Eating Healthy

Emily Clements, Age 13, Australia

As soon as we had access to the Internet, I was on it like a flash. Millions of sites from around the world on every different subject you could imagine-it was expensive, but I was on it every day! My main interests were kids' sites, chatlines, competitions, and, of course, animal websites.

I have always loved animals from the moment I was born! My two sisters and I grew up with pets, and we continue to love them as a family. As a young child, I loved most of all to go to zoos and animal parks, even though now I realize that they can be cruel to the animals. I still want to be a vet when I "grow up." The thing that strikes me about ALL creatures is that they're so beautiful and intelligent--especially companion animals such as dogs, cats and horses. So naturally, because of my love of animals, I looked up animal websites, perhaps in the hope of finding some pictures and interesting facts. Oh, I found them all right, but they weren't at all what I expected.

I almost regret that I found animal cruelty websites now because they continue to haunt me for a long time after I read them. However, there is the aspect that they help me to take action. The first and most horrible one I have read was a page on "factory farming." It was unlike anything I had ever heard of before.

Up till then, I had been naive in thinking that farms were picturesque landscapes where animals roamed in paddocks and grazed in sunny meadows. Of course, reality is never so good. I wonder how many people realize that the pork chops they ate last night came from a pig that had lived its short life in a cramped, dark pen, cruelly dosed with steroids, hormones and antibiotics? The things that people will do to save money in the farming business are shocking. What sort of world do we live in? Then the merciless slaughter ... it was all too much. I was sure I could not eat another piece of meat without feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt.

In the next few weeks, I hoped the feeling would go away, but it didn't. I continued to see evidence of animal abuse. At least twice a month we would pass a sheep truck on the road: it would be cramped full of terrified animals, some with their limbs hanging out the side of the truck. I learned they were headed for a long tough sea journey to the Middle East for slaughter; apparently as many as 5% would die on the way. I hoped others, especially my parents, would have the same views as me. They didn't.

When I told my parents I wanted to stop eating meat I was surprised at their laid-back reaction. After about a week of me leaving my meat on the side of the plate, the conflict began. They couldn't seem to understand that I actually meant what I said: I was now a vegetarian. You can't blame them really, with the scarce amounts of vegetarians around when they were my age, they found it hard to believe it was different now. Mum and I would argue and argue. Were humans meant to eat meat? Were animals meant to be eaten? Was there such a thing as a healthy vegetarian? Was this some sort of weight-loss diet I was attempting? Of course, I was very angry, furious even. Dad told me to write out a list of things that I would need to eat instead, which I had already done. Like any parents, Mum and Dad were worried about my health. I didn't appreciate it!

One day I came home to find the fridge well stocked with a million soy products and every sort of tofu you could possibly imagine! Finally my parents were accepting that I would eat differently from them, and maybe they would even try some of my new foods!

It's still hard for my parents to come to terms with vegetarianism, especially when so many of their friends have very twisted views about this subject. I'm lucky--in my generation, vegetarians are mostly accepted and different foods are widely available. So far, I have found my diet interesting, healthy, AND cruelty free, and I'm determined to make it last!

Vegetarian

Jessie L. Janeshek, Age 17, Weirton, WV

The cafeteria was crowded, and I searched for a table that would accommodate me, my tray, and my notebook. I hoped that the comfortable din of the large white-painted room would fuel my thoughts. I had been searching for ideas to use in my essay on vegetarianism for a few days, but I hadn't found anything. All of the tables were filled, and I stood beside one occupied by a young woman, a few years older than I, who was nibbling on a salad. Her brown hair was pulled atop her head in an old-fashioned chignon that complimented, rather than contrasted her torn jeans and violet argyle sweater. Her ears were each dotted with several red jewels and her hazel eyes were intent and framed by dark lashes. I smiled tentatively, and she returned my gesture with warmth. "May I sit here?" I asked her.

"Sure," she answered quickly, rearranging her satchel and books to allow room for me. "I should be leaving in a few minutes anyway."

"Oh, don't rush," I replied.

"Are you a student here at the college?" she inquired.

