Dean Goes Green
I have a confession to make. I was raised a meat and potatoes guy. Imagine the irony of being Dean of the one premiere School of Public Health in the nation where the benefits of a plant-based diet are at the forefront of daily conversation. While my overall meat consumption has steeply declined over the last 15 years, I am still subject to overwhelming urges of the carnivorous variety. What’s a Dean to do? The right thing.
Starting with the winter 2008 academic quarter, I am eating vegetarian for 30 days. That’s right. No Dave’s Barbecue. No late night forays to In-N-Out. I promise to turn my head at the very thought of jerk chicken. This is going to be brutal.
You might be asking yourself why would I do such a thing? Here’s why: it’s an important public health and ethical Christian issue. Think about it, the average American is very wasteful. We as a people consume three times more water, 10 times more energy, 14 times more paper, and 19 times more aluminum, than our counterparts in less developed parts of the world. Roughly 70% of the grain grown in this country is fed to livestock. By living a vegetarian lifestyle, I reduce stress on the environment associated with intensive livestock production; save an incredible amount of energy which is lost during the production of meat, and will probably extend my life expectancy. That’s ethical living.
I request your help and encouragement during my month-long effort at vegetarianism. I will be blogging my experience beginning January 7, 2008. If you would like to track my struggles and ramblings, and submit some of your musings on the ethical, spiritual, agricultural, and physical dimensions of this complex issue, this is the time. As the head chef in the Dyjack household, I will be soliciting your finest vegetarian recipes, as well as moral support. I look forward to hearing from you.
Dave Dyjack
The Green Dean
January 13th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi Everyone,
Just letting you know I caught DD (Dear Dean) pumping mean iron at the gym–Drayson. So he’s not faded away on rabbit food, so far.
January 8th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
If you can’t make your goal by staying away from In and Out, may I suggest you ordering the “grilled cheese” meal. Its not on the board but they will make one for you. I have never eaten meat and always felt left out when the rest of my carnivor family would order their double doubles. Then I discovered the grilled cheese with onions. This is a great option for California Veggies who now can concur that In and Out is the best! Enjoy!
January 8th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Dave,
Its not cruel taunting… its reverse psychological motivation! If King Kong thinks that you won’t make it, you’ll definitely make it for 30 days if not longer!
In all seriousness, I’m joining you in my own minor way this new year; by curtailing my consumption of red meat and perhaps eventually discontinuing it all together. I’m sticking to chicken, turkey, fish and etc. for now and who knows I may yet progress to being a vegetarian like my wife some day.
Hang in there! The offer still stands for Dave’s best BBQ after 30 days. Ivan.
January 7th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Hi Everyone,
Except for the cruel taunting from Ivan the Carnivore, I appreciate the support. The Skoretz and Penniecook families have provided recipe books, the Belliard’s a great web site, and I received an excellent read from the SPH “green team” called an omnivores dilemma. It doesn’t end there, the Nutrition Department under Dr. Sabate, has agreed to provide a vege lunch and cooking instructions once a week, and Dr. Mickey Ask will be leading a 12-step support process for those of us struggling with our temptations.
I am beginning to think I can actually do this.
Dave
January 7th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Dear Dean,
You are not alone, I too take up the green torch and join you in this journey. Living in a mostly vegan household I keep cheating myself into thinking I do not eat much meat, “just an occasional carnivore”. I did not realize how much meat I eat when I go out! Yesterday we went to a Mexican restaurant–Yucatan cuisine….and I caught myself almost ordering the carne asada…then I remembered the dean’s challenge and opted for the Chile relleno instead. Today, was ready to get a quick bite to eat for lunch at Costco, I started ordering a Chicken Cesar Salad, and oops, there it was again, that green little voice…
My vegan wife and kids salute you for a great idea.
Si Se Puede!
JC
PS: One of our Vegan students (Claudia) recommended a great book that was written by Neal Barnard, MD (The Vegetarian Congress keynote speaker). The book is titled “breaking the food seduction: the hidden reasons behind food cravings-and 7 steps to end them naturally” Great read.
January 7th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Dear Dave,
My deepest sympathies & condolences…!!! I will think of you every time I am munching on a “double double”, or wolfing down a rack of ribs at Dave’s best BBQ, or while I’m savoring the curried goat with some beans and rice and etc. I’ll take up the slack in the consumption of “meat” products so that I can do my bit to save the earth/planet too; by reducing the methane output?! Dave’s BBQ after your 30 days of torture will be on me! Ivan.
January 7th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I grew up “veggie” but as soon as I could drive I drove to the “Golden Arches”. I am joining you for this month. At home that means giving up my morning turkey bacon. But it is going out that I know I will struggle. I will be back to post a few of my favorite recipes later.
Thank you also, for raising my awareness of the environmental impact. It is an area I had not thought of before.
Best
Bill
January 7th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Dean DD,
I applaud your open and clear resolution to go meatless for a month and your invitations for others to do the same. Although challenging it is doable!
To make this passage more fun and less painful, you and anyone in the university community with the same goal are invited to the Eat Green Support Group.
We will be meeting Wednesdays from noon to 1 pm at the Research Kitchen in Nichol Hall.
Will see you there!
January 7th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Welcome to the world of vegetarianism! I hope you find the most delightful recipes as you forage for food. Green is great.
January 7th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Well, the day has finally come. I hope that this month is full of flavor, color and energy. I also hope that your challenging patrons have an adventurous month! God bless you and give you strength, perseverance and a “good spoon”!
Tricia