Earth Day Thanks
April 22, 2008 – 5:05 pmMy one vegan coworker, with whom I share many environmental views, related to me a conversation she had with her boyfriend (who is a meat-eater) that went like this:
her: So, what are you gonna do for Earth Day today?
him: Ride my bike to work. You?
her: Eat vegan, recycle, and compost — oh wait I do that every day!
Hurray! Me too! I feel GOOD about that! In the words of John Robbins, a switch to a plant-based diet is “probably the most potent single act most individuals can take…in the effort to halt the destruction of our environment and preserve our precious natural resources” (Diet for a New America 363). To celebrate my daily achievements in Earth-friendliness, I got out the old John Robbins book to review a few stats:
- vegan food choices make less than 5% of the demand on topsoil as meat-based choices
- it takes less water to produce a year’s worth of food for a vegan than to produce a month’s worth of food for a meat-eater
- growing grains, veggies, and fruits uses less than 5% of the raw materials (oil, gas, coal) of the production of meat
I’m so thankful for the work of art that is the Earth. I’m so thankful for the creation and the ways it nourishes me, sustains me –the sun and soil and air and water –what beauty and care the Creator has lavished!
In particular, I’m thankful for all the ways I’m able to take care of it:
- I have access to recycling facilities
- I have my own yard where I can compost kitchen and yard waste
- I live only 2.7 miles from my workplace
- I am able to live successfully and healthily on a plant-based diet
- I have access to several farmer’s market for fresh, local food in season
- I can take small part in growing the food I eat
What good gifts! What a blessed place I must live!
2 Responses to “Earth Day Thanks”
It is just great to read about all the ways you take part in caring for the earth. I can just picture you smiling with glee as you wrote this blog! Rock on!
By Cam on Apr 25, 2008