Three years ago, I made the conscious decision to refrain from eating animals. It wasn't a choice I arrived at lightly; rather, it had been a contemplation that lingered in my mind for years before I finally committed to it. Yet, whenever someone poses the question, "Why don’t you eat meat?" I often find myself at a loss for words, despite harboring a multitude of thoughts I wish to express.
However, yesterday evening, an incident unfolded that compelled me to articulate, in writing, my personal journey towards abstaining from meat. While enjoying a casual gathering with friends over a glass of wine and a communal pizza selection, I found myself in a familiar scenario. As the group deliberated over toppings, I made a point to remind everyone that I could opt for an alternative if they preferred a meat-laden pizza. To my surprise, a friend responded with genuine concern, asking, "But what do you eat if you don’t eat meat?!"
In that moment, I was struck by a mix of disbelief and amusement. Here we were, in the heart of 2013 New York City, and yet the notion of sustenance beyond meat seemed unfathomable to some. Granted, the friend hailed from Kazakhstan, a region renowned for its carnivorous culinary traditions, where vegetables often take a backseat. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but feel incredulous at the question's simplicity in our modern era.
What followed was equally perplexing. A subtle tension permeated the air, as if my dietary choice still carried an air of taboo among my circle of friends. To defuse the awkwardness, an impromptu division emerged—an 'eating meat group' versus a 'non-eating meat group'—each designated their respective pizza slices. Some fell into silence, while others hastily devised strategies akin to a divide-and-conquer approach.
This encounter prompted me to reflect on the deeper implications of my decision, and the unexpected reactions it continues to elicit, even among close friends. It's a choice that, inexplicably, stirs up a spectrum of emotions, from aggression and defensiveness to genuine concern. And so, I feel compelled to share the personal reasons behind my dietary path, in hopes of fostering understanding and acceptance in a world where food choices remain a contentious issue.
1. Not Eating Animals. Social concerns.
My journey towards vegetarianism has been shaped by a multitude of factors, but what truly intrigues me is the intricate complexity surrounding the act of 'eating animals'. What appears to be a simple dietary choice is, in reality, deeply intertwined with the social and political fabric of our society. Eating transcends mere sustenance—it encompasses elements of privacy, communal bonding, tradition, and celebration, weaving itself into the very fabric of cultural identity. It both separates and unites us, holding profound significance across all cultures and communities. Yet, delving into discussions about food choices often leads to discomfort, akin to broaching topics of sexual orientation or racial issues.
In today's age of information, access to knowledge about the realities of meat production is readily available. However, many opt to turn a blind eye to the inherent horrors of factory farming—the very catalyst that propelled me towards vegetarianism. Confronting the truth behind our food choices can evoke defensiveness and a desire to remain within the confines of our comfort zones. Change, after all, is unsettling. Eating, a fundamental aspect of our cultural and traditional identity, is deeply ingrained in our daily lives, shaping our perceptions of self and community.
It's worth noting that, for the sake of focus, I won't delve into the distinctions between vegetarianism and veganism in this post. However, it's important to acknowledge that while ancient vegetarianism traditionally eschewed all animal products, contemporary definitions now differentiate between abstaining from meat alone and avoiding all animal-derived products. In this discussion, my focus is primarily on abstaining from consuming animals, though the principles apply to avoiding animal products as well.
“A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite.
And to act so is immoral.”
Leo Tolstoy
“You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.”
Paul McCartney
2. Political choices. Factory farms. Activism.
In the United States, and similarly in Europe, factory farms dominate the landscape of meat production, accounting for over 99% of the animals consumed. This statistic is not arbitrary; it's a stark reality that can be verified through independent research. The rise of factory farming traces back to the 1930s, and today, these facilities churn out the vast majority of the meat that finds its way onto our plates.
The profound influence of this industrialized system weighed heavily on my decision to abstain from meat consumption. How could I continue to support a system that prioritizes profit margins over the well-being of animals, the environment, and public health? Factory farms operate on a relentless pursuit of economic efficiency, disregarding the ethical and environmental consequences of their practices. From the rampant use of antibiotics, steroids, and hormones to the pollution of groundwater with chemicals and waste, the ramifications extend far beyond the confines of the farm gates. Factory farming epitomizes the pitfalls of our capitalist society, perpetuating harm on a scale that is difficult to comprehend. For me, this realization was reason enough to opt out of participating in such a callous, profit-driven system. With every meal, we have the opportunity to make a statement—a political, activist choice that challenges the status quo.
