Sustainability From Pasture to Plate - M.Parks, CHES
A component of the emerging mindful living movement includes not purchasing or consuming beef that is the result of corporate factory farming. What is mindful living and what has it got to do with beef? "Sustainable living" or "green living" is a lifestyle that protects the planets finite natural resources. Voting with your hard earned dollars and buying products that are made with the earth's welfare in mind is a practical way to align values with action.
Providing cheap meat to the masses, the beef industry has taken to unscrupulous production methods negatively impacting animal welfare, the environment, and their own employees. All beef is not created equal. Unfortunately, beef purchased at your local grocer is quite possibly the end result of factory farming. There are many dangers lurking behind the perfectly shrink wrapped meat resting benignly on the signature Styrofoam slab.
Increasingly people are demanding accountability for the quality of meat they are willing to buy with an emphasis on the life cycle of the meat, from pasture to plate. Farmers have taken matters into their own hands and have returned to traditional farming methods that produce a superior gourmet product satisfying the palate of health conscious carnivores. There has been an explosion in sustainable farming since the 1970's. It was during this time when corporate factory farming methods were discovered to be toxic and preventing disease was introduced into the public health arena.
So what are the alternatives? How do you know if meat you intend to eat for dinner tonight is free of disease and potentially harmful additives? The resurgence of small farming operations where animal welfare, the environment, and a health centric product have become the focus of the agribusiness revolution ensures meat safety. Companies in the meat industry who adhere to the growing philosophy of green business practices are Niman Ranch, Laura's Lean Beef, and Dakota Beef featured on Williams Sonoma to name a few. Sustainable raised meat - beef, pork, or poultry is essential to the health of the planet. Supply and demand being the foundation of the American economy gives rise to alternatives, purchasing tainted meat from the commercial sector is no longer the only option.
Farmers everywhere are resurrecting sustainable farming practices and consumers are taking notice. Whether it is a high-grade premium product you are searching for or simply wishing to have confidence in the meat you consume, there is an alternative that is focused on health, sustainability, and meat safety.
Green Business Spotlight
Niman Ranch
Faithful stewards of the environment, Niman Ranch has been operating for over thirty years providing quality beef products. Protecting a traditional way of farming and supporting small family farms is important to the company. In addition to the original ranch, they have associations with over 500 independent sustainable family farms that follow the authentic methods of pasture raised animals. An old fashioned tracking method of direct distribution ensures the integrity of their meat from farm to customer.
Bibliographic Citation
Macy, Danya. "The eco-conscious carnivore: a meat lover's guide to making choices that maximize personal and planetary health." Natural Health. Dec.2005: Weider Publications. Gale Group. Rpt. in Look Smart.
Natural Health. Dec. 2005. Weider Publications. Gale Group. 26 Feb. 2006 Rpt. in Look smartwww.findarticles.com