{"id":9591,"date":"2014-07-15T23:21:38","date_gmt":"2014-07-16T06:21:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/?p=9591"},"modified":"2015-10-21T00:49:34","modified_gmt":"2015-10-21T07:49:34","slug":"why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/","title":{"rendered":"Why I am a Vegetarian by Richard St. Barbe Baker 1957"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#_I_am_convinced_that_the_vegan_way_of_life_is_the_only_sane_way_of_life_and_realising_that_the_basic_cause_of_tension_is_growing_populations_and_diminishing_food_sources_for_the_past_ten_years_I_have_devoted_much_of_my_time_to_studying_the_question_of_food_production_and_the_problems_of_large_scale_land_reclamation_by_tree_planting\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\"  >~ I am convinced that the vegan way of life is the only sane way of life, and realising that the basic cause of tension is growing populations and diminishing food sources, for the past ten years I have devoted much of my time to studying the question of food production and the problems of large scale land reclamation by tree planting. ~<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#Richard_St_Barbe_Baker_%E2%80%93_writing_in_1957_%E2%80%93_source\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\"  >Richard St. Barbe Baker &#8211; writing in 1957 &#8211; source<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#Richard_St_Barbe_Baker_preparing_to_plant_trees_in_Nairobi_Kenya_in_1953_image_Brilliant_Star_Magazine_Source\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\"  >Richard St. Barbe Baker preparing to plant trees in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1953 (image Brilliant Star Magazine) Source<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#WHY_I_AM_A_VEGETARIAN\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\"  >WHY I AM A VEGETARIAN<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#RICHARD_ST_BARBE_BAKER\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\"  >RICHARD ST. BARBE BAKER<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#_Founder_The_Men_of_the_Trees\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\"  >\u00a0Founder, The Men of the Trees<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#When_that_question_is_fired_at_me_point_blank_I_find_it_a_difficult_one_to_answer_because_it_has_become_a_way_of_life_To_answer_it_fully_would_mean_telling_my_life_story_and_the_long_way_by_which_I_have_come\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\"  >When that question is fired at me point blank, I find it a difficult one to answer, because it has become a way of life. To answer it fully would mean telling my life story and the long way by which I have come.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#I_was_not_brought_up_as_a_vegetarian_although_the_amount_of_anything_consumed_at_home_other_than_home-made_bread_and_cheese_vegetables_and_salads_was_infinitesimal_In_my_case_there_was_no_sudden_conversion_I_cannot_claim_that_I_saw_the_light_which_transformed_my_way_of_life_but_I_first_became_conscious_of_the_physical_advantage_of_abstention_from_meat_when_in_preparation_for_settlement_in_Canada_I_went_into_training_on_a_fruit_farm_in_Hampshire_I_camped_with_the_young_proprietor_who_was_a_man_of_character_agile_in_mind_and_body_who_had_made_the_plunge_from_a_London_suburban_life_to_that_of_a_fruit_farm_in_the_depth_of_the_country_We_had_a_set_of_boxing_gloves_and_when_the_days_work_was_done_we_used_to_put_on_the_gloves_and_devote_a_few_minutes_to_strenuous_sparring_He_was_in_beautiful_fettle_and_although_I_was_taller_and_had_a_longer_reach_I_had_to_admit_his_superiority_When_camping_with_him_meat_did_not_enter_into_our_diet_we_had_eggs_cheese_home-made_wholemeal_bread_fresh_and_dried_fruit_and_goats_milk_Up_in_the_north-west_of_Canada_where_I_enjoyed_3_12_years_in_the_wide_open_spaces_I_was_told_that_an_ounce_of_dates_was_equivalent_in_food_value_to_a_pound_of_beef_so_when_I_was_alone_home-made_wholemeal_bread_and_dates_became_my_staple_diet_I_bought_dates_by_the_crate_at_about_2_cents_a_pound\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\"  >I was not brought up as a vegetarian, although the amount of anything consumed at home other than home-made bread and cheese, vegetables and salads, was infinitesimal. In my case there was no sudden conversion: I cannot claim that I saw the light which transformed my way of life, but I first became conscious of the physical advantage of abstention from meat when, in preparation for settlement in Canada, I went into training on a fruit farm in Hampshire. I camped with the young proprietor, who was a man of character, agile in mind and body, who had made the plunge from a London suburban life to that of a fruit farm in the depth of the country. We had a set of boxing gloves and, when the day&#8217;s work was done, we used to put on the gloves and devote a few minutes to strenuous sparring. He was in beautiful fettle and although I was taller and had a longer reach, I had to admit his superiority. When camping with him, meat did not enter into our diet: we had eggs, cheese, home-made wholemeal bread, fresh and dried fruit and goat&#8217;s milk. Up in the north-west of Canada, where I enjoyed 3 1\/2 years in the wide open spaces, I was told that an ounce of dates was equivalent in food value to a pound of beef so, when I was alone, home-made wholemeal bread and dates became my staple diet. I bought dates by the crate at about 2 cents a pound.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#Richard_St_Barbe_Baker_first_came_to_Saskatoon_Canada_as_a_youth_in_1908_with_the_intention_of_homesteading_at_Beaver_Creek_Source\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\"  >Richard St. Barbe Baker\u00a0first came to Saskatoon, Canada as a youth in 1908 with the intention of homesteading at Beaver Creek. Source<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#When_the_war_came_I_was_back_in_England_at_Cambridge_and_I_was_put_through_my_cavalry_and_artillery_training_and_afterwards_to_the_front_line_got_so_ravenous_that_one_lost_sensibility_and_all_ones_scruples_vanished\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\"  >When the war came, I was back in England, at Cambridge, and I was put through my cavalry and artillery training and afterwards, to the front line, got so ravenous that one lost sensibility and all one&#8217;s scruples vanished.