In her compassionate ode Vegan Ethics: Amore—Five Reasons to Choose Vegan, PETA Augustus Club member Dr. Lisa Kemmerer presents a compelling discussion of animals’ well-being, human health, human oppression, religious commitment, and the urgent need to save the planet. Through a comprehensive analysis, she challenges readers to consider the far-reaching consequences of their food choices.
Kemmerer begins by emphasizing the importance of animals’ well-being, highlighting the undeniable connection between our actions and their suffering. She invokes empathy and compassion for sentient beings by drawing on scientific evidence, ethical arguments, and personal anecdotes; delves deep into the numerous ways our food choices, involving everything from factory farming to animal testing, affect animals; and compels readers to question the moral implications of their eating habits.
She also analyzes the health benefits of eating vegan, drawing on extensive research to make a powerful case for how choosing plant-based foods can improve human health, prevent some chronic diseases, and increase overall well-being. Kemmerer emphasizes the nutritional value of plant-based foods in order to dispel the myths surrounding vegan eating and encourages readers to consider its potential to revolutionize their health.
Expanding her ethical scope beyond animal suffering in order to address the intersection between food choices and human oppression, Kemmerer sheds light on how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by exploitative industries, including factory farming and the processing of animal-based foods. By recognizing the links between animal agriculture and social injustice, she prompts readers to reflect on the consequences of their food choices for other animals, including other humans.
Kemmerer also incorporates an examination of religious perspectives on vegan eating, reinforcing the alignment of ethical food choices with various faith traditions. She highlights key teachings and principles from major religious texts that emphasize compassion, stewardship, and respect for life. By interweaving spirituality with ethical consumption, she extends the appeal of vegan eating beyond moral considerations, engaging readers who seek harmony among and respect for all sentient beings.
Finally, Kemmerer confronts the existential crisis of the climate catastrophe and environmental degradation. She explores the staggering negative environmental impact of animal agriculture and makes a persuasive argument for switching to plant-based eating as a way to curtail deforestation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve biodiversity, and conserve freshwater resources. By emphasizing the urgency of the situation, she underscores the pivotal role that vegan eating plays in keeping the planet habitable for future generations.
Vegan Ethics: Amore—Five Reasons to Choose Vegan invites readers to examine their food choices and consider the profound impact they have on other animals, including other humans, and the planet. Kemmerer’s impeccable research and the practical resources she provides empower readers to cultivate a more compassionate world.
