Vegan Model Stefania Ferrario says, “Try to Relate to Who’s on Your Plate”
Sydneysiders did a double-take today as vegan model Stefania Ferrario stripped off and lay, nearly naked and covered in sauce, on a giant plate in the middle of the bustling Pitt Street Mall.
In a striking tableau complete with giant cutlery, Stefania was joined on the plate by colourful veg, and the message “Try to Relate to Who’s on Your Plate – Go Vegan”.
The demonstration was more than just impressive-looking; it serves as a powerful reminder that, no matter their species, all animals feel pain and, given the chance, enjoy rich emotional and social lives.
No one deserves to be slaughtered for a meal.
Every Animal is Someone
Did you know that mother piglets sing to their piglets, who can recognise their mother’s voice, or that cows have best friends? Or that fish will make art for those they love? The animal kingdom is full of unique individuals who want to live free and happy, just like your dog or cat.
But, in the food industry, animals are reduced to numbers, exploited as products and killed when they are still just babies. Most of the animals used for food in Australia are kept in intensive farming systems, known as factory farms, for the majority of their short lives.
Chickens, who are clever and curious, are denied space to stretch a wing before being dragged through electrified water and beheaded. Lambs, who wag their tails when happy, are mutilated before having their throats slit. Mother cows bellow for days after their babies are taken from them on dairy farms.
We all say we’re against animal abuse, but as long as you’re putting meat, eggs, and dairy in your mouth, you’re paying for animals to be abused and killed.
Meat is Destroying the Planet
Scientists have long warned that we’re speeding toward climate catastrophe, and this past Australian summer, which brought drought, heatwaves, fires, floods and life-threatening storms, has highlighted just how urgent the crisis is.
Raising animals for food is the leading driver of deforestation in Australia, and research estimates that emissions from animal agriculture account for up to 19.6 per cent of the world’s total emissions. While CO2 needs to be addressed, methane, produced by animals passing gas, has a global warming potential up to 84 times that of carbon dioxide in the short term.
The good news is that methane also breaks down much more quickly than CO2 – within around a decade compared to centuries – meaning that the meat we don’t eat today can really help the planet tomorrow.
Studies also show that animal-free diets lead to 75% fewer climate-heating emissions, less water pollution, and less land use than those where animal flesh features heavily.
Vegans Are Healthier
Kindness is its own reward, but vegans enjoy other perks.
Aside from a clearer conscience, vegans frequently report clearer skin, improved digestion, better sleep, and a general sense of peace, with most saying their only regret is not having done it sooner!
Studies show that those on animal-free diets enjoy a lower risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease, stroke, many cancers, and even neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Plate Up Peace for Animals
You don’t have to strip off to help animals. You can make a huge difference to animals right now (while reducing your carbon footprint and improving your health) just by going vegan.
Download a PETA Empathy Kit today and start your journey towards a happier, healthier life. Because animals are friends, not food!
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