Is Vegetarianism just a fad?

Vegetarianism has always existed and indeed is the normal way of life in many Eastern countries following religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Although many famous Westerners such as Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and George Bernard Shaw were vegetarians, until recently, vegetarianism has been thought of as a 'fringe' philosophy in the West, often ridiculed. In the 60s and 70s, however, many young people started turning in that direction, usually for moral and ethical reasons. Then in the late 80s and the 90s, medical research began to discover relationships between meat eating and certain life threatening diseases, and doctors started recommending that patients cut down on their meat consumption.

At present, according to various studies, there are more than 12 million people in the United States who consider themselves vegetarians. Many others make serious attempts to cut down on meat, and 'eat vegetarian' at least twice a week.

The City by the Bay Embraces Monday

San Francisco is known for touting innovative cuisine and healthy lifestyles. This past week, the city by the bay raised the bar in both arenas by becoming the first Meatless Monday city! The resolution passed by San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors ensures that residents will gain greater access to healthy, meatless options while learning about the connection between what they eat and their health.

The resolution to make Mondays meatless was introduced by supervisor Sophie Maxwell, who hopes that residents will use this opportunity to make nutritious, sustainable choices. San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors agreed that Meatless Monday is a smart way to start the week, passing the resolution unanimously! According to ABC news, Maxwell’s Meatless Monday declaration will “encourage restaurants, schools and grocery stores to offer plant-based options”.

We’d like to welcome San Francisco to the Meatless Monday movement! Hopefully other cities will follow their lead in encouraging residents to embrace a diverse, healthy diet. Meatless Monday is a simple way to bring awareness and preventative health to any community!

From Meatless Monday