Although eating plant-based may seem like the most sustainable dietary option, it is not always the most practical and accessible option for everybody. There are ways, however, to still eat meat and dairy products in a sustainable way! Simply being more cautious on where you source your meat from can make all the difference. Reducing your consumption of the least sustainable options will also prove to have a bigger impact than one might expect.
Why Choose Sustainable Meats:
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There are Negative Health Impacts of Eating Non-Sustainable Meats:
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Environmental Impacts:
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We cut down forests to create pasture and land to meet the rising demand for animal feed.
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Livestock production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
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Utilizes scarce nonrenewable resources, like water.
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Much more information in this article!
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Economic Impacts:
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Support local farmers! Corps put local farmers out of business so supporting them not only has a lower carbon footprint associated with them but also is economically more appropriate.
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How to Choose Sustainable Meat Sources
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When you do eat meat, know the difference between the most sustainable options:
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Try to avoid red meats like beef, and avoid lamb and mutton as much as possible
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Buy your meat from local farmers, or from farms you are positive grass-feed their livestock.
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Opt for pasture-raised, since it mimics a more ‘natural’ state, it is the more sustainable choice.
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These animals are able to freely eat vegetation, are unconfined, and able to express what their natural behaviors are.
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Pasture-raised is the best choice in terms of the environment and animal welfare, so vote with your dollar and choose sustainably!
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Fish, chicken, and pork are more environmentally friendly options.
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Seafood typically has a lower carbon footprint, like mussels, oysters, and scallops.
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Do some research in companies and grocery stores that are striving to be sustainable in where they source their meat, dairy, and seafood.
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Whole Foods is a great example of a company that has very high sustainability standards for the food and brands that they sell.
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This report is a great resource for more information about American companies that either do or do not source sustainable meats.
Other Ways to Be a Sustainable Meat-Eater:
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Reduce the amount of meat you eat, the more meat you cut out the less you are contributed to the climate change crisis. Perhaps trying to eat it only two days a week and you will lower your contribution by well over 70%.
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Eat smaller portions of meat! Instead of following the traditional “American” diet that is showcased everywhere, I encourage you to try adding more vegetables, produce, or grains to meals and less meat.
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Consider a flexitarian diet!
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A flexitarian is a person who is primarily a vegetarian/vegan but occasionally eats meat/fish. (a great resource for more information on specifics of a flexitarian diet as well as more information on specific meat/seafood that is more or less sustainable.)
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Being a flexitarian means that you occasionally eat meat but you try to eat most of your protein through plant-based meals. This helps save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and save animals!
Environmental Justice and Sustainable Diets:
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Not everyone has access to freely choose whether or not to eat certain kinds of foods, and we must acknowledge that this is a big issue with plant-based diets.
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The cost of quality meat is not accessible to low income communities, in fact food deserts are common especially in these low-income areas. For more information on what food deserts are and food insecurity in general, check out this article!
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Here is a link to 24 organizations that are helping in fighting for food justice and security!
Extras!
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Check out this article to learn more about how eating plant-based impacts our health, environment, and climate change!
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