Sir, – For many years – decades, even – and at this precise time of the year, I have been writing letters to the editors of our national and regional newspapers, pointing out to readers the bewilderingly large numbers of animals killed to satisfy a Christmas tradition.
The focus of my previous letters has been on the needless suffering and sacrifice of these innocent, sentient beings. I have asked readers to consider Christ’s eternal message of love and compassion and to reflect on how that beautiful message could possibly be honoured and celebrated by the brutal slaughter of billions of animals.
But a remarkable thing has been happening over the last 24 months. People all over the world have been turning away from consuming animals and towards a plant-based diet and a vegan lifestyle. (We have seen how the supermarket shelves have been filling up every week with more and more vegan options.)
Why is this happening? Certainly a concern for the animals remains a significant driver, particularly as the vast bulk of all pork and chicken comes from intensive, or factory, farming. Personal health concerns continue to turn people away from red meat in particular and toward a varied diet with a big emphasis on fruit and vegetables.
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Yet the biggest change has come as a result of climate change, and the message that has come through loud and clear: that the single most effective action an individual can take in order to reduce their personal carbon footprint is to stop consuming animals and animal produce.
This is not a fad; it’s a sea-change.
The food industry knows it, and the media knows it. The politicians are behind the curve as usual, but even they are waking up to the fact that animal agriculture and climate change are inextricably linked.
My request to your readers this Christmas is spare the life of an innocent animal and enjoy a vegan festive season.
It might turn out to be the start of a lifelong, compassionate adventure. – Yours, etc,
GERRY
BOLAND,
Keadue,
Co Roscommon.