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#In_East_Africa_where_I_was_in_the_Forest_Service_it_was_easy_to_be_a_vegetarian_or_even_a_vegan_In_Nigeria_where_I_lived_on_a_creek_I_lapsed_sometimes_and_had_fish_and_ground_nut-stew_After_7_12_years_on_the_equator_I_was_put_on_a_home-bound_boat_to_die_with_malaria_and_after_that_ordeal_I_became_more_sensitive_and_found_myself_drawn_more_and_more_to_vegetarianism_and_the_vegetarian_way_or_life\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\"  >In East Africa, where I was in the Forest Service, it was easy to be a vegetarian or even a vegan. In Nigeria, where I lived on a creek, I lapsed sometimes and had fish and ground nut-stew. After 7 1\/2 years on the equator, I was put on a home-bound boat to die with malaria, and after that ordeal I became more sensitive and found myself drawn more and more to vegetarianism and the vegetarian way or life.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#When_farming_in_the_south_of_England_the_cruelty_to_animals_caused_through_the_demand_for_meat_was_brought_home_to_me_very_forcibly_We_spent_our_days_rearing_little_calves_and_lambs_and_when_the_time_came_for_them_to_go_to_market_they_were_boxed_up_in_a_lorry_and_driven_off_It_must_have_been_a_frightening_experience_for_them_and_then_on_the_top_of_it_to_be_poked_about_by_rough_strangers_and_prodded_with_sticks_and_again_to_be_boxed_up_and_driven_off_to_an_unknown_destination_I_shrank_from_raising_creatures_to_be_killed_and_gave_up_farming_As_a_boy_I_was_taught_never_to_expect_anybody_else_to_do_things_for_me_that_l_could_not_or_would_not_do_for_myself_and_I_believe_that_if_everybody_had_to_be_their_own_butcher_there_would_be_a_great_many_more_vegetarians\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\"  >When farming in the south of England, the cruelty to animals caused through the demand for meat, was brought home to me very forcibly. We spent our days rearing little calves and lambs, and when the time came for them to go to market, they were boxed up in a lorry and driven off. It must have been a frightening experience for them, and then on the top of it to be poked about by rough strangers and prodded with sticks and again to be boxed up and driven off to an unknown destination. I shrank from raising creatures to be killed, and gave up farming. As a boy, I was taught never to expect anybody else to do things for me that l could not, or would not do for myself, and I believe that if everybody had to be their own butcher, there would be a great many more vegetarians.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#14th_World_Vegetarian_Congress_1955_Paris_France\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\"  >14th World Vegetarian Congress 1955 Paris, France\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#A_snap_taken_by_the_Editor_at_the_Hotel_de_Ville_before_the_official_Civic_Reception_given_for_the_IVU_Congress_The_group_includes_Mrs_Clarence_Gasque_IVU_President_Mr_Richard_St_Barbe_Baker_second_from_left_Mr_and_Mrs_Woodland_Kahler_Mr_Oluf_Egerod_Dr_and_Mrs_Sypkens_and_Mrs_K_M_Ireland_Source\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\"  >A snap taken by the Editor at the Hotel de Ville before the official Civic Reception given for the I.V.U. Congress The group includes Mrs. Clarence Gasque (I.V.U. President), Mr. Richard St. Barbe Baker (second from left) , Mr. and Mrs. Woodland Kahler, Mr. Oluf Egerod, Dr. and Mrs. Sypkens, and Mrs. K. M. Ireland. Source<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#I_am_convinced_that_the_vegan_way_of_life_is_the_only_sane_way_of_life_and_realising_that_the_basic_cause_of_tension_is_growing_populations_and_diminishing_food_sources_for_the_past_ten_years_I_have_devoted_much_of_my_time_to_studying_the_question_of_food_production_and_the_problems_of_large_scale_land_reclamation_by_tree_planting_It_has_been_found_that_in_the_USA_it_takes_two_and_three-quarter_acres_to_feed_a_person_in_England_two_and_a_quarter_acres_At_one_of_the_New_Earth_Luncheons_which_I_organized_in_London_to_bring_together_leading_intelligentsia_and_functionaries_the_Secretary_of_the_London_Vegetarian_Society_showed_that_if_we_became_vegetarians_we_could_live_on_one_and_a_quarter_acres_He_was_followed_by_the_representative_of_the_vegans_who_claimed_that_if_we_stopped_exploiting_animals_an_acre_of_land_would_support_eight_people_as_in_Java_I_am_convinced_that_if_we_could_gradually_switch_from_an_agricultural_to_a_sylvan_economy_there_would_be_ample_for_all_and_the_tensions_between_east_and_west_would_be_removed_We_now_know_that_there_is_not_sufficient_virgin_soil_in_the_world_to_feed_animals_which_we_kill_to_feed_ourselves_Besides_it_is_a_roundabout_way_to_get_ones_food\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\"  >I am convinced that the vegan way of life is the only sane way of life, and realising that the basic cause of tension is growing populations and diminishing food sources, for the past ten years I have devoted much of my time to studying the question of food production and the problems of large scale land reclamation by tree planting. It has been found that in the U.S.A. it takes two and three-quarter acres to feed a person: in England two and a quarter acres. At one of the New Earth Luncheons which I organized in London, to bring together leading intelligentsia and functionaries, the Secretary of the London Vegetarian Society showed that, if we became vegetarians, we could live on one and a quarter acres. He was followed by the representative of the vegans, who claimed that, if we stopped exploiting animals, an acre of land would support eight people, as in Java. I am convinced that if we could gradually switch from an agricultural to a sylvan economy, there would be ample for all and the tensions between east and west would be removed. We now know that there is not sufficient virgin soil in the world to feed animals which we kill to feed ourselves. Besides, it is a roundabout way to get one&#8217;s food.