I've been a veg since I was 8. I've always been intelligent and cared about the environment. Being a vegetarian/vegan isn't about just not eating meat, it's protesting. The more meat being wasted is telling grocery stores to buy less meat. This way the "farmers" won't be making a big enough "chunk of change." Now, the farmers raise the costs of the meat and eventually more people won't buy it. That's how I look at it.
Anyway, I know a lot of good recipes. I'll post some later. Just to let you know, a lot of people think that since they're a vegetarian, dairy can make up for your lost proteins. Not true. Dairy causes weight gain (not good) and so do extra carbs. Also, many "new" vegetarians end up having a high sodium and cholesterol intake from eating things like canned soups and such. Try making your own unique soups instead. =D