So apparently there are a lot of people who get defensive or simply scoff at the idea of them giving up meat and/or cheese. However, while veganism is the least intrusive diet for the planet, and the most sustainable (besides starvation and fasting), the important component is that vegans are more attentive to what they eat. That is a characteristic that often gets lost in the subsidized structure of what Americans (though they are not the only meat eaters) farm, import, and consume. You can be a vegan for your health, for the creatures, or for the environment. Or you can just reduce the amount of meats and cheeses that you eat and pay more conscious attention to what you eat, where it comes from, how it was processed, what it’s packaged in, and then weigh the costs, financial and otherwise. That doesn’t default you to the Hall of Hippy Fame, that just makes you a wise consumer. I dare you to drop a little meat and dairy from your diet.

This article by TerraPass is an interesting comparison of the age-old paper/plastic debate alongside the vegan/meat diet. It makes a lot of sense, but when we’re at the grocery store, it can be a real challenge to figure out what is the most cost effective, most healthful, and has the smallest ecological footprint. Just reading the packaging or the produce sticker can be the first step in understanding what you eat. You’ll probably be a little turned off to a lot of things you think are staples once you get a sense for where it’s from and what’s really in it. But in the end, that’s most likely for the best for everyone. You’re doing yourself a favor, as well as everyone who will live after you.

PS – in answer to the question of paper v. plastic, obviously the real answer is to go naked* (no plastic or paper for your groceries!) or bring your own bags, duh. See below.

*Please don’t try this at a grocery store near you. Or at least not at a grocery store near me. When I say naked, I would like to stress that I mean the groceries, not you.

Here’s a joke:

Hilarious, right? The idea of the family farm still existing in America. Well here’s more like what it looks like:

It’s true, factory farming is scarier than terrorism. Or maybe it is terrorism and right now there is basically no solution because people don’t seem to care where their meat comes from. Watch the clip if you dare.

Unfortunately, having a hamburger is the least of our troubles. Going vegan is a solution for your health, for the environment, and for the poor furry creatures who never see green pastures.

Here’s a site with some starters. Reducing your meat and dairy consumption, even by a little each week, will make a big difference.

Eating veggies never looked so good.

Natalie Portman, that is. Still, her new “vegan” footwear line, isn’t very budget-conscious. Although, it seems like good-for-the-earth clothes never are, unless you buy them second-hand. Oh, and that’s probably the best way to buy anyway.

Here’s a fan favorite for second hand.