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#If_Man_is_the_most_advanced_creature_in_the_animal_kingdom_and_the_tree_is_the_highest_development_in_the_plant_kingdom_surely_the_fruit_of_the_tree_rather_than_the_carcasses_of_inferior_animals_is_the_natural_diet_for_man_In_my_garden_in_Kenya_I_grew_fifteen_different_types_of_fruits_and_numerous_vegetables\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\"  >If Man is the most advanced creature in the animal kingdom and the tree is the highest development in the plant kingdom, surely the fruit of the tree, rather than the carcasses of inferior animals, is the natural diet for man. In my garden in Kenya, I grew fifteen different types of fruits and numerous vegetables.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#Let_us_retrace_our_steps_and_see_where_we_went_wrong_We_may_discover_that_the_trouble_started_when_man_became_a_herdsman_and_fought_for_grazing_lands_for_his_flocks_and_herds_The_deserts_of_the_world_have_been_caused_by_nomadic_farming_and_over-grazing_until_today_there_is_no_virgin_land_left_so_our_next_move_must_be_to_deserts_The_greatest_desert_is_the_Sahara_and_that_today_is_the_greatest_challenge_to_the_world_The_task_of_reclaiming_this_vast_area_the_size_of_Australia_and_even_bigger_than_the_whole_of_the_USA_will_need_the_concerted_action_of_every_country_At_first_sight_this_would_appear_to_be_an_impossible_task_but_I_submit_that_if_it_were_tackled_with_the_same_seriousness_and_enterprise_with_which_we_make_war_it_could_be_done_The_discovery_of_the_Intercalary_Continental_Aquifer_a_subterranean_lake_500_miles_long_and_150_miles_wide_will_help_The_battle_against_the_Sahara_could_employ_22000000_workers_which_is_equivalent_to_the_standing_armies_of_the_world_to-day_With_these_workers_will_be_required_all_the_ingenuity_or_modern_science_and_if_we_declare_total_war_on_this_desert_instead_of_upon_each_other_in_eight_years_we_could_rehabilitate_100000000_in_what_is_now_desert_but_was_once_the_garden_of_the_earth_with_a_perfect_climate_and_make_it_fruitful_again_In_so_doing_we_would_usher_in_an_era_of_well-being_and_prosperity_and_mankind_everywhere_would_choose_to_return_to_the_garden_culture_and_live_on_the_fruit_of_the_earth\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\"  >Let us retrace our steps and see where we went wrong. We may discover that the trouble started when man became a herdsman and fought for grazing lands for his flocks and herds. The deserts of the world have been caused by nomadic farming and over-grazing, until today there is no virgin land left, so our next move must be to deserts. The greatest desert is the Sahara, and that today is the greatest challenge to the world. The task of reclaiming this vast area, the size of Australia and even bigger than the whole of the U.S.A., will need the concerted action of every country. At first sight this would appear to be an impossible task, but I submit that, if it were tackled with the same seriousness and enterprise with which we make war, it could be done. The discovery of the Intercalary Continental Aquifer, a subterranean lake, 500 miles long and 150 miles wide will help. The battle against the Sahara could employ 22,000,000 workers, which is equivalent to the standing armies of the world to-day. With these workers will be required all the ingenuity or modern science, and if we declare total war on this desert instead of upon each other, in eight years we could rehabilitate 100,000,000 in what is now desert, but was once the garden of the earth, with a perfect climate and make it fruitful again. In so doing, we would usher in an era of well-being and prosperity, and mankind everywhere would choose to return to the garden culture and live on the fruit of the earth.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#Richard_St_Barbe_Baker_%E2%80%9CThe_Man_of_the_Trees%E2%80%9D_Rudy_Haase_describes_St_Barbe_Baker_as_a_%E2%80%9CPatron_Saint_to_the_Friends_of_Nature%E2%80%9D_This_photo_was_taken_by_Randell_Steuler_at_the_Grove_of_Understanding_Redwood_National_Park_CA_on_May_22_1982_on_the_occasion_of_the_dedication_as_a_World_Heritage_Site_Source\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\"  >Richard St. Barbe Baker, &#8220;The Man of the Trees.&#8221; Rudy Haase describes St. Barbe Baker as a &#8220;Patron Saint to the Friends of Nature.&#8221; This photo was taken by Randell Steuler at the Grove of Understanding, Redwood National Park, CA on May 22, 1982 on the occasion of the dedication as a World Heritage Site. Source<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#Richard_St_Barbe_Baker_%E2%80%93_click_here_for_Wiki\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\"  >Richard St. Barbe Baker &#8211; click here for Wiki<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#International_Tree_Foundation_%E2%80%93_click_here_for_site\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\"  >International Tree Foundation &#8211; click here for site<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#_The_Ernest_Bell_Library_is_actively_preserving_sharing_%E2%80%93\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\"  >\u00a0The Ernest Bell Library\u00a0is actively\u00a0preserving &amp; sharing: &#8211;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#items_related_to_vegetarian_products\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\"  >items related to veg(etari)an products.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#vegetarian_books_other_publications\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\"  >veg(etari)an books &amp; other publications.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#items_related_to_vegetarian_organisations\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\"  >items related to\u00a0veg(etari)an\u00a0organisations.