Mark Bittman: "We Could Be Heroes"

Mark Bittman, writing in today's online edition of The New York Times ("We Could Be Heroes"), gives us something to think about in regard to our meat consumption:

"I could go on and on about the dangers of producing and consuming too much meat: heavy reliance on fossil fuels and phosphorous (both in short supply); consumption of staggering amounts of antibiotics, a threat to public health; and the link (though not as strong as sugar’s) to many of the lifestyle diseases that are wreaking havoc on our health.

"Here’s the thing: It’s seldom that such enormous problems have such simple solutions, but this is one that does. We can tackle climate change without inventing new cars or spending billions on mass transit or trillions on new forms of energy, though all of that is not only desirable but essential.

"In the meantime, we can begin eating less meat tomorrow. That’s something any of us can do, with no technological advances. If personal choice enacted on a large scale could literally save the world, maybe we have to talk about it that way. We could be heroes, like Bruce Willis in 'Armageddon,' only maybe the sacrifice is on a more modest and easier scale. (You already changed your light bulbs; how about eating a salad?)"

Personally, I am an omnivore and love grass-fed/pastured meat and dairy. But every meal does not have to include beef, chicken, pork or lamb.

Click here to read Bittman's entire piece.