Meat or no Meat

I have chosen a vegetarian lifestyle because of my personal conviction that raising mass amounts of meat is not good for the environment, our bodies, the global food crisis, animal rights, and more. I don't consider myself a liberal, a radical, or anything of that sort. I consider myself convicted of being a good steward of the earth. I know that looks different for each person, but my fear is that many of us make decisions out of ignorance. If people are aware about how mass meat consumption is affecting our world and still continue to make the same choices, that is totally fine with me. At least the choice is no longer made due to ignorance.

As large countries try to become "more like America", overall meat consumption is growing at a rate that can not be sustained on our earth.



A friend sent me the link to this Time article, which I encourage everyone to take the time to read: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1917458-1,00.html

Also, our friends, Andrew and Jen, recently posted this information on their blog (I hope they don't mind that I stole it!):


Last week, the Washington Post summarized a number of recent reports indicating that one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint or greenhouse gas pollution is to reduce your meat consumption. Here are some quick highlights:
-A Carnegie Melon study found that the average American would benefit the planet more by being vegetarian one day per week than by switching to a totally local diet (heck, why not do both?).
-A University of Chicago study found that switching to a vegan diet would have a bigger impact than trading your gas guzzler for a Prius.
-The head of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, recommended that people give up meat one day a week to take pressure off the atmosphere.
-According to a 2006 United Nations report, livestock accounts for 18 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
Although we've reported similar studies in Organic Bytes over the years, it's refreshing to see a mainstream media outlet finally bring attention to the topic. Americans seem okay being told they should recycle, drive less, and weatherize their homes, but something short-circuits when you ask them to reduce their meat consumption.
The OCA article
The Washington Post article

These facts are astounding and shouldn't be ignored. What if we all agreed to have just 1 day a week where we didn't eat meat? We could support each other, share recipes, start a movement, etc. I think a lot of people immediately wonder, "what would I eat?". Let me assure you, there are LOTS of good options starting with a very basic like grilled cheese and tomato soup!