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#items_related_to_vegetarian_businesses\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\"  >items related to\u00a0veg(etari)an businesses.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#items_related_to_animal_rights_organisations\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\"  >items related to\u00a0animal rights organisations.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#animal_rights_publications\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\"  >animal rights publications.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#items_related_to_humanitarian_organisations\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\"  >items related to\u00a0humanitarian organisations.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#humanitarian_publications\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\"  >humanitarian publications.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#items_related_to_rambling_clubs_run_by_members_of_the_above_groups_related_publications\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\"  >items related to\u00a0rambling clubs run by members of the above groups &amp; related publications.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#If_anyone_would_like_to_help_by_either_Adopting_or_Sponsoring_items_in_the_library_please_be_in_touch\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\"  >If anyone would like to help by either Adopting or Sponsoring items in the library, please be in touch.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#We_are_working_seriously_on_cataloging_the_collection_as_when_funds_are_available\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\"  >We are working seriously on cataloging the collection, as &amp; when funds are available.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\"  >\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#If_anyone_would_like_more_information_please_send_an_email_to_%E2%80%93\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\"  >If anyone would like more information, please send an email to:\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#humanitarianleague_at_outlook_dot_com\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\"  >humanitarianleague (at) outlook (dot) com\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#%E2%80%93_or_message_me_through_HappyCow_%E2%80%93\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\"  >&#8211; or message me through\u00a0HappyCow\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#https_wwwhappycownetblogauthorJohnnySensible\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\"  >https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/author\/JohnnySensible\/<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_I_am_convinced_that_the_vegan_way_of_life_is_the_only_sane_way_of_life_and_realising_that_the_basic_cause_of_tension_is_growing_populations_and_diminishing_food_sources_for_the_past_ten_years_I_have_devoted_much_of_my_time_to_studying_the_question_of_food_production_and_the_problems_of_large_scale_land_reclamation_by_tree_planting\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\">~ I am convinced that the vegan way of life is the only sane way of life, and realising that the basic cause of tension is growing populations and diminishing food sources, for the past ten years I have devoted much of my time to studying the question of food production and the problems of large scale land reclamation by tree planting. ~ <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Richard St. Barbe Baker &#8211; writing in 1957 &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/issuu.com\/vegan_society\/docs\/the-vegan-summer-1957\" title=\"The Vegan - Summer 1957\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow\">source<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Richard-St.-Barbe-Baker-preparing-to-plant-trees-in-Nairobi-Kenya-in-1953.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9592 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Richard-St.-Barbe-Baker-preparing-to-plant-trees-in-Nairobi-Kenya-in-1953.jpg\" alt=\"Richard-St.-Barbe-Baker-preparing-to-plant-trees-in-Nairobi-Kenya-in-1953\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" \/><\/a>Richard St. Barbe Baker preparing to plant trees in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1953 (image Brilliant Star Magazine) <a href=\"http:\/\/www.edwardgoldsmith.org\/927\/richard-st-barbe-baker\/richard-st-barbe-baker-preparing-to-plant-trees-in-nairobi-kenya-in-1953-image-brilliant-star-magazine\/\" title=\"Richard St. Barbe Baker preparing to plant trees in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1953 (image Brilliant Star Magazine)\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow\">Source<\/a><\/h5>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WHY_I_AM_A_VEGETARIAN\"><\/span>WHY I AM A VEGETARIAN<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"RICHARD_ST_BARBE_BAKER\"><\/span>RICHARD ST. BARBE BAKER<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Founder_The_Men_of_the_Trees\"><\/span>\u00a0<em>Founder, The Men of the Trees<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_that_question_is_fired_at_me_point_blank_I_find_it_a_difficult_one_to_answer_because_it_has_become_a_way_of_life_To_answer_it_fully_would_mean_telling_my_life_story_and_the_long_way_by_which_I_have_come\"><\/span>When that question is fired at me point blank, I find it a difficult one to answer, because it has become a way of life. To answer it fully would mean telling my life story and the long way by which I have come.