The Changes

So - I'm still in the game. 21 days of vegetarian diet and still happy about it... but there's been some real tests. Like sushi for example - ouch. Vegetarian sushi is great but the options are way less and I have to admit I do miss raw tuna and salmon. And going for dim sum is just not that same when your vegetarian.

I’ve finished month #8 living the ‘no-new-plastic’ pledge. It’s been a while since I reported on my progress. Been busy holidaying, moving, then unpacking. But still living the NoNewPlasticPledge (except for those couple of days visiting kinfolk…but more on that later).

As you can see, I’ve added substantially to my plastic shrine since May (which contains all the new plastic I’ve let into my life during 2007 that’s ready for recycling or the trash. To give you some context, the round dark brown thing is a coffee lid from Tim Horton's).

Actually, let me rephrase that….OTHER PEOPLE have added substantially to my plastic shrine.

Here are the most notable additions...

If you want to eat better, feel better, and stop animal cruelity-explore vegetarianism.

Check "Chew on This" at Youtube:

It's an amazing video that will show you what is going on when they make your hamburger or chicken nuggets.

Love and Peace,

Lubna

Well, I did it for a little while, but it just isn't something I'm meant to do. But I can at least feel good about buying organic meats, free-range where applicable, and generally being aware of where my food comes from.

So, I still prefer veggies (and love meat alternatives!), but I gatta have meat now and then. 

Do you want to protect nature but don't know where to start? You invent the future every day with the choices you make about transportation, food, and energy use. Let's choose wisely. Join the David Suzuki Foundation Nature Challenge today and learn more about how to protect your quality of life. 

Eat meat-free meals once a week
Although many people reduce their meat consumption for health or humanitarian concerns, there are also environmental reasons for eating less meat. Meat production requires a tremendous amount of resources such as water and fossil fuels, while runoff from livestock operations may pollute rivers, lakes and even drinking water.

Did you know:
Feedlots cause water pollution. Nearly 21 per cent of the average Canadian's contribution to common water pollution is caused by meat consumption from high-density farms. By designating just one “meat free” day a week you'll help reduce common water pollutants by as much as 21 kilograms annually.

Meat production requires more water than raising crops. For example, 283 grams (10 oz) of beef requires 85 times more water to produce than the same amount of potatoes.
What's good for the earth can also be good for you! Reducing meat consumption lowers the risks of heart disease and stroke. Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes improves your cardiovascular health and reduces the risks of obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Many people are afraid that eating less meat means they won’t get adequate protein or other essential nutrients. But there’s no need to worry. In fact, most western adults (and some children) tend to suffer from excess protein. Even vegetarians frequently consume too much protein. As long as you eat a variety of foods including grains, fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts or seeds and a small amount of fat, you'll get all the nutrients you need.
The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend we consume: