VegMichigan marks vegetarian awareness month
October is national Vegetarian Awareness Month, and VegMichigan, the state’s largest vegetarian organization, is offering several local events designed to support those trying to eat less meat and include more plant-based foods in their diets.
More than 12 million Americans follow a vegetarian diet, which excludes meat, poultry and fish, or a vegan diet, which excludes those animal products as well as dairy.
Eating fewer animal products has been strongly correlated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, many types of cancer and other chronic illnesses. A plant-based diet is easier on the environment, too. According to a 2009 United Nations report, animal agriculture is the leading cause of global warming — more than all transportation sources combined.
If you’re thinking about following a vegetarian diet, check out VegMichigan’s lectures, classes, social outings, and other membership activities at www.vegmichigan.org.
Here’s a sampling of special events marking Vegetarian Awareness Month:
- Animal Activism Art Project, 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 at Art Ideas Gallery, 15095 Northville Road, in Plymouth Township. Shaqe Kalaj, the artist-in-residence at the gallery, will talk about her EAT ME art project, which connects animal activism and visual art. She’ll talk about her life as a vegetarian and as an artist, and how she merged them together, focusing on themes related to animal rights, human health, over-consumption, and the environment. The event will start with vegan hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. RSVP by calling (734) 420-0775 or by e-mailing [email protected].
- Simple Changes for A Healthier Lifestyle, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile, Farmington. VegMichigan board member, Jamie Qualls, will present an informative talk and some tasty vegan refreshments. Call (248) 848-4312 for details.
For information about all VegMichigan events, visit vegmichigan.org or call (toll free) 877-778-3464.
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