The overconsumption of meat is a threat to the welfare of animals, the Earth, and our health.
Vegetarians and vegans are not “overreacting” about the inhumane nature of the meat industry. According to World Animal Protection Canada, farm animals are shoved into cramped cages, given unnecessary antibiotics, and bred to grow as fast as possible. More than 70 billion animals are farmed globally each year, and “an estimated 50 billion of them will spend their entire lives on these factory farms where they are treated like commodities, and not the sentient beings they are.” These conditions are a direct result of the high demand for animal protein products like meat, dairy, and eggs. According to the Humane Society, the consumption of more plant-based products will spare more animals from suffering and being sent to slaughter. Our consumption of meat has a direct link to the number of animals slaughtered per day.
Eating less meat won’t just help farm animals because it will benefit the environment as well. The intensive agricultural methods used on factory farms have a serious negative impact on the environment. Sentient Media details that some reports “have suggested that up to 51 percent of greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to animal agriculture”, which includes meat, eggs, dairy, and other animal products. Moreover, animal agriculture leads to water pollution. According to Sentient Media, “farming of land animals such as cattle, chickens, and pigs results in runoff that contributes to ocean dead zones and increases the severity of algal blooms.”
The overconsumption of meat can also have a serious, detrimental effect on our health. A study by researchers at the University of Oxford found that “increased consumption of processed meat (sausage, bacon, etc.) by just 6 grams per day resulted in an 18 percent increase in the risk of developing heart disease.” Red meat can be especially harmful as it can significantly raise your blood pressure. Furthermore, overconsumption of meat is linked to a greater likelihood of developing obesity.
You don’t have to commit to veganism in order to make a difference in helping animals, the environment, or your health. Here at Dana Hall, there are plenty of ways to reduce meat consumption and find plant-based alternatives in the dining hall. In addition to serving dishes made with meat, the dining hall has a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. Recent dishes include vegan breaded chicken strips, vegan orange ginger tempura tofu, vegan boca burgers, and vegan meatballs with marinara. The dining hall also always offers salad and sandwich options in addition to pasta du jour. The next time you eat in the dining hall, consider opting for a vegan or vegetarian dish.
Image Source: Medium