Today, Oct. 1, is World Vegetarian Day. Consider giving up meat for this one
day.
There are two reasons to be vegetarian. First, a vegetarian diet shows compassion for animals, because most farm animals are mistreated before they grace your table. That's reason enough for many of us.
(My husband and I became vegan about two years ago, which means we don't eat any animal products. We also try to buy non-leather shoes and handbags -- although that gets problematic at times, so I'm kind of a compromised vegan.) [Editor's note: Joan and her husband look GREAT and are living advertisements for veganism--Emily]
There's a common sense reason to give up meat for a day, too. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization has said that meat production accounts for nearly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. Habitat destruction associated with raising cattle and other animals for meat is also an issue.
It would be good if more of us found we could live without meat for a day -- then one day a week -- then maybe more than that. So give it a try. As an animal lover, and as an environmentalist, you'll feel good about your decision.
