Published Letters and Op-Eds from
COK’s Writers Group

Veg In

Baltimore City Paper
November 26,  2008

I enjoyed reading Steve Gdula's story about dedicating one day a week to eating animal-free foods (Eat Me, Nov. 19.) He's right that a diet laden with animal products has been shown to negatively impact our environment. Animal agriculture is also responsible for causing a tremendous amount of animal suffering.

Every year, billions of animals endure horrific abuses simply to put meat, eggs, and dairy on our plates. Farmed animals are routinely subjected to intensive confinement and mutilations without anesthesia and most will never even set foot outside.

Fortunately, transitioning to a more compassionate diet is easier than ever. Veggie burgers, soy hot dogs, dairy-free milks, and, yes, even Tofurky, a meatless Thanksgiving feast, can be found at your local grocery store. Vegan cookbooks featuring everyday recipes to gourmet meals abound in bookstores and libraries everywhere. And restaurants all over the Baltimore area are now meeting the demand for healthier, earth-friendly, vegan fare--just check out vegbaltimore.com to find a veg-friendly eatery near you!

Each of us can help protect the planet and animals with every bite we take, so why not make your next meal a vegan one?

Noelle Callahan
Outreach Coordinator, Compassion Over Killing
Takoma Park