“It is my view that the vegetarian manner of living, by its purely physical effect on the human temperament, would most beneficially influence the lot of mankind.” – Albert Einstein
Hug a Vegetarian Day is celebrated on 23 September and is a day to encourage you to go out and hug a vegetarian or vegan. This day was created to honour all those who have been brave enough to take the steps to live a cruelty-free life by removing meat from their diets.
There is a belief in the world that there is no reason for mankind to go on eating animals, and plenty of arguments support this stance. A meat- and animal-product-free diet is beneficial to our health as well as to the environment, and the amount of suffering in the modern meat-producing industry can also be alleviated if fewer people consume meat products.
The history of this day is tied to the history of an organisation named People for the Ethical Treatment of animals (Peta), which was founded in 1949 by Ingrid Newkirk. She worked at an animal shelter where she was appalled by the treatment of the animals and began speaking out against it.
This day recognises and shows appreciation for the often difficult transition to a meat- and animal-product-free lifestyle, as it is not always easy being a vegetarian or vegan. Your food options tend to be limited at restaurants and a form of hostility is experienced. It is only since the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles have gained in popularity that more options and alternatives have become available in today’s markets and restaurants, making the choice a bit easier.
So, to celebrate today, give a vegetarian or vegan you know a hug to thank them for being brave in their decision to save animal lives. Thank them for living a cruelty-free life and honouring our fellow animals rather than consuming them.
Post on social media using #NationalHugAVegetarianDay.
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