Sustainable Agriculture Through Vegetarianism

Pg. 3 of 4: Whispering Woods

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Whispering Woods is 'a private estate dedicated to the preservation of nature, and to a more responsible way of living on Earth.' Drew Vonada-Smith, owner of Whispering Woods, is a vegetarian. This is what Drew has to say about vegetarian diet and sustainability. I've quoted him at length, because I couldn't have said it better.

'Health: Meat is not required in a healthy diet. The often-heard statement that a vegetarian diet contains insufficient protein is a myth; in fact, it is very difficult to eat a normal quantity of food and not obtain sufficient protein (SV Article: Vegetarian Protein). The increase in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients, and the decrease in fat, additives, and other pollutants makes a vegetarian diet much healthier. Think about Salmonella, E. coli, and Mad Cow Disease. Do your own research - vegetarians live 7 years longer on average!

Eating meat is universally implicated as the major factor in the prevalence of obesity, heart disease, many cancers, and long list of other health problems in western society. Being healthy means becoming a vegetarian.

Environment: It takes 3 to 6 pounds of soybeans and grains to produce one pound of pork, turkey, or egg. 16 pounds are required for just one pound of beef! Similar increases in the requirements for water, soil, and fossil fuels also apply. One of the primary driving forces in the destruction of the Amazon rainforest is the desire to raise livestock.

The production of meat directly and dramatically reduces the capability of the planet to support us. Treading lightly on Mother Earth means becoming a vegetarian.

Ethics: Can you eat meat and consider yourself non-violent? Factory farming is the source of a litany of disgusting and morally repugnant practices. By eating meat, you support such a system. If you love animals called pets, why would you eat animals called dinner?

Show gratitude to your creator and respect all sentient life. Rising above the moral indifference of society means becoming a vegetarian.'

Drew Vonada-Smith, Whispering Woods

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