How can I, as an individual vegetarian, make a difference?
Posted in Vegetarian & Vegan | Asked by is spelnilg ralely imrtoapnt? | 2012-02-13 10:52:27 | (44) answers

so ive been a vegetarian for 45 days so far. (i know.. not long haha but i plan to make it a lifetime change) and i live in a family of meat eaters. since im still a child, its not like i was previously buying my own meat filled meals regularly and i just stopped.. my family members continue to buy about the same amount of meat. (maybe a little less) i just get served slightly altered meals. so im not really helping much in terms of saving animals. the only place i could see where i would make a difference is in school. i used to buy turkey sandwiches or chicken almost every single day and now i dont anymore. i bring lunch currently. im not going to give up on this diet because i would feel soo guilty whenever i ate meat and im also eating healthier because im more aware of what im putting into my digestive system.. but am i correct in the sense that im not actually helping the animals? and if so is there any way i can?

by Quadrill...      2012-02-28 18:52:45

Being a vegetarian will not have a significant effect upon animals unless you make it a lifelong habit. However, it may improve your health long term, and you could see it as a small step towards a lifelong decision to live without being the cause of others' suffering.If you really want to help animals and indeed improve the lives of all living things on this planet, including people, you could select a career where you will have the opportunity to really make a difference. Choose a career in animal welfare, ecology, veterinary medicine, social work or some related discipline.You could also volunteer a few hours a week do do some work that will really help. Ask some of your teachers, and adults who you trust to look for some organisations where you can volunteer a few hours a week.Remenmber, it is usually a small number of charismatic people who make the biggest difference in the world. You could become one of them, but you have to first start somewhere.Cheers!

by Third Successor      2012-02-28 18:52:43

The worst thing that could ever be done for the vegetarian movement, even worse than eating meat, is making vegetarians seem preachy. It fits an ugly stereotype and is annoying.Practice answering questions like "Why are you a vegetarian." And debating when challenged.Hidden animal ingredients, in case you didn't know:http://www.xomba.com/non_vegetarian_thin…http://www.cyberparent.com/eat/hiddenani…

by pinkhamster (nWo)      2012-02-28 13:52:41

By not eating meat you are not saving animals, the result is that less animals exist because the demand is less. That's the way the capitalist society we live in work but, it funds billions of animals to live. If you eat more vegetables then the land that would be used for meat is being used for vegetables hence less animals.I'd also like to point out that it's very important to be aware of your sources of food. For example most animal rights videos contain images and video from all over the world. If I filmed human rights abuse from China, you wouldn't believe me if I told you this was happening in your local area, so why do the same with animals. Go out and visit the farms and slaughterhouses and look for th ethical brands and visit their farms and slaughter houses.

by Anonymou...      2012-02-27 23:52:38

How is it not helping? Its one less person eating meat. One less mouth to feed. One less animal housed in horrible conditions.

by Third Successor      2012-02-27 20:52:45

The worst thing that could ever be done for the vegetarian movement, even worse than eating meat, is making vegetarians seem preachy. It fits an ugly stereotype and is annoying.Practice answering questions like "Why are you a vegetarian." And debating when challenged.Hidden animal ingredients, in case you didn't know:http://www.xomba.com/non_vegetarian_thin…http://www.cyberparent.com/eat/hiddenani…

by Run4it      2012-02-27 19:52:40

Being veggie alone is saving an average 100 animal lives annually.You should be proud of that.:)

by [♦Kαiи♦]      2012-02-27 19:52:32

Of all people why do you care about lives?Isn't the end of all life inevitable even to animals?Make everyone acknowledge that even though killing an animal for nutrients and health is cruel because killing cute wittle bunnies is evil.Make sure you tell them about the neccessary substitues that will make up for the many nutrients meat gives you,tell them about taking pills and maybe needles on daily basis.And try to make them forget the good flavor!

by LisaJDivine ♥s MJ      2012-02-25 17:52:42

If you ask me, your already making a difference. You've chosen to give up meat, which is a huge thing to do! Encourage your family member, friends, and people around your community to go meatless for one week or three days. You can have them make meatless meals one night a week,

by Run4it      2012-02-25 14:52:31

Being veggie alone is saving an average 100 animal lives annually.You should be proud of that.:)

by Anonymou...      2012-02-25 13:52:33

How is it not helping? Its one less person eating meat. One less mouth to feed. One less animal housed in horrible conditions.

