| Friends Only Journal |
[Feb. 28th, 2013|09:05 pm] |
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| Vegetarianism and Veganism |
[Apr. 24th, 2011|07:05 pm] |
Statement from the UK Vegetarian Society on Vegetarianism and Veganism:
A vegetarian is someone who does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish, crustacea or slaughterhouse by-products such as gelatine or animal rennet. However, some vegetarians go further, eating only free-range eggs, organic dairy products or, in the case of vegans, no animal products at all (ie no eggs, dairy products or honey in addition to the list above). Anyone who stops eating meat will make a valuable contribution to reducing animal suffering and death. They will also reduce their personal impact on the environment and make a positive contribution to greater global sustainability. The Vegetarian Society therefore supports whatever choice people make within the spectrum of vegetarianism. However, we recognise that animals suffer and are killed in all current commercial methods of dairy and egg production. These industries also cause environmental damage and require animals to be fed on plant products that could otherwise be consumed directly by humans. Many of the reasons for becoming vegetarian also, therefore, suggest that veganism may offer a more complete solution. Vegetarian food has become much more widely available in recent years. Thanks to many, many years of campaigning and promotion by large numbers of individuals and several different organisations, vegetarianism is, on the whole, no longer seen by most as the extreme way of life that it once appeared to be. However, ninety-seven percent of the people in the UK eat meat. The vast majority mix primarily with meat eaters, having grown up in meat-eating families, where they learned skills and habits for buying, cooking and eating a diet dependant on animal flesh. Moving to a vegetarian diet can seem a difficult challenge as they reconsider how to achieve a balanced, healthy diet while still enjoying eating out, socialising with meat eaters and getting on with their everyday life. The perceived difficulty of these relatively simple lifestyle changes is one of the reasons why a Vegetarian Society is still necessary in twenty-first century Britain. A wholly vegan diet is significantly more restrictive than one that includes eggs and/or dairy products. Vegans need to work harder than vegetarians to ensure that their diet is well balanced. They are also much more likely than vegetarians to experience difficulty when shopping in mainstream outlets or eating out. Many people attracted to the principles of vegetarianism will never accept this level of change to their lifestyle, but might take the less dramatic step of becoming vegetarian. Some of these will, as their confidence that they can eat healthily and enjoyably grows, also cut dairy and eggs from their diet. The Vegetarian Society supports the principles behind veganism and seeks to both support and represent vegans as one group within the vegetarian community. Many of our members, trustees and staff are vegan, but we are not a vegan organisation and will continue to promote and support non-vegan forms of vegetarianism as a positive contribution towards a more compassionate and sustainable society. |
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| Pet Shop Boys: Yes |
[Mar. 19th, 2009|11:05 am] |
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| For Daniel Craig's birthday |
[Jan. 29th, 2008|12:45 pm] |
Submit a donation as part of a worldwide campaign by all Daniel Craig fans in recognition of his 40th birthday to Barnardo's, a worthwhile charity that Daniel Craig supports, at: http://www.justgiving.com/dorisstich |
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| Good And Bad Reasons For Believing |
[Mar. 11th, 2007|02:35 pm] |
Richard Dawkins' letter to his daughter Juliet on good and bad reasons for believing:
( Read more... ) |
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| Richard Dawkins |
[Mar. 3rd, 2007|09:30 pm] |
A link to Richard Dawkins website:
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