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

It’s easy to be green and vegetarian

The Gazette
May 13, 2009

Kudos to Compassion over Killing for initiating a Veg Week in Takoma Park ("Senator goes vegetarian for week," April 29 article).

As a new resident to the eco-conscious area, it was a surprise to me that Takoma Park did not already celebrate such a planet-friendly week.

According to a 2006 United Nations report, "Livestock's Long Shadow," raising animals for food causes more greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transportation combined. Choosing a vegetarian diet is the easiest and most effective way for each of us to reduce our carbon footprint — and reduce animal suffering.

Fortunately, it's easy to eat vegetarian not only in Takoma Park but all around the D.C. area. Compassion Over Killing even offers a free vegetarian restaurant guide to DC.

I'm already looking forward to future Takoma Veg Weeks!

Francesca Valente, Takoma Park