CONGRATULATIONS must be expressed to Ghent city councillors in Belgium for being brave enough to acknowledge and act on the fact that eating meat contributes to a large proportion of global greenhouse gases, as stated in a recent United Nations report.
But, we don't have to wait until British cities also declare a meat-free day. Each one of us could reduce the carbon impact of our diet - by up to 60 per cent - if we switched to animal-free foods.
This is because animal farming uses much more land, energy and water than plant-based agriculture.
By going veggie, not only would we be helping to protect the planet and therefore our future, but cutting out animal products can also improve our health, as consuming large quantities of meat has also been linked to a number of life-threatening illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and some cancers. And, of course, you'll be helping to end animal suffering and saving animals' lives.
Contact Animal Aid for a free guide to going veggie, including nutritional information, shopping tips and recipes, see www.animal aid.org.uk call 01732 364 546.
KELLY SLADE Campaigns Officer Animal Aid, The Old Chapel,
Bradford Street, Tonbridge,
Kent, TN9 1AW www.animalaid.org.uk
