Letter from Leadership: What can I do for the Chesapeake Bay?

The best way to reduce soil erosion, water and air pollution, and nutrients to the Bay is to eat a plant-based (no meat, dairy, or eggs) diet. The industrial animal 'farms' are the major contributor to pollution to the Bay through the manure and the crops needed to feed the animals. The animals are also fed an overdose of antibiotics because they are kept is such stressful environments, that is how the 'farmers' keep them alive. The drugs eventually end up in the runoff.

If every one of us would at least reduce the consumption of animal products even one day a week (for example Meatless Mondays), it would help. It also helps human health by preventing diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Then there would be less drugs in the humans as well, that eventually reaches the Bay.

Check out Karl Blankenship's article on the Pollution Diet off or the Bay: http://www.bayjournal.com/article/protein_rich_diet_linked_to_bays_unhealthy_state

The answer to a lot of the environmental problems is surprisingly simple and inexpensive. This move to a plant-based diet helps in so many ways, including the welfare of sentient beings. Plus you can have a clearer conscience because if you are consuming animal products, you are supporting violence, cruelty, and injustice, in addition to pollution to the Bay.