MARCH 4, 2006
As
is custom, I went to the local farmer's market carrying my canvas bags, one of which said Earth Day 1990 on it. As I was buying my organic Fuji Apples for the week, the young man behind the counter remarked '
I see you are into the environment, here read this.' He handed me a flyer about genetically modified seeds. He then commented ' I am a vegan. I responded with great pride, "so is Alexandra Paul, my co-host on EarthTalk Today." 'So, what's that, what's a vegan you may ask?' But first, back to the farmer's market, and I told him about the show, and we then chatted awhile about his passion -
eating really low on the food chain.
Vegan - vegetarian! The Big V word. What's the difference? A vegetarian eats vegetables and perhaps dairy derivatives, but no meat; no beef, chicken or fish. A vegan eats no dairy at all and avoids products made with daily; only vegetables and grains.
Adding one other category of food consumer, we could look to the Jain religion, predominantly of India. Jains are either strict vegetarians or strict vegans who do not eat certain plants because they are believed to be too highly evolved on the food chain. Many choices, many paths, but conscious eating is becoming more and more popular, and we encourage all of us to think about what and how we consume our food.
Whatever your preference, examining our food choices from both a health and environmental perspective is worthwhile for everyone. Eating lower on the food chain means less red meat, less white meat, less big fish, and more vegetables. You may want to experiment because we are all creatures of habit and it is tough to break or even amend patterns. Try having meat only on Fridays, or fish only on Wednesday - eat veggies more often; buy local etc. You heard this before, and you will hear it again.
Eating lower on the food chain simply means choosing what to eat based on the environmental consequences of that choice. The amount of water, fertilizer, pesticides, and land used, or processing requirements has been factored in and vegetables and grains win; especially if sustainably grown.
Frankly, I am always on the road to someplace else and have never quite arrived at many destinations; one being a compete vegetarian. I will self-select comfortably, but when it comes to dining out or being served at the home of a friend I am less strict - beef disappeared from the diet 15 years ago and good friends know not to serve it and if by chance it comes my way I will try and pre-empt the plate being placed in front of me by asking the hostess what is being served; but an occasional range fed organic turkey or chicken, wild fish, and closed loop farmed shellfish or fish is acceptable at this point in my life. I admire those who live well by eating simply, and I am simply working my way there. Join me on this journey and we help the future arrive with joyful anticipation.
--Peter