August 4, 2010
PETA Logo
Dr. Joseph Mattioli
CEO and Chair of the Board
Pocono Raceway
2 pages via fax
Dear Dr. Mattioli,
On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 2 million members and supporters, including thousands across Pennsylvania, congratulations on the installation of the new solar “farm” at Pocono Raceway. We’d like to propose that you consider going a step further in helping the planet by serving only vegan food at Pocono, and here’s why:
Leading environmental scientists agree: One of the very best ways to fight climate change is through diet change. A recent United Nations report concluded that a global shift toward a vegan diet is necessary to combat the worst effects of climate change. Researchers at the University of Chicago determined that switching to a vegan diet is more effective in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions than switching from a standard American car to a Toyota Prius. Raising animals for food also pollutes our water, damages ecosystems, and requires massive amounts of water, energy, and land.
Because diets heavy in meat, eggs, and dairy products increase our risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes, you would be helping raceway patrons get on the fast track to better health by serving only vegan food. You would also help spare animals the routine cruelty that comes with factory farming these days.
Serving healthy and delicious vegan fare such as veggie burgers, veggie dogs, and ice cream made with soy milk, almond milk, or rice milk would mean that animals, your customers, and the planet could all end up in the winner’s circle. We’ll even send our gorgeous Lettuce Ladies to Pocono to pass out free faux-chicken sandwiches to racing fans and kick off your new vegan menu. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss this proposal further. Thank you for your consideration and for your concern for the environment.
Sincerely,
Dan Shannon
Director
- PETA.org, Press Release
