Filed under: Sustainability | Tags: agribusiness, Eric Schlosser, Howard Lyman, meat, sustainable
This article is a part of the current Organic Center newsletter. I have been conscious of my food choices relating to meat but had not really committed to it. In early April after seeing Eric Schlosser (author of Fast Food Nation) and Howard Lyman speak I decided it was time for me to do something. So I vowed to not buy/eat meat from conventional animal production lots. Read on for some reasons why.
The Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (IFAP) has released their report on the history of factory farms and concentrated animal feeding operations. The report discusses the many risks associated with this practice as well as providing recommendations to attempt to rectify this terrible problem. To read the report please go to: “Putting Meat on the Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production”
For a quick overview of some problems:
- pollution of water and soil, in, around and near the farms
- overuse of antibiotics in animals
- public health concerns from both the pollution and antibiotics
- long term environmental impact
- animal rights
Local food, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!
- fresh!
- delicious
- support local farmers
- lower carbon footprint
So what’s the deal with local food? Many outspoken food experts have chimed in on this topic. Marion Nestle, PhD at NYU, has basically said that local, organic food is your best option, followed by local, then by organic and so on down the road. Michael Pollan, author of Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food, and numerous articles, is also a big fan of locally produced foods.
Let me explain in a bit more details why local food is good. Much of the food in the average American’s diet has traveled over 1000 miles!!! Food that’s fresher tastes better, and food can’t possibly be as fresh after traveling 1000 miles than if it comes from say 100 miles of your home.
Then there are gas prices! When you pay for food to be shipped, it has to use gas to get to you. One reason food prices are increasing have to do with fuel prices. If every person on this planet tried to eat food from 1000 miles we couldn’t sustain ourselves! Eating locally is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Support local farmers! There are still small and mid-sized family farms out there. They put so much effort and love into growing this food for you, support them! You’re also more likely to find some really delicious foods that you won’t find at your local grocery store (think heirloom tomatoes!).
I’ve joined a CSA – Community Shared Agriculture – where I have basically purchased a share of farmers’ crops. So far it has been delicious! Chicken, cheese, bread, peanut butter, pancake mix, lettuce and it’s only going to get better as the growing season develops! So check out a CSA or local Farmers’ Market today!
ps – I’m a member of Fair Shares CSA
