Idaho Global Warming Forum - TODAY!
*****UPDATE after the forum******
I sat through the presentation, and it was no surprise that a plant based diet was never mentioned as a solution to global warming, even though it is the single most effective thing a person can do. Then, they asked the audience if they had other ideas to fight global warming, I raised my hand (keeping Veggie Girl's advice in mind), and said,
"A groundbreaking 2006 U.N. report states that raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gasses than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. (I heard people gasp!) Furthermore, raising animals for food consumes nearly half the water used in the U.S. and the meat industry causes more water pollution in the U.S. than all other industries combined! Fighting global warming is as easy as changing what's on your plate. Stop eating meat, at least for one meal a week. You can do it, and you just might like it!"
A couple people actually cheered for me! Afterward, some came over to talk to me more about what I said. I was really encouraged by the interest! I really believe some people just don't know how destructive to us and the environment the meat industry really is. I also took the opportunity to speak personally with Mayor Bieter (Boise mayor) about other concerns of mine, including our fledgling recycling program and he agreed with me that Seattle remains a shining example of how a large city can effectively handle recycling. At the forum, I shared some, learned some, and networked a lot. It was good to get involved. :)
**************************************************************************************************
A couple days ago, a small article on the back of the business section caught my eye, which I rarely ever glance at.
"The Idaho Conservation League has teamed up with Conservation Voters of Idaho and Boise Mayor Dave Bieter to hold a forum on solutions to Idaho challenges posed by global warming."
I arranged for a sitter, RSVP'd, and I'll be going in a few hours. In the shower, I had a scary thought that made my heart race (and it hasn't stopped). I wonder if they'll talk about diet as a solution to global warming? If it isn't discussed, I will be compelled to bring up the meat problem, and spew some facts from this article. I hate speaking in public! Send me strength to do this in the most positive way.
PLEASE any advice? tips? suggestions? things to say? questions to ask?
19 comments:
I hope the forum has gone/is going well. Please let us know what was discussed and how it went over. I know how you feel about speaking in public, especially about something so controversial with those who eat a typical US diet.
just be strong and stand by your beliefs!! just make sure you don't sound like you're preaching, and people will definitely take note of what you're saying. you can do this!! **sending happy thoughts and good vibes your way**
Go get 'em! I'm sure most people there are aware of the issues with meat production and will support your views, so no need to be scared.
Right On Vicki!
I can't wait to hear about it. Good for you!! It was so super fun to meet you, more on that soon! :)
love Amey
Thanks, Jamie! It is a tough subject.
Hi Veggie Girl, and thanks for your thoughts. I was thinking of what you wrote while talking, and it helped!
Thanks for you encouragement, Taylor!
Great link, Eredux!
HELLO, AMEY! It was sooo awesome meeting you! I hope you're having a fabulous time in Florida. and next up in my posting is our breakfast. :)
XOXOX
YOU GO GIRL! How awesome to be able to just speak out like that. I am a very shy person. Ask me alone I am fine, but public speaking is very scary! I can't wait to hear how you day went!
Keep up the good work!!!
It's so awesome that you got to speak your mind and get that message across--something that, sadly, seems to be swept under the rug when talking about environmental solutions, when it really is the easiest and one of the most effective changes a person can make! You go, Vicki! And the reactions of the audience are encouraging--it sounds like some of the people who heard you speak actually took seriously your words, which doesn't usually happen for me. :)
People just think plant-based diets are the scariest, most radical things in the world. It's sad. The world is going to hell in a handbasket, all because so many of us can't step out of our comfort zones. Good for you for going and representing!
Right on, Vicki! I just can't believe how many people mindlessly consume meat without considering how their diet influences the environment, hurts poor animals and also hurts their health. Stunning.
Vicki, you star! i am so proud of you speaking up that way with important information that peeps obviously have not been told (or maybe they've just ignored it??). GOOD JOB!! i know it is not always easy to do that, and i'm so proud of you finding the wherewithall inside of you to speak up! Awesome, girl friend.
Way to check out the Biz section too... what a coincidence (i like to think of it as KARMA... you were obviously MEANT to find that story!!) and i was so happy when you text messaged me that you were there. Thanks for the report!
And Vegan Zone was right on. i loved it!! Thanks to Art for the head's up and thank you answering the phone and then for looking up the address for me today when i was out playing tour guide. i wish my friends would have been open to trying something from there (they opted for burgers from Hodad's in OB) but i loved the "pepper steak" wrap... Much obliged.
*HUGS*
Vicki, I TOTALLY admire you for speaking up like you did. It irks me no end that veganism is conveniently left off the table of solutions. And Al Gore keeps getting fatter and fatter on his meat-based diet.
Thanks, by the way, for visiting my blog when I was on vacation. That was totally sweet of you. Hugs.
Vicki, that's so awesome that despite your feelings for public speaking, that you voiced your opinion at the forum. I think that you had a very important message to share, and that even if people don't take your advice right away, it still created conversation about the issue. You must have been very strong and compelling, especially with the favorable response you received. I want to thank you for what you have done and how genuinely you care about the earth. Too many people, especially in the US, take for granted all of the resources we overuse. I also think it's great that you talked to the Mayor personally (this always seems most effective in actually creating change), and approached him about recycling. Here in SF we have a great recycling system, but even more we have a great compost system. So much that we waste can be composted, but unfortunately many cities don't offer compost services, which means people have to do composting at home, which isn't always easy or convenient. Ok I'll stop blabbering now. But I'm glad that you also learned new things too and are now more involved. Best wishes for future progress! Don't give up!
-Teresa
Brava, Vicki! It sounds like you totally kicked butt!
Right on Vicki!
That's AWESOME! I'm so glad you spoke up and spoke out. Being vegetarian, or even just eating a few more veg meals each week could really make such a difference. Also, I agree that Boise needs to step up on the recycling! It drove me nuts throwing out all those plastic water bottles after the wedding we went to. What a bummer. Anyhow, you're awesome for getting involved!
:)
It is wonderful to see so many things now being done to make people aware of global warming.
Great to have you speak up. It's amazing how when we feel strongly about something how we get that little bit more courage to express ourselves well to people and state exactly how it is.
You're an inspiration Vicki! Your speech was concise and to the point. Great way to spread the vegan message!
Wow - good job! Go, Vicki! :D :D :D
Brava Vicki! I'm so proud of you- you have definitely made a difference by planting that seed. Congratulations on being brave & eloquent.
Hi Vicki--I'm a relatively new visitor to your blog, really enjoy it so far! Just wanted to say I'm SO impressed by your very articulate statement at this forum. What a great argument you made, so succintly and in a way that surely very few people could find it confronting in a negative sense. (ie, getting defensive etc) Inspiring!
Post a Comment