Spring Break
Letter to the Editor: Vegetarianism not as difficult as portrayed
Issue date: 4/14/09 Section: Opinions
In response to your article "Do research before committing to vegetarianism," it was interesting to read Jessica Leggin's piece about Eastern students transitioning to a vegetarian diet. While nutritionist Sarah Allen offers some sound advice about replacing meat with non-animal alternatives, she makes the process sound far more daunting than it really is.
This article comes at a time when students are increasingly demanding healthier, more humane dining options at school. In fact, a recent survey by Aramark concluded that nearly a quarter of college students are actively seeking vegan options when they sit down to eat, for reasons ranging from their own health to environmental concerns, and of course cruelty to animals.
Students are horrified to discover on today's factory farms, chickens have their beaks seared off with a hot blade, pigs are crammed into tiny spaces that don't even allow them to turn around and many cows are skinned and dismembered while still fully conscious. Cruelty like this is standard in an industry that refuses to make even the most basic changes in the way they treat animals. If these kinds of abuses were inflicted upon cats or dogs, they would be grounds for felony cruelty to animal charges.
Thankfully, with so many delicious and healthy dishes available these days, such as vegetarian BBQ "riblets" and vegan pizza, there is no excuse for continuing to support this cruel industry. For more information, visit peta2.com to request a free vegetarian starter kit.
Ryan Huling
College campaign coordinator, Peta2
This article comes at a time when students are increasingly demanding healthier, more humane dining options at school. In fact, a recent survey by Aramark concluded that nearly a quarter of college students are actively seeking vegan options when they sit down to eat, for reasons ranging from their own health to environmental concerns, and of course cruelty to animals.
Students are horrified to discover on today's factory farms, chickens have their beaks seared off with a hot blade, pigs are crammed into tiny spaces that don't even allow them to turn around and many cows are skinned and dismembered while still fully conscious. Cruelty like this is standard in an industry that refuses to make even the most basic changes in the way they treat animals. If these kinds of abuses were inflicted upon cats or dogs, they would be grounds for felony cruelty to animal charges.
Thankfully, with so many delicious and healthy dishes available these days, such as vegetarian BBQ "riblets" and vegan pizza, there is no excuse for continuing to support this cruel industry. For more information, visit peta2.com to request a free vegetarian starter kit.
Ryan Huling
College campaign coordinator, Peta2
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