Reduce nation's energy use, meat consumption

Although we’re unlikely to reverse climate change and its extreme weather patterns, we can mitigate its effects by reducing our driving, energy use and meat consumption.

A 2006 U.N. report estimated that meat consumption accounts for 18 percent of man-made greenhouse gases. A 2009 article in the respected World Watch magazine suggested that it’s closer to 50 percent.

Carbon dioxide is emitted by burning forests to create animal pastures and by combustion of fossil fuels to feed, transport, and slaughter animals. The much more damaging methane and nitrous oxide are discharged from digestive tracts of cattle and from animal waste cesspools, respectively.

We have the power of reducing devastation every time we eat. Our supermarket offers a rich variety of soy-based lunch “meats,” hot dogs, veggie burgers, soy and nut-based dairy products, and traditional vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. Product lists, easy recipes, and transition tips are available at www.livevegan.org.

- Dale Innis, Gary