Rethos.com - matthewaquilone's Global Feed

Hello from Big Sur - Alec Henderson

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:14:42 -0400

Hello everyone, After spending two months deep in the mountains of California's Central coast I and the majority of monks at the Tassajara Monastery have been evacuated due to the recent fires. My friends at the LA Times wrote a front page article http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-fires28-2008jun28,0,4613015,full.story on our plight and this has generated some significant publicity. I am hold up in Santa Cruz with the monastery dog, Ginger. She and I are well and blogging at http://sittingwithginger.blogspot.com/ I am only back on the grid until we can ret...

As Fire Approaches Big Sur Monastery Monks Prepare to Fight

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:20:23 -0400

TASSAJARA, CALIF. -- In this remote Zen enclave on Big Sur's forested backside, wildfires lurk on three sides. As flames edge closer and ash falls from a crimson sky, the Buddhist monks are readying for a final stand.

Priests and students alike at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center have been doffing their traditional black robes, hefting picks and shovels, and forging 10-foot-wide firebreaks. Atop the roofs of the monastery's old retreat cabins and meditation hall, they've jury-rigged plastic pipe sprinkler systems.

Perhaps more serene than some, they were amon...

William McDonough at Bioneers 2000

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:35:25 -0400

Another visionary who has so much to offer. (His book "Cradle to Cradle", is essential reading for anyone considering environmental design issues.) More info/links on McDonough and his various projects can be found at http://www.mcdonough.com.

Paul Hawken (if you need a little inspiration)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:18:49 -0400

This is an inspiring presentation re: the topic of Paul Hawken's most recent book, "Blessed Unrest".

His clear thinking - visionary, yet practical - is exactly what is needed in a world embarking on a global social revolution. Read his books and give them as gifts to everyone you know. Seriously.

Cage Free Eggs: Behind the Myth

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:03:34 -0400

From HumaneMyth.org, which was created by award-winning filmmakers James LaVeck and Jenny Stein and launched this week.

Ally Request - Common Good Finance

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:42:26 -0400

Teachings of the Elder Brothers: Spirit Walking in the World

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:09:55 -0400

In the beginning there was nothing. There was only darkness. There was the Mother and She was the darkness. The Mother bled and the oceans were born; She knew Her own Body and felt Her own Pulse, sensed the richness of Life emanating from Her every Cell.

This kind of autonomy and leadership at the provincial level is refreshing. A similar dynamic has existed for many years in the U.S., where despite an administration nearl...

16 year old high school student discovers how to biodegrade plastic bags

Mon, 26 May 2008 09:22:23 -0400

Daniel Burd, a 16 year old high school student from Waterloo Ontario, won the Canada-Wide Science Fair by figuring out how to break down Polyethylene plastic bags in a matter of months.

He theorized that if the bags can be broken down naturally - albeit over thousands of years - then there must be something in nature that eats the polyethylene, and that by increasing the concentration of the right bacteria, he could increase the rate of consumption.

He concluded that "The process of polyethylene degradation developed in this project can be used on an industrial scale for...

Oprah Tries Veganism as a"Cleanse"

Wed, 21 May 2008 17:43:44 -0400

Pictured are Delectable

Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Baked by Yours Truly

Kathy Freston has a new book, Quantum Wellness, wherein she writes of the importance of "Conscious Eating," which sounds very much like part of

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:52:25 -0400

"Not your average lunch lady" - Matthew Aquilone

I’m a public school kid, a “Cement Baby,” Brooklyn born and raised. I was a late comer to school lunch though, always being sent off with a brown bag or more likely running home for lunch since I lived close to my school, could see it in fact from my bedroom window. It was that kind of neighborhood, a thorough network of moms, friends, front stoops and kitchen tables.&...

On Alliance Politics

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:11:45 -0400

Animal Rights Africa (ARA) was launched last month in South Africa, with the One Struggle conference, "ushering in a brand new era of strengthened activism for animals. ARA is committed to the promotion of inclusive justice, showing compassion across species and building a better future through campaigns, research and analysis." Dr. Steve Best was invited to deliver the Keynote, as he has ...