Some argue that consuming meat is acceptable if one is willing to hunt and kill the animals themselves. However, this notion seems impractical and out of touch with reality. For many, including myself, the idea of taking a life with our own hands is unfathomable. Moreover, in urban environments where most of us reside, obtaining meat involves a trip to the supermarket or a meal at a restaurant—not a hunting expedition. Even if one were inclined to hunt, the frequency with which modern society consumes meat renders this argument untenable. If meat is a staple in one's diet, the notion of sourcing it through personal hunting becomes impracticable.
Ultimately, the decision to refrain from eating animals is not merely a personal dietary choice; it is a political act with the power to effect change. As consumers, we possess the ability to shape the trajectory of our food system, advocating for practices that prioritize sustainability, ethics, and compassion.
“If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.”
Paul McCartney
3. Ahimsa. Non-violence. Cruelty.
The principle of 'Ahimsa' has also been a significant guiding force in shaping my choices. Through my years of practicing yoga under the guidance of a dedicated Jivamukti teacher in Rome, I delved into the profound concept of Ahimsa, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Ahimsa stands as the foremost of the five Yamas, or ethical restraints, and embodies the notion of non-violence, non-killing, and minimizing harm. It extends beyond physical actions to encompass the impact of our words and deeds, recognizing that even subtle forms of harm can inflict pain. The essence of Ahimsa found resonance within me as I deepened my yoga practice. In a world marred by suffering and injustice, the aspiration to minimize harm and foster peace became increasingly compelling. Mahatma Gandhi exemplified this commitment through his lifelong adherence to the principles of Ahimsa. As I contemplated the teachings of yoga, the desire to tread a path of compassion and non-violence naturally arose within me.
Yoga is not merely a physical discipline; it is a holistic philosophy that nurtures interconnectedness and wholeness. Contrary to misconceptions, a yogi is not detached from the world, secluded in remote Himalayan retreats. Rather, the practice of yoga cultivates a deep sense of connection—with oneself, with others, and with the world at large.
Additionally, I feel compelled to address the concept of 'cruelty' in relation to our dietary choices. Often, we remain detached from the harm and suffering inherent in the production of the food we consume, particularly meat. While we readily condemn violence and cruelty in other contexts, we may overlook the inherent cruelty involved in the meat industry. The inhumane conditions in which animals are raised, tortured, and slaughtered are conveniently obscured from our awareness. By consuming meat, we inadvertently perpetuate a cycle of cruelty and violence. It is a contradiction to denounce cruelty in one aspect of our lives while turning a blind eye to its presence in our dietary habits. Acknowledging the truth behind our food choices compels us to confront the ethical implications of our actions and strive for alignment with the principles of Ahimsa.
“Ahimsa: A nonviolent, compassionate lifestyle extending to other animals,
the environment and all living beings, emphasizing ethical vegetarianism (veganism)
and animal rights.”
Sharon Gannon
“May all that have life be delivered from suffering.”
Buddha
“Perhaps in the back of our minds we already understand, without all the science I've discussed, that something terribly wrong is happening. Our sustenance now comes from misery. We know that if someone offers to show us a film on how our meat is produced, it will be a horror film. We perhaps know more than we care to admit, keeping it down in the dark places of our memory-- disavowed. When we eat factory-farmed meat we live, literally, on tortured flesh. Increasingly, that tortured flesh is becoming our own.”
Jonathan Safran Foer
4. Controlling and Owning other Species. Patriarchy.
My personal journey through yoga has sparked a profound inquiry into the dynamics of control and ownership over other forms of life—an ancient quandary steeped in questions of power. Throughout history, men have wielded dominion over not only women and children but also over other species, a trend that gained momentum with the rise of agriculture and sedentary communities. The possession of a wife, children, livestock, and other assets became symbols of wealth, power, and social status, commodities to be traded and leveraged in the pursuit of dominance.
As a woman and a feminist, I have long grappled with the imbalances of power entrenched within our society. However, it was through my exploration of yoga that I began to draw parallels between the control and ownership of women and that of animals and the earth. It became increasingly apparent to me that the exploitation and commodification of living beings, whether human or non-human, are egregious affronts to our shared dignity and autonomy. To conceive of living beings as mere instruments for human gain, to be used and discarded at will in the pursuit of greed and dominance, is nothing short of reprehensible. The true measure of democracy and equality within a society lies not only in how we treat our fellow humans but also in our treatment of all living beings. It is imperative that we strive for a paradigm shift—one rooted in reverence for all life, founded upon principles of empathy, respect, and egalitarianism.
"The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon
the murder of men."
Leonardo Da Vinci
“Flesh eating is unprovoked murder.”
