Comments on: Mmm. Meat.

By: cmf

cmf — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:21:19 +0000

Peter, you seem to be new to LivingSmall. If you read back through the history of the site you will find many posts about why I eat meat, and what kinds of meat I eat. Personally, I find that most arguments for veganism are based on a sentimental view of animals, and a sort of wishful idea that by not eating meat animals one can avoid death itself(Wendell Berry was particularly good on this idea in a recent NPR interview. While I will continue to write about the abuses of industrial agriculture, I will also continue to support my friends and neighbors who engage in responsible animal husbandry. As someone lucky enough to live in a part of the country where it is easy to buy meat from small ranchers that can be humanely slaughtered in small, locally-owned slaughterhouses and who has access to game hunted by responsible hunters, I eat what's local. For us, that includes a fair amount of meat. Ted Kerasote also has a good essay in Bloodties, Nature, Culture and the Hunt about the carbon impact of eating vegetarian in this ecosystem.

By: peter

peter — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:14:27 +0000

I think if you wanted to help end the abuses in slaughterhouses the best way would be to go vegan even if you had access to what you consider humane slaughter houses. There is absolutely no reason why an animal needs to suffer or die for us. Vegan diets are easy, by far healthier than animal centred ones and are better for the environment. Becoming a vegan sends a powerful message to you friends, family and corporations that you do not support animal cruelty.

By: cmf

cmf — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:40:42 +0000

I’ve long argued that the problem is not eating meat, per se, but that the problem is applying industrial methods to meat production. And while I suppose the horrifying videos like the one’s Peter pointed to are a wake up for many, I think the situation is complicated. We’re at an advantage up here in ranching country because it’s relatively easy to get humanely-raised meat, and humanely hunted wild game. We’re also one of the only states left where there are good small slaughterhouses, which are a great resource when you’re trying to find locally-raised animals. So, we eat meat, but I try my best to make sure very little of it every saw the inside of a CAFO.

By: peter

peter — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:52:14 +0000

Here’s a good video on the subject: http://meat.org