Remarks for Pop's Memorial

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:00:43 -0400

Dear Reader's - I was lucky enough to be at the memorial service for Norman Mailer and we are fortunate enough that his son John Buffalo Mailer was kind enough to share his remarks in addition to Norman's own humorous take on what he wished to be in his own obit.

REMARKS FOR POP'S MEMORIAL - John Buffalo Mailer

A close friend of my Father’s and mine, Hans Janistchek, passed away in February. He was an international journalist of Austrian descent, loved by his peers and readers alike. He was ther...

New comment! - Skyline, Verizon Line

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:39:35 -0400

Because we do not necessarily want to live in the "futuristic" city of Ridley Scott's film "Blade Runner" (though that was LA, just to be clear)... bombarded by advertising at every turn of the eye and head... this essay is particularly poignant and appreciated! The Verizon sign is more then just advertising. It also says something about our relationship to the economy and our corporations. The fact that such a visual blight can be installed in such overblown proportions and dominate an entire perspective of the city, is proof that we are dominated by business incentives. No-one was ne...

New comment! - Get Real - Towards A Compassionate Medical Marijuana Policy

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:24:25 -0500

any thought on the Above The Influence ad campaign? http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/

Ally Request - AaronG

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:52:22 -0500

Ally Request - MÃ©decins Sans FrontiÃ¨res

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:30:16 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Alec Henderson

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:22:25 -0500

New comment! - Strange Bedfellows or How I stopped worrying and learned to love Wal-Mart (not!)

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:59:29 -0500

I can only express my gratitude to your parents for raising you in Brooklyn because I doubt very much that had you been a 'Walmart baby" you would be possessed of such keen instincts, well formed arguments, and articulate presentation. I agree with almost all of your observations especially those which track Ralph Waldo (Emerson): "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." I would only ask you to price out the total costs of the plus side of the Wal Mart equation. As you noted, the costs of an affordable Wal mart life include the banal sublimity of its fare, But also con...

New comment! - Strange Bedfellows or How I stopped worrying and learned to love Wal-Mart (not!)

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:46:45 -0500

A very well written piece. I love how you worked in personal perspective from your Vatican trip. Personally, I don't think it is possible to have a sustainable globalized economy, at least in its current form. But I could be wrong...(hopefully)

New comment! - Cellphones are the new cigarettes

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:52:07 -0500

In asia they lust after the latest phone. To them it represents wealth and modern living. Some people save for 2 years to buy a phone they do not need, which is almost criminal. It is very much like the cigarette marketing - but at least the phone has been proven to have a positve enconomic benifit to the society and no major health drawbacks.

Internship Opportunity - Tour Liaisons

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:51:37 -0500

Internship Opportunity—Tour Liaison
Otesha Cycling and Performing Tours
www.otesha.ca

The Otesha Project is seeking 14 dedicated, organized, fun-loving individuals, aged 18 to 30, to serve as Tour Liaisons for its 2008 cycling and performing tours. As part of a team of 15 to 20 performers, you will take care of all administrative and on-the-road logistics for the tour. Successful candidates will support team members as individuals, foster a positive team environment, support teams in achieving tour object...

Alliance Accepted! - Cornel West

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 04:13:53 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Elias Feghali

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:42:00 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Denise Day

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:23:12 -0500

Ally Request - Alisa

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:25:58 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - DanRose

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:25:08 -0500

New comment! - Cellphones are the new cigarettes

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:31:54 -0500

I Agree 100%

Digital information/communication serves to further disconnect us from the things that really matter in life.

He writes while talking on his cell phone and checking emails

...Well, I guess I’m hooked too.

