‘Beef or Reef? We Can’t Have Both’: PETA’s Plea to Land on Wells Street With Vegan Jerky Giveaway

For Immediate Release:
May 22, 2024

Contact:
Reed Bolonyi 202-483-7382

Diners on their way into Al’s #1 Italian Beef on Wells Street on National Italian Beef Day (May 25) will be greeted by PETA supporters handing out free vegan jerky just down the street—near the group’s new striking visual plea urging everyone to choose reefs over beef by going vegan. The sky-high appeal points to animal agriculture as a leading cause of the climate catastrophe that’s killing coral reefs.

When: Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m.

Where: 622 N. Wells St., Chicago

“Coral reefs are dying because people are still eating animals, who need massive amounts of land, energy, and water and emit enormous quantities of greenhouse gases,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “Animal agriculture is an existential threat to the Earth, and PETA is urging everyone to go vegan before it’s too late.”

Research shows that every person who goes vegan lowers their food-related carbon footprint by up to 73%—making it the most effective way to reduce one’s negative impact on the planet—and spares the lives of nearly 200 animals a year. PETA offers a free vegan starter kit on its website for those ready to make the switch.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat or abuse in any other way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.