"The Ethics of What We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter" with Jim Mason

How much do we really know about the food we eat? Do we know how its production affects our planet?

Most of us go grocery shopping unaware of the often unclean, unethical, and destructive food production practices that lurk behind the snazzy packaging on the foods we buy. Yet there are ways to make better, more ethical food choices, and Jim Mason's presentation aims to show us how.

Beginning at the dinner tables of three American families, Mason takes uson an illuminating and humorous journey to uncover the origins of the food we eat, digging up secrets that food producers would rather keep buried. His investigative journalism uncovers the issues associated with buying local, organic, vegan, and fair trade, with attention to the complex dynamics of sustainability.

Jim Mason, Esq., is a writer and attorney who focuses on human and animal concerns. He is the author of several books, including the groundbreaking 1980 Animal Factories and the more recent The Ethics of What We Eat, both co-authored with renowned ethicist Peter Singer. His articles have appeared in such publications as The New York Times, New Scientist, and Newsday and he has appeared on CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR. Mason has been nominated for the National Magazine Award for excellence in reporting and is the founding editor of the Animals Agenda magazine.

This is a free event, and is open to the public. It will be followed by a catered reception featuring Pizza Luce pizza and a chance to interact one-on-one with Mason. Invite your friends, fellow students, co-workers, and family to this special event!

Check out our colorful promo poster and put some up in your neighborhood. For posters, e-mail Elana at elana.bulman@yahoo.com

Time: Tuesday, September 30, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Coffman Union Theater, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis

Sponsored by: Compassionate Action for Animals, Minnesota Environmental Studies Club, and the University of Minnesota Bookstore

Funding generously provided by: Student Activities Office Academic Initiative and MSA Diversity Education Fund

Fall Meeting for New Volunteers!

Become part of Compassionate Action for Animals! Learn how to help animals while socializing with other vegetarians, vegans, and animal-friendly folks. Attend our meeting for new volunteers on Friday afternoon, September 12.

At the meeting, we'll discuss who we are and what we do, as well as your ideas for vegetarian and animal advocacy. We organize a huge variety of events and campaigns, and there is almost definitely something that you will be interested in. Thus, everyone is welcome--whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or just interested in helping animals. Both community members and students are encouraged to attend.

Mark your calendar and help us improve and save the lives of thousands of animals this fall by becoming part of CAA!

Time: Friday, September 12, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Coffman Union, Room 302 at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

5th Annual Pledge to be Veg Food Showcase!

Come try delicious free vegan food next Thursday at our Fifth Annual Pledge to be Veg Food Showcase on the University of Minnesota's West Bank Plaza! At this event, we will be giving away hundreds of dollars worth of tasty vegan food to demonstrate just how great it tastes. If you're new to vegan eating, stop by for some mouthwatering treats, including chocolate, veggie jerky, cookies, baked goods, and much, much more!

We are also looking for volunteers to staff this event between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you are interested in helping, (it's easy and fun!), please email Cara at cara@exploreveg.org as soon as possible.

Time: Thursday, September 28, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: West Bank Plaza (near the Washington Avenue Bridge) at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Essay: A Meaningful Life

Making a Real Difference in Today's World
By Matt Ball of Vegan Outreach

"Ultimately, happiness isn't to be found in 'stuff.' While the U.S. is the richest country on earth, Americans aren't the happiest people on earth. The phrase isn't 'the pursuit of happiness' for nothing! [...] Where does this leave us? The best answer I've found is: happiness is the result of a meaningful life, and meaning comes not from things, but from accomplishment.

"I believe that meaningful accomplishment comes from living life beyond ourselves, viewing our existence beyond the immediate. Doing my thoughtful best to make the world a better place is as meaningful a life as I can imagine."

Read the full essay.

Become an advocate for farm animals, please fill out our volunteer form today!