Alliance Accepted! - Simple Shoes

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:59:38 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Pamela Enz

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:00:03 -0500

Ally Request - Hannah

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:22:53 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Mary Martin

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:47:23 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Boaz Balachsan

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:38:33 -0500

Ally Request - Ings

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:19:18 -0500

Otesha launches 2008 Cycling and Performing Tours

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:22:59 -0500

The Otesha Project has announced the routes for the 2008 Otesha Cycling and Performing Tours (Check out: www.otesha.ca/bike+tours/index.en.html). Applications are now being accepted for seven regional tours throughout Canada that will take more than 120 inspiring young change-makers on the journey of a lifetime. You could be one of them!

Tour members will share an incredible experience as they live as a mobile and sustainable community for two months. They will cycle from performance to performance, braving the elements, connecting with communities along the route, and explorin...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:49:54 -0500

Wow…I was a vegetarian for a while, but I stopped because I found it hard to get enough protein. I think I’ll stock up the cupboard with some extra peanut-butter and start vegging again. Thanks for the post, I had no idea little decision that I make could have so much impact on the earth!

My early Holiday gift to the Rethosaria - sharing an opportunity and recognizing your talent! - Philip McMaster

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:48:19 -0500

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! My gift to you this season are some of the valuable Sustainability-related domains I've collected over the years. All I ask in return is that you design a really cool site that gets people involved, spreads the Sustainability Symbol around the world and brings attention to at least one of the Climate Change related projects we're working on (Like "STOP the GLOFs") The rest will be up to you to use and design as you wish. Almost one year ago we introduced the 3 Finger Sustainability Symbol (Peace Plus One) to the HK Environmental Protection Association. http://www.d...

Opportunity for Webmasters and Bloggers! FREE USE OF WEBSITES

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:32:14 -0500

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

My gift to you this season are some of the valuable Sustainability-related domains I’ve collected over the years.

All I ask in return is that you design a really cool site that gets people involved, spreads the Sustainability Symbol around the world and brings attention to at least one of the Climate Change related projects we’re working on (Like “STOP the GLOFs”) The rest will be up to you.

Almost one year ago we introduced the 3 Finger Sustainability Symbol (Peace Plus One) to the HK Environ...

Urban Harvesting - Kemper Barkhurst

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:32:02 -0500

Yep, you might need this link to vote: http://ideablob.com/ideas/553-Urban-Harvesting-Collect-and-

It's all up today - Kemper Barkhurst

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:30:35 -0500

Today will be the biggest day of the year. I've taken it off work and have just one day to gather enough votes to start our new Urban Harvesting project. We're the finalist in an online idea contest and need your support by voting and passing along to anyone that might support the idea. Today is the final day of the contest and I'll be out on the street at the University gathering enough votes to win the $10K prize that will help fund a service that will access wasted foods, reduce emissions, and educate people about the problems of our food system. I can't do it without the support of yo...

Alliance Accepted! - Philip McMaster

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:09:26 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Kemper Barkhurst

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:08:38 -0500

Digital Film-Short

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:03:35 -0500

I am a filmmaker who has been offered a solo show at squeaky.org. Iwould like to complete a new piece to go with two existing shorts as I feel my skills have matured and I have a script that I am very committed to. I won adigital editing residency at outpostedit.com -for post production. What I need is help in production Seasoned Vets or enthusiatic learners . Credit and tapes plus unique barter that seems fair will be arranged . Help with location-make-up-costume etc . I have a nascent website that has now only my visual art work but contains an edited bio including my film and theater...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:58:46 -0500

I’m not a vegan, and I do eat some fish, though I understand how this taxes the environment. So here’s me being hypocritical to some degree and just saying that there is no such thing as sustainable meat, from my point of view. Thought I don’t believe everything he says, I reccommend reading Daniel Quinn. We need to figure out some kind of nouveau agricultural idea, because the way we do it now just isn’t working. One more thing I often consider is how many billion people there are in the world. First world countries eat more meat, because people residing the...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:10:24 -0500

Yea yea, nice nit-picking Christopher.

