Globe and Mail writer, Neil Reynolds, wrote an excellent column yesterday, linking meat to global warming and other environmental problems.

Here are some highlights:

“Livestock emit more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than all of the cars, freight trucks, railways, airplanes and container ships in the entire world.”

“Together, livestock animals account for 20 per cent of terrestrial animal biomass – in other words, of all living land creatures, humans included. ...livestock biomass increased from 428 million tonnes in 1960 to 700 million tonnes in 2000.”

“Feed crops take 30 per cent of the world's arable land. Livestock command 70 per cent of the planet's agricultural land and 30 per cent of its entire land surface.”

“These animals emit 9 per cent of human-induced carbon dioxide, 37 per cent of human-induced methane, 64 per cent of human-induced nitrous oxide and 65 per cent of human-induced ammonia. ...ammonia is a well-known cause of acid rain.”

“Canadians and Americans consume almost 100 kilograms of meat, per capita, per year (which requires the killing of 10 billion animals).”

“Greenhouse gas emissions from beef, pork and chicken are every bit as human in origin as the emissions from cars and trucks – and every bit as serious.”

Two interesting arguments were raised by commenters:

There is nothing better than freshly harvested fruits and veggies. Early in the season you can find find field-grown lettuce, arugula, garlic greens, radishes, strawberries and asparagus, as well as mushrooms, herbs and greenhouse cucumbers. By mid-summer you can find greens, melons, heritage tomatoes, basil, pole beans, broccoli, peaches, wild blueberries, raspberries, yellow plums, the first apples and corn, and much more.

Buying locally grown food supports nearby farmers, and greatly reduces the energy and resources necessary to transport and store foods. See our environmental section for more on the benefits of eating local and organic.

Where to find a complete list of farmers' markets:

• Toronto – Veg.ca/tfm (organic markets), the Toronto Farmers' Markets Network and My Market
• Ontario – Farmers' Markets Ontario lists all the local markets across the province.
• United States – Localharvest.org has a great, zoomable, searchable map of local markets.

An embarrase de richesses at local farmer's markets

by Lisa Pitman

 What is it about visiting a farmers’ market that makes people so happy? I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but when I wander through a market and make a little eye contact I am always rewarded by an overwhelming number of smiles. It may be that the opening of most of Toronto’s markets coincides with a decrease in our population’s vitamin D deficiency, making us generally happier and more energetic. But I think it’s more than that. Spending time at the local market, buying produce from people passionate about growing it, sampling new ingredients, investing in the future of the planet and the health of our community may also contribute to those positive vibes.

There is nothing like the grey, cold months of winter to make Torontonians clamour for the first fresh tastes of spring. Tables full of asparagus, strawberries and baby greens are as much a harbinger of the new season as the return of songbirds.

In the last few years, the focus on eating locally grown produce and developing relationships with those dedicated to nurturing it has resulted in a boom in farmers’ markets. Now, once the harvest season hits (June to October), you can find a market laden with diverse, delicious ingredients any day of the week. I have even stumbled upon new markets while out on a stroll, surprised to see that another parking lot has become the latest spot for procuring fine, farm-fresh food.

I see Toronto’s commitment to local markets as a sign that collectively we care about the future of food security, safety and flavour. For example, vendors at My Markets   sell only what they’ve produced themselves. Nothing tastes better than the first, tiny sweet raspberry of the season or apples picked a few hours before you bite into their crisp flesh.

Although many vendors sell their wares at more than one market, each visit is a unique experience. I have ventured to almost all of the city’s seasonal markets, and have enjoyed learning about new ingredients including ramps, garlic scapes, kohlrabi and romanesco. The farmers are always willing to share cooking and serving suggestions to celebrate the flavours of their produce. Many of the markets also include vendors who use fresh ingredients to create breads, cookies, muffins, soups, stews, sauerkrauts, jams and much more. If you’re picking up groceries but can’t wait to get home to enjoy a fabulous meal, most markets offer snacks, salads, burritos and sandwiches prepared on-site (Dufferin Grove even offers pizzas freshly baked in the outdoor brick oven).

So take the challenge this year to visit a new market, try a new ingredient or just get to know your local farmers by name. Enjoy the bounty!

Click on the links below to view the full listings.

Boom Shiva (1180 Queen St W) has closed.

Cafe 668 (416-703-0668) is moving in August to a larger, newly renovated, licensed restaurant with a patio at 885 Dundas St, west of Bathurst at Claremont. Innovative pan-Asian vegan cuisine. They no longer offer cardholders a discount.

