Last week we learned that the average meat-eater will consume
7,000 animals in a lifetime.
7,000 animals in a lifetime.
That staggering number leads many to ask how much difference vegetarians
make in the grand scheme of animal suffering.
make in the grand scheme of animal suffering.
A
recent NPR article featured interviews with animal activists Paul Shapiro, Bruce Friedrich, and Alka
Chandna to determine just what impact vegetarians have on the meat
industry.
recent NPR article featured interviews with animal activists Paul Shapiro, Bruce Friedrich, and Alka
Chandna to determine just what impact vegetarians have on the meat
industry.
To illustrate,
all three cite the simple supply-demand principle: by not supporting the meat
industry vegetarians reduce demand, and consequently, reduce supply.
all three cite the simple supply-demand principle: by not supporting the meat
industry vegetarians reduce demand, and consequently, reduce supply.
“This
convergence in Paul, Bruce and Alka’s answers underscores the view that animal
rescue is not as much about filling up sanctuaries with animals saved from
slaughter, as it is approaching our entire food system with fresh eyes, the
article states.
convergence in Paul, Bruce and Alka’s answers underscores the view that animal
rescue is not as much about filling up sanctuaries with animals saved from
slaughter, as it is approaching our entire food system with fresh eyes, the
article states.
From
statistics on resource expenditure to personal anecdotes of serving food in a
homeless shelter and growing up on a limited income, the three also provide compelling
examples to debunk the claim that humans living in poverty need meat to
survive.
statistics on resource expenditure to personal anecdotes of serving food in a
homeless shelter and growing up on a limited income, the three also provide compelling
examples to debunk the claim that humans living in poverty need meat to
survive.
But
as Shapiro notes, “[W]e can only control ourselves. Millions of Americans are
choosing to eat less meat today for a variety of reasons. … Whether people are
embracing Meatless Mondays, doing Mark Bittman’s ‘Vegan Before 6:00’ plan, or
are doing, as Ellen DeGeneres does (vegan before 6 p.m. and after 6 p.m.!),
we’re starting to embrace a saner, more humane and healthier diet.
as Shapiro notes, “[W]e can only control ourselves. Millions of Americans are
choosing to eat less meat today for a variety of reasons. … Whether people are
embracing Meatless Mondays, doing Mark Bittman’s ‘Vegan Before 6:00’ plan, or
are doing, as Ellen DeGeneres does (vegan before 6 p.m. and after 6 p.m.!),
we’re starting to embrace a saner, more humane and healthier diet.
By withdrawing our support of the meat industry, we can all make a
difference. Visit ChooseVeg.com
to learn more.
difference. Visit ChooseVeg.com
to learn more.