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_was_not_brought_up_as_a_vegetarian_although_the_amount_of_anything_consumed_at_home_other_than_home-made_bread_and_cheese_vegetables_and_salads_was_infinitesimal_In_my_case_there_was_no_sudden_conversion_I_cannot_claim_that_I_saw_the_light_which_transformed_my_way_of_life_but_I_first_became_conscious_of_the_physical_advantage_of_abstention_from_meat_when_in_preparation_for_settlement_in_Canada_I_went_into_training_on_a_fruit_farm_in_Hampshire_I_camped_with_the_young_proprietor_who_was_a_man_of_character_agile_in_mind_and_body_who_had_made_the_plunge_from_a_London_suburban_life_to_that_of_a_fruit_farm_in_the_depth_of_the_country_We_had_a_set_of_boxing_gloves_and_when_the_days_work_was_done_we_used_to_put_on_the_gloves_and_devote_a_few_minutes_to_strenuous_sparring_He_was_in_beautiful_fettle_and_although_I_was_taller_and_had_a_longer_reach_I_had_to_admit_his_superiority_When_camping_with_him_meat_did_not_enter_into_our_diet_we_had_eggs_cheese_home-made_wholemeal_bread_fresh_and_dried_fruit_and_goats_milk_Up_in_the_north-west_of_Canada_where_I_enjoyed_3_12_years_in_the_wide_open_spaces_I_was_told_that_an_ounce_of_dates_was_equivalent_in_food_value_to_a_pound_of_beef_so_when_I_was_alone_home-made_wholemeal_bread_and_dates_became_my_staple_diet_I_bought_dates_by_the_crate_at_about_2_cents_a_pound\"><\/span>I was not brought up as a vegetarian, although the amount of anything consumed at home other than home-made bread and cheese, vegetables and salads, was infinitesimal. In my case there was no sudden conversion: I cannot claim that I saw the light which transformed my way of life, but I first became conscious of the physical advantage of abstention from meat when, in preparation for settlement in Canada, I went into training on a fruit farm in Hampshire. I camped with the young proprietor, who was a man of character, agile in mind and body, who had made the plunge from a London suburban life to that of a fruit farm in the depth of the country. We had a set of boxing gloves and, when the day&#8217;s work was done, we used to put on the gloves and devote a few minutes to strenuous sparring. He was in beautiful fettle and although I was taller and had a longer reach, I had to admit his superiority. When camping with him, meat did not enter into our diet: we had eggs, cheese, home-made wholemeal bread, fresh and dried fruit and goat&#8217;s milk. Up in the north-west of Canada, where I enjoyed 3 1\/2 years in the wide open spaces, I was told that an ounce of dates was equivalent in food value to a pound of beef so, when I was alone, home-made wholemeal bread and dates became my staple diet. I bought dates by the crate at about 2 cents a pound.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/richard_baker_canada.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9594\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/richard_baker_canada.jpg\" alt=\"richard_baker_canada\" width=\"300\" height=\"307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/richard_baker_canada.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/richard_baker_canada-293x300.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/richard_baker_canada-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\">Richard St. Barbe Baker\u00a0first came to Saskatoon, Canada as a youth in 1908 with the intention of homesteading at Beaver Creek. <a href=\"http:\/\/econet.ca\/sk_enviro_champions\/richard_baker.html\" title=\"Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker, O.B.E. (1889-1982) He was affectionately known as the 'Man of the Trees.' Although born in England, Richard St. Barbe Baker - the world-renowned forester had a long association with Saskatchewan.\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow\">Source<\/a><\/h5>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_the_war_came_I_was_back_in_England_at_Cambridge_and_I_was_put_through_my_cavalry_and_artillery_training_and_afterwards_to_the_front_line_got_so_ravenous_that_one_lost_sensibility_and_all_ones_scruples_vanished\"><\/span>When the war came, I was back in England, at Cambridge, and I was put through my cavalry and artillery training and afterwards, to the front line, got so ravenous that one lost sensibility and all one&#8217;s scruples vanished.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_East_Africa_where_I_was_in_the_Forest_Service_it_was_easy_to_be_a_vegetarian_or_even_a_vegan_In_Nigeria_where_I_lived_on_a_creek_I_lapsed_sometimes_and_had_fish_and_ground_nut-stew_After_7_12_years_on_the_equator_I_was_put_on_a_home-bound_boat_to_die_with_malaria_and_after_that_ordeal_I_became_more_sensitive_and_found_myself_drawn_more_and_more_to_vegetarianism_and_the_vegetarian_way_or_life\"><\/span>In East Africa, where I was in the Forest Service, it was easy to be a vegetarian or even a vegan. In Nigeria, where I lived on a creek, I lapsed sometimes and had fish and ground nut-stew. After 7 1\/2 years on the equator, I was put on a home-bound boat to die with malaria, and after that ordeal I became more sensitive and found myself drawn more and more to vegetarianism and the vegetarian way or life.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_farming_in_the_south_of_England_the_cruelty_to_animals_caused_through_the_demand_for_meat_was_brought_home_to_me_very_forcibly_We_spent_our_days_rearing_little_calves_and_lambs_and_when_the_time_came_for_them_to_go_to_market_they_were_boxed_up_in_a_lorry_and_driven_off_It_must_have_been_a_frightening_experience_for_them_and_then_on_the_top_of_it_to_be_poked_about_by_rough_strangers_and_prodded_with_sticks_and_again_to_be_boxed_up_and_driven_off_to_an_unknown_destination_I_shrank_from_raising_creatures_to_be_killed_and_gave_up_farming_As_a_boy_I_was_taught_never_to_expect_anybody_else_to_do_things_for_me_that_l_could_not_or_would_not_do_for_myself_and_I_believe_that_if_everybody_had_to_be_their_own_butcher_there_would_be_a_great_many_more_vegetarians\"><\/span>When farming in the south of England, the cruelty to animals caused through the demand for meat, was brought home to me very forcibly. We spent our days rearing little calves and lambs, and when the time came for them to go to market, they were boxed up in a lorry and driven off. It must have been a frightening experience for them, and then on the top of it to be poked about by rough strangers and prodded with sticks and again to be boxed up and driven off to an unknown destination. I shrank from raising creatures to be killed, and gave up farming. As a boy, I was taught never to expect anybody else to do things for me that l could not, or would not do for myself, and I believe that if everybody had to be their own butcher, there would be a great many more vegetarians.