October 1 has been designated as World Vegetarian Day, and October 2 (the birthday of
Mahatma Gandhi) has been designated as World Farm Animals Day. These are excellent times
to review the many important reasons for switching to a vegetarian diet:
- Concerned about health? Flesh-based diets have been strongly linked to many
degenerative diseases, including heart problems, strokes, and various types of cancer.
- Concerned about tremendous annual national budget deficits and high taxes?
Medical expenditures have soared from $80 billion in 1970 (6% of U. S. GNP) to an
estimated $1.06 trillion in 1994 (14% of GNP) and is projected to be $1.7 trillion by the
end of the century (18% of GNP).
- Concerned about animals? Over 9 billion farm animals are killed for their flesh
annually in the United States after suffering horribly in confined spaces where they are
denied fresh air, exercise, or any emotional stimulation.
- Concerned about the environment? The production of animal products is a major
contributor to soil depletion and erosion, extensive pesticide use, air and water
pollution, and the rapid destruction of tropical rain forests and other ecosystems.
- Concerned about world hunger? Over 70% of the grain grown in the United States is
fed to animals destined for slaughter, while 20 million people die annually due to hunger
and its effects. The U. S. is also the world's largest importer of beef and fish, and
these imports are generally from countries where people are starving.
- Concerned about resource scarcities? A meat-based diet requires up to 20 times
more land and 14 times more water and energy than a vegetarian diet. Non-vegetarian diets
also require vast amounts of pesticides, chemical fertilizer, and other resources.
- Concerned about peace? Flesh-centered diets, by wasting land and other valuable
resources, help to perpetuate the widespread hunger and poverty that frequently lead to
instability and war.
- Concerned about religious values? Vegetarian diets are most consistent with
religious mandates to act with compassion toward animals, preserve human health, help
hungry people, protect the environment, conserve resources, and pursue peace.
- Concerned about convenient, tasty meals? There are many delicious vegetarian
dishes that don't involve extensive preparation or the fat, cholesterol, hormones, and
antibiotics associated with meat.
So, for our health, for defenseless animals, for millions of starving people, for our
earth and its resources, and for a more peaceful, just, and harmonious world, let's go
vegetarian! And a great time to start is October 1, during "World Vegetarian
Day" or October 2, "World Farm Animal Day."
The Schwartz Collection on Judaism, Vegetarianism, and Animal Rights
