[Detroit Free Press - letters]
I thank Gov. Jennifer Granholm for declaring today as Michigan Meatout Day.
With our food becoming increasingly unhealthy, taking a day out to educate the
public on eating healthy is a very important global issue. Not eating meat or
even eating less reduces risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke,
cancer, diabetes, etc.
Eating a plant-based diet is better for our environment. A 2006 United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report says raising animals for food
is “one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most
serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.” It says as
much as 51% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are caused by animal
agriculture.
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full story:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100320/OPINION04/100319078/1322/Michigan-Meatout-Day-sends-a-healthful-message&template=fullarticle
"No doubt unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot
be willed into being by mere declarations. "
- Theodore Bikel
Governor Jennifer Granholm has declared today to be Michigan Meatout Day! The
Honorable Governor wrote:
http://www.michigan .gov/gov/ 0,1607,7- 168-25488- 232493--, 00.html
____________ _________ _________ ________
"Whereas, A wholesome diet of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains promotes good
health and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and
other chronic diseases, which take the lives of approximately 1.3 million
Americans each year; and,
"Whereas, The number of those who choose to live the lifestyle of a vegan or
vegetarian has increased and so has the availability and selection of meat and
dairy alternatives in mainstream grocery stores, restaurants, and catering
operations; and,
"Whereas, Reducing the consumption of meat or not eating meat at all can
significantly decrease the exposure to infectious pathogens such as salmonella,
E. coli, and campylobacter, which take the lives of several thousand Americans
and sicken millions more each year; and,
"Whereas, The benefits of a plant-based diet can consist of increased energy
levels, lower food budget costs, and simplified food preparation and cleanup;
and,
"Whereas, It is encouraged that the residents of this state get into the habit
of healthy living by consuming a diet that is rich with vegetables, fruit, and
whole grains, and by staying active;
"Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the
state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 20, 2010, Michigan Meatout Day in
Michigan. In observance of this day, I encourage the residents of this state to
choose not to eat meat. Eating a healthy diet can be fun. Explore the different
recipes that can be created by using fresh ingredients and by having a sense of
adventure."
____________ _________ _________ ________
Is this a 11-day pre-April Fools Day joke
or am I dreaming? Please...do not pinch me.
Robert Cohen
http://www.notmilk. com
