Published Letters and Op-Eds from
COK’s Writers Group

Resolution Vegetarianism

Takoma Voice
February 2008

I'm surprised your January 2008 article, "Resolution Earth: how can I reduce my carbon footprint?" did not recommend switching to a vegetarian diet. Eating organically and locally isn't enough, much of the Eastern Shore's poultry industry, one of the largest sources of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, is within the recommended 100 miles.

A 2006 United Nations report said that raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. Senior U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization official Henning Steinfeld reported that the meat industry is "one of the most significant contributors to today's most serious environmental problems."

Each of us can reduce our carbon footprint simply by eating vegetarian foods. A local group, Compassion Over Killing, offers a free Vegetarian Starter Guide.

Lynda Cozart
Takoma Park