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There was an excellent editorial recently in the LA Times that expressed this perspective in a very factual and thorough manner. Maybe one of the Post authors will be kind enough to post the whole column.

Among many other good points, the editorial highlighted the peculiar silence that surrounds the connection between livestock production and global warming. The UN report points out that livestock production contributes more to global warming than all the cars and trucks and planes and trains on earth put together!! And yet you never hear anything about it. It's probably not even considered a factor in the bill currently making its way through Congress.

Hi Kenley, We are on the same wave-length. I was planning to Post an article I wrote on this subject this afternoon. I'm on the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Food and Agriculture Committee and we've had a lively debate about including "Eat Less Meat" in our Mission Statement. So just as soon as I eat my vegan lunch I'll chime in. Namaste.

I stopped eating red meat and poultry about 25 years ago. The decision was made during my travels through Asia where I witnessed some pretty dire animal slaughtering practices and rituals. At the same time (still relatively young and naive) I met some really great European and Australian fellow travelers who introduced me to the obvious – that the enormous amount of grain and energy used to feed our lifestock in the West for large scale consumption was somewhat regrettable (unconscionable?) when a large part of Africa was literally starving to death. I didn’t want to be a part of the cycle then and, except for a two year “lapse” a few years ago, for the most part, I haven’t been all these years. I will occasionally eat meat if I’m traveling and it is part of a quintessential dining experience, but other than that – there’s no need or desire for me to do so.

I read the article that David alludes to and I agree that if more people out there were aware of all the negative results of a meat-eating diet (besides just the obvious health-related ones), many would simply choose the alternative.

(And as Kenley and Suza point out, one doesn't have to go all out and become a vegan, or necessarily cut meat out entirely. Choosing to simply REDUCE seems to be the best way to go. On so many levels.)

I'll send the link to "Letter to Our Community" to the OVGC (Ojai Valley Green Coalition).
Here is the link to the October 15 LA Times Editorial, mentioned in David's comment. The print edition of the LATimes titled it
"Pollution on the hoof--Livestock emissions are a leading source of greenhouse gases. One solution may be to eat less meat."

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-methane15oct15,0,1365993.story?coll=la-tot-opinion&track=ntothtml

I gave up eating meat and animal products years ago for humane reasons and health reasons. Now the environmental reason seems REALLY important. If we don't cut down on our meat consumption, then this planet may not even survive the heat. So, let's make good choices now while we have a chance.

One more moo re the Oct. 15, LA Times " Pollution on the hoof," editorial. (see link above.)

Today's Sunday Times Opinion section has a bunch of Letters on the "Cow crisis?" The day this landmark editorial appeared I seized the moment and zipped the Times a Letter because
their writers noted that, when asked if he wanted to tackle the issue of meat and global warming, John Edwards found the subject too hot to handle. And just like on the televised debates, no mention was made of Dennis Kucinich's stand on the issue.

So I just had to write:

"Thank you for the outstanding editorial on livestock and global warming. You astutely pointed out that politicians are reluctant even to address this issue, let alone tackle it head-on. Congressman and Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich holds the distinction of being the only vegan in Congress. He leads by example and strictly avoids eating all animal products. In his speeches, writings and proposed legislation he promotes sustainable agriculture, the humane treatment of animals, and eating less meat."

PS I forgot to mention it did not get published.

i just shared with Jessie last night that i'm considering becoming a vegetarian, mostly for environmental and ethical reasons. i'm amazed at how difficult that is to simply say. such programming!

Evan, good luck in this new endeavor! As I never had the feeling of what you’ve just expressed, I’m curious to know what makes it so difficult to admit that you are considering such a choice…..

Is it harder, perhaps, for men to contemplate a meatless diet? Both physically and socially?

When talking to my nephews and other male teenagers, I sometimes am led to believe that this might be the case. But when I point out that many guys they admire in the entertainment field are not only non-meat eaters (Eddie Vedder, Anthony Kiedis, Chris Martin…), but are vegans as well (Joaquin Phoenix, Moby, Thom Yorke…), there is a DISTINCT change in attitude and suddenly they become more receptive (at least to giving it some thought). Is it a "perception" conflict with men in our society?

Keep us posted!

I think we are programmed in our society that a meat diet is critical for sustenance. Just think McDonalds, the worlds largest fast food restaurant, has based its existence on meat. In my own experience, my grandmother didn't understand why I am a vegetarian because isn't that why God put the animals on the earth (though not sure if she still believes this, but you get my point).

