Killing of plants

Tens of millions of plants are killed by and for human beings every year. They are dug up, cut down, burned, poisoned, mutilated, starved and deprived of water and sunlight for the sole purpose of benefiting humankind. While this may be necessary for the continuance of the species, it is done without regard for the plants, without conscience and without consciousness.

To anyone who believes that life itself has some purpose, or is even its own reason for being, the wanton destruction of plants is inappropriate. The destruction of any life is not to be taken lightly, or presumed to be isolated in the scheme of things. It requires careful consideration of the responsibilities and alternatives. Some vegetarians therefore prefer to eat fruits and vegetables only at the peak of ripeness, when a cycle of the plant's life has been completed.