The single most important thing an individual can do for their health, for the environment, and for the sake of the innocent animals is to adopt a plant-based, vegetarian diet. Our stores have been meatless since we opened in 1977!
We love inspiring our customers to try our delicious deli foods, produce, and groceries—all 100% vegetarian—and see the positive difference this can make in their lives. The resources on our website, and complete recipe database are designed to help you learn about and follow a vegetarian diet.
- For your health—Healthy vegetarian diets support a lifetime of good health and provide protection against numerous diseases, including our country’s three biggest killers: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The American Dietetic Association states that vegetarians have “lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; … lower blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer” and that vegetarians are less likely than meat-eaters to be obese. Well-planned vegetarian diets provide us with all the nutrients we need, minus the saturated fat, cholesterol, and contaminants found in animal flesh and eggs.
- For the environment—What we choose to eat is one of the most significant factors in our personal impact on the environment and climate change. The United Nations and many leading environmental organizations—including the National Audubon Society, the WorldWatch Institute, the Sierra Club, and the Union of Concerned Scientists—recognize that raising animals for food damages the environment more than just about anything else.
- For the animals—Each year in the United States, approximately ten billion land animals are raised and slaughtered for human consumption. Given the suffering these animals endure and that our nutritional needs can be easily satisfied without eating animals, vegetarianism is a moral requirement. A vegetarian lifestyle helps awaken a spirit of compassion and helps foster a kinder, gentler society in which we protect animals—not exploit them. Down to Earth’s slogan is “Love Life!”— love animals, don’t eat them!
Due to the many environmental benefits of a plant-based diet “Every Day is Earth Day” at Down to Earth! What we eat is one of the most significant factors in the personal impact we have on the environment.
How to Fight Disease with a Plant-based Diet
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common and costly diseases are also among the most preventable of all health problems.
Vegetarianism: The Ahimsa Diet
Vegetarianism has a long history dating back to the early days of civilization. Particularly in India, the idea of ahimsa (nonviolence) was a basic tenet of human society. Animals were respected and protected; kings were known as the protectors of the people, janadhipa, including the animals.
The Best Diet for Protecting the Environment
We often say at Down to Earth that "Everyday is Earth Day." This helps remind us of the many environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. Advocates of a plant-based diet have long been aware that what we choose to eat is one of the most significant factors in the personal impact we have on the environment.
Adopting a Plant-based Diet, One Step at a Time
The single most important thing an individual can do for their health, for the environment, and for the sake of the innocent animals is to adopt a vegetarian diet.