Ease the pressure on the planet with vegan foods 

To the Editor;

Gov. Janet Mills previously declared that “Maine won’t wait” when it comes to combating climate change. Yet, in light of coronavirus concerns, Mainers will have to wait nearly nine more months before the state’s single-use plastic bag ban, originally scheduled for April 22 (Earth Day), takes effect.

While we work to mitigate coronavirus risks, we must not put environmental issues on the back burner, especially considering that Maine is seeking a carbon neutral economy by 2045.

Luckily, all of us can ease the pressure on our planet by filling our grocery bags — whatever they are made of — with delicious, healthy vegan foods. Researchers have found that animal-derived substances have carbon footprints two to 20 times larger than vegan foods. And, while we know that single-use plastics can kill scores of marine animals, birds, and other beings, we can reduce the suffering of other sentient animals by refusing to confine and kill them for their flesh, eggs and milk. Visit PETA.org for a free vegan starter kit.

Jessica Bellamy

The PETA Foundation

Norfolk, Virginia