Diet for a New America facts for kids
Diet for a New America is a very important nonfiction book written by John Robbins in 1987. A nonfiction book shares true facts and information. This book became a bestseller, meaning lots of people bought and read it.
The book talks about how factory farming affects our health, the well-being of animals, and the environment. Factory farming is a way of raising many animals for food in large, industrial settings. The book shares an animal-rights, pro-environment, and vegetarian message. It was even nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Non-Fiction in 1987, which is a very famous award for books.
In 1991, a TV station called KCET in Los Angeles made a film documentary based on the book. It was called Diet for a New America: Your Health, Your Planet. John Robbins himself narrated the film. It also featured interviews with experts like Michael Klaper, T. Colin Campbell, and John A. McDougall.
How "Diet for a New America" Made a Difference
In 1988, John Robbins started a non-profit group called EarthSave. A non-profit organization works for a good cause instead of making money. EarthSave's goal was to help people take action after reading the book. Many readers wanted to do something positive.
In its busiest time in the early 1990s, EarthSave had about 10 chapters across the United States. These chapters helped share information with people who weren't vegetarian. They set up information tables and organized fun vegetarian social events. They also worked to raise awareness about vegetarianism, animal welfare, and food system issues.
The book and the documentary film had a big impact on many people. They encouraged many to choose a vegetarian or vegan diet. A vegetarian diet means not eating meat, while a vegan diet means not eating any animal products, like meat, dairy, or eggs. Famous people like Emily Deschanel, Davey Havok, Avery Yale Kamila, Russell Simmons, and Weird Al Yankovic have said the book or film influenced them.
About the Book's Editions
In 2012, a special 25th-anniversary edition of the book was released. It was available as a paperback book, an audiobook you can listen to, and an electronic book you can read on a screen.
