Just in time for the impending “Burger Week” in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I know many of you will not want to read what I have to share, but hear me out!
That juicy burger you’re about to bite into is contributing to global warming. Say what? You don’t believe me?! Scientific American says “It turns out that producing half a pound of hamburger for someone’s lunch patty of meat the size of two decks of cards releases as much greenhouse gas into the atmosphere as driving a 3,000 lb car nearly 10 miles”. Whoa!
The livestock industry is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions and beef alone takes up a lofty 41% of this figure. Large amounts of methane gas are created from raising cattle. They emit this gas while grazing and digesting, through belching and flatulence. Just how much methane? I found this lovely diagram on the BBC website.
Worthy of enough methane gas for the UK government to start charging a “methane tax” to farmers based on the amount and choice of livestock.
Rumor has it by giving up red meat, you can shrink your carbon footprint by half! Giving up beef alone will do more good in cutting your carbon footprint than giving up driving your car! That is crazy! Even a reduction in eating red meat will help significantly.
Beef production is significantly more damaging to the environment than that of dairy, poultry, pork and eggs. Beef production is impacting our air quality, water quality, and even the health of our oceans. We require 28 times more land to produce beef in comparison to the other livestock categories. Cows require heaps more resources such as water, grain, and grass to produce consumable beef. To give you some perspective, I read that one kilogram of beef was equal to wasting 24 kilograms of wheat.
I am transitioning into a vegetarian, but I am presently still consuming, eggs, dairy and poultry. I have given up all mammals for various reasons which I will share at a later time. It was a documentary I viewed “Vegucated”, which has inspired me to make the changes I have. Watching “Vegucated” was a real eye opener for me and I invite all of you to “Get Vegucated” too. It is a good thing! http://www.getvegucated.com/
Peace and love
You Know Jacques! 