UK Hospitals Drop Meat From Menus

Of course nobody wants to get sick or injured when traveling, but if you’re a vegetarian and an accident happens, make sure it’s in the UK.  That’s because all public hospitals in the UK are proposing to start offering meat-free menus as part of a National Health Service plan to curb the carbon emissions that cause climate change.  Although meat options will still be available, staff members will encourage patients to choose healthy meat-free meal choices. 

Patients could see similar options in the United States and around the globe as well.  Hospitals associated with UK’s National Health Service (NHS) account for 3 percent of all emissions in England, with one-fifth of the emissions coming from drugs, medical equipment, and food. The new NHS campaign, called “Saving Carbon, Improving Health” is expected to lower emissions by 80 percent by 2050.  

These hospitals should be seriously applauded for taking action in the fight against global warming (not to mention cruelty to animals).  Raising animals for food is the world’s leading cause of carbon dioxide emissions, so cutting out meat from their menus will definitely make a huge difference.

Other changes hospitals will be making as part of the overall plan will also help slash emissions- as well as hospital costs. The NHS plans to encourage staff to drink less bottled water, have more phone-in surgeries, participate in one-use item recycling programs, and promote walking, carpooling, and public transportation for visitors and patients. Staff members may also be able to work from home more often and participate in incentive programs for departments that cut costs on energy.

Obama Helping Animals Already

The Interior Department under Bush had announced plans to remove gray wolves from the Endangered Species list in much of the northern Rocky Mountains.  As soon as he was sworn in on Tuesday however, Obama’s order to suspend the plan took effect.  Had the wolves been removed from the list, they would have been exposed to harm and slaughter.  By taking this action, he has saved many wolves; it’s estimated that as many as two-thirds of of the gray wolf population would have been affected by the plan-  1,000 out of only 1,500 wolves would have been in danger.  Obama has definitely led a good start, and the future for animals is looking much brighter.

Marley and Me- Book Vs. Movie

A brief review of the book Marley and Me versus the movie.

The book is a great investment in time and money, the movie a must-see.  But you should not only see the movie without reading the book too, as the movie leaves out many details from the book that complete Marley and make you understand and appreciate him more.  Both are definite tear-jerkers, and if you’ve ever lost a pet you’ll be able to relate completely to author John Grogan’s telling of Marley’s story and its sad ending.  The movie, however, fails to live up to the book’s greatness, a #1 New York Times best seller.  For instance, in the book there are far more laughs than in the movie.  In the movie, you will most likely leave the theater (or turn off the TV) with only feelings of sadness, whereas in the book there is a much different effect.  You can close the book feeling sad but also have a happy remembrance toward Marley because of Grogan’s last tribute in which he restates some of Marley’s funnier antics and troublemaker days.  The movie is okay at portraying Marley’s life but when compared to the book, it lacks a lot of the important details and if you see it without reading the book, you will definitely be missing out. 

The movie trailer:

Odd Animal Pair

A wonderful, touching story of an elephant who befriends a dog. Enjoy.

Reasons to Go Vegan- From the Author of Skinny Bitch

Author of Skinny Bitch, Rory Freedman gives five reasons to why you should go vegan.

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