What is ‘Thanksliving’? Meet the Celebrity Calling for Compassion

With Thanksgiving celebrated by millions across the United States, it’s a time when the traditional turkey dinner takes center stage. However, in a notable shift, awareness is growing about the impact of this holiday on animals, leading many to seek plant-based alternatives. One such advocate for compassion is actor Jesse Eisenberg, who champions the idea of “Thanksliving.”

The Concept of Thanksliving

In a resurfaced interview on the now-cancelled Conan talk show, actor Jesse Eisenberg discussed his family’s unique twist on Thanksgiving. Instead of indulging in conventional turkey dishes, Eisenberg and his family adopt a more humane approach called “Thanksliving.”

During the interview, Eisenberg shared, “I’m mostly vegetarian, my family is vegetarian, we have vegan Thanksgiving, although my family calls it Thanksliving.” This approach emphasizes compassion by symbolically “buying” and saving turkeys.

A Closer Look at Thanksliving

When asked by host Conan O’Brien to elaborate on Thanksliving, Eisenberg explained, “We buy turkeys, we save turkeys, we put the pictures of the turkeys on the table.” Clarifying this unconventional practice, Eisenberg mentioned that they don’t purchase live turkeys but rather buy them in theory, celebrating with their pictures instead.

This compassionate gesture is complemented by a reading from his sister about the harsh conditions faced by turkeys in captivity. It’s an emotional moment that raises awareness while dining on plant-based dishes, such as tofu, in lieu of turkey meat.

The Cruel Reality Behind Thanksgiving Turkey

Each year, more than 46 million turkeys are killed solely for Thanksgiving in the US. These animals often endure harsh living conditions on factory farms, suffering from procedures like debeaking and detoeing, which are typically performed without pain relief.

The majority of turkeys are artificially inseminated and live in overcrowded barns until they reach slaughter weight. Due to selective breeding, turkeys grow at an unnatural pace, with females and males ready for slaughter at just 14 and 18 weeks, respectively.

Alternatives to Turkey

As awareness of these practices grows, there’s an increasing popularity of vegan alternatives for Thanksgiving. From hearty plant-based turkey to delightful vegan desserts, the options are plentiful and satisfying.

Vegan advocates suggest “pardoning a turkey” by investing in alternatives that are kinder to animals and the environment. With products like tofu roasts and vegetable-centric sides, anyone can craft a delicious and compassionate meal.

Promoting Compassion

Jesse Eisenberg isn’t alone in his efforts to promote animal rights during Thanksgiving. A multitude of celebrities and activists are vocal about the shift toward plant-based living, encouraging others to explore cruelty-free alternatives during holiday celebrations.

Join the Movement

Switching to a plant-based Thanksgiving is not only a compassionate choice but a delicious and nutritious one. With resources like the Plant Based News Vegan Recipes, creating a mouth-watering meal that aligns with your values has never been more accessible.

By raising awareness through initiatives like Thanksliving, public figures help inspire a shift in perspectives, one plate at a time. Adopting such practices not only advocates for animal rights but also promotes healthier living and environmental sustainability.

Explore the world of plant-based eating and educate others about the benefits—with resources aplenty to guide every step of the way. Whether it’s your first time trying a vegan dish or you’re a seasoned pro, this Thanksgiving, celebrate with compassion and consciousness.

A Call to Action

• Consider incorporating vegan dishes into your holiday feast.
• Reflect on the impact of traditional Thanksgiving meals on animal welfare and the planet.
• Use your platform to educate and invite discussions about Thanksliving and plant-based choices.

Thanksliving isn’t just a holiday—it’s a movement urging us to reflect on our traditions and make choices that celebrate benevolence. By choosing plant-based options, we not only honor the spirit of giving but also extend it to the creatures we share our world with.

Read More About Pardoning a Turkey

Author: Polly Foreman

For more inspiring content on veganism and animal rights, visit Plant Based News.

Source: https://plantbasednews.org/news/celebrities/thanksliving-celebrity-calling-for-compassion/