The Motivation for becoming Vegetarian

Since I always have trouble defending myself when someone asks me why I became a vegetarian, I thought I would write it out for you to read. Maybe this will provide some insight.

The major reason that I am following a vegetarian diet is for the sake of the environment. Did you know it takes about 100x more water to produce a pound of beef than it does to produce a pound of wheat. It is also estimated that 50% of all the water used in the United States is used for raising livestock! Not only do the animals use a lot of water, they also pollute the water, responsible for 70% of the waterway pollution in the states.
The rainforests are being cut down (obviously), an estimated 2/3rds of that is due to cheap beef and stock for America's fast food industry. This land use occurs closer to home as well with about 70% of the US land mass being used for grazing. In fact, according to Yvon Chouinard, "the true environmental and social cost of a hamburger when the forest has been cleared to create pastureland for grazing cattle is $200.00."

In general, transportation, the animal itself, refrigeration of animal product, chemical fertilizers and nitous oxides all contribute to the state of Global Warming. If any of you are unaware this is happening, you should watch Al Gore's movie, 'The Inconvenient Truth'.

Food animals are often raised, transported and slaughtered inhumanely. You wouldn't put your dog or cat through what the animals go through.

Health wise vegetarians have a lower risk of diseases such as: heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.
Vegatarians are reported to live 7-9 years longer than nonvegatarians. I'm sure this stat is also based on a general healthy diet that should be eaten to maintain a balanced vegetarian diet.
A vegetarian diet often is a closer match to the food guide than your average meat eaters diet.

(Melina, Davis, Becoming Vegatarian) Wow, that was some weak ass referencing!!

I am not suggesting that everyone should go out and become vegetarian, maybe just consider eating a little less meat.