Hi Kenley,

Yes, I get what you’re saying (about society as a whole) but it seems to me to be much more common for women to become vegetarians in our society. Now, I know plenty of “meat and potato” type guys who firmly believe they wouldn’t last a day without meat (much less for the remainder of their lives) and I strongly doubt that they will EVER be persuaded. But what about all the others out there who are contemplating such a change…. I guess I’m really questioning if society makes it “less acceptable” for men specifically to embark on this lifestyle. And does this contribute to men subconsciously putting these restraints upon themselves…

I usually never even think of things in these terms (the male vs. female aspects of issues), but I have tried (and failed) to convert many boyfriends in the last 20 years to think there might be something to this... :)

Interesting article, Real Men Eat Tofu, that begins:

"Men are bombarded with the message that meat equals manliness. Did you catch the Hummer commercial where a guy in the supermarket is buying tofu, but feels so emasculated by the guy in front of him whose cart is piled high with meat on Styrofoam trays that he has to run out and buy a Hummer to “restore his manhood”?"

and ends with some great questions:

"Why do you think society associates vegetarianism and veganism with feminine qualities? What can we do to change that perception and show that real strength comes from caring about creatures more vulnerable than yourself?"

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/11

Just recently a married couple were convicted of murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty because thier 6 month old kid they had on a strict vegan diet. The infant basically starved to death. An adult can survive on a strictly vegitarian diet but youngsters really have a need for a substantial amount of protein and iron. I don't think vegetarianism should be encouraged in elementry schools or high school.

Being an ominvore myself enjoy all types of food especially seafood !

Here is a link to that incident:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/21/opinion/21planck.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

that baby needed mother's milk, not meat

Hi Brian, I am familiar with the article you posted above, "Death by Veganism." The incident of the young vegan couple whose baby starved to death is very sad and most unfortunate. As Kitykat points out, "that baby needed mother's milk, not meat."

In all fairness, there are cases where the babies of omnivores also starved to death, but I did not see any headlines saying " Death by Carnivorism."

I raised two healthy children on a vegetarian diet, as have millions of other mothers. The fact is that human beings can thrive on a wide variety of diets, including diets of mostly meat, milk and blood, as well as mostly vegan diets, provided the soil the plants and animals were raised on is healthy. It's the minerals and other nutrients in our soil that determine whether what we eat supports our health.

A nutrition web site I highly recommend, even though it is not vegan, is http://www.westonaprice.org/
Since soils today are so over-farmed and depleted of all but a few basic minerals, it makes it more challenging to obtain all the nutrition we need from a strictly vegan diet. This might make it necessary for pregnant and nursing mothers to eat small amounts of animal products, although nuts, beans, grains, sprouts and many other nutrious foods are far superior to the unhealthy meat, milk and eggs from animal inhumanely raised on factory farms .

Whether you are a vegan or an omnivore, if you want to eat the healthiest foods, buy organic, locally grown food as much as possible. Organic foods almost always have higher mineral concentrations than conventionally grown foods.

It truly is a tragic story that you mention and I am certain those parents were distraught at the death of their baby. As already mentioned, babies need mothers milk. Keep in mind that babies don't usually start eating solid food of any kind until about six months old anyway.

My two children, three and seven, have been vegetarian their entire lives. However, it does take effort and awareness to provide a healthy diet for them that meets the needs of their growing bodies and growing minds. I am aware that just because a person is vegetarian, doesn't mean the person eats healthy. With effort, our family eats a healthy vegetarian diet rich in vitamins and necessary nutriments. Our children were breast fed for as long as they wished.

Anecdotally, I can count the number of times our children have been sick on two hands and I don't recall either of them ever having an ear infection (a common ailment among children). They are of normal weight and seem to be happy.

Correction, 6:39PM post:
6 week old infant.

Evan, whatever level of vegetarianism/veganism you choose, just know that it’s ok to do it in stages (get red meat out of your system first, then poultry, then all animal fat and meat stock, etc.) and that’s it’s ok to “relapse” or to “treat” yourself with meat every once in a while if that makes it easier. I know too many people who couldn’t deal with doing it all at once and just quit. As stating earlier, simply reducing consumption goes such a long way.

But, if you are like me and the other non-meaters out there that I know – after a while you won’t miss it at all. Unadorned with spices, marinades and sauces, most meat and poultry is absolutely flavorless to me know. (What I can’t live without, however, are my wonderfully exotic spices, vegetarian and ethnic recipes (Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, etc.!!) and the huge array of fruits and vegetables that we are able to take advantage of here.)

