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New Volunteer Meeting

At this meeting, we'll discuss who we are and what we do, as well as your ideas for animal advocacy.

We organize a variety of outreach, educational, and social events and projects, and there is almost definitely something that you will be interested in. Everyone is welcome, whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or just interested in helping animals.

Both students and community members are encouraged to attend.

Mark your calendar and help us save thousands of animals this fall by becoming part of Compassionate Action for Animals!

Please feel free to fill out a volunteer form before the meeting -- or if you want to help out but can't attend -- and we'll keep you informed about the many ways you can help animals.

• Time: Feb 06, 2012 from 05:30 PM to 06:30 PM
• Location: Coffman Union, room 302, University of Minnesota, East Bank

Vegan For Life

If you want to learn the basics of vegan nutrition, Vegan For Life is the comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable book that you're looking for!

Written by Jack Norris and Ginny Messina, both registered dietitians, Vegan for Life is an easy-to-read guide to meeting your nutrition needs and building a meal plan. Vegan for Life has nutrition recommendations for pregnancy and breast-feeding, kids, and athletes.

Norris and Messina debunk persistent myths about veganism by carefully looking at what the science says. They're not afraid to review all of the research -- whether or not a study portrays veganism in a positive light -- to come up with recommendations that are trustworthy. You don't need to have a science background to read the book, as it is written for a general audience.

Whether you're a long-time vegan, just getting started, or simply interested in vegan nutrition, Vegan for Life is highly recommended. Get and read your copy today!

Meat Consumption Drops in 2012

A recent column in the New York Times by cookbook author and foodie Mark Bittman was extremely encouraging to advocates of a diet that that supports justice and respect for animals in our world.

The column points out that despite the average climb in meat consumption over the last half century (the average American eats a half a pound per day), in the last several years that number has actually been decreasing. The department of agriculture projects that meat and poultry consumption will fall again this year, reaching over 12 percent less than in 2007. While beef consumption has been falling for the past 20 years, only in the last five years have chicken and pork consumption also joined in the decline.

Experts attribute this decline to many factors, including increasing prices due to export markets, increase in feed prices due to ethanol production, and drought.

However, the most impressive factor Bittman points out is that "we're eating less meat because we want to eat less meat." He notes the rise in "flexitarians" those who are not self-proclaimed vegans or vegetarians, but who are still reducing their meat consumption.  Allrecipes.com surveyed 1400 members and found more than one third of home cooks said they ate less meat in 2011 than in 2010. Another survey found that half of American adults said they were aware of Meatless Monday campaigns, with 27 percent saying they were actively reducing their own meat consumption.

Bittman finishes his article in support of this trend reminding readers that "We still eat way more meat than is good for us or the environment, not to mention the animals. But a 12 percent reduction in just five years is significant, and if that decline were to continue for the next five years - well, that's something few would have imagined five years ago. It's something only the industry could get upset about. The rest of us should celebrate. Rice and beans, anyone?"