If animal rights weren’t enough of a reason to eat less meat (for the record, I’m Not a vegetarian), then maybe climate change should be. Growing meat, especially cows, is super bad for the environment. For one thing, to produce 200 meat calories requires 2 to 5 times the amount of grain (!) than say, 200 bread calories. Inherent in that are all the problems associated with farming such as increased contamination in groundwater, pesticides used, forests burned for crop space etc… Meat exacerbates this further by causing additional shipping (the grain to feed the cows is not generally produced nearby), overuse of antibiotics (feeding cows grain versus their natural diet of grass fattens them quickly, but causes them health problems), more ‘waste’ (you know, from the other end), and of course, whatever electrical power the cattle ‘factories’ are using. All this taken together means:

“…if Americans were to reduce meat consumption by just 20 percent it would be as if we all switched from a standard sedan — a Camry, say — to the ultra-efficient Prius. Similarly, a study last year by the National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science in Japan estimated that 2.2 pounds of beef is responsible for the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the average European car every 155 miles, and burns enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for nearly 20 days.” (Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler ).

Additionally, that extra grain going to feed cows is Not going to feed people, and given the current global food shortage, that seems a bit oddly prioritized. I realize cattle feed may not be suitable for people, but surely the land could be used to grow people friendly crops.

Not to say that meat is all bad, or that Bessie and Daisy should be sacrificed for the greater good–growing livestock helps maintain biodiversity and soil quality. What really needs to change is how we raise meat. According the Union of Concerned Scientists:
“…there are better ways to raise food animals. Raising cattle on pasture lessens environmental damage, improves animal health, and reduces antibiotic use. Over the past decade, numerous scientific studies have shown that the meat and milk from pasture-raised animals are higher in fats that may confer health benefits on humans.”

Of course growing meat in pasture means it will be more expensive and we won’t be able to raise as much. Basically, we’d all need to cut back (and by ‘we’ I mean Americans and Europeans). The reality is that this should not be difficult or even bad for us to do. Too much meat, especially of the red variety, has been linked to all sorts of health problems like heart disease. Really, our moms were right all along when they said to eat more vegetables. You could also make the switch to grass-fed, cruelty and antibiotic free meat. It’s more expensive, but if you simultaneously cut your intake (say, by 20%) you’ll be making a good moral and health choice, without really effecting your food budget (sweet!). Besides, grass-fed is more delicious so you can mask your good intentions by claiming to be a connaisseur. And, you’ll get to label yourself as a ‘flexitarian‘ which sounds way cooler than “I’m eating less meat these days”.

So next time you’re cruisin’ the meat aisle, think twice about what you buy. If it isn’t going to be as natural as possible, then reach for the tofu instead. Bessie and Mother Earth will both thank you.