One conversation that seems to make people instantly uncomfortable and evasive is talking about the meat we eat and where it came from. It is understandable considering the immense factory farming, or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), that dominate U.S. food production. Started as a way to produce “cheap meat”, now 99% of the meat Americans eat comes from CAFOs. While it may be cheap at the store, factory farmed meat comes at the cost of human health, the environment, and with the needless suffering of billions of animals. It is certainly easier to ignore these unpleasant realities, and the agricultural corporations running these operations are working hard to make sure consumers keep their eyes and ears closed.
These companies don’t want you to think about the unnatural conditions and diets of the animals that must be sprayed and fed enormous amounts of pesticides and antibiotics, which get passed onto the people who eat them. With so many animals in one place, factory farms are unable to handle the amount of waste produced and it leads to devastating land, air, and water pollution. Beyond that, many animals are kept in cages so small that they are unable to turn around for their entire lives. Perhaps the most harrowing are the stories from the slaughterhouse, the countless numbers of cows that aren’t properly stunned and then have their throats slit and bodies flayed while still conscious.
You can make a difference: individual food choices matter. Make the decision to choose foods that are better for your body, the environment, and generate respect instead of cruelty to animals. Help combat the atrocities of CAFOs by:
- Going vegetarian or vegan– The most effective way to stop CAFOs is to stop eating meat. If that is not an option for you, try to reduce the amount of meat you eat (Meatless Mondays?) Reducing meat consumption is the best and fastest way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is likely to improve your health and wellness. Worcester has been named one of the most vegetarian-friendly cities! Check out some of these great vegan/vegetarian restaurants:
- Buying local, humanely raised meat – Support local farmers such as Flo’s Farmstand and Shutlz Farm that has antibiotic free, grass fed beef, pork, turkey, lamb, goat, rabbit. “There are no chemicals in our meats and you can truly taste the difference in our quality meats and poultry”. It is only a half an hour from Worcester and their meats contain no growth hormones, steroids, antibiotics or additives. For your convenience, this meat can be found at REC Farmer’s Markets!
Numerous animal and environmental rights groups are fighting for laws that will create more humane lives for the billions of animals in CAFOs. Find out more about legislation and regulations surrounding factory farming here.
