Going Green

I can be quite disorganised. It is part of my nature. Part of being a daydreamer. In the past I have attempted (and failed) to write a regular blog, posting on the same day each week. Naturally this is beneficial to many people, except me. So as I am now writing everyday I will at random and surprise junctures post something. It could be short. It could be long. It could be profound. It could be nonsense. It COULD be many things. One thing it will not be is organised. It will be a daydreamers splurge. I bring that splurge to you and look forward to your comments.

Now this is an update. It's a short-ish post about turning vegetarian.

I recently read the book "Eat Animals" (it's a great read, look it up) as I received a gift voucher from my Mum for Christmas. In writing that last line I feel like I am ten years old again! The logistical ease of a gift voucher when you are on the other side of the World is clear. But it also gives the receiver choice. I had a great deal of choice as the voucher was generous and Kindle books are cheaper than paperback ;) Cut a long story short I bought the above mentioned book.

"Eat Animals" is a book about the current state of farming in the US, with a foreword about the very similar state of British farming. It talks of the growing, medicating, welfare and slaughter of chickens, pigs, turkeys, fish and cows. It is meant to be eye opening, but it is factual with it. The references in the book are testament to a great deal of research.

As a result of reading the book I CHOSE to become vegetarian. It wasn't the author telling me (he doesn't), nor was it the healthy lifestyle led by Australians (I could've read it in Poland and I would've done the same). My choice was based on the lost ethics of farming, the lack of welfare for animals, the health implications of eating medicated animals, the environmental impacts of farming, the sadistic treatment of animals in slaughter and the ridiculously low cost of meat. The last one may be a surprise. But consider this. How can meat not increase in price to the same extent as other products that we purchase? How does a farmer supply cheap meat when everything else is naturally becoming more expensive over the years? That's where factory farming, medication and a short animal life comes into play. But don't let me ruin the book, it's much better in the author's words. I am just giving some reasoning to my decision. All the facts are available in black and white if you want to take notice. There are numerous YouTube videos showing the abuse and lack of welfare in farming today. It just depends if YOU choose to open your eyes and ears to it.

Oh how serious of me! It's only because the easiest thing I had ever done (in "going green") has attracted the most questions and comments. I am not trying to convert lots of people (yet ;)), but friends and family still think its strange. In some respects I think people are threatened by anything/anyone that is different, that says "I'm not going to do that just because it is the norm". Probably best not to get me onto religion. That's another story completely ;)

To finish I am happily eating many different and tasty meals. I love cooking anyway and Catherine and I prepare our lunches every evening. Now I am looking to create delicious meals that anyone would eat from "The Accidental Vegetarian". I have more energy than I thought possible. I am running faster and training more than I ever used to. I am happy, not grumpy. I am quietly getting on with life and just so happen to be green!

Until next time,

Tom :-)



- Posted using a modern day type writer