(11-28-2023, 04:02 PM)Caldrac Wrote: (11-28-2023, 03:46 PM)NYC4jags Wrote: Killing the cows is actually the problem they are trying to address
In all seriousness - the methane situation is an actual problem in the grand scheme of greenhouse effect and the meat industry is the largest culprit.
I don't go many meals without consuming raised livestock of some sort - but it sure wouldn't hurt anyone's health to consume more sustainable seafood or mix in a veg-based meal from time to time. Doesn't have to be some bio-engineered substitute. Just something more sustainable on the dinner table 10% of the time would make a BIG difference in the methane production from the meat industry.
I hear this argument from time to time. Our oceans are just as polluted as the air we breath and it's also subject to the climate change cycle. With radiation and nuclear waste lingering in it there's nothing really all that safe to eat. Moderation is always key. Regardless of diet or lifestyle.
The biggest issue we have on this planet is wastefulness. I think that's something that gets lost in all of this. A lot of consumers buying a bunch of [BLEEP] that they don't end up consuming and it just goes to waste and therefore, it's a waste of time for the manufacture's to keep it pumping.
Even if we all decided to stop eating meat tomorrow though, what do you think happens to the land, soil and water supply? You now need just as much care, resources and consumption to maintain that as well as worrying about the pesticides and the Monsanto aspect of that challenge with GMO's, etc.
We're really not winning in either situation. I have cut back on meat consumption personally for two reasons.
1. It's expensive
2. Don't feel like cooking it every day of the week.
Sometimes a frozen bag of gnocchi from trader joe's with a mixed in bag of frozen vegetables is fine. If you need protein? Add some beans or drink a protein shake. I find Whey Protein and Black Eyed Peas right now being the best "bang for your buck" with cost to protein ratio wise.
But, man, I sure do like buying my giant packs of steaks at Costco still. At least once every three months I'll give into temptation.
All of the other problems you listed are real and deserve as much attention as greenhouse effect emissions from meat production/processing.
Regarding the Oceanic issues - I mentioned sustainability in seafood consumption intentionally there. There are many efforts well implemented already that are finding safe and sustainable ways to produce fish and shellfish through both fresh water and salt water aquaculture.
Like many products there are quality farmed seafood products and lesser quality versions out there - but you can definitely find affordable sustainable seafood if you track it down. I try to buy locally harvested, in season seafood twice a month in my little effort to contribute to a good diet and sustainability. If Mayport shrimp or on sale, I'm all in. If the Mahi, Cobia, or Snapper are running offshore and plentiful in N.FL - I'm picking up a couple pounds at the market while it's $2 per pound cheaper.
When that isn't an option -10 minutes of research can tell you which brands of farmed salmon provide proper nutrients as well a fair price.
Did you know that the yellowtail you order at the sushi joint is a Japanese farm raised fish? I get that yellowtail jalapeño roll all the time. Love it.
These are the little decisions that can make a difference in the over abundant production of beef and poultry if they were commonly made across the populace. And you end up healthier in the long run.
I'm still gonna have a steak night once every 3 weeks or so, and I won't turn down a proper burger every now and then. I just mix in plenty of other choices and end up better for it anyway.
