When you get right down to it, unsustainable practices in the meat industry spell out certain failure. When farming methods are such that they focus on immediate yield rather than future and continued supply, the demand is unreasonable and destined to break down. But a network of small farms could eventually solve our existing crisis of huge waste, pollution and exploitation of resources in the farming and food industries, as well as the risk of disease, contamination and poor flavor.
We could all stand to eat a little less, learn a little more about our food. But the good news for those of you who want to go green but not give up eating meat is that you can do it without feeling guilty. In the U.S., no matter where you live, you should be able to find quality beef, pork and poultry, thanks in part to large companies like Niman Ranch and Heritage Foods U.S.A., which are essentially national distributors for smaller, often family-owned farms.
Then again, if you have the option and can afford to buy sustainable meat but you choose not to, then you're casting a vote for and ultimately perpetuating a system that relies on unreasonable and poisonous methods. In so many words, you're causing the problem.
It's important that we all use common sense with this issue. While eating meat that is sustainably farmed is a "green" step in the right direction, should you eat steak every day? Of course not. As individuals we should have the same standards for ourselves that we do for the small farms we support. We should be asking ourselves whether our habits are sustainable, and whether or not we as individuals are putting back what we take.
Read More: "Sustainable Foods: Which Meat to Eat"
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