I'm a vegetarian and I'm not a tight-ass person. That being said, I too am not a fan of PETA's holier-than-thou attitude, and do not agree that humans and animals are equal. For instance, I believe it is okay for people to kill animals for food or clothing but not to kill other people for the same reasons (well, actually I wouldn't object if the victim was a murderous psychopath or something).

Also, plants do not feel pain. Some plants have certain reactions to touch, but they do not have the brain or the consciousness to process what we call pain, so don't feel guilty next time you mow your lawn.