason for eating a plant based diet is for health. Overwhelmingly, research has shown that vegetarians are simply put, healthier and experience greater longevity than meat eaters. Not only will those eating a plant based diet be much less likely to contract deadly E. coli 0157:H7, but a diet lower in animal fat is associated with decreased risk of many of our nation's top killers, including heart disease and cancer. For those interested in learning more about a vegetarian lifestyle, there is a wealth of information available online. A good starting point is www.vegpledge.com. www.vegsource.com is a comprehensive website as well. By Dana McMahan ~ Printed in the Commonwealth Journal, Oct 1, 2002   Close Window