You could make twice the contribution by investing in a bicycle. It also will do a number on your health too, believe it or not.

Meat is good for you, and the fact that people are suggesting we exchange diets for the sake of the environment is ridiculous. Stop driving, it’s unnecessary.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:54:19 -0500

I hear these facts about livestock production. I did not realize the amounts of wastage that occurs in this industry.

As for going veggie, I have my reservations. for starters, I CANNOT live without meat for a single day! I mean I could have it with vegetables, but I need my meat. I do not yet understand the moral aspect of consuming meat. The plants and crops that we feed on are also living beings.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 09:35:27 -0500

truely a tatamount problem.

however there is a perfectly viable alternative out there. coming soon. hopefully.

with your support.

Echoing Green Fellowship

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:45:41 -0400

What is the EG Fellowship?

Through our two-year Echoing Green Fellowship program, we provide start-up capital and technical assistance to help new leaders launch their organizations and build capacity. We offer:

â€¢ A grant of up to $90,000, paid in four equal installments over two years â€¢ A health insurance stipend â€¢ Conferences led by organizational development experts â€¢ Access to technical support and pro bono partnerships to help grow your organization â€¢ A community of like-minded social entrepreneurs and public service leaders

W...

Please come to Los angeles for Darfur Rally

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:07:10 -0400

Monday October 15 in Downtown LA 12 noon!!!

Help to stop American Investment in Darfur! Join me in downtown Los Angeles for a rally!

Click here to sign up

Write/Draw for rethos!

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:39:28 -0400

Friends, We are in the process of starting a new project at rethos dedicated to citizen journalism and creative expression. We want rethos to become a organic media channel with a focus on promoting positive social change throughout the world. If you are interested in learning more about this new venture, please send an email to eli@rethos.com. We need people who are ready to start doing freelance work right away, so please take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Eli http://www.rethos.com/eli

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:59:51 -0400

Thanks everyone for all of your great comments. I was not expecting a debate to kick off here.

The soybean issue is also bothering me. I do not feel like we should need to choose between animals and trees. Someone obviously needs a kick in the balls. No one should be messing with our rain forests. They are already more than half eliminated… I’m sure there is a more sustainable way to go about growing the damn beans.

Are you a great designer, or translator?

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:15:45 -0400

We are in the process of translating the word/concepts/phrase of

1. SOCIETY

2. ENVIRONMENT

3. ECONOMY

... into the languages of the world, and adapting the different ways of writing to the three fingered hand symbol.

You can see a sample of the Sustainability Symbol in Chinese script on this message.

Your name will be forever associated with the chosen modification of the symbol that represents “Society, Environment, Economy” in your lingui...

Convert website into something attractive

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:51:00 -0400

The three finger Sustainability Symbol is beginning to attract attention on and off the internet. This is a double-edged sword.

On one hand, more and more people are learning about the campaign (personally passing it along from one individual to another),

on the other hand, our website stinks.

It’s homemade, and as you will see, I’m no web designer!

If there are any talented web designers out there in the Rethosarian community, please have a look at www.DragonTHINK.com and make a suggestion of how we could use some of the existing conte...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:01:05 -0400

” Diet for a New America” by John Robbins … was that mentioned ? Also, as a veggie I must say one of the things u never want to face as a carnivore is the suffering u cause another sentient being. It honestly & simply takes a certain level of dishonesty & detachment to be a carnivore. If you were truly honest with yourself you could no longer eat meat. I believe it was Shaw who said it best: Until we stop being the graves for dead animals we as a species shall never live in Peace. (major paraphrasing!)

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:57:54 -0400

Hey chirrens!

Firstoffly, let me say that I love this post. Sometimes a firm statistical slap in the face is just enough to make someone consider a- how shall I put it- greener diet. Its what made me go Vegan.

