James Cameron Goes Vegan for Animals and the Planet

by Ali Berman October 2, 2012
Categories: Eats, Vegan
Tags: james cameron.
Photo: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

Environmentalists adore James Cameron for his environmental activism and for making “Avatar”, the eco film that got the world talking about how we use and abuse our planet.

Now, in a move that helps the earth, people and animals, it seems that the director has gone vegan, and has brought his family along for the ride. When asked about how his family reacted to the plant based diet he said, “…the kids want hamburgers and Coke because they’re kids. But all of human consciousness is five years old emotionally. It’s not a requirement to eat animals, we just choose to do it, so it becomes a moral choice and one that is having a huge impact on the planet, using up resources and destroying the biosphere.”

While we’re all for those celebrities who choose to go vegan for their health, we do love it when we hear about someone like Cameron making the choice to give up animal products for purely ethical reasons. The health benefits are a great added bonus, but it seems he’s doing it because of the animals and the huge amounts of resources it takes to farm them.

Cameron, with his special love for the rainforest, probably knows that one of the biggest contributors to the destruction of those precious bits of land is cattle ranching. Trees are cut down so the cows can graze. And of course, animal agriculture is responsible for a huge portion of greenhouse gases, in part because of how many trees are cut down to accomodate the large animals.

We’re sure with a bit of education, his family will get right on board with reducing their consumption of animal products. Even if they don’t, we’re sure his animal and eco-friendly choice will inspire others beyond his own blood line.

Via Vegetarian Star

About Ali Berman

Ali Berman is a writer, teacher and activist. She works as a humane educator for HEART teaching kids about issues affecting people, animals and the environment. Ali is also a fiction writer. Her published work can be found on her website at aliberman.com. In early 2012 Ali co-founded flipmeover, a production company with the mission to use media to raise awareness of social issues.

View all posts by Ali Berman →

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=555341555 Sunny Songs

love this. Actually though would like to correct something — Usually KIDS LOVE ANIMALS and once they learn those ‘burgers’ are abused tortured murdered animals, usually those ‘kids’ don’t want to ‘eat’ that anymore. unless the parents trick them into doing that bc they are unaware… you might want to update the article. CHILDREN USUALLY LOVE ANIMALS AND DON’T WANT TO HURT THEM UNLESS THEY LEARNED THAT ABUSE FROM THEIR UPBRINGING.
KindGirl

I too battle with my feelings on this. Your statement is true but I worry that statements like this from vegans like us turn people off to considering a plant-based diet.
For the animals, I believe we vegans need to stop making non-vegans feel as though
they are constantly playing defense. I don’t think this is what you had meant to do because I too have this same feeling about people calling, for instance, Bill Clinton a vegan. But seeing as how humans in general are resistant to change, I think we need to be as kind as kind can
be and encourage people to eat plant-based whatever their reasons might
be. We will get nowhere if we keep playing vegans against non-vegans.
Strides for animal welfare will be made over time, not over night. And yes, I totally agree that just because a person eats a plant-based diet does not mean they are vegan. They would also need to give up wearing leather, wool, silk…but I for one am not going to say anything disparaging about someone who wants to give up meat and diary for the environment or for their health. In the end, it helps us with our plight for animal rights. It’s difficult, right?! I don’t want the meaning of veganism to become diluted but I don’t want to turn people off either.
- http://twitter.com/GreenEcoHolic GreenEcoHolic
  
  I think i agree with you. I would also say that if the end result is the same does it matter which reason made an individual become a vegan first? I’m sure doing it for the animals is a reason on the list, but whether it is # 1 on the list or whether planetary concerns inspired veganism first dosen’t make any real difference. everyone evolves differently who are we to judge how some one becomes a vegan and why? to me -as long as we all get there, ultimately that’s what matters most
Stellar Energy

It is always encouraging when things that are good for the planet get a celebrity endorsement like this. Have you seen this video and his push for solar at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUU8Zxdao ?
http://www.facebook.com/john.mooter John Mooter

Welcome to the vegan community!
http://www.facebook.com/john.mooter John Mooter

I would agree, but certainly concern for human health and the planet are vegan ethics! It is always a win-win,If we care about the planet and our health, veganism is optimal.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754328137 Nicci Winsmore

That is wonderful news. Finally a celebrity which sees beyond selfish values.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754328137 Nicci Winsmore

True but the whole definition is Ahimsa, to do the least harm possible and that includes other humans, the planet, and ourselves. Animals are the first reason obviously.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-H-Stafursky/1093523837 Richard H. Stafursky

Good job! Just say no to AUHM (animals under human management) and just let the species forest be.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1084763167 David Goodwin

Nice to hear. He isn’t just making a point about it, he’s doing something about it personally. I’m a vegetarian (sorry, not vegan).
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1084763167 David Goodwin

A vegan/vegetarian is a vegan/vegetarian regardless of their reasons. Ultimately although people who do this for the sake of the animal could be morally the best, the result is the same regardless. If you stigmatise anyone who chooses to do so for alternative reasons that may prevent people from doing so for other reasons so the problem is increased. In short, the result is the same.
This is, however, not to be confused with misguided non-veggies/vegans who, for example, eat fish. I am a vegetarian and I was told that because I don’t eat any meat or fish ever etc. I am an extreme vegetarian or a strong vegetarian or something like that. You are or you aren’t. If you are only partially vegetarian/vegan, you are not that.
AMGprod.

Who are limited just to a vegetable diet is not a true vegan.
Veganism is and has always been about ethics, not about stomach and digestion.