Are you still trying to cool off from the scorcher that was 2012? Scientists report that it was the hottest year on record for the U.S.—but instead of blaming Mother Nature, we can point the finger at ourselves. "It is abundantly clear that we are seeing [human-caused] climate change in action," according to Kevin Trenberth, a senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

So PETA sent the greenest gals we know on a jaunt across Canada to show people how easy it is to go green—no bodypaint required. Since carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide together are the biggest contributors to climate change and raising animals for food is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions and the single largest source of both methane and nitrous oxide emissions, going vegan has been called the "single most effective thing you can do" to combat climate change. 

People eagerly posed for pictures with the lime ladies, and they took home PETA's "Meat's Not Green" leaflets and copies of legendary animal and environmental advocate Paul McCartney's meat industry exposé, "Glass Walls." 

By simply opting for faux meats and dairy products over animal-based ones, we can make 2013 a lucky year for animals and help reduce climate change. And that's pretty cool.

The Blue Devils are becoming angels for animals and the environment. Duke University is asking its students, faculty, and staff to cut some or all meat from their diets in February in order to promote better health and a cleaner environment. 

The office of Duke's executive vice president posted a letter on the Sustainable Duke website saying, "Studies show a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes with a vegetarian diet. A vegetarian diet also produces less of the greenhouse gases that are causing climate change."

It sounds like campus eateries are offering more vegetarian options too: "[A] vegetarian diet is much more than veggies, and we've got the delicious recipes to prove it."

To help with the transition, PETA has offered the school thousands of free "Meat's Not Green" leaflets and copies of the vegetarian/vegan starter kit, reminding everyone how easy and tasty meatless meals can be!

Written by Michelle Sherrow