Sunday, 10 June 2012

Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating by Erik Marcus

Book Review by Emily, Vegan Pledge Buddy 2012 

I read this book last year when I pledged to try vegan for one month. As someone exploring veganism for the first time, I wanted more information about the main arguments for veganism and its benefits. Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating didn't disappoint.

The book essentially examines the importance of vegan eating from three main perspectives: for the sake of your own health, compassion toward animals and for the Earth.

Part one discusses plant-based eating as a remedy for ever-increasing health concerns such as heart attack, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and various cancers. With contributions from doctors and patients alike, the author leaves nothing to speculation and instead provides evidence using published medical research (with references at the back).

Part two details the truth about food animals, their commercial rearing, treatment and genetic engineering. The use of animals in the dairy, egg and meat industries is examined and touching stories of rescued animals are highlighted throughout.

The final portion of the book looks beyond the dinner table and explains the devastating impact that factory farming is having on our environment at large. Issues such as population growth, world hunger and the loss of wildlife are explained. Plant based eating is discussed as a sustainable solution to overcoming environmental problems.  

In sum, Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating is an informative, interesting read. The book logically sets out the main reasons why people are attracted to veganism in a straightforward, mater-of-fact style that is free from emotive language. This book was a very important stepping stone in helping me to become vegan. One year after having first read this book, I am still vegan and am very happy. Highly recommended to all. 5 stars.

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