Dear Editor,

LET US THINK

October 2 has been designated as "WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY." We are asked not to eat meat, poultry, fish, or eggs on that day. Here are some issues to think about, related to vegetarianism.

About ENVIRONMENT -- The production of meat is a major contributor to the rapid destruction of tropical rain forests, soil depletion and erosion, extensive pesticide use and air and water pollution.

About RESOURCES -- A meat-based diet requires 20 times more land and 10 times more water and energy than a vegetarian diet. Nonvegetarian diets also require vast amounts of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other resources. Vegetarianism is a step toward conserving these resources.

About HEALTH -- Flesh-centered diets have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, various types of cancers and other diseases because of mold inhibiting chemicals, antibiotics and hormones used to treat meat. The Merck Manual, the most widely used medical text in the world, concurs that populations with high rates of colorectal cancer consume diets containing less fiber and more animal protein fats. The Surgeon General of America also recommends a diet containing such foods as vegetables, fruits and whole grains in place of meat and other foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. The report further states that cholesterol is found in foods of animal origin, such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish.

About PROTEINS -- American Dietician's Association affirms that a vegetarian diet can meet all nutritional needs, and that most of mankind for much of human history has subsisted on near vegetarian diets. Only the meat industry propagates that without meat you will not get the right proteins (and trace elements, vitamins & minerals).

About HUMANITY -- Over 5 billion farm animals suffer horribly in confined spaces where they are denied fresh air, exercise or any emotional stimulation, and then they are killed for their flesh.

About WORLD HUNGER -- Over 80% of the grain grown in the United States is fed to animals destined for slaughter, while 20 million people die annually world wide, due to hunger and its effects. The United States is also the world's largest importer of beef and fish, and some of these imports come made from countries where people are starving.

About TASTY, CONVENIENT MEALS -- There are many delicious and simple vegetarian dishes that do not involve extensive preparations.

On the other hand, there seems to be no reason to eat meat, other than habit and/or apathy!

Signed (Your name)