"Oh, no, I'm still in high school. I just came here today to look around and get some information about the school."

She nodded, and I caught her eyes skimming over my lunch of a hamburger and French fries. I glanced at her salad, and the question arose from me almost of its own accord: "Are you a vegetarian?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am," she answered. I didn't want to appear impolite, but I was itching to reach for my notebook. I sensed that a conversation with her might be just what my essay needed.

"I'm writing for an essay on vegetarianism. Do you think I could ask you a few questions?" I grasped my notebook smoothly and drew a pen from my pocket.

"Well, sure," she answered, surprised, and to my relief, not at all irritated.

I cleared my throat, and tossed my hair, attempting to adopt an air of professionalism. Still, there was only one question I could think of to ask, so I did. "What made you decide to become a vegetarian?"

She stared into the crowd as if it composed one large face impatient to hear her answer. Once focused, she set down her fork and spoke. "Well, when I first stopped eating meat, it was because it was the trendy thing to do. My friends and I all tried it. It was sort of an "earthy" way to take meals, or a fad, just like coffeehouses or internet cafes. In a week or so, the novelty passed, and most of them went back to their fried chicken and meatloaf. But I found something, or, should I say, someone, that kept me inspired: Linda McCartney."

I had personally been disheartened by Linda McCartney's untimely death, and I opened my mouth to say so. Before I could utter a word, though, my new friend continued.

"When I began to read up on Linda, I grasped an opportunity to examine a "genuine" vegetarian's lifestyle and her reasons for adhering so faithfully to her cause. One afternoon she and her husband Paul were watching their sheep in the meadow, and then they sat down to a lunch of lamb. Right then and there, they both made a pledge to "go veggie" at a time when it was relatively unheard of except for religious or cultural reasons. The two of them became vegetarians because of a kindness and love towards animals and a desire to stop living a hypocritical life. All I could conjure in my mind at that time was eating a chicken sandwich and then going home and watching the birds that nested in our pine trees. I realized what the McCartneys had felt, and in turn, vowed to do what they had done."

I nodded, truly intrigued by her words. By the time she had finished, I had thought of another question to ask: "What about the health factors of vegetarianism? Do you really get all the nutrients you need?"

"Of course. Being vegetarian is not being limited to a plate of lettuce for every meal. I still eat products derived from animals, like milk, eggs, and yogurt, and beans and peanuts provide just as much protein as meat. And you can't forget about soups, sandwiches, and pastas. Another thing I admired about Linda McCartney is that she made the endless possibilities of meatless meals known. She had her own cookbooks and a line of frozen vegetarian dinners. She spoke out on her cause and did everything in her power to dispel the silly myths about vegetarianism."

I was engrossed as I watched her fervent eyes glow with the passion of her cause. My lunch had grown cold, but I couldn't consider eating it now. I noticed the minute hand of my watch creeping, and realizing that the next class would be meeting soon, I knew my source would have to go.

She recognized it too, and habitually pushed her books together as her monologue came to a close.

"Linda was a pioneer to a cause that was unheard of by the majority of people at that time. Since then, though, millions have walked the trail she blazed, and made their way through the jungle of ignorance and conformity. Perhaps they decided to abstain from eating meat, poultry and fish for health reasons, environmental concerns, or maybe just to emulate Linda and her husband. Still, the reason they chose to "go veggie" is insignificant; what matters is that they had the want to change and the willpower to comply with their choice. I don't know if I've persuaded you now, but maybe you'll consider going veggie in the near future. Do it for your health, your pet, or as a tribute to Linda and her work to better our environment. Try to take the initiative. Each time you slice a carrot instead of a steak, you just may save a life."

I thanked my new acquaintance as she stood to leave. Sitting down, I stared at my untouched lunch and shook my head. The food that had littered my tray hit the bottom of the garbage can with a reassuring plop as I made my exit.

When first entering the cafeteria, I hadn't noticed the thick row of trees that paralleled the walkway. Now, I couldn't help but wonder if sunshine amply penetrated their leafy boughs. But the road that they framed was bathed in the light of the afternoon, and it glinted and beckoned me forward. I almost stepped onto the foot-trodden avenue, but changed my mind and decided to take the long way, through the trees, back to my car. The grass teased my sandaled feet, and I approached the trees, walking with a purpose. Their feathery canopy was thinner than I had first expected.

