Eco-Friendly Products

The production of beef and dairy poses a large risk to the environment. Up to 18 percent more gas emissions are emitted from beef production then any vehicle on the road. Gas emissions from a red meat based diet, are greater then the emissions generated from a plant based diet. If you were to change your diet from a red meat diet to a plant based diet, you would be saving the same amount of emission if you were to change your vehicle from a Toyota Camry to a Toyota Prius. What our diet consists of plays a major part in what greenhouse gas emission that we produce, along with how we transport ourselves, if we use reusable grocery bags, the amount of energy we use and if we dispose of products correctly – through recycling or reusing item.

Livestock does not only cause environmental concern through global warming, but also through the amount of land that is required to produce feed for the cattle. Cattle farming requires land for grazing therefore deforestation and erosion occur, which creates habitat loss and again contribute towards global warming. It has been reported by the FAO that overgrazing has occurred, degrading up to 20% of pastures.

During the production of beef and dairy there is a risk to waterways through animal waste along with the items that may appear in their waste such as antibiotics and hormones. If the cattle are fed foods that contain traces of fertilizers and pesticides these chemicals may be transferred into the animal waste then into waterways. Cattle production requires large amounts of water to satisfy the animals, the high need of resources to produce cattle is contributing to a reduced number of habitats lost which results in species loss.

It is not recommended that you change your diet completely to not include any beef or dairy, but change the way your purchase you red meat and dairy, by purchasing organic you are helping the environment as organic meats and dairy avoid the use of chemicals and pesticides therefore not polluting the soil or waterways. By consuming free range products the need for antibiotics is reduced as illnesses are minimal due to healthy consumption of foods.

Sustainable farming is required for all produce from rice, soy and corn, not just cattle farming, to create an impact on the environment, changing to a complete plant based diet will not help the situation. Changes in the ways that our foods are produced, not a diet change will have the most impact on our environment. Food production companies should also look at packaging of their products, through reusable bags or recyclable packaging. Companies need to take on changes to promote food production and distribution in an environmentally safe manner.