Cutting Down On Meat Better For Health and Environment
These days it’s no secret that factory farms rule the meat and dairy industry and that they are making a significantly negative impact on the environment as well as individual health. The information is out there and easily accessible, but many people choose to look the other way. It’s understandable, most of us grew up eating meat and it’s a way of life for many. Many people can’t imagine a meal without some kind of meat. The good news is, there is so much more awareness about clean eating and non-meat or minimal meat diets, that there are endless recipes geared towards those who love meat and can’t imagine their life without it. Research and experimentation is key when it comes to adapting to a meatless diet. Looking into some of the facts about the meat industry is enough to scare the most devoted meat eater and cause them to seek out change.
Currently the world is consuming too much meat. Global production of meat has reached new heights, which is negatively impacting our forests, arable land, and scarce water. 308.5 million tons of meat was produced last year. That’s 1.4 percent up from previous years. This is unsettling because raising livestock requires a massive amount of land and water. According to Businessweek, more than two thirds of all agricultural land is used for animal pasture. An additional 10 percent is used to grow feed grains that are consumed by meat and dairy producing animals. Agriculture also consumes around 70 percent of the worlds fresh water and a third of it goes to grow feed grain. Cattle is using the most resources as it requires as much as five times more land than needed to produce chickens or pigs.
Not only does this have an alarmingly negative impact on the environment, it also raises concerns of health problems in those consuming the meat and dairy products. Most of these animals are being pumped with antibiotics and fed unnatural diets. Add to all of that the horrific conditions most of the animals are living in and you wonder why the world is consuming so much meat. Most of these animals are living in unhealthy environments and being fed unhealthy meals, then humans are consuming them. What do you think happens to our bodies when we consume the flesh of an unhealthy creature? This is why smaller scale farms are still so precious and necessary. It’s important for people to know where their meat is coming from and how it is being raised. Animals need space and sun to thrive and factory farms are taking those basic needs away from them.
It’s unfair and difficult to ask everyone to stop eating meat completely, but if everyone cut down on their meat consumption, or at least demanded an end to the factory farm industry, the world would be in much better shape. Try adding at least one meatless day to your week and see how you feel. The more you experiment with different types of foods, the more you realize that there’s a whole new world of flavors out there that are actually enjoyable on top of being better for your body and the environment. Take some time, do some research, experiment with your meals, and have fun!
