In February 2012 I decided to try a month of eating a plant-based diet. More than a year has gone by, and I am more committed to this than ever. But I have been silent lately. I think I have been feeling like whatever I am doing is not enough. And an effort to balance something that is so important to me, with understanding that I cannot influence anyone else truly.
Despite being silent lately, I do have ideas and plans. I’ve discovered what I really want to do in life. I want to use my art: design and illustration to help make people aware of the impact we are causing to the earth by our food choices. I know that this is the most important thing I will ever do. I want my children to know that I tried to help when they are faced with a future very different from what we hoped.
Sorry to sound so ominous, but sometimes the truth and the facts of the harm we are doing to the earth is so muffled with the cravings of sushi and the opening of new restaurants completely focused on meat, that it is hard to fathom.
Only when we are too far to recover, will we be forced to take the steps needed. I’m not saying this lightly. Our planet simply cannot sustain our appetites. Our oceans are turning acidic. A huge amount (18-30% depending on study) of green house gases are caused by the animals we are raising for food. These are choices. I can recite more facts- but everyone just tunes out. Or says how much they like bacon.
And that is why, I hope that I can illustrate these concepts in a way that will be more interesting and compelling in some way. I believe in this. What started out as an experiment, has become something much more.
I appreciate all of you who have continued to read my thoughts, especially if you do not agree. Thank you.