Food, Inc.

My primary goal as a writer is to get people to think.  I don’t expect readers to adopt my view of the world.  But I do want to encourage them to be a bit more conscious in the choices they make in their daily lives.

Especially in the food they eat.

The way we produce food in this country leads to horrific suffering on the part of the animals, tremendous environmental damage to the planet, and increased health risks to consumers from improperly handled food.

For an excellent overview:  Food, Inc.

Mass produced food may be cheaper at the supermarket than more humanely raised food . . . but that statement doesn’t really go far enough because it ignores the hidden costs.

When the REAL COSTS (to animals, our health, and the planet) are factored into the equation . . . mass produced food definitely is NOT cheaper.

The solution?  We need more education.

Once educated, people realize they can eat far more economically and healthfully by switching to a LESS-MEAT or MEAT-LESS diet ~ improving their lives, the lives of animals, and the future of the planet in the process.

It is increased demand for meat and dairy products that pushes the food industry to cut corners by raising animals inhumanely.  When the demand for beef drops, we can go back to raising cows in a humane manner.  Same goes for chickens and hogs.

Sure, the meat will cost more, but if families only have meat a few times a week (or month) . . . they’ll hardly notice.

We need to ignore the Beef Industry’s rallying cries of “BEEF . . . it’s what’s for dinner!” and Hillshire Farm’s marketing slogan, “Go Meat!” and rally round the good stuff ~ fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, beans, and chocolate!

To improve your health, and reduce the demand for inhumanely raised animals (cows, pigs, sheep, and chicken):

Tip #1:  Become a vegetarian or vegan.

Visit the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) for delicious and healthy menu ideas and recipes.

Order a Vegetarian Starter Kit (or view on-line) at: Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

Download a Guide to Vegetarian Eating (PDF file) from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Tip #2:  If you must eat meat, reduce your consumption  to avoid ingesting chemicals, pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics at every meal.

Tip #3: Purchase meat produced in the most sustainable manner you can find and afford.

As indicated in The Truth Behind Meat Labels, the best choice is Certified Organic.

Tip #4: Buy meat from local farmers so you can ask about their practices and observe their operations.  This keeps money in your local economy and away from huge conglomerates (e.g., Perdue, Hillshire Farms, and Tyson).

Related posts:  Join a C.S.A. * Become A Voice of Compassion * A Trip to the Farmer’s Market *  Health Benefits From Greening Your Life * Got Milk?  Toss It Out! * Go HSUS!  * All The Gory Details * Top Ten List ~ Vegetarian * Gradual Change