No, my small forest was not quite Linda's "jungle of conformity." Nevertheless, I had my own path to clear.

Eating Well

Christopher Hoeller, Age 8, Aurora, IL

My name is Christopher Hoeller. I live in Aurora, Illinois, and go to Allen grade school. I am 8 years old and in the second grade. I am just like most boys my age except for one thing: I am vegan. I have been vegan for four years. I guess it all started with my Emmah (this means mother in Hebrew), and some kind of new thing that was healthy and supposed to be good. That was when I was four. Before that I ate meat, all kinds, like pork, chicken, beef, duck, and fish. I also ate dairy products like cheese, ice cream and milk.

I used to get a lot of colds and my skin would get bumps; so my Emmah took me to the doctor. She found out that I had a dairy allergy. I can't eat anything with milk in it. So now my Emmah buys me vegan products like Rice Dream milk and ice cream and vegan cheese. She also buys vegan meats like Boca Burgers and Wonderdogs. They taste really good and are healthier for my body.

On Saturdays when my two brothers come, my Abba (Hebrew for father) makes us a NANBY shake. It has vegan ice cream, milk, bananas, and sweetener. It is very sweet and very good. My whole family loves it except my Emmah, as she does not like bananas. When my Abba opens his restaurant he will serve the NANBY shake.

My whole family is vegan and we don't get sick very often because we eat well. My favorite dish is vegan lasagna. My Emmah makes her cheese from scratch. Lasagna is my favorite dish but I know how to cook spaghetti by myself.

This is how you do it. First you take a pot and fill it with water. Let the water boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 15 minutes. Drain the water from the spaghetti in a colander. Put the spaghetti in the pot again and add margarine, salt, basil, and paprika. This is my specialty; it's called Spaghetti Supreme. One day you can try to make it yourself.

Importance of National Parks

Skyler Baldwin
San Diego, CA
National parks are important to me because they help to preserve valuable land, protect the habitats of animals and protect our heritage. National parks are all so different, offering everything from grassy and wavy, to rocky, to mountains, lakes and rivers to coastlines. They help animals stay alive, healthy and safe and help people to appreciate nature. Another reason parks are important is because they are outstanding places for family vacations. You can see geysers explode, go fishing, hike on fabulous trails, see beautiful wildlife including birds, bears, elk, and deer, snowmobile through forests, rock climb, canoe, explore and see the most amazing natural sights. In addition, they teach people who are not familiar with the outdoors about nature, wildlife, conservation, preservation and outdoor recreation. They teach us so much about our history, culture and heritage. As young children, the more we go to parks, the more we can teach our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about them. The more parks we visit, the more our generation will appreciate them.
I have some great ideas to protect our parks for the future. First, national parks should tap into the youth culture using celebrities because that is who the youth of America listen to these days. I love American Idol and I think national parks should get Ryan Seacrest to announce National Parks Day and inform the audience (which is millions) about the beauty of national parks and remind them to help parks by donating money or volunteering with repairing or cleaning trails or even just by visiting them. I also think that parks should get pictures of stars at national parks to make kids want to say, "Hey, Angelina Jolie stood here!" or "Miley Cyrus loves Yosemite!" They could be put on websites, magazines, and brochures or any media exposure, like on the AOL welcome page or the cover of a teen magazine. Another great idea is to make a national parks video game. The subjects could be: that you have to save the endangered animals; or, make it around a map of national parks that have obstacles, like a herd of elk, bears, a stream, a waterfall, a Ranger, and beat other people's times; or, even get on a Wii game where you have to save animals or get rid of bad people like smokers, or people that litter, or feed the wildlife or don't put out their campfires.
In conclusion, national parks are important to me, to our country and to the world, and we need to make sure they are here for the future, for my children and theirs.

