This is Lambchop back again for my annual Earth Day message. It’s the one time of year when I allow myself to dream of a healthy planet where all us animals live in peace and free from the suffering inflicted on us by humans. Historically this dream has its roots in the philosophy of compassion for all living creatures. It shows up in many religions and social movements so I have to believe that somewhere deep down inside it’s a dream we all share, human and non-humans alike.
 

Lately this crazy dream of mine has gotten some unexpected support from scientists studying the causes of Global Warming and its effects on the health of the natural systems on which we all depend for life. I make it a habit to read a number of peer-reviewed journals so I can tell you that there is a growing consensus that the consumption of animal products, including dairy and eggs, is having a profound negative impact on our fragile environment.

So much so that the practices we use to raise animals for food and the animals themselves emit more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than driving our cars, heating our homes or providing the energy to manufacture our worldly goods.

I’ve been told I have a very trusting face, but don’t take my word for it. Just take a gander (barn yard humor aside) at what Geophysics at the University of Chicago say about a vegan diet and how it can save our planet!
 

Wildlife can benefit too. Raising beef causes wide-spread rainforest destruction which causes the loss of critical wildlife habitat. Animals like the American Bison and the Gray Wolf are also caught up in the struggle for habitat due to beef cattle production. Believe it or not, our government sanctions the killing of these animals to “protect” our eating habits. Check back to this website over the next few weeks to learn more about these tragic programs paid for by your tax-dollars.

I’ll conclude my Earth Day remarks with one word, consilience. The unity of knowledge. I believe that is what is happening around the issue of animal welfare, planet welfare and human welfare and compassion is the common thread. I was saved by the compassion of the folks here at Pasado’s Safe Haven so I know it works. I’m asking you to have that same compassion in your heart the next time you think about the food that you eat.
 

See You Next Earth Day!

Tell Lambchop about your "conversion" to a vegetarian/vegan diet here!