The Face On Your Plate, pg 29-58

This chapter is called "The Only World We Have." He starts out by saying a large portion of vegans are vegan to protect the planet. Then, he goes on to say that humans are fascinated my intelligence whether is the intelligence of a human or an animal. We know that animal only use their intelligence to survive; whereas, human have common sense. Although we have common sense, we are still killing animals like Nazis.  Then, he goes on to say that everyone today fears global warming, but did you know meat production accounts for 33% of the greenhouse gas emissions.


Next, the author goes on to talk about how animal waste has a negative effect on the planet. Then, he talks about how animal product 130 times more waste than humans. This waste has harmful chemicals which go into the soil and can (and have in the past) go into our water and food supplies. Also, animal farms are overpopulated, so illnesses spread quickly. These illnesses go long undetected. Also, animal farms waste land. In the amount of land needed for 500 pounds of beef, you can product 63,000 pounds of lettuce.

Next, the author goes on to talk about water. Water is a resource that is becoming scarce. Animals use anywhere from 25 to 250 times more water than grain. Also, chemical runoff from animal farms pollutes rivers and streams. Also, livestock consume about 40% of grain produced every year. Rain forests are being cut down to make room for the animal farms. Then, he goes on to say that plants take up less space. He says one could survive off a small garden. He says natural farming technique can maximize one's yield. Without farming, we won't be able to stop global warming. He says to stop global warming we need to stop meat. He's final point is that Great Britain has announced that meat and dairy products have a larger impact on the environment; therefore, we know it is serious, and we should give up meat to better the environment.

This chapter was very good. There were a lot of eye-opening facts. I was very surprised by the clever claims and rebuttals; however, I am not a vegan. The book hasn't yet moved me enough to make me a vegan.