The article by State Rep. Buchy regarding how much money the meat industry brings Ohio really upset me.

Shouldn’t he/we be more concerned about it’s damaging effect on people’s health, destruction of the environment and exploitation of animals. Devastating human diseases, loss of crop growing land, clean air and water plus barbarianism is not good for any state or nation. If there ever was a time to turn to plant based diet, it’s now.

Eating animal fats and proteins can raise the risk of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Top soil erosion, greenhouse gas production, contamination of aquatic ecosystems, drinking water, acid rain from ammonia emission, pollution in groundwater and rivers that come from massive feedlots and factory farms is causing major environmental problems that our kids and grandkids will have to live with..

As a vegan, my main concern is for the catastrophic cruelty to other sentient, living creatures that have fears, feels pain, has two eyes a mouth and a momma just like we do. We have so many other options for food, all this is unnecessary.

Beans, nuts, soy plus many other plant based foods are good sources of protein without the saturated fat. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes contain no cholesterol. I have found so many good meat, egg and milk replacements, my blood tests are excellent, plus the weight loss that follows goes to show that veganism is a win-win solution. Mr. Buchy please read the federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report that says “A diet lower in animal-based foods is not only healthier, but has less of an environmental impact.”

— Marilyn Gratz, Lima