Editor:
This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before
Easter when many Christians abstain from animal foods in remembrance of
Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert before launching his ministry.
But meat-free Lent is much more than a symbol of religious devotion to
Christ. It helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, environmental
degradation and animal abuse. Dozens of medical reports have linked
consumption of animal products with elevated risk of heart failure,
stroke, cancer, and other killer diseases. A 2007 U.N. report named meat
production as the largest source of greenhouse gases and water
pollution. Undercover investigations have documented farm animals being
beaten, caged, crowded, deprived, mutilated and shocked.
Lent offers a superb opportunity to honor Christ’s powerful message of
compassion and love by adopting a meat-free diet for Lent and beyond.
After all, it’s the diet mandated in Genesis I-29 and observed in the
Garden of Eden.
Our supermarket offers a rich array of plant-based meat and dairy
alternatives as well as the more traditional vegetables, fruits, and
grains. Entering “vegan recipes” in our favorite search engine offers
more products, recipes, and transition tips than we can use.
Lupe Infraine, Laguna Beach
