Letters to Editors
Saving Our Planet
In reference to your Issue 4, 2023 Vegan Journal review of Keith Akers' new book, Embracing Limits, the planet is finite and has a limited capacity to support human activities. Even with efficient food production, the only way to sustain the planet is to level out the population and its activities.
Linda G., via VRG Blog
Being Veggie in an Omnivore Household Can Be Difficult
One of my daughter's friends was a vegetarian last year. She converted for ethical reasons. Her mother and sister agreed to respect her "experiment" of trying it for one year. She was 13 and her mother and sister complained about how inconvenient it was to make separate meals. They made her feel guilty that she would not be able to eat the special food at extended family gatherings. At the end of the year, they talked a lot about being relieved that that was over. I expect that my daughter's friend may try again in 5 to 6 years when she's out of the house. But this may also depend upon her relationships and social circles.
Having a key supporter who legitimizes your decision is important. Otherwise, the ethical-leaning person may decide to support some other cause... and may reflect that "no one is perfect," but at least they are doing something good. I think it's particularly hard to be a vegan or vegetarian while living in a household of omnivores, and my guess would be that this is where you have the highest recidivism rates.
Angela J., via email
Note from the editors: By coincidence, we received this letter a few days after a reporter for the Deseret News, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, contacted us while working on a column about mixed-diet households. She asked about tips so that vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores can peacefully exist. The reporter found information on social situations from our past interns helpful. See:
Social—Dealing with Family
Social—Dealing with Friends and Others
Family, Religion, and Cultural Events
At vrg.org/teen
