Vegetarians in Paradise/EarthSave

From time to time Vegetarians in Paradise presents informative articles by guest contributors on subjects of interest to vegetarians and vegans. This month we feature Hilda Ward who has been a devoted and active member of EarthSave from its early beginnings. She has held leadership positions on the EarthSave International board of directors, and still holds fast to her commitment to this important environmental and humanitarian organization by devoting many precious hours to EarthSave Canada.

What is EarthSave? By Hilda Ward

EarthSave leads a global movement of people from all walks of life who are taking concrete steps to promote healthy and life-sustaining food choices.
EarthSave supplies information, support and practical programs to those who have learned that their food choices impact environmental and human health.
We support individuals in making food choices that promote health, reduce health care costs, and provide greater independence from the medical system.
We raise awareness of the ecological destruction linked to the production of "food animals."
We advocate and promote a delicious, planet-friendly diet.

The EarthSave Foundation was started in the United States in 1987 by John Robbins as a result of overwhelming response to his book, Diet for a New America.

EarthSave Canada grew out of the excitement generated by a presentation by John in Vancouver in the fall of 1989. At about the same time, EarthSave organizations were being established across Canada, particularly in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. EarthSave was legally incorporated as a nonprofit society in British Columbia on March 1, 1990. With yet another visit by John that month, the resulting media coverage gave EarthSave Canada a tremendous boost and membership began to grow.

After six years of steady growth, affiliation with EarthSave International became official at the Annual General Membership meeting in May of 1996. We now boast a membership base of well over 800, an office and resource library, a full-time office manager and are poised for continued growth far into the future.

In November of 1998, John Robbins again came to Vancouver, and spoke to a crowd of over 800 persons, many of whom had seen him in earlier visits. His audience consisted of many persons in their 40's and 50's, and his message encouraged them to remember their 60's roots, to come out of their comfortable surroundings, and to bring their considerable economic and political influence to bear. With greater assets and child rearing behind them, the 90's generation needs to rekindle their old spirit, and lead by its actions. His inspiring lecture was warmly received.

John Robbins' more recent research has included information on the potential dangers of the genetic engineering of our food, and chemicals in our environment that are destructive to human reproductive organs. He urges us to speak out, and always be conscious of the economic message we send to food producers each time we choose organic, plant-based food. You can change the world with your fork, one bite at a time!

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