by xandera      2012-02-25 00:52:33

Please don't listen to naysayers that will tell you that you aren't helping animals or that you aren't making a difference.... Here's the way I see it.... you stop eating meat, even if your family still buys the same amount of meat as before it will take them longer to eat it because you aren't helping, so really in the long run, they are buying less meat. The supermarket your parents buy meat from will adjust to this slight change by purchasing less meat from the food suppliers, and the food suppliers will adjust by purchasing less meat from the farmers, and the farmers will adjust by raising less livestock. Less livestock = less animals living in inhumane conditions = less resources used in raising this livestock = less environmental damage (not everyone is a vegetarian for the animals) Now they say by being a vegetarian you save 80 or so animals a year. The way I see it, you may not actually save animals lives, but you are saving these animals from being born into these terrible conditions, and therefore you are still making a difference by reducing the amount of animal suffering in the worldWhile 80 animals a year may not seem like much, you have to look at the big picture. Vegetarianism is a growing movement, whether they are doing for animals, or environment or health, it doesn't really matter because the result is still the same. So while you alone will 'save' 80 animals this year, you are not alone. You have to remember you are not the only one... there are many other people saving 80ish animals each every year, there are new people becoming vegetarians all the time and there are more and more people, who after learning about the health and environmental effects of eating meat, are choosing to reduce their consumption of meat. Now I don't believe that we will see an entirely vegetarian world in our lifetimes at least. But I do believe that we will reduce our meat consumption drastically. This will not only help our environment drastically, but I believe it will also have good consequences for the future of raising livestock. With lowered demand for meat, and more people aware of the terrible conditions in which the animals they eat are raised, I believe it will be easier for the farmers to adopt more humane conditions for the livestock. Please keep up the good work, and don't get discouraged. If you want to do more become a good role model for vegetarians. Eat healthy, join a website or forum where you can talk to and help other vegetarians or in-transition vegetarians, and please remember to always speak your truths to others with love. Be accepting of those with different beliefs so that they aren't pushed away from what we are trying to accomplish.

by Julia S      2012-02-24 18:52:43

Let me ask this another way: by not being a murderer, are you saving lives? By not being a thief, are you preventing theft? By not being a jerk, are you preventing bullying? The answer is, of course, yes and no. While you are certainly not stopping others from eating meat, killing people, stealing, or bullying, you are not contributing to the problem. You can say with absolute certainty that if you actively participate in these activities, you are causing them to happen. When you eat animals, you are causing them to be killed. When you shoot someone, you are causing them to die. When you steal, you are obviously causing someone to lose belongings. When you don't push a kid into a puddle, you aren't reducing the amount of bullying going on. However, you are not increasing the instance of any of these activities. Does that make sense? So while you are not actually stopping animals from being killed, you aren't causing them to be killed. I'd say that you are making a difference. While your difference as an individual is relatively small, when you add up the number of animals that vegetarians aren't eating, it does make a difference. (Economics, supply and demand. The demand is smaller than it would be if there were no vegetarians, therefore fewer animals are raised to be killed.)

by Jen      2012-02-24 14:52:29

I believe you are making a difference! Apart from all the great things other people already told you, I want to mention that by being a vegetarian, you are changing the lives of people around you. See, I don't preach vegetarianism. I don't ever suggest that someone should give up meat, but it so happened that my former roommates, friends and family started eating less meat simply because they saw they could eat very well without it. Even if none of them will ever completely give up meat, at least they would have a healthier diet!Anyway, good luck to you!

by *LAR3iNA...      2012-02-22 16:52:38

You could become a Vet and help animals you could join an animal saving group, volunteer at your local humane league!I feel the same way I love animals but i also love me a cheeseburger. I always feel guilty as well.but idk.........good luck to you

by Manda♡      2012-02-22 14:52:38

The way I look at it is it is a personal change. You are not making your body a burial ground for animals. And you should feel better about yourself on a moral ground too. Don't worry about how many meat eaters there are, you don't have control over that.