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Baker_paris17.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9595 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Baker_paris17.jpg\" alt=\"Baker_paris17\" width=\"576\" height=\"417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Baker_paris17.jpg 576w, https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Baker_paris17-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a>14th World Vegetarian Congress 1955 Paris, France\u00a0<i style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0<\/i><\/h5>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><i style=\"color: #000000;\">A snap taken by the Editor at the Hotel de Ville before the official Civic Reception given for the I.V.U. Congress The group includes Mrs. Clarence Gasque (I.V.U. President), Mr. Richard St. Barbe Baker (second from left) , Mr. and Mrs. Woodland Kahler, Mr. Oluf Egerod, Dr. and Mrs. Sypkens, and Mrs. K. M. Ireland. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ivu.org\/congress\/wvc55\/report.html\" title=\"The principal lecturers were :-Pasteur Raymond Mayer, Dr. Jean Nussbaum, Dr. Ralph Bircher, Professor Aldo Capitini, M.Raymond Dextreit, Mr. Richard St. Barbe Baker, M. Louis de Costier, Abb\u00e9 Lefevre, Dr. Douglas Latto, Dr. Libert Bonastre, Mr Woodland Kahler, Mr. Helios 0lff, Frau Ecker-Lauer, Dr. Ganz, and Mr. J. N. Mankar.\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow\">Source<\/a><\/i><\/h5>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_am_convinced_that_the_vegan_way_of_life_is_the_only_sane_way_of_life_and_realising_that_the_basic_cause_of_tension_is_growing_populations_and_diminishing_food_sources_for_the_past_ten_years_I_have_devoted_much_of_my_time_to_studying_the_question_of_food_production_and_the_problems_of_large_scale_land_reclamation_by_tree_planting_It_has_been_found_that_in_the_USA_it_takes_two_and_three-quarter_acres_to_feed_a_person_in_England_two_and_a_quarter_acres_At_one_of_the_New_Earth_Luncheons_which_I_organized_in_London_to_bring_together_leading_intelligentsia_and_functionaries_the_Secretary_of_the_London_Vegetarian_Society_showed_that_if_we_became_vegetarians_we_could_live_on_one_and_a_quarter_acres_He_was_followed_by_the_representative_of_the_vegans_who_claimed_that_if_we_stopped_exploiting_animals_an_acre_of_land_would_support_eight_people_as_in_Java_I_am_convinced_that_if_we_could_gradually_switch_from_an_agricultural_to_a_sylvan_economy_there_would_be_ample_for_all_and_the_tensions_between_east_and_west_would_be_removed_We_now_know_that_there_is_not_sufficient_virgin_soil_in_the_world_to_feed_animals_which_we_kill_to_feed_ourselves_Besides_it_is_a_roundabout_way_to_get_ones_food\"><\/span>I am convinced that the vegan way of life is the only sane way of life, and realising that the basic cause of tension is growing populations and diminishing food sources, for the past ten years I have devoted much of my time to studying the question of food production and the problems of large scale land reclamation by tree planting. It has been found that in the U.S.A. it takes two and three-quarter acres to feed a person: in England two and a quarter acres. At one of the New Earth Luncheons which I organized in London, to bring together leading intelligentsia and functionaries, the Secretary of the London Vegetarian Society showed that, if we became vegetarians, we could live on one and a quarter acres. He was followed by the representative of the vegans, who claimed that, if we stopped exploiting animals, an acre of land would support eight people, as in Java. I am convinced that if we could gradually switch from an agricultural to a sylvan economy, there would be ample for all and the tensions between east and west would be removed. We now know that there is not sufficient virgin soil in the world to feed animals which we kill to feed ourselves. Besides, it is a roundabout way to get one&#8217;s food.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_Man_is_the_most_advanced_creature_in_the_animal_kingdom_and_the_tree_is_the_highest_development_in_the_plant_kingdom_surely_the_fruit_of_the_tree_rather_than_the_carcasses_of_inferior_animals_is_the_natural_diet_for_man_In_my_garden_in_Kenya_I_grew_fifteen_different_types_of_fruits_and_numerous_vegetables\"><\/span>If Man is the most advanced creature in the animal kingdom and the tree is the highest development in the plant kingdom, surely the fruit of the tree, rather than the carcasses of inferior animals, is the natural diet for man. In my garden in Kenya, I grew fifteen different types of fruits and numerous vegetables.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Let us retrace our steps and see where we went wrong. We may discover that the trouble started when man became a herdsman and fought for grazing lands for his flocks and herds. The deserts of the world have been caused by nomadic farming and over-grazing, until today there is no virgin land left, so our next move must be to deserts. The greatest desert is the Sahara, and that today is the greatest challenge to the world. The task of reclaiming this vast area, the size of Australia and even bigger than the whole of the U.S.A., will need the concerted action of every country. At first sight this would appear to be an impossible task, but I submit that, if it were tackled with the same seriousness and enterprise with which we make war, it could be done. The discovery of the <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tuat\" title=\"There is almost no rainfall in the region and the agriculture depends on groundwater from the Continental Intercalary (Continental Intercalaire in French), an enormous aquifer that extends for over 600,000 km2, an area that includes parts of Algeria, Libya and Tunisia. The Continental Intercalary is a layer of porous sandstone deposited between the Moscovian and the Cenomanian periods. It forms the deeper of the two aquifers of the North Western Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS). Tuat is situated at the south western boundary of the Continental Intercalary where the aquifer lies only 2\u20136 m below the surface.