It's possible, depending on where you get your information, you've heard the argument for not eating meat because of its environmental impact. I've heard Bill Maher make it. I read a piece in The Atlantic. The Times has taken on the topic. The problem with this argument, other than it's not entirely true, is that it relies on an unrealistic assumption. It assumes that it's a possibility that there will ever be a time when every person would give up meat. I'm sorry, but that's unrealistic.
I grew up surrounded by biologists, and I'm a firm believer in the food chain. Humans have reached the top of that chain. Certainly, there's a moral argument that can be made. We're intelligent, and sometimes compassionate, beings. We're fully capable of getting all nutrients without eating meat. I'm not gonna disagree that it's possible to do it, but never will there be a time when every person will. Intelligence and compassion won't overcome the fact that we're on top of that food chain. Now, that's not to say that we can't use that intelligence and compassion to do better.
If there's one thing I can agree with PETA on, it's that factory farmed animals are treated terribly. I don't intend to go into great detail, but if you're interested in what goes on at Concentrated Animal Feed-lot Operations (CAFOs), you can find great detail from The Omnivore's Dilemma or Food Inc. Simply, the animals we are generally fed are forced to live in conditions that are disgusting. These conditions lead to the spread of bacteria. Because of this, they are given copious amounts of antibiotics. It's believed that this could be responsible for certain serious infections.
Further, PETA makes a valid argument that factory farmed meat is not environmentally friendly. However, they take it a step too far when they claim that it's all meat. Yes, cow farts do release methane, and it is bad for the environment. This is why people must cut down on their consumption of meat. If we didn't have CAFOs filled with an ass-load of cows, we'd drastically cut down on that methane. Also, the machinery used and the shipping of these products long distances makes a huge carbon footprint. In the end, yes, PETA, if everyone gave up meat, the environment would be better served. But you're never going to see that society, and arguing for it only makes you appear more bat-shit crazy. There are other more realistic answers to these problems.
First, as I mentioned in the last paragraph, people need to eat less meat. That's just step one. If you don't think we eat too much meat, then perhaps this anecdote will make it clearer. I was speaking to The Princess about this very problem, and she told me a story about a gathering of folks to a sort of potluck. She, being a somewhat healthy and responsible eater, looked for something that didn't contain meat. It would be a difficult task, as there wasn't any. For a moment, she thought the green beans would be safe, but as it turned out someone put bacon in there. We can't even eat vegetables without bacon!
Now, I said less because, like most of you, I don't want to give up meat entirely. There are options for meat that are local. Trust me, no matter where you live there is locally farmed meat. You can try a food co-op or a CSA. You could try your local farmer's market. I bet there's even a local market that sells local meat.
Those local meats will most likely be fed a better diet (not corn or soy), and they probably won't be injected with hormones and antibiotics. If you don't think these things are a problem, again, I encourage you to read Michael Pollan or see Food Inc. But if you can't find something local, I know you can find better, sustainable meats at Target and Whole Foods. Sadly, you might have to read the packaging to find out. I know it's rough to do some reading, but you can manage. Applegate Farms is a good place to start, they even make hot dogs and bacon for your green beans!
Finally, the environmental impact extends beyond meats. This argument was presented by the Times, and if you follow the earlier like from The Atlantic, there's more about it.
I wasn't sure I ever wanted to write a post about this, as I've always felt food was a matter of personal opinion. I mean, I enjoy Immortal Technique's Beef & Broccoli:
first of all being a vegetarian should
never be associated with being
a revolutionary or being open-minded.
that's a dietary choice.
[...]
you know i don't
criticize people for eating moss,
then don't open your fucking mouth
about my food, man. i like beef
and broccoli motherfucker.
However, I do believe food has an enormous impact environmentally. And this is something that's usually left out of the global warming talks. I don't know why Al Gore doesn't seem to get around to it. He's such a smart guy, and I can't imagine he can't see the reasoning. Perhaps he felt it was too much to take on oil and Big Agriculture.
Whether it's meat, soy, corn, or anything, our food comes from somewhere. We've become used to eating everything whenever we want it. Not all things can be grown all year, and they might have to come from South America, Mexico, or somewhere even farther away.
And while I don't intend to give up meat, I do think we should expect our farmers to treat animals with some compassion. They can be fed their natural diet. They don't have to stand in their own waste thus needing antibiotics that could be making us resistant to them. They don't have to be injected with hormones so that they are so big they can't support their own weight. They don't have to be caged. I don't think those are too much to ask.
This is a huge topic, and I know I've left things out and generalized. I strongly encourage readers to follow the links on this one. And check out books and movies that might give you more info. I mean, Martha Stewart gets it, I don't see why you can't.
One more thing, with it being Thanksgiving, I would like to add that I'm thankful that Me Ma bought a turkey that was locally farmed without any of the nonsense. It should be a good meal.
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