Dear editor,
The impact that meat consumption has on the environment is astounding. Did you know that just one family of four can make a difference? If the family of four decided to use ‘Meatless Mondays’ as part of their weekly meal planning, that could be equated to removing a car from the road for three months.
That is significant!
About 30 percent of Earth’s land surface and one-third of the entire planet’s fresh-water supply are used to raise cattle, pigs and chicken for human consumption.
For example, in the United States, it takes approximately 2,000 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef in comparison to 26 gallons of water to grow 1 pound of tomatoes!
Not only can meatless meals help the environment, but they offer many health benefits as well. Animals are mass-produced at higher rates than ever before and, with that, they include added hormones and antibiotics to keep the animals healthy enough for us to eat.
The best option is to purchase free-range and grass-fed meat, but most important, support local farms by buying from local farmers markets.
Not only that, eating authentic organic produce also reduces the amount of chemicals that would otherwise be consumed.
All of these options are a win-win situation for the environment, and for the good of our health.
What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Family dinner idea — Meatless Mondays, anyone?