by quantum quack      2012-02-22 14:52:32

tell them to lower the amount of meat they buy because you'll get a complete protein by eating a variety of plant proteins. beans and grains apparently work. and how much proteins do they eat each day? too much protein will make blood acidic and body will leach calcium out of bones to neutralize it. so no matter how much cows milk people drink, it won't build stronger bones as long as there's protein in milk, unless if they decrease the amount of other foods eaten (less meat, cheese, bread). meat has around 20g to 30g of protein per 100g. 50g is a daily limit for adults on a 2000 calorie diet or 0.8g per kg of body weight.do you also know about the vit B12?but the suffering isn't done yet. lots of animals, deers and rodents are killed by harvesters and plowing. nuts from trees would be guilt-free, unless if squirrels are shaken to death by tree shakers.make a difference by telling people that animals deserve more respect if they're feeding humans. japanese whalers at least pray for the whales they kill. others won't do that. they'll just spice it up to make meat tasty, otherwise they wouldn't eat it.things won't improve for a long time. meat consumption is on a rise. veg*nism for now will only work as a way to slow down the rising demand. you make a demand when you buy meat. now you won't. kids in india's schools get a rice based dish because it's cheaper and easier to supply. many animals eat lots of grains - the grains humans could already eat as a protein instead of wasting it as energy used by the animals. and now we have pig and birds flu thanks to concentrated animal farming. food inc is a good movie to see. humans breed so much animals that their shlt ends in your food and now there will be only more and more e.coli and salmonella outbreaks and these mutating viruses that make this flu. just look at parasite problems of salmon farming. these are good reasons why humans should eat more plant proteins. now go and tell others.and yes, spelling is important. it's rediculous to see when people can't tell the difference between "there", "their" and "they're".

by quantum quack      2012-02-22 13:52:39

tell them to lower the amount of meat they buy because you'll get a complete protein by eating a variety of plant proteins. beans and grains apparently work. and how much proteins do they eat each day? too much protein will make blood acidic and body will leach calcium out of bones to neutralize it. so no matter how much cows milk people drink, it won't build stronger bones as long as there's protein in milk, unless if they decrease the amount of other foods eaten (less meat, cheese, bread). meat has around 20g to 30g of protein per 100g. 50g is a daily limit for adults on a 2000 calorie diet or 0.8g per kg of body weight.do you also know about the vit B12?but the suffering isn't done yet. lots of animals, deers and rodents are killed by harvesters and plowing. nuts from trees would be guilt-free, unless if squirrels are shaken to death by tree shakers.make a difference by telling people that animals deserve more respect if they're feeding humans. japanese whalers at least pray for the whales they kill. others won't do that. they'll just spice it up to make meat tasty, otherwise they wouldn't eat it.things won't improve for a long time. meat consumption is on a rise. veg*nism for now will only work as a way to slow down the rising demand. you make a demand when you buy meat. now you won't. kids in india's schools get a rice based dish because it's cheaper and easier to supply. many animals eat lots of grains - the grains humans could already eat as a protein instead of wasting it as energy used by the animals. and now we have pig and birds flu thanks to concentrated animal farming. food inc is a good movie to see. humans breed so much animals that their shlt ends in your food and now there will be only more and more e.coli and salmonella outbreaks and these mutating viruses that make this flu. just look at parasite problems of salmon farming. these are good reasons why humans should eat more plant proteins. now go and tell others.and yes, spelling is important. it's rediculous to see when people can't tell the difference between "there", "their" and "they're".

by pinkhamster (nWo)      2012-02-22 02:52:42

By not eating meat you are not saving animals, the result is that less animals exist because the demand is less. That's the way the capitalist society we live in work but, it funds billions of animals to live. If you eat more vegetables then the land that would be used for meat is being used for vegetables hence less animals.I'd also like to point out that it's very important to be aware of your sources of food. For example most animal rights videos contain images and video from all over the world. If I filmed human rights abuse from China, you wouldn't believe me if I told you this was happening in your local area, so why do the same with animals. Go out and visit the farms and slaughterhouses and look for th ethical brands and visit their farms and slaughter houses.

