[shawnz]

I actually think this is a legitimate concern. Here's my rationalization: Plants probably don't have a sense of individuality. Personally, I wouldn't care about eating parts of an animal that grew back (like eggs or milk). Plants seem to be no different.

[gitrog]

The dairy industry is arguably worse with regard to animal abuse and mistreatment than the meat industry.

[shawnz]

I agree, but in theory that is solvable

[briefcomment]

What about a carrot?

[shawnz]

I don't think it's clear why the root of a plant like a carrot should have any special significance except to us. What about onions, turnips, potatoes, etc?

That said, there are some who do think the roots are significant: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_vegetarianism

[briefcomment]

I meant a carrot is something that would probably be more individualized than say a strawberry. So I get your point about eating from plants that grow back, but I guess a carrot wouldn’t fall under that categorization.

Also, what about animals that regrow limbs? Would you eat the arms of a starfish every so often?

[shawnz]

I think it's possible combined with ethical farming practices I could be convinced it's not so bad to eat starfish arms (although they don't sound very appetizing).

To be clear I do already eat meat today. I am just not convinced about its necessity and am interested in ways to avoid doing it.