Now before some of you carnos out there cringe, I have no bad feelings towards you. Everyone I know is a carno, save for my flat-mate. And I know that â€˜veganâ€™ looks like some sort of contraction between â€˜vegetarianâ€™ and â€˜crazy personâ€™ to some of you, but Its my environmental views that drove me to that point.

The fact is, that if you consum...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 05:24:55 -0400

I study Chinese Medicine, nutrition, herbology, and general health sciences. If anybody needs help on learning to eat a healthy vegetarian diet that your body can stick with message me.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:16:51 -0400

I understand that many (myself included) learned about “Animal Rights” from Peter Singer, but he is a utilitarian and not actually opposed to using animals. If you want to learn about abolition (which is what AR used to be before it was co-opted by animal welfare), read Professor Gary Francione’s work. His website, www.abolitionistapproach.com, has very accessible flash presentations that explain the differences between animal rights and animal welfare, what animal rights actually is (contrary to what PETA might say), and why property rights ar...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:05:03 -0400

It’s nice when people seek to ignite a debate, and one actually ensues, rather than everyone just confirming their original beliefs. I think I’m going to like rethos.

I’m with Krista et al at the moment; I think that what is needed from an ecological perspective is a fundamental change to food culture, but not necessarily one that cuts out meat. It’s similar (but not directly linked) to the kind of change which one has affect in one’s diet when changing to full vegetarianism, engaging in a whole new approach to food, recipes and ingredients rather ...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:53:11 -0400

thank you for posting the info. realizing the effect that our food choices have on the environment is crucial. becoming a vegetarian is one of the easiest things a person can do to decrease the impact they have on the environment as well as decrease the amount of suffering that farm animals are subjected to. i have been a vegetarian for over four years and really cant imagine eating meet again, but lately i have struggled with whether or not my choices really are the least impactful on the environment. in the january 2007 issue of national geographic there is an article attributing the ...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:09:51 -0400

Honestly, I am having such an authentically difficult time responding to this. I was a vegeterian for about five years and then transitional (fish and poultry) for another two years (approx.). I can feel how fired up people get regarding this subject. I did too. Then I studied further and lived out some of my education at several sustainable ag. projects. Even gardening for a site leased by the old administrator of the Findhorn Garden. Get real, All of us. There is no short cut solution to this whole thing. If everyone is not on board, the boat isn’t gonna float. I feel healthier a...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:08:39 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:07:51 -0400

Wacks Krista with a bushel of chard!!

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:19:37 -0400

I didn’t mean to alienate anyone. As you can see from my previous comment I am supportive of those who take a step in the right direction. Your proposal would be such a step if it could be implemented in a wide spread fashion. Unfortunately, that is highly unlikely considering the massive demand for cheap meat. Oh, and I didn’t mean that all meat lovers are McDiers. Long before I stopped eating meat, I gave up fast food.

If you are eating meat sustainably and humanely then cudos to you. Perhaps, you will show people how to eat meat responsibly and in moderation̷...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:32:35 -0400

Hmm… well I think essentially we agree. You see, my scenario never – ever – included eating anything, from McDonald’s. Because I would like to point out that not all of us who eat meat are guilty of patronizing McDonalds.

Certainly, I agree that that kind of meat consumption is completely unsustainable. I was thinking more along the lines of eat what you, or your neighbour, can grow.

When I lived in England pretty much all of my friends and neighbours had their own chickens. Even a friend who lived in a terraced house in the middle of the c...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:54:43 -0400

Krista,

No I am not going to try and flame baste you. I would just like to say that your scenario would work if there weren’t 6 billion McDonald’s loving meat eaters out there. That’s a lot of “free range” animals. I guess it would intorduce a whole new level of urban sprawl, that dedicated to the “local” livestock we would eat. Yikes, I can just imagine what north america would look like if we didn’t import our meat from south american nations.

