Environmental Vegetarianism

 

I have been a vegetarian for the better part of a year now. Inevitably, once someone discovers my eating habit, the question that follows is, "why?" This question is sensible, I guess, as there are many reasons that people choose to abstain from eating meat. I guess it's just a little funny to me though as I am never questioned so thoroughly on beliefs or practices in other areas of my life. Seriously, if as many people asked me why I was a Christian, I'd probably have a much better grip on my faith.

 So as it is a cause near and dear to my heart, I thought I'd write a passage on why I have chosen to cut the demand for meat by one person. It has nothing to do with my health or even really for animal rights (I consider these to be positive bonuses though). I gave up meat because of the environmental impact of industrialized agriculture. I've been into this idea for much longer than a year, but it took me a while to realize that inconvenience is not a reason to overlook something you believe in.

 Let me go into this a little bit deeper. Remember, this is only a blog. I can't write all of the facts and statistics. It would drag out for far too long. And I am most certainly NOT writing this to condemn my carnivorous friends. Many don't know that giving up the business of eating meat is the next best thing you can do for the environment other than not drive a car.

 According to a 2006 United Nations initiative, the livestock industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation worldwide, and modern practices of raising animals for food contributes on a "massive scale" to air and water pollution, land degradation, climate change and loss of biodiversity. The initiative concluded that the livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.

 I am not pretending that there is not an impact created from everything I do in a day. Typing this right now is taking energy and yes, I sleep with a fan on...every night. We all have our part to play in taking care of this place we have the privilege of inhabiting for a few years. One aspect of mine is that I don't eat meat. Another may walk to work or be an ardent recycler. I am not here to judge one way or another, although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping you'd consider the dietary change. Its really not that difficult and yes, the food tastes good.

Here are a few places to look for more information:

Livestock Impacts on the Environment

The Meat of the Matter

Diet, Energy and Global Warming

Organic/Grass-Fed Beef Not the Way Either