by Psychotic Tragedy      2012-02-22 01:52:45

You alone can't stop the killing animals. It would take thousands of people not buying meat to do any real damage to the meat industry. But the way I look at it is, I may not be making a huge difference, but I'm not going to be a part of the problem either. But you could try talking to your family about why you don't eat meat anymore, do some research about how much healthier it is, about how humans aren't suppose to eat meat. Youtube even has videos about what happens in factory farms and slaughter houses. If you get the word out to a bunch of people, some of them may stop eating meat too, and may encourage others to stop. Unfortunately, there are people who don't care at all about the animals (like the people who work in slaughter houses), and will need to be shown the facts about how much healthier it is for them, and just that. There are a lot of other things you can do to help the animals. You just have to come up with different ways.

by Julia S      2012-02-21 14:52:41

Let me ask this another way: by not being a murderer, are you saving lives? By not being a thief, are you preventing theft? By not being a jerk, are you preventing bullying? The answer is, of course, yes and no. While you are certainly not stopping others from eating meat, killing people, stealing, or bullying, you are not contributing to the problem. You can say with absolute certainty that if you actively participate in these activities, you are causing them to happen. When you eat animals, you are causing them to be killed. When you shoot someone, you are causing them to die. When you steal, you are obviously causing someone to lose belongings. When you don't push a kid into a puddle, you aren't reducing the amount of bullying going on. However, you are not increasing the instance of any of these activities. Does that make sense? So while you are not actually stopping animals from being killed, you aren't causing them to be killed. I'd say that you are making a difference. While your difference as an individual is relatively small, when you add up the number of animals that vegetarians aren't eating, it does make a difference. (Economics, supply and demand. The demand is smaller than it would be if there were no vegetarians, therefore fewer animals are raised to be killed.)

by Manda♡      2012-02-21 13:52:31

The way I look at it is it is a personal change. You are not making your body a burial ground for animals. And you should feel better about yourself on a moral ground too. Don't worry about how many meat eaters there are, you don't have control over that.

by Alice      2012-02-20 22:52:43

There are many ways you could contribute to helping animals. You could join an animal rights organization or maybe volunteer at an animal shelter. While vegetarianism does help animals, one person doesn't make that much of a difference.

by Amelie      2012-02-20 16:52:31

You are already making a difference by not eating meat. You are not only saving animals from cruelty, you are doing the planet (and thus yourself and the human race) a huge favor. Animal farming is responsible for as much as 51% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the newest update from the UN. Also, by being vegetarian/vegan you save a whole acre of trees per year and more water than when you let your shower running 24 hours a day every day of the year! You should advocate your new lifestyle everywhere you go by giving people these facts in a non-offending way.

by xandera      2012-02-20 03:52:31

Please don't listen to naysayers that will tell you that you aren't helping animals or that you aren't making a difference.... Here's the way I see it.... you stop eating meat, even if your family still buys the same amount of meat as before it will take them longer to eat it because you aren't helping, so really in the long run, they are buying less meat. The supermarket your parents buy meat from will adjust to this slight change by purchasing less meat from the food suppliers, and the food suppliers will adjust by purchasing less meat from the farmers, and the farmers will adjust by raising less livestock. Less livestock = less animals living in inhumane conditions = less resources used in raising this livestock = less environmental damage (not everyone is a vegetarian for the animals) Now they say by being a vegetarian you save 80 or so animals a year. The way I see it, you may not actually save animals lives, but you are saving these animals from being born into these terrible conditions, and therefore you are still making a difference by reducing the amount of animal suffering in the worldWhile 80 animals a year may not seem like much, you have to look at the big picture. Vegetarianism is a growing movement, whether they are doing for animals, or environment or health, it doesn't really matter because the result is still the same. So while you alone will 'save' 80 animals this year, you are not alone. You have to remember you are not the only one... there are many other people saving 80ish animals each every year, there are new people becoming vegetarians all the time and there are more and more people, who after learning about the health and environmental effects of eating meat, are choosing to reduce their consumption of meat. Now I don't believe that we will see an entirely vegetarian world in our lifetimes at least. But I do believe that we will reduce our meat consumption drastically. This will not only help our environment drastically, but I believe it will also have good consequences for the future of raising livestock. With lowered demand for meat, and more people aware of the terrible conditions in which the animals they eat are raised, I believe it will be easier for the farmers to adopt more humane conditions for the livestock. Please keep up the good work, and don't get discouraged. If you want to do more become a good role model for vegetarians. Eat healthy, join a website or forum where you can talk to and help other vegetarians or in-transition vegetarians, and please remember to always speak your truths to others with love. Be accepting of those with different beliefs so that they aren't pushed away from what we are trying to accomplish.

