Get the Scoop Behind Aaron Behnke's New Ad

Why did Aaron Behnke cross the road?

To star in this awesome new pro-vegetarian ad for peta2.

Pro BMX rider Behnke has been a vegetarian for more than 10 years, and he makes sure he keeps all his gear cow-friendly. How? By accepting sponsorship from companies that have quality vegan and leather-free products, like UGP and Etnies. What a guy.

So, what's the deal with Aaron's ad? Notice his quote, “Go Natural. Go Cruelty-Free. Go Vegetarian.”? Right—well, we have a few tidbits of info as to what Aaron's getting at.

While humans have eaten meat throughout history, there is significant evidence that we are better suited to a vegetarian diet. Carnivorous animals have long, curved fangs, claws, and a short digestive tract. Humans have flat, flexible nails, and our so-called “canine” teeth are minuscule compared to carnivores'. Human teeth are better suited for biting into vegetables, fruits, and grains than tearing through tough hides.

The health problems associated with meat consumption—a leading contributor to heart disease, cancer, strokes, diabetes, and obesity—should be an indication that we aren't meant to eat meat. In addition, humans are capable of making ethical decisions. We can get all the nutrients we need from plant sources, which means that billions of animals are unnecessarily slaughtered every year at the expense of our health and the environment.

When land is used to raise animals instead of crops, water and soil are lost, trees are cut down to make land for grazing or factory-farm sheds, and untreated animal waste pollutes rivers and streams. In fact, it has such a devastating effect on all aspects of our environment that the Union of Concerned Scientists lists meat-eating as the second-biggest environmental hazard facing the Earth.

There you have it! That's an expanded version of Aaron's statement, and we hope that you'll take his message to heart and consider looking into the small things you can do to follow his lead.