Benjamin Franklin
5. Ecology. Systems. Quantity.
The profound connection I feel to Mother Nature and our Earth has been a cornerstone of my spirituality. From a young age, I've harbored an indelible attachment to the natural world, recognizing it as an integral aspect of my being. I consider myself immensely fortunate to possess this deep-seated bond—a connection that I realize many individuals remain detached from. To me, the Earth is not merely a backdrop to human existence; it is a sacred entity deserving of reverence and protection. Whether wandering through a lush forest or gazing out upon the vast expanse of the sea, these moments of communion with nature have brought me unparalleled feelings of connectedness, freedom, and joy. The wonders that surround us are truly boundless and invaluable.
Yet, alongside the beauty of nature, I am acutely aware of the profound devastation wrought by human hands. Images of deforestation, melting glaciers, oil spills, and polluted waters weigh heavily on my heart, evoking a visceral sense of anguish and despair. It's as if each act of environmental degradation inflicts a tangible pain upon my being—an assault on the very essence of my existence. Scientific inquiry unequivocally affirms the interconnectedness of all life forms, underscoring the urgent need for environmental stewardship. Pollution and climate change are not abstract concepts but pressing realities that demand our immediate attention. Our treatment of the Earth is inextricably linked to our collective survival and the well-being of every living being on this planet.
The impact of meat consumption on the environment cannot be overstated. Recent studies by the United Nations have revealed that globally, farmed animals contribute more to climate change than the entire transportation sector combined. Factory farms, in particular, are egregious perpetrators of environmental degradation, generating copious amounts of pollution and waste. From water depletion to air pollution and groundwater contamination, the toll exacted by these unsustainable practices is staggering, perpetuating a cycle of imbalance and harm to the Earth. In confronting these realities, we are confronted with a moral imperative to reassess our relationship with food and the environment. Choosing plant-based alternatives offers a tangible pathway towards mitigating our ecological footprint and fostering a more harmonious coexistence with the Earth. As stewards of this planet, we bear a profound responsibility to safeguard its integrity for future generations, recognizing that our actions today shape the world of tomorrow.
To give a few concrete examples; one of the most disastrous consequences of factory farms is the amount of ‘shit’ produced. It may seem crazy but it is a fact:
“Today a typical pig factory farm will produce 7.2 millions of pounds of manure annually, a typical broiler facility will produce 6.6 millions of pounds, and a typical cattle feedlot 344 million pounds. The General Accounting Office (GAO) reports that individual farms can generate more raw water than the populations of some U.S. cities. All told, farmed animals in the United States produce 130 times as much waste as the human population- roughly 87,000 pounds of shit per second.”[2]
Animal waste contains elements such as ammonia, methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, cyanide, phosphorous and much more! There are virtually no legal restrictions on this kind of waste and no waste treatment infrastructures for it. To put this simply, someone who regularly eats meat cannot call himself an environmentalist.
I feel compelled, at this time, to address a common misconception regarding fish consumption—a question that often arises in conversations about my dietary choices: "You don’t eat meat, but you eat fish, right?" This assertion perplexes me, as it overlooks a fundamental truth: fish are indeed animals, deserving of the same consideration and respect as any other sentient beings. Furthermore, when examining the environmental and ecological implications of our dietary habits, fisheries emerge as a significant source of concern. It's essential to shed light on the concept of 'bycatch,' a term used to describe the unintended capture of non-targeted species during fishing operations. However, to dismiss these creatures as mere casualties of chance is both misleading and flawed.
As Jonathan Safran Foer eloquently illustrates in his book, "Eating Animals," the grim reality of modern fisheries reveals a staggering level of waste and devastation. For instance, the average shrimp-trawling operation indiscriminately ensnares a multitude of marine creatures, with an astonishing 80 to 90% of these animals—many of which are endangered species—being discarded overboard, dead or dying, as bycatch. To put this into perspective, while shrimp account for a mere 2% of global seafood by weight, shrimp trawling is responsible for a disproportionate 33% of global bycatch.
This sobering statistic underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and scrutiny surrounding our consumption of fish. The toll exacted by modern fishing practices extends far beyond the targeted species, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems and imperiling the delicate balance of oceanic life. As conscientious stewards of the planet, it is incumbent upon us to confront the realities of our food choices and strive towards a more sustainable and ethical relationship with the natural world.
Numbers of Animals Slaughtered for Food in US:
Number of cows and calves slaughtered every 24 hours in the US: 90,000
Number of chickens slaughtered every minute in the US: 14,000
Food animals (not counting fish and other aquatic creatures)
slaughtered per year in the US: 10 billion[3]
“By eating meat we share the responsibility of climate change, the destruction of our forests, and the poisoning of our air and water. The simple act of becoming a vegetarian will make a difference in the health of our planet.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
6. Personal health
The final catalyst in my transition to a vegetarian diet revolves around the paramount importance of personal health. For many individuals, health considerations serve as the initial impetus for dietary change. Simply put, consuming meat in today's context poses significant health risks—it is, quite literally, perilous for our well-being. While it's widely known that meat consumption is linked to heightened risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, what often goes unnoticed is the disturbing reality of what precisely we're ingesting when we consume meat. The meat industry, driven by profit motives, operates under lax regulations that prioritize economic gain over public health. Animals raised for consumption are subjected to a cocktail of dubious substances, including antibiotics, hormones, steroids, and a slew of other drugs—all administered to maximize growth and profitability. It's worth considering: would the average person willingly ingest such a concoction of pharmaceuticals? Yet, when we consume meat, we do so unwittingly, exposing ourselves to a host of health hazards.
