I have to say upfront that I am not a vegetarian. I have several friends, work colleagues, and family members that are, and for a long time, I (admittedly) thought they were strange.
Who would willingly give up eating a good cheeseburger from time to time?
However, after many conversations with them, I started doing my own research, and realized the impact that massive meat consumption has had on our planet, our health, and our society. One only has to watch documentaries like Super Size Me or Food, Inc. to see with their own eyes what the worldwide food industry is trying to do to sustain the unsustainable.
I know in response to my own conscience, I have greatly reduced my own meat consumption. I try to ensure my family only purchases meat that’s been raised humanely and ethically. Is that making a difference for our planet? I hope. I hope it’s the start of an international food revolution wherein people take responsibility for their actions and do what they deem necessary to protect and love our planet.
I’m a fan of Sir Paul McCartney’s campaign: Meat Free Mondays. It’s a good place to start some research, as well.
Happy Meat Free Mondays!
-Mandy
the graduate wife 
Mandy,
Thanks for posting this. My husband and I kicked off the new year with the Daniel fast which as you may know includes no dairy, meat, sugar or caffeine. Honestly, it feels so great to get rid of all the junk we consumed over the holidays. We watched forks over knives the other night which actually just confirmed this lifestyle we’re living at the moment. We’re making lots of changes!
Esther, that sounds great! I hope you guys continue on it…it’s definitely worth it!
Hooray for Meatless Mondays!! Bonus – there are a ton of super yummy veg-recipes out there and most of them are super budget friendly. Great for us grad families on tight budgets!!