Powerfully resisting a harmful industry
Humans have always eaten meat.
Throughout the ages of scavenging to early industrialization, we've depended on animals for food, goods, and company.
Some cultures have relied on it more, others less. Even now, various countries incorporate meat differently into their daily regimes. However, there is a stark difference between global habits (relating to meat) and those existing within the United States.
Americans eat a LOT more meat. Like... a LOT more.
"Meat consumption in the United States has nearly doubled in the last century. Americans are now among the top per capita meat consumers in the world; the average American eats more than three times the global average.1 A growing body of evidence suggests Americans’ taste for meat and animal products is putting them at greater risk for a range of health problems." - Johns Hopkins Center for a Liveable Future
Our meat consumption is becoming increasingly alarming, as we consume more, want more, and create greater demand for the animal industry. Red and processed meat, especially, has been repeatedly proven to have links to heart disease and earlier death.
Except, this isn't just a threat to our health, it's a threat to the environment.
To produce beef, over 2000 gallons of water are needed. Additionally, to sustain so many livestock industries utilize up to 70% of agricultural land, emitting over 15% of total greenhouse gases. Moreover, the placement of such factory farms disproportionately impacts low-income communities. Nearby residents are impacted by air and water pollution, often reporting unbearable living conditions due to such farms in their communities.
The heavy dependence on meat is a substantial part of human activity that is rapidly increasing the natural warming of the planet. It is impacting our local communities, as well as the planet we all inhabit.
It doesn't have to continue like this. We each have the power to make a small change in our daily choices. We each have the responsibility to prioritize our community's well-being over the convenience of comfort.
Growing up in a Mexican household, meat-centric dishes were always a staple in every meal. I must admit, at first, it was hard to let go of some of my favorite dishes. I would abstain from eating any meat for a few weeks and eventually go back. It wasn't until I started to reclaim my favorite dishes and create new ones that I started to love plant-based eating.
There are many small and affordable ways to embrace environmentally sustainable eating. You can eat less red meat, incorporate more plant-based protein (tofu, chickpeas), and just try out some more vegan dishes!
I feel better knowing I am mindful and intentional about what I am eating. Not only is it better for the planet, but better for my own health. I've also spent less money on tofu and quinoa than I would've spent on chicken and beef.
Small changes are what matter, and there is so much creative opportunity in plant-based eating. One of my favorite dishes is a vegan beef wellington, which sounds really silly but is one of the best-tasting dinners I've ever made. I've included two pictures of my favorite dinners, which are small changes I've made to be more environmentally friendly.
The point of my blog is this: change is possible, but we must be willing to embrace it in our daily lives. Resist convenience, embrace your principles.
--and have wonderful meals while you're at it.
This is awesome, Sofia! Thank you!