Jain Digest 1992 07 Vol 19 No 03

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 24

- Jain Digest World Vegetarian Day to be held October 1, 1992 by Narendra Sheth, San Diego, CA It started some thirty years ago, that October 1 was designated as a "WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY." This year also, all over the world, October 1 will be celebrated as a MEAT OUT DAY. Many people will not eat meat, poultry, fish, or eggs on this day. In United States alone, there are 10 million vegetarians. Recently I read a bumper sticker, "VEGETARIANS ARE SPROUTING UP ALL OVER." There are many reasons why people have turned to vegetarianism. Most of these reasons are related to Environment, Health, Humanity, Proteins, Resources, Tasty-Convenient Meals, and World Hunger. 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. 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 associated with 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 to the Americans to eat 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. HUMANITY - Over 5 billion farm animals suffer in confined spaces. They are denied fresh air, exercise or any emotional stimulation, and then finally they are killed for their flesh. PROTEINS - American Dietician's Association affirms that a vegetarian diet meets all the nutritional needs, and that most of mankind for much of human history has subsisted on near vegetarian diets. Only the meat industry glorifies meat for its proteins. RESOURCES - A meat-based diet requires 20 times more land and 10 times more water and energy than a vegetarian diet. Non-vegetarian diets also require vast amounts of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other resources. Vegetarianism is a step toward conserving these resources. TASTY, CONVENIENT MEALS - There are many delicious and simple vegetarian dishes that do not involve extensive preparations. 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 due to hunger and its effects. United States is also the world's largest importer of beef and fish, and some of these imports are made from countries where people are starving. On the other hand, there are no specific reasons to eat meat. This page is sponsored by WA Kamdar Plaza Groceries 2646 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60659 Phone (312) 338-8100 ge