Christian Vegetarian Association Blog - Monday, October 25, 2010


	CVA BLOG

CVA Blog
Monday, October 25, 2010

What We Eat Affects the Environment

1. An Environmentalist Meat-Eater?

2. Famous Quote – Bradley Miller

3. Animal Agriculture Putting Earth at Risk

4. Bible verse – Psalm 19:14

5. Fish Oil or Algae?

6. This Week’s Video – Vegetarians, from the other point of view!

1. An Environmentalist Meat-Eater?

During a recent debate at Berkeley’s Brower Center, two vegetarians took different sides of the issue regarding meat-eating and environmentalism. Vegetarian-rancher Nicolette Hahn Niman and “Mad Cowboy” Howard Lyman shared their opinions and actions surrounding the ethics of meat-eating and its negative consequences on the environment. To learn more please search online for Can You Be an Environmentalist and Still Eat Meat?

2. Famous Quote

"Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child, as it is to the caterpillar."

~ Bradley Miller

3. Animal Agriculture Putting Earth at Risk

A recent study presented in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates that if demand for meat, poultry, eggs and dairy keeps pace with projections, by 2050 the environmental consequences of livestock production could be responsible for 70 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions considered a safe threshold for the planet, which would leave little room for all of the other sources of greenhouse gases, such as transportation and electricity, accounting for more than 80 percent of emissions. Nathan Pelletier, study lead author, believes these results are "sobering" and that "...when we have one billion undernourished people, we probably have one billion people who eat too much and particularly too many animal products. I think we have to face the challenge of thinking about our lifestyle in terms of what we eat." To read the full article please search online for Livestock Production Will Push Earth's Limits

It's sad that while billions of people go hungry around the world every year, most of the grain is fed to farmed animals. Moreover, animal agriculture contributes greatly to global warming which puts the whole planet at risk. The reduction of meat consumptions is imperative to save the planet and its inhabitants: God's Creation.

4. Bible

(RSV) Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Let the Spirit of God guide our words and actions. In this way, they will reflect God's love for all Creation by showing compassion, love and mercy.

5. Fish Oil or Algae?

DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid, also known as omega-3 fatty acids, has been attributed to maintaining memory function and preventing dementia. DHA is know for being present in fish, but a more sustainable way to obtain it is from certain algae. Dr. Oz, who was a featured speaker at a luncheon in New York City titled “Beautiful Minds: An Assessment of the Nation’s Brain Health,” recommends vegetarian DHA over fish oil. One company that manufactures the algal form of DHA is DEVA. To read the full article please search online for Dr. Oz Recommends Sustainable Algae DHA As Brain Booster

Humans need to think about their food choices as they affect all of God's Creation: humans, animals and the environment. Since industrial fishing is depleting our oceans, a better choice to obtain DHA is from algae. Not only would we be alleviating animals suffering, but also helping restore the environment.

6. This Week’s Video: Vegetarians, from the other point of view!

Laughing is great medicine!! Watch this fantastic interaction of a meat-eater and a vegetarian that will make you ease up and laugh at your own attitudes. Please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKTsWjbjQ8E.

Return to CVA Blog - Home Page
Return to CVA Blog - Past Issues

Your question and comments are welcome

This site is hosted and maintained by
The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation.

Since