Sirdi Sai Sweets & Restaurant (Jaipur Gore Plaza, 8887 The Gore Rd, Unit 57-58, 905-794-6114) is a new vegetarian restaurant discovery in Brampton. The menu appears to be mostly North Indian. Several dishes feature paneer (cheese). Open daily 11:30am-9pm for a lunch buffet and dinner buffet.

Strictly Ital Restaurant (1720 Eglinton Ave, e. of Dufferin, 416-784-1466) serves very tasty, but not overly spicy Rastafarian cuisine. The place is casual – orders are placed and picked up at the counter. A menu of about seven different dishes changes daily. Tikka reports that, "Owner, Richard is a very warm and friendly man who greets return customers with a smile and kind word." Open Mon-Thu 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat noon-8pm. Closed Sun.

Zen Gardens has a new location in Cambridge (65 Water St N, 519-620-8809) serving delicious Chinese cuisine.

Vegetarian meal delivery

Green Zebra (www.greenzebrakitchen.com, 416-855-3174) offers fresh meals delivered weekly in reusable containers. Organic, unprocessed, wheat-free, vegetarian, plus meals for people with various health conditions. Green Zebra supports local farmers and follows sustainable business practices.

Cooking classes
Click on the links below to view the full listings.

Radiant Alive & Well (www.eatingrawfoods.com, 905-467-8747) teaches people how to become healthy and vibrant by eating a raw food diet.

Simply Vegetarian (McCowan/Finch, 416-291-9784) teaches vegetarian and vegan dishes in small groups. No eggs used, dairy is optional. Beginner and advanced classes offered in a comfortable home environment.

Organic Tuscany Cooking Vacations (Italy) offers week-long "farm to table" organic cooking vacations in Tuscany. Special vegetarian week coming up: September 29, 2007. "The wine harvest will have started, the weather is generally great at that time of year and there are some lovely ingredients to be used (pumpkin, chestnuts, fennel...)"

Natural food stores

Qi Natural Food (710 Bloor St W, e. of Christie, 416-539-0459) has opened a new location serving the west end of the Annex.

Environmental / wellness / organics

Heart on Your Sleeve (90 Nassau St, w. of Augusta, 416-999-2197) sells clothing that is made in Canada, cruelty-free, sweatshop-free, recycled, organic, made from hemp, and more. Located right beside Left Feet.

Linda Louise Warman MSW RSW (Bathurst/Steeles area, www.LindaWarman.ca, 905-731-7972) is a psychotherapist, individual, couple, family counsellor, personal growth facilitator and holistic wellness coach."I promote conscious, compassionate vegan eating as foundational to personal wellness on all levels."

Miessence (www.pforganics.mionegroup.com) is a certified organic skin and personal care range made with 100% beneficial ingredients and no synthetic chemicals.

Today, Jason, Emily, and Colleen discuss the unfortunate fact that we all continue to age (happy birthday to Michael, John, and Colleen – Toronto Vegetarian Association's very own trio of vegan Leos!). The good news about aging, however, is that if you're vigilant like podcast fans, Shawn and Tracy, you have time to build up a collection of vegetarian cookbooks so vast that even our Resource Centre will be shamed by it. 

We also discuss a new vegan and eco-friendly shop in Kensington called Heart on Your Sleeve and discuss how dressing up is always awesome, but is extra awesome if it involves carrot, pea pod, and banana costumes.

Note: the picture is from Heart on Your Sleeve's opening and fashion show held this past Thursday. Each model sported shoes from neighbouring vegan shoe store, Left Feet.

Listen Now! – This show is so close to 23 minutes you won't even believe it.

VegE-News is a monthly news and events email service. It is free to subscribe.
Their July issue 's stories included:

Health Diets high in meat boost skin cancer risk New study: Plant-based diets play critical role in breast cancer survival Dairy Council to end misleading weight loss ad campaign New 'superbug' strain spreading in meat, warns study.
Environment Meat is murder on the environment Into the meat of the global warming issue Brazilian fishermen joke over illegal dolphin kill Sharks face increased threat due to fin soup - report.
Lifestyles and Trends Veggie experiences: Health concerns inspire life changes The veggie kid The end of cheap food.
Animal Issues and Advocacy Animal sentience: Chickens are more evolved than previously believed Activists accuse Quebec foie gras maker of cruelty to ducks Video renews beefs about slaughterhouse's practices Livestock producers face animal welfare challenges Bhutanese lama saves animals from slaughter.
Books and Perspectives Planet Chicken: Suffering on an epic scale What we owe what we eat – Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy Pamela Rice's 101 Reasons Why I'm a Vegetarian.
Are They Serious? Unfortunately Yes Taiwan restaurant blasted for serving "dead-and-alive fish."

