From Today's New York Times

To the Editor:

I noticed that the sustainability house at Oberlin College enjoys barbecues with burgers and grilled corn.

Is it possible that for all their water-saving tactics, the students have overlooked a way to save huge amounts of water: cutting out beef?

It can take an estimated 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. Oberlin students can time showers all they want, but one burger will cost them the equivalent of a 45-minute shower every day for a week!

I don’t necessarily advocate vegetarianism, but those looking to improve the sustainability of their lifestyles should take a look at their diet. Reducing meat consumption, particularly of beef, is one of the simplest and most rewarding things we can do.

Nadia Eghbal
Tübingen, Germany, May 26, 2008