by Psychotic Tragedy      2012-02-20 02:52:44

You alone can't stop the killing animals. It would take thousands of people not buying meat to do any real damage to the meat industry. But the way I look at it is, I may not be making a huge difference, but I'm not going to be a part of the problem either. But you could try talking to your family about why you don't eat meat anymore, do some research about how much healthier it is, about how humans aren't suppose to eat meat. Youtube even has videos about what happens in factory farms and slaughter houses. If you get the word out to a bunch of people, some of them may stop eating meat too, and may encourage others to stop. Unfortunately, there are people who don't care at all about the animals (like the people who work in slaughter houses), and will need to be shown the facts about how much healthier it is for them, and just that. There are a lot of other things you can do to help the animals. You just have to come up with different ways.

by Frank T      2012-02-20 02:52:34

first of all, these animals are made just for human consumptionwhen and where do you see a cow out in the wild, where in the world do you see wild chickens running through the woods. you do not. these animals were made for human consumption for PROTEINand even if you want to do this, make sure your getting your AMINO ACIDS because the body can not make most of them and a lot of veggies do not have all of them...so make sure you get your protein in some way or the other.....your a very beautiful girl, and I know you need these now to grow and in the future to stay healthyand just like turning off a light when not in the room or turning off the water when not using it, IT ALL SAVES, so are you saving....so do not give upgood lucksmile

by [♦Kαiи♦]      2012-02-20 02:52:33

Of all people why do you care about lives?Isn't the end of all life inevitable even to animals?Make everyone acknowledge that even though killing an animal for nutrients and health is cruel because killing cute wittle bunnies is evil.Make sure you tell them about the neccessary substitues that will make up for the many nutrients meat gives you,tell them about taking pills and maybe needles on daily basis.And try to make them forget the good flavor!

by giddle      2012-02-18 22:52:39

45 days?!!!...WOW!!!...you go girl...you're making a difference...More dead cow for me to eat...CHEERS.

by Alice      2012-02-18 20:52:44

There are many ways you could contribute to helping animals. You could join an animal rights organization or maybe volunteer at an animal shelter. While vegetarianism does help animals, one person doesn't make that much of a difference.

by Roland      2012-02-18 13:52:38

true

by Frank T      2012-02-18 12:52:36

first of all, these animals are made just for human consumptionwhen and where do you see a cow out in the wild, where in the world do you see wild chickens running through the woods. you do not. these animals were made for human consumption for PROTEINand even if you want to do this, make sure your getting your AMINO ACIDS because the body can not make most of them and a lot of veggies do not have all of them...so make sure you get your protein in some way or the other.....your a very beautiful girl, and I know you need these now to grow and in the future to stay healthyand just like turning off a light when not in the room or turning off the water when not using it, IT ALL SAVES, so are you saving....so do not give upgood lucksmile

by giddle      2012-02-18 04:52:38

45 days?!!!...WOW!!!...you go girl...you're making a difference...More dead cow for me to eat...CHEERS.

by jonathan st.thomas      2012-02-18 01:52:29

you could talk to your teachers and the principal of the school you go to about setting up a "meatless monday" once a week.for research try the internet with the phrase "meatless monday" or with the phrase "meatless mondays". you,your family,your teachers and the school principal could look into the following information. wikipedia,the free online encyclopedia has information on vegetarianism at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetariani… and on veganism at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veganism october is vegetarian awareness month which was created to educate the public on vegetarianism.for more information go to http://www.worldvegetarianday.org november is vegan awareness month which was created to inform the public on veganism.for more information go to http://www.worldveganday.org vegetarian author john robbins who wrote the groudbreaking book "diet for a new america" has a website called the food revolution with information on the life and work of vegetarian author john robbins,information on other organizations plus other important information at http://www.foodrevolution.org vegetarian times is one of the best published vegetarian magazines with recipes plus additional information at http://www.vegetariantimes.com happy cow has recipes,information on vegetarian restaurants,vegan restaurants and health food stores woldwide plus additional information at http://www.happycow.net

by Amanda☮      2012-02-17 20:52:44

It might be hard to see a differentence you are making because you live with your parents, but you are. And it is nice to see that your parents seem to support your choice in this. In addition, to helping animals, being a vegetarian is a healthier choice

