Group Aims to Lighten Ferries' Loads With Pro-Vegan Messages on Boats
For Immediate Release:
December 22, 2011
Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382
Savannah, Ga. -- In the wake of the news that passengers' increasing girths have led the Coast Guard to reduce the maximum capacity of commercial ferries, including the Savannah Belles Ferry, PETA has sent a letter to Chadwick L. Reese, the CEO in charge of the ferry system, with a suggestion that will keep Savannah's citizens' weight—and health-care costs—down: Allow PETA to place an ad that reads, "Are You a Large Barge? Go Vegan," on the vessels Juliette Gordon Low and Susie King Taylor. In the letter, PETA explains that going vegan is an effective way to reduce one's risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
"We know that Georgia is serious about fighting obesity, and our ad is a great way to spread the message of a waistline-friendly vegan diet," says PETA Associate Director Lindsay Rajt. "By encouraging passengers to jettison cholesterol-laden meat and dairy products, Savannah's ferries can throw passengers a lifeline and reduce their waistlines."
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
PETA's letter to Chatham Area Transit Management CEO Chadwick L. Reese follows.
Dear Mr. Reese,
I am writing on behalf of PETA and our more than 3 million members and supporters, including thousands in Georgia, to offer to help you raise revenue and help the "Hostess City of the South" trim down. Given that the U.S. Coast Guard recently reduced the maximum number of passengers allowed on commercial ferries because of the increasing girth of the average American, PETA would like to pay to place a light-hearted ad on the ferries, Juliette and Susie, reading, "Are You a Large Barge? Go Vegan. PETA." On our website, people will find tips, recipes, and a guide for slimming down on a vegan diet.
The ad would let Savannah residents and tourists know that they can get in ship shape and lighten the load of the Belles ferries as well as improve their own health by eating a vegan diet. Numerous studies show that vegans are far less likely to be overweight than meat-eaters are and that they are also less prone to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and many other ailments. Not only are vegan foods delicious, they're also cholesterol-free and generally lower in saturated fat and calories too.
As you may know, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Georgia is among the top 10 states with the largest rise in obesity, with an almost 15 percent increase over 15 years. Allowing us to run this ad on Juliette and Susie would be a great step toward helping residents lose weight and feel great.
Please contact me to discuss the details of our offer further. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President