Help the Earth, be a vegetarian

The reaction I get when I tell someone I am a vegetarian is very often the same.

Over and over again, I hear “Oh, I could never be a vegetarian. I love meat.” In my opinion, this statement is completely irrelevant to vegetarianism. The taste of meat should not be the deciding factor in whether you eat it.

I realize that not everyone can, or even desires to make the commitment of complete vegetarianism. However, it does not take a drastic lifestyle change to make a difference. Everyone should aim to reduce their meat consumption in order to contribute positively to the planet and those with whom we share it.

Most people are aware of the destruction humans have done to the Earth. We face problems such as dwindling resources, global warming and pollution. Many people attempt to do their part in ways such as recycling, switching to hybrid cars and turning off the lights when they leave a room.

But reducing meat intake is often overlooked as an important step in green living.

Now look past your concern for the well-being of the planet. We also have a responsibility to those with whom we share it. Most people don’t think twice about where their food comes from. In fact, when presented with the topic, many people respond with “I prefer not to think about it.” As unpleasant a topic as it is, it is not one that should be met with a blind eye.

Your hamburger does not come from a hamburger tree. It comes from a cow that suffered a life of pain, cruelty and confinement. Nearly 10 billion land animals are raised and killed for us to eat in the United States each year. Those animals spend their lives in cages so small they cannot turn around. They endure exposure to extreme elements and excruciating mutilation. When it is time for their miserable lives to end, they are executed in ways most inhumane.

Animals feel pain the same as we do. It is up to every individual to do his or her part to prevent animal cruelty. If each of us cuts back our animal consumption by 10 percent, about 1 billion animals could be spared each year.

If you cannot find the compassion to reduce the suffering of the animals you eat, there are still your fellow humans to consider. There are more than 900 million people around the globe who suffer from hunger. Farm animals consume about 70 percent of the world’s corn, wheat and grains. Though the animals will be eaten in turn, not nearly as many people gain sustenance from the meat as could if they ate the crops directly.

It is estimated that if everyone went vegetarian for one day, we would save about 1.5 billion pounds of crops that would otherwise be fed to livestock. That is enough food to feed the state of New Mexico for more than one year. Think of the impact you could have on world hunger if you decide to reduce your consumption of meat.

“I like the taste of meat” is not a valid excuse to overlook the benefits of vegetarianism. I challenge you to eat one meatless meal a day. If you find it’s not the sacrifice you thought it would be, try being vegetarian one day a week. Order a vegetarian item off the menu of your favorite restaurant or Google vegetarian recipes and get creative in the kitchen. With all the delicious meatless dishes out there, leading a life of compassion toward the Earth and those who inhabit it is just a mouthful away.

Alexandria Kloeppel is a UNM freshman majoring in languages.