Thursday, 15 May 2008
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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!
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Comments (7)
I'm such a meat eater, but try to cut most of it out of my diet and I make a brave attempt to supplement the protein in my diet with beans, peanuts, fish. I just recently switched to soy milk...it's a mind over matter thing. If I start thinking what it is, I get grossed out. But I put it in Oatmeal which helps.
It' hard not eating meat, I grew up in Indiana, and we are beef eaters!
I have a pair of capri's I got from Wal-mart that are made of organic cotton. They are the most comfy things I have. Every time I wear them, I tell everyone I'm saving the world, one pair of pants at a time. :) They are my world saving pants!
Have a great day!
I think God put Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and told them to tend it. I think in doing that he's telling us all that we need to take care of the earth we live in. After all, there is only one earth ...
@iknowHimdou@xanga - actually i quite like soymilk! although the straight, no-sugar-added kind is a little difficult. and i like the idea of world saving pants!! awesome!
GREAT post! I recently moved back to my rural hometown after living in Chicago this winter & spring. When I was there, one of the many things I learned was the importance of conservation, and the huge amounts of waste and deforestation that takes place for mass meat production. Although I am not vegetarian, I've decided to cut out meat that is manufactured or processed. But I still eat fish, chicken, or deer.
walking to nearby places instead of driving is another good thing to do, and I've really noticed how much I used to waste things! Water, Paper, Electricity... Instead of buying bottled waters, purchase a water filter for your tap at home and re-fill just one bottle. I used don't take 5 napkins when I only need 2, I don't have the lights on during the day (Have you heard of Earth Hour? I believe that this annual event is good, but certainly not enough. What about once a week, or even each day?) Simple ways that might seem too little to make a difference indeed DO make a difference.
Have a great day! =)
I recycle, so that's enough I think, I'm also thinking of converting my cars to become diesel powered so that I can run Bio diesel, but that's just a crack pipe dream. But I really want to do it.
soyburgers/garden burgers are worse for you actually, they contain more saturated fat from what I understand, I love them also crispy and nutty mmmm good...but then again I'm so Chinese that I eat everything in front with arms and legs cept tables and chairs :P
I consider myself to be fairly green! I don't eat pork or red meat at all anymore, and limit my chicken/fish intake. I only buy eggs from free-range hens, and once the farmers markets open for the season, I'm going to try to buy all my meats, eggs, cheeses and veggies from them. A little pricier, but healthier for me, and MUCH better for the earth. There is so much crazy inhumane stuff going on in the meat industry now its scary. I really like Michael Pollan, he's a great author. Try to pick up "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifest" or "The Omnivore's Dilemma" (that last one really focuses on the environmental implications of America's eating habits).
Also I work in an office of about 40, and I implemented a recycling program when I started here. Any boxes, paper or bottles I take home with me at the end of every day, and I also have a bin for aluminum cans and water bottles that I take home once a week. Its more of an inconvenience for me, sure, but it makes me feel so good to be making my small contribution, lol. That stuff really adds up over the course of a week and I couldn't stand to see it all thrown away.
Also, if I have errands to run, I try to plan it out. If I need to return something to the mall thats 30 minutes away, I'll wait until Sunday when I am over in that direction for church.
And I've come to love vanilla rice milk on my cereal (much better for you than milk, but without the weird after-taste of soymilk).