Thursday, 15 May 2008

• Saving earth one soyburger at a time!

    by miss hibiscus

  
  

  I love meat.

  It’s true. My whole family loves eating meat. As soon as the temperature outside hits 45-50 degrees, you will find us grilling up a storm on our little deck. We will find any excuse to grill up a steak or kielbasa or garlicky chicken, even in the rain. Most of the time, I think this behavior is absolutely normal and pretty awesome.

  But a few years ago, I decided to abstain from eating beef and pork for about 12 months (chicken was originally on the list, but it was too difficult at the time). I didn’t do it because I suddenly felt sorry for animals or was disgusted by the sight of meat. I respect vegetarians and think there’s nothing wrong with it, but I guess I’ve never had an issue with killing animals for food. My issue with meat-eating (at least in America) is that it seems wasteful.

  With all the hoopla about "going green" and being more mindful of our use of water, petroleum, and plastics, I started reading about our "use" of meat. With all the cattle we raise for our beef, we use tons and tons of grains and soy to feed them - grains that can go towards feeding people here or abroad. That little fact really bothered me when I’d first read it. Moreover, the increasing demand for meat is causing more deforestation in order to create grain fields or grazing areas. I’d never really thought about what it cost to bring that juicy steak to my plate. I just cared about devouring it and then devouring some more as long as I still fit into my skinny jeans!

  So I am thinking about cutting out beef and pork (and maybe chicken) from my life again. The last time I did it, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, and once I started eating it again, I definitely ate less meat than I used to. But that’s slowly changed, especially since moving back in with the parents - I think I eat meat for every meal! Or, well, I could. I definitely am feeling wasteful and gluttonous.

  The bigger picture here for me is that I believe God wants me to take care of the planet better and just consume less. The Garden of Eden was left in Adam’s charge, and similarly, the earth is left in ours. God created it all, but we’re the ones using it and sometimes, abusing it. I’m not sure if Christians have a "stronger" calling to protect the planet than non-Christians, but I think it’s something we should be thinking about more; and not just because it’s trendy and Leonardo DiCaprio tells you to.

  What do you think about being green or just less wasteful? Is it a Christian calling?
  If you are green, what kind of things do you do?
  

  P.S. Soyburgers are ok, but I'm in favor of eating my veggies and grains straight-up as opposed to in a mish-mashed pattie shape.  Although tofu rocks!

  
  

   

  • 11:34 AM
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