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Introduction

It all starts here . . . with the ultimate guide to going, being and staying veggie.

	Juliet Gellatley is the founder and director of Viva!

This book will take you through the change from being a meatie to a vegetarian – every step of the way. Every question answered, every doubt knocked on the head and every concern sorted.

If you’re already veggie, this book will give you the confidence and knowledge to argue for your beliefs. If your parents are worried, it will put their minds at rest. If you’re short of facts, you’ll find them here.

Farming has become a secret industry where animals are crammed together behind closed doors, away from prying eyes. Section 1 of this book shines a spotlight into the darkest corners and reveals what it’s really like. As you’ll discover, even the animals you see in the fields are not the examples of contentment you’re led to believe – they, too, often have sad and secret lives.

Around the world, more and more people are giving up meat and fish as they find out its real cost – and it’s not the price that’s charged in the supermarket! Section 2 looks at the real cost of meat: the effect farm animals have on the environment; the way that fishing is destroying our oceans; and how the poor of the world starve so farm animals can eat. It’s no wonder that over half a million young people in Britain alone are veggie.

Despite this, the old myths about eating meat survive. We need meat, some people say. Meat is healthy! We’re meant to eat meat! I’ve scoured the world for proof of these statements and guess what? It isn’t there. What I did find was a mass of scientific and medical proof that vegetarians are healthier and live longer. Section3 sorts out the fantasy from the facts, the reality from the rubbish.

Giving up meat and fish used to be seen as a bit of a weirdo thing to do but now it’s supported by scientists and doctors everywhere. All the same, going, being and staying veggie means having the courage to stick by what you believe. Section 4 helps you stand up for yourself – at school, at home and with your friends. It even gives you all the info and support you need to campaign to save animals.

How do I know all this? Because I’ve been through it! I became veggie when I was 15. Since then , I’ve spent most of my working life trying to save animals, talking to tens of thousands of young people and campaigning all over Britain. The most important thing I’ve learnt is that one person can make a difference.

Throughout their life, one person eats 5 cows, 20 pigs, 29 sheep, 760 chickens, 46 turkeys, 15 ducks, 7 rabbits, one and a half geese and half a ton of fish.

What better reasons are there for going, being and staying veggie?