On September 30, 2007, a group of Veggie Runners will participate in the Scotiabank Marathon in support of the Veggie Challenge and to show that you can be Veggie & Fit!  Timothy Christ plans to be there.

Timothy’s journey began over 20 years ago with the knowledge that he was lactose intolerant. From there it was a slow process of making ethical decisions to limit his animal product intake: not easy, considering he was a chef for many of those years.

Although Timothy considered himself a vegetarian, he was a poorly educated one. His diet was high in calories and low in nutritional density. Then things started to change. He began studying to become a registered massage therapist and personal trainer. In the process he shifted to a vegan diet, and for the past 4 years has been vegan and 70-100% raw.

Today Timothy is an RMT at Toronto's Cornerstones of Health Clinic. He credits his success in 6 marathons and 2 Ironman races to leading a balanced and holistic lifestyle. He also notes that the greatest improvement he has experienced with his Raw Vegan diet has been in post exercise recovery.

Continue reading at Veggie & Fit »

The Vegetarian Society of Hawaii has released a series of recordings of vegetarian lectures by outstanding speakers from around the world.  The videos cover topics such as health, philosophy and food preparation and feature such well-known speakers as scientist T. Colin Campbell, PhD, dietitian Brenda Davis, R.D. and Dan Piraro, creator of the Bizarro comic strip.

Check out the videos here: http://vsh.voip-info.org/

The Vegetarian Society of Hawaii, founded in 1990, holds monthly meetings featuring renowned speakers from all over the world.  Visit VSH online at vsh.org.

East met west, the Jets battled the Sharks, and the Wednesday and Saturday Resource Centre crews merged for this week's show.  John, Angeline, Emily and Jason talked about their experiences at this morning's volunteer feedback session, which was really early in the morning but featured a zillion pounds of food from Vegan Delights.

We also had a few visitors, including Charlton from Brampton and a family from the UK, and got our book ordering under way for this year's Vegetarian Food Fair.

Finally, we spoke at length about an event that, well, let's just say you shouldn't get too excited about it until you hear the surprise ending (...that we gave away in the headline).  

Listen Now! – This week's show is 22 minutes of power.

The affects of a meat-based diet on health and the environment has always concerned me since reading John Robbins' Diet for a new America, over ten years ago. I went vegan for two years after reading the book. However, I went back to a meat-based diet after that and never felt good doing so. Knowing what I knew after reading the book, my conscience always bothered me. I decided to take the Veggie Challenge after reading May All Be Fed. I didn't know there was so much support out there for people who wanted to live a healthy and humane way of life. I'm on my tenth day being vegan and I have to say, I feel amazing. When I ate meat, I always had heartburn and stomach pains after I ate. Now, my stomach and bowels are thanking me because everything I eat is easily digested and I have no more discomfort. Family and friends have been somewhat supportive but somewhat ignorant. I think we have been so brainwashed as a society to think that we have to have meat on our plates to have a complete meal. Thank you TVA and your Veggie Challenge! I hope I can continue to do my little part for the animals and the environment.

I am a mother of two, and work as a Montessori Teacher.
– Linda, age 25-44, Richmond Hill, Ontario

John and Jason were left with far too much power this week, and once again it's an all-guy show.  Who will win the mighty rock-paper-scissors battle to see who gets to read the events?  It's just one of the many mysteries you'll solve by listening to this week's show.

Speaking of mysteries, there's a food that John likes, but he doesn't know what it's called.  If you think you're up for the challenge, give the show a listen and see if you can help with the name (or just make up a new name for it, like Awesome Sundae Burger).

Jason also talks about trying the Ninja Rice Bowl at Fresh, and a new coffee shop called Just Us. Shawn wrote to us, "I tried the Queen West location today and they have great coffee and food.  ...looks like everything is vegetarian with some vegan options.  They have soy versions for their espresso drinks..."

Listen Now! – This week's show is 21 minutes of awesome. 

Today John and Colleen don't yell "Hot Yam!" But, they do discuss cool berries. Colleen and John both recommend buying local berries (and all produce for that matter) because it is better for the environment and also your taste buds.

John discovers that the low-fat muffins at Tim Hortons are vegan (but do they contain honey?)

Colleen discusses her current cleanse and how you can get good oil-free recipes (pictured here is Red, White, and Blue Fruit Terrine). John benefited from Colleen's cleanse today because there was a slice of vegan carrot cake, and four Jamaican patties (also vegan) from Taste of Life which he happily devoured.

We need to mention our letters/visits from "Philly Vicky", "Georgia Jenny", "T-Hill Izzy and Leanna".

Listen Now! – Show's duration: 22 minutes