Countless studies have underscored the myriad health benefits associated with a plant-based diet. Vegetarians tend to exhibit lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight—a trifecta of factors that confer protection against chronic diseases. As Virginia Messina, M.P.H., R.D., aptly notes, a plant-based diet emerges as the most environmentally sustainable, politically conscious, and health-promoting choice.
On the topic of protein, a prevalent myth continues to dissuade many individuals from adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. This myth perpetuates the belief that protein reigns supreme in our dietary hierarchy, with meat serving as the optimal protein source. However, this narrative fails to acknowledge the abundant protein sources available in plant-based foods. Moreover, the association between protein and meat consumption is deeply entrenched in patriarchal cultural norms, perpetuated through societal constructs of virility and power.
Contrary to popular belief, research consistently demonstrates that excessive protein intake can be as detrimental to health as insufficient protein consumption. A well-rounded vegetarian diet, rich in diverse sources of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, easily meets our nutritional needs while sidestepping the health risks associated with meat consumption. By embracing a vegetarian lifestyle, we not only safeguard our health but also contribute to a more sustainable, compassionate future for all
“Elsewhere the paper notes that vegetarians and vegans (including athletes) 'meet and exceed requirements' for protein. And, to render the whole we-should-worry-about-getting-enough-protein-and-therefore-eat-meat idea even more useless, other data suggests that excess animal protein intake is linked with osteoporosis, kidney disease, calcium stones in the urinary tract, and some cancers. Despite some persistent confusion, it is clear that vegetarians and vegans tend to have more optimal protein consumption than omnivores. ”
Jonathan Safran Foer
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In the quest for peace and happiness, it's imperative that we pause to reflect on the choices we make and the manner in which we live our lives. True happiness transcends fleeting moments of gratification derived from material possessions or the fulfillment of desires. Rather, it resides deep within us, often obscured by life's challenges and the myriad distractions of society. Striving to unearth this intrinsic sense of peace and contentment compels us to scrutinize the social norms and ingrained behaviors that govern our existence.
How many of our daily actions do we undertake without ever questioning their underlying motivations? The truth is, many of us navigate through life on autopilot, seldom pausing to challen
ge the status quo. Yet, true activism and spiritual inquiry demand a commitment to questioning the world around us, fostering greater clarity and understanding with each passing day.
For me, grappling with the ethical dilemma surrounding meat consumption has been a transformative journey—one that has empowered me, broadened my perspective, and humbled my ego. Embracing a lifestyle that diverges from the mainstream requires courage—the courage to stand apart, to endure scrutiny, and to embrace the label of 'peculiarity.' Yet, in honoring my authentic beliefs and convictions, I have found a profound sense of alignment with my true self. It's essential to clarify that I do not seek to impose my personal views onto others; rather, I share my journey in the hope of fostering dialogue and inspiring reflection. Our planet abounds with an abundance of nourishing foods, offering us the opportunity to make conscientious choices each day. For me, the decision to eschew meat has been a relatively straightforward one, guided by a desire to live in harmony with my values and principles.
In sharing my experiences, I hope to offer a glimpse into the possibilities that lie beyond the confines of conventionality. May my words serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for those embarking on their own journeys of self-discovery and mindful living. Your thoughts and feedback are welcomed and encouraged—let us engage in meaningful dialogue as we navigate the path toward greater awareness and compassion.
“Be the change you want to see in the World”
Mahatma Gandhi
“Now I can look at you in peace; I don't eat you any more.”
Franz Kafka
In love, light & courage,
Lavinia
Recommended readings:
Eating Animals (2010)- Jonathan Safran Foer Diet for a Small Planet (1985)- Frances Moore Lappe' The Omnivore's Dilemma (2007)- Michael Pollan Food Rules (2009)- Michael Pollan
The Food Revolution (2010)- John Robbins
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (reprint 2012)- Swami Satchidananda
Yoga and Vegetarianism (2008)- Sharon Gannon
Recommended documentaries:
Cowspiracy (2014) Food Inc. (2008) Food Matters (2008) Food Fight (2008) Life Behind Bars (2004) The Future of Food (2004)