A Letter

Kris Giovanini
Oct 13, 2014
2 min read

I hope this finds you well. I’ve intended to write for some time because I feel there is a distance between us that seems to have started after I began eating a plant-based/vegan diet. I value our relationship, so I ask that you take just a moment to better understand my choice.

Since eliminating animals and animal by-products from my diet, I have enjoyed significant health benefits, most notably with digestion and energy. Perhaps you could too. Maybe the benefits you’ll reap will not be as profound, but isn’t it worth a try? It could help with your digestive problems, perhaps eliminate your need for cholesterol lowering medication and end your pre-diabetes concerns. I care about you so I want you to feel as good as possible.

However, even if all of my digestive problems suddenly came back tomorrow, I would still choose to eat a vegan diet because I don’t want to support the animal cruelty inherent in modern day animal agriculture. I once choose to look away, but can no longer and I hope you join me. While the truth isn’t always what we want to see or hear, this alone never makes it any less true.

Because of my son, I care more about our environment than I previously did. Do you ever think about the planet and what we are doing to it? Did you know that factory farming is the leading cause of environmental destruction – much more so than cars or transportation? Surprised? I was. If you don’t believe me please research it for yourself. The sad truth is that factory farms generate very high levels of dangerous methane gas, pollute our air and water and literally are destroying our planet.

I know you’d prefer that I not have this “crazy vegan” way of eating -- you’re words, not mine. My life might be simpler. But having awakened to the horror and absurdity of factory farming, I can’t go back. I simply can’t ignore the environmental and human health costs of breeding and slaughtering animals for food. Nor can I ignore the immense suffering farm animals endure to support unhealthy and indefensible dietary “habits”.

I was taught to tell the truth. There is simply no legitimate reason to breed and slaughter animals for food and every reason to stop, and for as long as I live, I will never lose hope that you do just that.

Your friend