Good luck and know that you are blessed – 25 years ago I didn’t have the resources that your generation has now. The thought of being able to download a recipe in seconds, the opportunity get such sage advice on the subject from people like Suza and Kenley on internet sites such as this, and the ability to instantly find all the wonderful ingredients, product and cookware from around the world just didn’t exist for me back then. Enjoy this new adventure!!

Oh yeah, and Evan you might as well forget about eating honey too, Vegans don't eat honey.

Brian

FOOD FIGHT, FOOD FIGHT!!!

Brian,

Pay attention. Evan said he was considering transitioning to a vegetarian diet, not a vegan diet.

I'd love it if barbs that contribute little or nothing to the discussion were at least correct and/or relevant.

I think there's a perception in the general public that vegetarians just don't eat flesh. They look at their plates, really devoid of flavor or nutrition without the hunk of flesh, and feel that vegetarianism is dangerous. Too many vegetarians make the mistake of filling up on salad, bread and cheese. While this can make a nice meal once in a while, it isn't the most nutritious path.

A healthy vegetarian diet, like a healthy omnivorous diet, is rich in fruits and vegetables. It also includes seeds, nuts, oils, avocados, sea vegetables like nori and dulse, tempeh and miso. I'm not personally a fan of the highly processed soy products like tofu and Veggie Burgers. They are nice treats and taste good, but don't offer the nourishment that the whole foods listed above do. Nuts and seeds sound like squirrel food, but with a little effort (not much more than marinating and grilling a piece of chicken) can be converted into delicious spreads, cookies and even crackers. These recipes can be found in Raw "Cook"books. I don't eat a "Raw" diet, but I incorporate many of the tools I've learned from my "Raw" friends into a really great vegetarian food diet.

i'm currently CONSIDERING pursuing a vegetarian diet for - as already stated - environmental and ethical reasons. i'm not concerned that my body will destroy itself as a result, so my own personal health is not as high a concern, because i don't think it's threatened. therefore, i would have no trouble whatsoever eating meat that is locally, organically, compassionately, and sustainably produced.

Tanya, thank you for your clarity and defense.

Sorry, evan...I guess I missed that one (crucial) word as well. Whatever you decide - good luck!

The problem is that there are now so many people on the Planet that sustainable, humane animal agricultural practices cannot possibly keep up with the global demand for meat.

We've begun discussing this topic at the Ojai Valley Green Coalition food meetings. While Ojai can produce small quantities of animal products, if demand for these products increased, would it be sustainable?

Even if the animals are raised here, could we grow all the food these animals eat locally? Do we have enough space and water to sustain animals for their meat or would we quickly discover we are better off using our precious local resources for human food? What about the mountains of manure and other waste? And, last but not least, are we willing to have a locally operated slaughterhouse?

The entire landscape and zoning regulations in the Ojai Valley would have to change to support locally the mass production of grown animal products. Or we might all have to have our own chickens, cows, pigs, etc. roaming in our yards, just as is common in many part of the world. (A few years ago when I was in Europe I noticed many areas where even the most expensive, high-end neighborhoods had a variety of birds in the yard, near the house. Just like Ojai did many years ago...)

Anyhoo, I'm curious if anyone participating in this thread read the link called "Enter the chicken shed" that I posted underneath my article on "The Greening of Ojai". Just in case anyone's salivating for some Kentucky Fried Chicken tonight, here's something to whet your appetite:

http://www.veganoutreach.org/enewsletter/EnterTheChickenShed.pdf

Whoops! This sentence should read: The entire landscape and zoning regulations in the Ojai Valley would have to change to support the mass production of locally grown animal products.

Geez, Suza, that PDF white paper was awful. I stopped eating chicken about six months ago, but still eat turkey now and then. Is that a different process?

Yes, it's truly the most gruesome and best documented source I've come across!

After you recover from "Enter the Chicken Shed" visit

http://www.goveg.com/factoryFarming_turkeys.asp

I hope to personally check out one of the "naturally raised" turkey farms so I can see for myself. I'd like to believe that the free-range chicken and turkey from Rainbow Bridge, for example, comes from a humane source, but at this point I have grave doubts.

My philosophy is that if you eat meat, find out all you can about the source.

worry not, LTOR, and thanks for your support! at least you didnt start making jack-assy comments, which is what i was really responding to. :)