Oil is an essential ingredient in meat production. The production of one calorie of grain-fed beef takes 33% more fossil fuel energy than producing one calorie of potatoes. In addition, cattle belch methane, the second most powerful greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, accounting for 16% of the world’s annual emissions of methane.

Benefits: 

• Reduced resistance to vital antibiotics! Industrial meat production involves the injection of antibiotics into livestock to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in the crowded conditions the animals are kept in. This is increasing human consumer’s genetic resistance to commonly used antibiotics that are necessary for treating infectious diseases.

• A decreased contribution to extensive water consumption and waste production! Up to 6,600 gallons of water can be used to produce just 8 ounces of grain-fed beef and 20 times more waste is produced by livestock in the United States than is produced by the country’s human population.

• Assistance in the fight against Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)! These are densely packed feedlots where chickens, pigs, and cattle are raised in abominable conditions.

Can't Resist that Juicy Hamburger every now and then?

When you do buy meat, look for some that is locally produced, grass-fed, free range, or free from antibiotics and hormones. The Good Foods Market and Cafe is a perfect place to find such meat.