PETA discovers Lent: 7 reasons to go vegan this season

The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a few thoughts about what you should give up for the penitential season. I’m sure it will surprise no one that most of what they are encouraging us to give up involves animals.

To wit:

Go vegan for Lent!

Lent is a time for giving things up. For Christians, it’s a way of remembering how Jesus fasted in the desert. Many non-religious people also choose to make a change to their diet for the tradition of Lent. Instead of giving up chocolate or alcohol this Lent, why not try the 40-day vegan challenge? Here are seven reasons why it’s an excellent decision:

• Going vegan helps to alleviate world hunger. More than half of the world’s crops are used to feed farmed animals, not people. It’s far more sustainable for us all to eat the crops directly, rather than eat the animals.
• A vegan diet is becoming increasingly popular, with more people making conscious decisions to change to a greener, more compassionate lifestyle. Join the party.
• Save money at the supermarket. Some of the most versatile vegan foods, such as rice, beans, vegetables, tofu and pasta, cost relatively little compared to animal products.
• Stop holding double standards. Why love your dog but eat the flesh of a pig? If you love animals, the only way to be 100 per cent sure that you’re not supporting cruelty towards them is by not buying animal products.

Discover the other reasons at the link. 

I’m giving up meat this Lent, but not for the reasons PETA offers. I just like it. This Fat Tuesday, preparing to bid farewell, I enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, complete with several slabs of bacon. (With apologies to the fellow in the picture).

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Photo from PETA