“Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.”
—Albert Einstein.
In the 21st century, Einstein’s words ring truer than ever. Our dietary habits affect not only our own health but also the wellbeing of our planet. Meat production is an incredibly energy-intensive operation that also requires the use of vast amounts of water: producing a kilogram of animal protein requires 10 times as much fossil fuel input—releasing 10 times as much carbon dioxide—as does producing a kilogram of plant protein. Indeed, meat production creates more greenhouse gas emissions than anything other than power plants and transportation.
Moving from a meat-based to a plant-based diet has a large number of health benefits, including lower rates of cancer and heart disease and diabetes. Moreover, vegetarians can enjoy their food knowing that animals have not suffered in its production.
For the last four years, an informal group of Bowen Islanders have been getting together on a monthly basis for vegetarian potlucks. As well as enjoying delicious, nutritious foods we get to know our island neighbours better, sharing great conversation and occasionally a bit of music. Every month, the potluck takes place in a different home. Each dinner is based around a different theme, sometimes as broad as South Asian or Mexican cuisine and sometimes around something more specific.
Our most recent potluck, hosted by Liz Hammond and David Shadbolt was great success with some twenty-five attendees ranging in age from a few months to 70. We partook from a vast array of absolutely mouth-watering Middle Eastern dishes, from salads to desserts and everything in between. Everyone left with a full tummy and a smiling face!
Our next event will take place at Jlonka and Marcel Bally-Brown’s place at 1055 Harding Road on Sunday, April 27 at 5:30 pm. if you wish to attend and/or be put on our email list, please contact Heidi Kuhrt at [email protected] or (604) 230-8923.