by *LAR3iNA...      2012-02-17 17:52:38

You could become a Vet and help animals you could join an animal saving group, volunteer at your local humane league!I feel the same way I love animals but i also love me a cheeseburger. I always feel guilty as well.but idk.........good luck to you

by jonathan st.thomas      2012-02-16 04:52:42

you could talk to your teachers and the principal of the school you go to about setting up a "meatless monday" once a week.for research try the internet with the phrase "meatless monday" or with the phrase "meatless mondays". you,your family,your teachers and the school principal could look into the following information. wikipedia,the free online encyclopedia has information on vegetarianism at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetariani… and on veganism at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veganism october is vegetarian awareness month which was created to educate the public on vegetarianism.for more information go to http://www.worldvegetarianday.org november is vegan awareness month which was created to inform the public on veganism.for more information go to http://www.worldveganday.org vegetarian author john robbins who wrote the groudbreaking book "diet for a new america" has a website called the food revolution with information on the life and work of vegetarian author john robbins,information on other organizations plus other important information at http://www.foodrevolution.org vegetarian times is one of the best published vegetarian magazines with recipes plus additional information at http://www.vegetariantimes.com happy cow has recipes,information on vegetarian restaurants,vegan restaurants and health food stores woldwide plus additional information at http://www.happycow.net

by Amelie      2012-02-16 01:52:33

You are already making a difference by not eating meat. You are not only saving animals from cruelty, you are doing the planet (and thus yourself and the human race) a huge favor. Animal farming is responsible for as much as 51% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the newest update from the UN. Also, by being vegetarian/vegan you save a whole acre of trees per year and more water than when you let your shower running 24 hours a day every day of the year! You should advocate your new lifestyle everywhere you go by giving people these facts in a non-offending way.

by LisaJDivine ♥s MJ      2012-02-15 14:52:32

If you ask me, your already making a difference. You've chosen to give up meat, which is a huge thing to do! Encourage your family member, friends, and people around your community to go meatless for one week or three days. You can have them make meatless meals one night a week,

by Jen      2012-02-14 18:52:44

I believe you are making a difference! Apart from all the great things other people already told you, I want to mention that by being a vegetarian, you are changing the lives of people around you. See, I don't preach vegetarianism. I don't ever suggest that someone should give up meat, but it so happened that my former roommates, friends and family started eating less meat simply because they saw they could eat very well without it. Even if none of them will ever completely give up meat, at least they would have a healthier diet!Anyway, good luck to you!

by Quadrill...      2012-02-14 16:52:40

Being a vegetarian will not have a significant effect upon animals unless you make it a lifelong habit. However, it may improve your health long term, and you could see it as a small step towards a lifelong decision to live without being the cause of others' suffering.If you really want to help animals and indeed improve the lives of all living things on this planet, including people, you could select a career where you will have the opportunity to really make a difference. Choose a career in animal welfare, ecology, veterinary medicine, social work or some related discipline.You could also volunteer a few hours a week do do some work that will really help. Ask some of your teachers, and adults who you trust to look for some organisations where you can volunteer a few hours a week.Remenmber, it is usually a small number of charismatic people who make the biggest difference in the world. You could become one of them, but you have to first start somewhere.Cheers!

by Ms. Skeptic      2012-02-14 15:52:43

While you may or may not actually be doing something, that's besides the point. The point is that if you're against the meat industry, you should not contribute to it. It would be hypocritical to do so. So while you might not be actually saving anything and what not, at least you're not a hypocrite. I would say go a step further and go vegan and join an activist group if you wish to help animals even more.

by Ms. Skeptic      2012-02-13 16:52:33

While you may or may not actually be doing something, that's besides the point. The point is that if you're against the meat industry, you should not contribute to it. It would be hypocritical to do so. So while you might not be actually saving anything and what not, at least you're not a hypocrite. I would say go a step further and go vegan and join an activist group if you wish to help animals even more.

by Roland      2012-02-13 15:52:42

true

by Amanda☮      2012-02-13 12:52:30

It might be hard to see a differentence you are making because you live with your parents, but you are. And it is nice to see that your parents seem to support your choice in this. In addition, to helping animals, being a vegetarian is a healthier choice