Herbivorous teeth for eating "meat"

Over the months, I have talked about the link between meat consumption and environmental concerns.  Some groups even insist that eating meat adds to global warming.  When I speak with people regarding this, they vehemently assert that humans are designed to hunt prey and consume it.  Which biological factors would point to carnivorous humans?  Is it...

• our relatively poor eye-sight?
• our lack of claws or talons?
• our inefficient locomotion (as compared to mammals that move on 4 legs)?
• our long digestive tracks (shorter is better to help avoid putrefaction of flesh in the digestive tract)?

The ultimate key to this problem, may have insisted, are our canines.  You know, those "pointy" teeth designed for tearing flesh.  BBC offers a look into herbivore versus carnivore teeth.  If you've ever looked into a cat's mouth, you'll undoubtedly agree that their teeth are very different from ours.  Theirs are designed for eating meat from the body of their victim.  Cats are primarily carnivores.  Our teeth look like those of herbivore's.  Just another nail in the meat-eating coffin, I'd say.

But I urge you to educate yourself, and then decide.  My transition to a meatless lifestyle has been gradual.  I took it step-by-step, and always sought out what worked for me.  Try meat substitutes.  They can be found in many grocery stores and come in many types.  Keep in mind, though, that each brand is different.  You may like some while disliking others.  Try a few before you make up your mind.  Found a favorite brand?  Post about it in the comments section.

Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:06-10-06smile.jpg

Meat = oil

The New York Times published an article asserting that meat equals oil. While we are becoming aware of the issues surrounding fossil fuels, the meat industry poses some similar concerns.

Like oil, meat is subsidized by the federal government. Like oil, meat is subject to accelerating demand as nations become wealthier, and this, in turn, sends prices higher. Finally — like oil — meat is something people are encouraged to consume less of, as the toll exacted by industrial production increases, and becomes increasingly visible.

Here are some ideas to chew on:

• livestock production generates nearly a fifth of the world’s greenhouse gases — more than transportation
• 2.2 pounds of beef is responsible for the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the average European car every 155 miles, and burns enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for nearly 20 days
• it [routine antibiotic administration] can result in antibiotic-resistant bacteria that threaten the usefulness of medicines that treat people
• grain-fed animals, in turn, are contributing to health problems among the world’s wealthier citizens — heart disease, some types of cancer, diabetes
• as the horrors of raising meat in confinement become known, more animal lovers may start to react

And I could go on. But why don't you read the article for yourself, think carefully about it, then act. You might start acting by clicking here for your free vegetarian starter kit. There's no need to go 'cold turkey,' but each pound of meat you DON'T eat can mean big change.

Image: http://www.nytimes.com/

Meat: It's what's for dinner no longer

Americans certainly do enjoy their meat. A meal isn't complete until 90% of the plate is covered with a slab of charred flesh. Vegetables merely play a supporting role by making sure the meat doesn't slip off the plate. Here are a few more things you're getting with that heap of dead animal, according to Sustainable Table:

[industrial farm] activity was identified as a source of pollution for 48% of stream and river water, and for 41% of lake water.

grain-fed beef...requires thirty-five calories for every calorie of beef produced.

one study of 34,000 pigs found that 65% of the animals had "pneumonia-like lesions" in their lungs.

roughly 25,000 square kilometers or 6 million acres of the Amazon rainforest is cut down every year for grazing cattle and to grow soybeans that are used for animal feed.

To learn more, watch The Meatrix, a Matrix-style expose on the meat industry.

Because of what I learned these and other sources, I decided to cease eating meat of any kind and to try to consume eggs and cheese produced through sustainable methods. I don't necessarily ask everyone to take this route; you need to find what works for you. I'll have more information about animal agriculture in future posts, so be sure to check back regularly.

If you find these issues appalling as I did, I suggest ordering a FREE vegetarian starter kit.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Jersey_cow.png