\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow\">Intercalary Continental Aquifer<\/a>, a subterranean lake, 500 miles long and 150 miles wide will help. The battle against the Sahara could employ 22,000,000 workers, which is equivalent to the standing armies of the world to-day. With these workers will be required all the ingenuity or modern science, and if we declare total war on this desert instead of upon each other, in eight years we could rehabilitate 100,000,000 in what is now desert, but was once the garden of the earth, with a perfect climate and make it fruitful again. In so doing, we would usher in an era of well-being and prosperity, and mankind everywhere would choose to return to the garden culture and live on the fruit of the earth.<\/h4>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Barbe-Ca.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9593 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Barbe-Ca.jpg\" alt=\"Barbe-Ca\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Barbe-Ca.jpg 576w, https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Barbe-Ca-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a>Richard St. Barbe Baker, &#8220;The Man of the Trees.&#8221; Rudy Haase describes St. Barbe Baker as a &#8220;Patron Saint to the Friends of Nature.&#8221; This photo was taken by Randell Steuler at the Grove of Understanding, Redwood National Park, CA on May 22, 1982 on the occasion of the dedication as a World Heritage Site. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.friends-of-nature.ca\/include\/history.htm\" title=\"Richard St. Barbe Baker, &quot;The Man of the Trees.&quot; Rudy Haase describes St. Barbe Baker as a &quot;Patron Saint to the Friends of Nature.&quot; This photo was taken by Randell Steuler at the Grove of Understanding, Redwood National Park, CA on May 22, 1982 on the occasion of the dedication as a World Heritage Site.\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow\">Source<\/a><\/h5>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Richard St. Barbe Baker &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Richard_St._Barbe_Baker\" title=\"Richard St. Barbe Baker (9 October 1889\u2013 9 June 1982) was an English forester, environmental activist and author, who contributed greatly to worldwide reforestation efforts. As a leader, he founded an organization, Men of the Trees, still active today, whose many chapters carry out reforestation internationally.\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">click <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/span> for Wiki<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #008000;\">International Tree Foundation &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/internationaltreefoundation.org\/about-us\/\" title=\"ITF was founded in 1924 by Dr Richard St Barbe Baker, or \u201cSt Barbe\u201d as he was known \u2013 a visionary and tree planter. His environmental knowledge, passion and activism made him a vital force for tree planting and conservation.\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">click <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">here<\/span> for site<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<strong style=\"color: #800080;\">\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/remembering-vegetarian-pioneers-henry-s-salt-ernest-bell\/\" style=\"color: #0000cc;\" title=\"In 1934 Henry S. Salt originally suggested the establishment of the Ernest Bell Library as a fitting memorial to him. In this Library the literature of vegetarianism and all the other humanitarian movements in which Mr. Bell was so deeply interested would be collected and made available.\"  target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>The Ernest Bell Library<\/strong><\/em><\/a>\u00a0is actively\u00a0preserving &amp; sharing: &#8211;<\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"items_related_to_vegetarian_products\"><\/span>items related to veg(etari)an products.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"vegetarian_books_other_publications\"><\/span>veg(etari)an books &amp; other publications.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"items_related_to_vegetarian_organisations\"><\/span>items related to\u00a0veg(etari)an\u00a0organisations.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"items_related_to_vegetarian_businesses\"><\/span>items related to\u00a0veg(etari)an businesses.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"items_related_to_animal_rights_organisations\"><\/span>items related to\u00a0animal rights organisations.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"animal_rights_publications\"><\/span>animal rights publications.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"items_related_to_humanitarian_organisations\"><\/span>items related to\u00a0humanitarian organisations.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"humanitarian_publications\"><\/span>humanitarian publications.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"items_related_to_rambling_clubs_run_by_members_of_the_above_groups_related_publications\"><\/span>items related to\u00a0rambling clubs run by members of the above groups &amp; related publications.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_anyone_would_like_to_help_by_either_Adopting_or_Sponsoring_items_in_the_library_please_be_in_touch\"><\/span>If anyone would like to help by either Adopting or Sponsoring items in the library, please be in touch.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"We_are_working_seriously_on_cataloging_the_collection_as_when_funds_are_available\"><\/span>We are working seriously on cataloging the collection, as &amp; when funds are available.