Press release: November 1999
Most in the United States could not imagine a
Thanksgiving celebration without a turkey at its center. But thousands
of Americans this year will be sitting down to a traditional
Thanksgiving feast - without the turkey.
Why? It's a creative event called the "Turkey-Free"
Thanksgiving, which is held the weekend before Thanksgiving in cities
around the country. The events, sponsored by the non-profit group
EarthSave International, range from potluck dinners to elegant catered
affairs. The common theme is a meatless celebration of the fall harvest
and education about the impacts of our food choices.
Why 'Turkey-Free'?
Today more people are recognizing the connection between diet and
disease. The North American diet, with its dependence on animal
products, has been linked to chronic diseases like heart disease,
cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. And the "factory farming"
system that produces this animal-based diet is taking a toll on our
soil, water, and precious natural resources.
"We want people to see that what they eat affects not
only their own health, but also the health of our planet," said
EarthSave President Stacey Vicari. "We're encouraging people to
participate in the 'Turkey-Free' by enjoying the bounty of grains,
vegetables and fruits that are brought by a fall harvest."
Consider these realities:
More than a decade ago, the U.S. Surgeon General sounded an alarm by
saying that 68 percent of all diseases are related to diet. A 6 oz.
portion of skinless light turkey meat has 274 calories and 6 grams of
fat. A 6 oz. portion of turkey with the skin has 380 calories and 16
grams of fat. Turkeys are given antibiotics and growth hormones because
they are raised in crowded conditions, with each bird confined to a 3
square foot area. Producing a pound of animal protein requires about 100
times more water than producing a pound of plant protein. Many turkeys
eat formulated feeds, which often contain the rendered remains of
livestock.
What is EarthSave?
EarthSave educates, inspires, and empowers people to shift toward a diet
centered around fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes - foods that are
healthy for people and for the planet.
EarthSave
The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG)
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