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January 2004
National Vegetarian Week 24th - 30th May 2004
It’s
the question people always ask…
So, why are you vegetarian?
We asked an assortment of vegetarians - celebrities, politicians,
chefs, IT workers, fitness professionals, writers, office workers, manual
workers, teachers, tree surgeons, radio producers, mums and dads, young
and old - the age old question:
“ Why are you a vegetarian?”
The answers covered a whole host of topics. It seems that there’s
more motivation to go veggie than you might think. Here’s a few
of the responses we had:
“Vegetarianism
means less violence, less destruction of the planet, better health,
and a
more questioning attitude to what lies behind everything.” Howard
Jones, Musician
"I went vegan
at 15 because it dawned on me that we do not have the right to exploit
animals merely
to satisfy the whims of our stomach.
At 32 I am more convinced in this belief than ever. My son has been vegan
since birth. Now a healthy, typically argumentative, independent 12 year
old he has made his own decision to remain vegan." Max Watson,
Personal Trainer
“Hinduism
and its belief of Ahimsa (non-violence) clearly highlights for me the
importance of
being vegetarian and reducing suffering of all
life.” Jay Davé, IT Professional
“I don’t eat anything with a face or a relative – it’s
better for my health and the health of the animals." Tony
Banks MP
"When I learnt
that rearing animals for food has a devastating impact on the environment
in terms
of both pollution and land use, the
only way forward was to go veggie. The spin off in terms of my health
has been fantastic - I have never felt or eaten better in my life!" Phil
Maguire, Radio Producer
“I am appalled
by animal welfare standards and, as I would never kill an animal myself,
I cannot
justify eating a creature that has been
killed by someone else.” Pam Welford, Financial Controller
“It suits
me!” Victoria Wood, Performer and Writer
" I gave up meat and poultry in my teens, but only became a proper veggie
2 years ago when I realized that all the issues that make it wrong - not to mention
unnecessary - to kill mammals for food, also apply to fish." Victoria
Alderton, 31, IT Administrator
“The best
thing about being vegetarian is knowing I am cruelty free and saving
lives on a
daily basis by choosing not to eat animals.” Stella
McCartney, designer and Vegetarian Society Patron
“Our vegetarian diet keeps me, Roberta, and our daughter Sandy
full of health. When the time comes, Sandy will be able to make her own
decision about vegetarianism - at 19 months she is a healthy & enthusiastic
eater of vegetarian food.” Leon Lewis, Chef
If you’re
considering going veggie or just want to know more about a vegetarian
lifestyle,
The Vegetarian Society has produced a free booklet
called Food for Thought. Get your copy by calling 0161 925 2000.
Notes for editors
- The Vegetarian Society has a list of media contacts who are happy
to discuss vegetarian issues / lifestyle from a personal perspective.
Please contact Kerry in the Press Office on 0161 925 2012, kerry@vegsoc.org
for information.
- The Vegetarian
Society’s
Cordon Vert School has developed a special National Vegetarian Week
gourmet menu of : Artichoke and Sunblush
Tomato Tart on a bed of Minted Rocket, Mediterranean Tian of Asparagus
and Aromatic Almond Quinoa with a Piquant Pomegranate and Orange Dressing
and Caramel Banana and Berry Brioche with Zested Marscapone, and an
easy store-cupboard tea-time recipe Tortilla Beany Bake
- The recipes, high-res food photography and logos are available free
from The Vegetarian Society Press Office.
- Outside office hours the Press Office can be contacted on 07973 108
165/7. Alternatively visit the website at www.vegsoc.org.
- The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as a person who eats
no meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea. Vegetarians also
avoid the by-products of slaughter such as gelatine or animal rennet
in cheese. The Society only approves products containing eggs when
they are free range.
Press
Officer press@vegsoc.org
For the latest Vegetarian Society press releases visit www.vegsoc.org
The Vegetarian Society
Direct line - 0161 925 2012
Fax 0161 926 9182
Registered Charity: 259358
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