Where's the bird? A 'Turkey-free' Thanksgiving
Press release: November 1998

Most in the United States could not imagine a Thanksgiving celebration without a turkey at its center. But thousands of Americans this year will be sitting down to a traditional Thanksgiving feast - without the turkey.

Why? It's a creative event called the "Turkey-Free" Thanksgiving, which is held the weekend before Thanksgiving in cities around the country. The events, sponsored by the non-profit group EarthSave International, range from potluck dinners to elegant catered affairs. The common theme is a meatless celebration of the fall harvest and education about the impacts of our food choices.

Why 'Turkey-Free'?

Today more people are recognizing the connection between diet and disease. The North American diet, with its dependence on animal products, has been linked to chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. And the "factory farming" system that produces this animal-based diet is taking a toll on our soil, water, and precious natural resources.

"We want people to see that what they eat affects not only their own health, but also the health of our planet," said EarthSave President Stacey Vicari. "We're encouraging people to participate in the 'Turkey-Free' by enjoying the bounty of grains, vegetables and fruits that are brought by a fall harvest."

Consider these realities

• More than a decade ago, the U.S. Surgeon General sounded an alarm by saying that 68 percent of all diseases are related to diet.
• A 6 oz. portion of skinless light turkey meat has 274 calories and 6 grams of fat.
• A 6 oz. portion of turkey with the skin has 380 calories and 16 grams of fat.
• Turkeys are given antibiotics and growth hormones because they are raised in crowded conditions, with each bird confined to a 3 square foot area.
• Producing a pound of animal protein requires about 100 times more water than producing a pound of plant protein.
• Many turkeys eat formulated feeds, which often contain the rendered remains of livestock.

What is EarthSave?

EarthSave educates, inspires, and empowers people to shift toward a diet centered around fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes - foods that are healthy for people and for the planet.