Teenage Tidal Wave

Out in the not too distant sea of eating, the food industry caught sight of a swelling wave moving towards the shores of the consumer market. Those in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association tried to say that it was nothing, just a passing trend. Now, as this tidal wave of change is breaking, America's beef producers are shaking—in their cowboy boots. America's youth is quickly losing interest in supporting an industry of slaughter and suffering and the numbers of those embracing a vegetarian diet is on the rise, particularly among teenage girls.

The younger generation, no doubt one of the greatest influences on consumerism, is vying for politically correct food choices. Gone are the days when grabbing burgers or going out for pepperoni pizza was just innocent fun. Due to the work of many concerned people making public the atrocities occurring daily in the meat industries, many teens and college students are making the switch to vegetarianism out of concern for the animals. Another contributing factor is seeing 50% of the population suffering from chronic diseases like heart problems, various types of cancers, diabetes and obesity. Surely this is making its mark in the minds of young people.

College campuses are finding that between 15-20% of their students are requesting vegetarian foods on the menu. Even high schools across the country are catering to students who would like to eat without meat. A pole from Teenage Research Unlimited reported that one out of every four teens thinks vegetarianism is 'cool'. Because vegetarianism has become more wide spread and accepted, parents are able to find ways to work out a family menu that suits everyone. Some nutrition experts concur that adopting a vegetarian diet does promote health consciousness, something often not found in teenagers. With the plethora of information available on the web, through books, and even local doctors, it has become easier than ever to learn about and maintain a vegetarian diet.

Down to Earth is currently sponsoring a television show airing on Oceanic Cable channel 16 at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays called "Tasty and Meatless." The show provides tips on how to cook simple and tasty meatless meals, where to shop for meatless products, which restaurants offer vegetarian fare, and what health experts have to say about eating meatless. This show can definitely help anyone wanting to know about a meatless lifestyle for themselves or for the youngster in their family!

For some, vegetarianism is about health, for others it comes from a place of ethics and compassion, for the younger generation they can see that it encompasses both—and it is their opportunity to better the world, one bite at a time.