National Parks

by Logan Clark

State of Illinois

There are multiple ways to turn over a new leaf for our environment. National parks protect landmarks, preserve cultural & historical artifacts, provide homes for wildlife and provide a place of enjoyment for all. Some of the ways I thought of to turn over a new leaf for our environment and preserve our National Parks are with additional litter programs, increasing educations at our schools, and additional games to increase the desire to explore our national parks. It is important to keep our National Parks pristine, as they were before modern human influence. The Junior Ranger Program is influencing children and their families to pick up litter and some National Parks have recycling facilities. However, at one park I noticed they lacked enough trash cans and cigarette receptacles. This is important because I have seen cigarette butts and other trash scattered everywhere. My brother and I picked up the trash and we spoke to a ranger about having trash cans at each bus stop in the park. Also I think the NPS should increase fines for littering and have a litter report hotline, so if we see a person littering we can report it. We could celebrate National Parks Week, where rangers could come to schools across the country and inform students about National Parks and the environment. I, for instance, live in southern Illinois and have been to many National Parks and Monuments. Many of my classmates have not had the wonderful opportunities I have. I try to share my experiences with them but I feel they don t understand. This would help them to have knowledge of the parks and the environmental impact that we have on them. I think board games should be developed to educate people about our environment and National Parks. There is National Parks Monopoly, which has already been created. But there could be National Parks Chess with pictures of different parks on the tiles. There could be monuments like the Statue of Liberty as the queen, the Washington Monument as the king, Old Faithful as the bishop, Mesa Verde as the rook, and the Arch at Jefferson National Monument for the knight. In addition, I personally would like to see a NP Jeopardy and trivia game also created. They could also make new games for National Park and environmental awareness. This would educate and be fun. I have had a wonderful time going to numerous National Parks throughout the United States. I love the general feeling that I am at an area in the US that I have read about, seen on TV and learned about in school- and I am there! It is important to me to preserve these parks for my children to see. I want them to be able to experience them like I did- not just study them in books.

Saving the Enviroment

Peter Rosen, Grade School
State of Utah, USA

Saving the environment sounds big, but there are simple steps you can take at home to save the environment and national parks and the best part is they aren’t even hard. One of these things is riding your bike to anywhere that you can. Walking works just as well. Doing this helps because it doesn’t pollute and pollution is bad for the environment. Another easy way to help the environment is to turn off the lights. As you walk out of a room all you have to do is reach over and press a switch, it’s as easy as that. Another way to save energy by turning off the lights is not using them in the first place. If it’s bright outside why not just open a window and use natural light instead of wasting energy? Wasting energy hurts the environment in two ways. One, it pollutes because most of our energy comes from fossil fuels, and two, you get those fossil fuels by mining, which doesn’t exactly help the area you’re mining environmentally. Besides simple things you can do at home there are other things that are just as easy that you can do at the national parks. I live in Utah so the first thing that comes to mind is something I learned at Arches. Stay on the trail. In Arches they have cryptobiotic soil that takes thousands of years to grow. One step off the trail and you just demolished thousands of years of work. Another thing is to look instead of having to touch. It’s one thing to admire nature’s work and it’s another to examine it with your fingers and ruin nature’s work. There are some things that you can do at home and at the parks, not littering for example. Take the few steps to the garbage can; don’t just dump it where you are. Recycle, recycle, recycle. This is one of the most effective ways to help the environment. It helps in two ways. The first is that it doesn’t mess up the environment by cutting down trees, etc. The second is that you don’t have to take all the energy to turn trees into paper; you just have to use enough energy to turn paper into paper. Recycling saves the earth’s environment and it helps us have resources longer. If you’re headed off to a national park it’s best to be educated about it. This way you know things that you should and should not do to help the park. You can then have a fun and environmentally friendly trip. The environment is important and we, as humans have the ability to save or destroy the wonderful things that surround us. Saving it cannot be just one person’s efforts. It has to be everyone working together, and if we all work together we can turn over a new leaf for the environment and help preserve our national parks.

Hispanic Heritage: Online World

Ingrid Cecilio, Blanton Elementary, Austin, Texas

Anahi Jaimes, Blanton Elementary, Austin, Texas

Chistal Avellaneda, Village Oaks Elementary, Naples, Florida