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_anyone_would_like_more_information_please_send_an_email_to_%E2%80%93\"><\/span><strong>If anyone would like more information, please send an email to:\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"humanitarianleague_at_outlook_dot_com\"><\/span><strong>humanitarianleague (at) outlook (dot) com\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%93_or_message_me_through_HappyCow_%E2%80%93\"><\/span><strong>&#8211; or message me through\u00a0HappyCow\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/author\/JohnnySensible\/\" style=\"color: #0000cc;\" title=\"Working to promote vegan businesses since 1978. Henry S. Salt Archive - researcher &amp; fundraiser. The Humanitarian League - researcher &amp; fundraiser. The Ernest Bell Library - archive manager. Collecting &amp; republishing historical material of vegetarianism and other humanitarian movements.\"  target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/author\/JohnnySensible\/<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>~ I am convinced that the vegan way of life is the only sane way of life, and realising that the basic cause of tension is growing populations and diminishing food sources, for the past ten years I have devoted much of my time to studying the question of food production and the problems of large scale land reclamation by tree planting. ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker &#8211; writing in 1957 &#8211; source Richard St. Barbe Baker preparing to plant trees in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1953 (image Brilliant Star Magazine) Source WHY I AM A VEGETARIAN RICHARD ST. BARBE BAKER \u00a0Founder, The Men of the Trees When that question is fired at me point blank, I find it a difficult one to answer, because it has become a way of life. To answer it fully would mean telling my life story and the long way by which I have come. I was not brought up as a vegetarian, although the amount of anything consumed at home other than home-made bread and cheese, vegetables and salads, was infinitesimal. In my case there was no sudden conversion: I cannot claim that I saw the light which transformed my way of life, but [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9728,"featured_media":9592,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,2274,3,2275],"tags":[1672,1673,1670,1669,1671],"class_list":["post-9591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","category-vegan-history","category-vegan","category-vegetarian-history","tag-intercalary-continental-aquifer","tag-international-tree-foundation","tag-men-of-the-trees","tag-richard-st-barbe-baker","tag-world-vegetarian-congress"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why I am a Vegetarian by Richard St. Barbe Baker 1957 - HappyCow<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why I am a Vegetarian by Richard St. Barbe Baker 1957 - HappyCow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"~ I am convinced that the vegan way of life is the only sane way of life, and realising that the basic cause of tension is growing populations and diminishing food sources, for the past ten years I have devoted much of my time to studying the question of food production and the problems of large scale land reclamation by tree planting. ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker &#8211; writing in 1957 &#8211; source Richard St. Barbe Baker preparing to plant trees in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1953 (image Brilliant Star Magazine) Source WHY I AM A VEGETARIAN RICHARD ST. BARBE BAKER \u00a0Founder, The Men of the Trees When that question is fired at me point blank, I find it a difficult one to answer, because it has become a way of life. To answer it fully would mean telling my life story and the long way by which I have come. I was not brought up as a vegetarian, although the amount of anything consumed at home other than home-made bread and cheese, vegetables and salads, was infinitesimal. In my case there was no sudden conversion: I cannot claim that I saw the light which transformed my way of life, but [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"http:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"HappyCow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HappyCow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2014-07-16T06:21:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2015-10-21T07:49:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Richard-St.-Barbe-Baker-preparing-to-plant-trees-in-Nairobi-Kenya-in-1953-e1405489122552.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"580\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"316\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"John Edmundson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@happycow\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@happycow\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"John Edmundson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"John Edmundson\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/82520fa57a466fbf415c30cbffffec7a\"},\"headline\":\"Why I am a Vegetarian by Richard St. Barbe Baker 1957\",\"datePublished\":\"2014-07-16T06:21:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2015-10-21T07:49:34+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/\"},\"wordCount\":1512,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Richard-St.-Barbe-Baker-preparing-to-plant-trees-in-Nairobi-Kenya-in-1953-e1405489122552.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Intercalary Continental Aquifer\",\"International Tree Foundation\",\"Men of the Trees\",\"Richard St. Barbe Baker\",\"World Vegetarian Congress\"],\"articleSection\":[\"General\",\"vegan history\",\"Veganism\",\"vegetarian history\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/why-i-am-a-vegetarian-by-richard-st-barbe-baker\/\",\"name\":\"Why I am a Vegetarian by Richard St. Barbe Baker 1957 - 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