Foreign Policy: Someday soon we'll all be veg

Interesting editorial from Jim Motavalli for Foreign Policy magazine predicting that as early as 2025 the Earth will no longer support meat-based diets and, as a result, the world population will be foreced to subsist on a plant-based diet.

Jim cites the highly-publicized UN Food and Agricultural Organization report that says a whopping 33 percent of the world's arable land is currently set aside to grow crops for animal feed. The combination of deforastration and the depletion of fresh water (and an ever-growing world population) will result in the collapse of the food system as we know it. Jim also feels that ethical concerns around killing and eating animals will take on greater significance and cause people en masse to give up meat for good.

I tend to be more fatalistic and worry that we'll destroy the planet completely before we change our meat-eating ways, but this piece suggests we'll finally see the error of our ways before the planet is totally ruined. I hope I'm wrong!

What do you think? Do you believe Earth can continue to support meat-based diets for first world populations and, increasingly, developing countries such as China and India?

Hooray New Hampshire!

I started this blog with a clear agenda to espouse the many health and karmic benefits of veganism. And while I'll continue to blog about all things veg -- from food and clothing to the environment and animal rights -- today we celebrate a giant leap forward for human rights.

With a signature from Governor John Lynch penned this afternoon, New Hampshire has become the sixth U.S. state to legalize same sex marriage. This is huge news for New Hampshire's gay and lesbian families who are now entitled to the many legal rights available only to married couples.

Marriage is a civil institution. Religion has nothing to do with it. If churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship wish not to recognize gay marriages, they are free to do so. But we must keep in mind that marriage is never weakened when more people have access to it. Quite the contrary; expanded access makes marriage that much more valued by people to whom it's been denied.

Michael Pollan on Bill Maher

While I have issues with Pollan for not strongly endorsing veganism (even though his writings often argue that it's the healthiest and most ecologically sustainable option) he still causes a lot of people to question what they're eating, where their food comes from and why the connection between the food on their plate, and how it got there, matters so much.

Here he is on Real Time with Bill Maher plugging his new book "In Defense of Food."

Bill is so freakin' funny.  I love him.

Excellent editorial on same sex marriage in The Salt Lake Tribune

Wow, suffice to say I'm shocked to see such an informed, balanced and warm-hearted endorsement of same sex marriage coming from The Salt Lake Tribune.  You usually have to turn to The New York Times op ed page to see the kind of intelligent analysis that columnist Robyn Blumner brings to what is arguably one of the hottest social issues of our time.   

The times are a changin' and it's a very exciting time indeed.  Consider these arguments for same sex marriage, as pointed out by Blumner:

• National polls reflect a rapid shift in the cultural landscape.  An April CBS/New York Times poll found 42 percent of Americans support gay marriage; up NINE percent from the prior month.  In 2004, only 22 percent supported gay marriage.

• Going forward, political battles associated with gay marriage will engage some of America's biggest and most innovative companies, who will view state-imposed limits on gay families as a barrier to attracting the best and brightest workers (see Google's attempt to intervene and stop the California Supreme Court from upholding the shameful Prop 8).

• Five states now have legalized same sex marriage: my own state of Massachusetts (We were first.  Hooray!), Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Maine.  Coming soon to a theater near you?  Likely New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey.

Gay marriage is coming.  And what a terrific example we'll set for the world when we push aside thousands of years of religious fear-mongering to ensure everyone claims their share of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  

World Cancer Research Fund: Processed meats cause cancer

Big shocker here. According to an analysis of 7,000 clinical studies covering the link between meat consumption and cancer, the World Cancer Research Fund has proclaimed that processed meats are "too dangerous for human consumption" and that consumers should stop buying and eating this stuff as soon as possible.

Duh!

The WCRF confirms that the very high levels of sodium nitrate in processed meats is dangerous because the chemical is a known carcinogen. The WCRF warns against consuming all processed meats including bacon, sausage, sandwich meats, canned soups with meat, etc., etc. As if meat weren't unhealthy enough!

With all of the delicious, vegan alternatives to meat now available, why would anyone still risk eating this stuff?

Food for thought on foods that heal

So I was recently diagnosed with a hernia and while it's a total drag I've decided to have the simple, minimally invasive surgery that will correct it.  The procedure is short and the recovery should be swift.  And because I'm obsessed with all things food-related, my first thought was: how can I hasten recovery with food?

I did some Internet searching and found that - surprise, surprise - the best foods to eat after surgery are whole, plant-based foods.  

This link provides good insight into foods that help fight infection, restore muscle tissue and otherwise provide excellent immune support after a surgery.   There are some animal-derived foods included in the list but the primary emphasis is on fruits, veggies, whole grains and fiber-rich foods.  Me thinks I'll be sticking with those!

Caribbean Corner Cafe in Provincetown

Just got back from a long weekend in Provincetown, Mass. and, as usual, had a terrific time filled with great friends, excellent food, yoga and a run out to Racepoint Beach.  

Was so excited to see that the Caribbean Corner Cafe - a haven for vegans/vegetarians looking for excellent food at cheap prices - moved into larger and jazzier space at 269 Commercial Street. The menu features quite a few tasty vegan options and the vegan arepa sandwich is a total winner. 

And the new digs offer a commanding view of the harbor.  Check it out!