Quite a few activists are also vegetarians. Here are some reasons why peace making and vegetarianism go hand in hand.
One of the first things one may notice when getting involved in the local peace movement, was that it appeared as though a disproportionate number of people were either vegetarians or vegans. For those who do not know the difference, vegetarians are those who do not eat meat, but may eat other animal products such as cheese, milk, or eggs. Vegans do not eat any animal products, and often will not even use products made from animal parts, such as leather or bone items.
However, there are some connections between being a peace maker, and being a vegetarian.
Environmental Impact
- There is a definite connection between peace and the environment. There is also a connection between diet and the environment. Meat production takes more effort from the earth to sustain, from feeding areas to water consumption to energy relating to slaughtering practices.
Do No Harm
- Peace people care about others - we value the sanctity of life. For some, this extends into the animal world. Many slaughtering practices are cruel and cause undue pain to animal. Factory farming practices, in which animals are raised en masse for the sole purpose of the slaughterhouse, ensure a life of misery.
Health
- A meat free diet is lower in saturated fats. There are other ways to get protein (such as through the consumption of legumes) that are healthier. Factory farming involves the use of steroids - which is how large, plump chickens are made - and those hormones are consumed along with the meat. This is a reason why young women are hitting puberty at younger and younger ages.
Economics
- Good quality meat costs a bundle. Those who have devoted their lives to the cause of peace are usually not known to be incredibly affluent. A plant-based diet can make more sense, economically.
Faith
- The peace movement is multicultural and interdenominational. Some are Buddhists who do not eat meat as part of their religious practice. Others, such as Muslimes or observant Jewish people, will only eat meat that conforms with religious law - such meat can be difficult to find in some areas, and more expensive.
By no means does this imply that someone has to be a vegetarian in order to be a peace maker. In fact, while many of my colleagues are vegetarians or vegans, many others are not. Some have reducded their meat consumption, and some have maintained the same eating habits. Making decisions about one's diet involves decisions that are personal, health-related, and in some cases, center around religious practices. One's efficacy as a peace maker should not be judged by his or her diet. At the same time, diet should not be a point of division in the peace community. Rather, it is something worthy of consideration and reflection.