I agree with your assessment if we were a smaller more moderate global popul...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:26:38 -0400

I have been a vegetarian for 2 and half years now and it really isn’t that hard. At first I craved meat but now I don’t even look at the stuff. It’s as if it’s not food! Good luck to anyone who decides to take the step towards becoming a more morally responsible and environmentaly friendly person.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:17:59 -0400

Ok, before you whack me with the spinach too (and by the way, chard would make a much more useful weapon) I would like to make one suggestion for those considering vegetarianism.

Leaving ethical reasons out of it, it is possible to eat meat fairly sustainably. The environmental detriment comes from commercial livestock production, not the existence of the animals (ruminants and their pesky methane excepted), or the consumption of them.

Switching our meat consumption to free range or wild game, and getting it locally can mitigate just about all of the ecological footp...

Rethos journalist visionary wanted!

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:24:52 -0400

The beta version of rethos.com has just launched, and social venture is currently seeking to recruit journalists to contribute compelling content to the rethos platform. If you are an accomplished journalist, freelance writer, or want to become one, rethos invites you to have a profile in the community and offer reports and opinions on you issues of your passion â€“ these will serve as the anchors of rethos discussions and debates.

Experience/Skills Required:

- Experience in writing journalistic content

- A passion for the rethos mission

- A profes...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0400

Attacks you with a spinach salad

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:09:02 -0400

You can download a copy of the report via the Food and Agriculture Organization website – http://www.fao.org/ag/magazine/0612sp1.htm – and it certainly makes for interesting reading. I must admit I have always been a meat eater, although I am certainly now revising my opinion. I agree that it’s the responsibility of the more economically developed countries to also show greater social awareness, and if by changing our eating habits we can have a positive effect then this is vital.

The report doesn’t promote a complete change, or indeed an anti-livestock ...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:31:13 -0400

Can you post a link to this study? I’d be interested to learn about how “livestock” was defined. For example are fish livestock? In Asia and parts of Africa where wet rice (vs dry rice) is farmed (think rice paddies vs just fields with dry dirt at the bottom) it is common to raise fish in the water simultaneously. This helps to fertilize the rice, reduce insects which the fish feed on, and provide additional food with nearly no human effort when the rice is harvested and the field drained of water. It is an extremely environmentally friendly form of farrming.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 23:29:41 -0400

I def. will read that next :) thankss! riht noww i am reading alice and wonderland.. lol nour, thats awesome! congrats.. i def, want to do it , knowing morally why for sure I am making this decision if I do choose to. that meat.org that christopher recommended was CRAAZYy.. ahh …

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:07:18 -0400

You are correct. Making the change certainly makes you feel great about yourself. You’ve made the right decision, and you save lives daily. Without demand, there is no need for supply. It could all stop, but it will take time.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 12:36:22 -0400

While health is a good reason to become a vegetarian, I think the most long lasting and fulfilling changes are those that are made because of moral conscience. Don’t get me wrong, adding a few years to your life and feeling better are great benefits, but unless the change is internalized than it becomes strictly a dietary choice and not a political and ethical stand, as it can and in my opinion should be.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 10:10:52 -0400

Well done Nour. 4 days meatless, and how do you feel? I felt amazing within the first week. So much of that rotting meat stays in there and bogs you down. It’s part of the reason detoxing has become so popular. Veg heads do not need to detox as long as they don’t have any other bad habits such as smoking.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 02:08:16 -0400

Like Christine, I too am seriously considering becoming a vegetarian… I’ve actually not eaten meat for the past 4 days!

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:39:20 -0400

Christine, I highly recommend reading Peter Singer’s classic: Animal Liberation – This book demands you consider the ethical argument against eating meat and either change or defend your own beliefs. It’s an easy and highly engaging read. Eli

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 23:05:07 -0400

I’ve messaged you, and look forward to hearing back. Thanks.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 21:54:28 -0400

Great post…

I am still trying to figure out my opinion on being a vegetarian… on the morality of eating meat.. the consequences to my body, the enviroment, animals..

I def. want to develop my thoughts on this…

were you raised in an all vegi. household? if not, what got you started?