National Vegetarian Week
http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_veggie/ALL/1776//
19th-25th May is National Vegetarian Week - an annual initiative that
encourages people to find out more about the many benefits of a
meat-free diet. With veggie alternatives available in high street
shops and supermarkets, it really is easy and one of the most
im****tant steps you can take towards helping animals, the planet and
boosting your health.
One individual can consume as many as 5000 animals in his or her
lifetime and most of these will have been reared in crowded,
disease-ridden intensive farms. But whether factory farmed, free-range
or organic, after a short and wretched life, all farmed animals face a
terrifying slaughterhouse death. Each fish, cow, lamb, pig and chicken
is a sentient being capable of experiencing pain, fear and discomfort,
in the same way as any cat or dog.
Not only will you be helping to save the lives of thousands of
animals, but going meat-free is much healthier for you too. Two of the
most detailed comparisons of the health of vegetarians and meat-eaters
(The Oxford Study and The China Study) concluded that vegetarians are
less likely to suffer from various cancers, diabetes, heart disease
and obesity - and therefore, have a longer life expectancy.
Switching to a vegetarian diet will also reduce your impact on the
environment, as animal farming uses much more land, energy and water
than plant-based agriculture. Farmed animals are the main source of
methane - one of the major greenhouse gases. Large quantities of
carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are also produced from the
trans****tation of farm supplies, animal feed and farmed animals
themselves. Heat and electricity used by farms and slaughterhouses
further increase energy demand. Overall, animal farming is responsible
for a larger share of the world’s greenhouse gases than that of the
trans****t sector.
Plant-based agriculture is far more efficient. It uses less than a
quarter of the land required for a meat-based diet as the crops are
fed directly to humans and, therefore, uses fewer resources. Even the
most water-intensive plant-based crop uses far less water then the
most water efficient form of animal agriculture.
So why not give vegetarianism a go? It's not only easy, but essential
if you are concerned with animal welfare, your health, or protecting
the planet.
Order a free Veggie Guide including recipes
http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/ACTIVE/action/ALL/1127//
Watch our veggie video
http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/f/CAMPAIGNS/blog//4//?be_id=50
Animal Aid campaigns peacefully against all animal abuse, and promotes
a cruelty-free lifestyle. You can sup****t our work by joining, making
a donation, or using our online shop.
Contact Animal Aid at The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge,
Kent, TN9 1AW, UK, tel +44 (0)1732 364546, fax +44 (0)1732 366533,
www.animalaid.org.uk.
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