Meat eating vs. veganism misses the big picture - we all end lives to sustain our own
I received an email recently from a University of Michigan student who is writing an essay in defense of eating meat. Our contact arose from this student deciding that, if he is going to eat meat, it is his responsibility to have a thorough understanding of the realities of slaughter and butchering.
This gave me pause. And while I admire this young man for his personal conviction, I don't necessarily believe an individual need confront the actual process of arriving at a pound of ground beef before eating that burger any more than I believe we must all assemble an engine prior to driving a car.
I do believe it is important to acknowledge that if you are eating meat then something living, breathing, thinking, feeling — died. And it's the breathing, thinking, feeling part that is most important. This is where the ethics of meat eating comes in.
Perhaps you take refuge in vegetarianism or veganism. Perhaps you believe by not eating meat you are abstaining from the taking of a sentient life to sustain your life. Differentiating between the morals of eating a steak compared to a tomato is hard to argue if the grounds for logic center on the right or wrong of deliberately killing a fellow creature to meet nutritional needs when these needs can be met without eating meat, especially if dairy and eggs are part of the diet.
But what so many remain truly ignorant of is the collateral loss of life that goes hand in hand with any agricultural endeavor. A field of standing hay is home to nesting birds, meadow mice and voles, snakes and rabbits. As the field is mowed to make fodder for livestock, including dairy cows, what do you suppose happens to these creature?
Plowing the earth to make way for corn, soybeans, wheat etc. plays similar havoc with the myriad creatures who live in these fields. Running combines to harvest these crops results in untold loss of life. Displacement and habitat loss spells doom for many animals if the machinery itself doesn't outright kill them.
And of course pesticides applied to crops are put on to kill bugs; "bad" ones and "good" ones alike. These substances are also deadly to birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.
What also isn't widely known is that chemical fertilizers have toxic effects on many living creatures, especially those living in the lakes, streams, rivers and ponds adjacent our farm fields. And this all happens whether these crops are harvested to feed pigs and chickens or just make a batch of granola or some tofu burgers.
Sustainable, organic farming practices go a long way towards mitigating damage to life and environment by eschewing chemicals. But the fact remains that unless you're out there planting one seed at a time by hand moving the worms out of the way as you go, you are ending life to sustain yours.
Yes there are order of magnitude arguments, and this brings me full circle to my challenge to dispel ignorance, abandon indifference, and fully acquaint yourself with the reality of sustenance, which is that nothing on Earth lives without something else dying. Then we can involve theology, arrogance, and botany to continue the conversation!
Ruth Ehman has been farming her 53 acres north of Dexter for 25 years. Recently retired from a "real job" she now makes her living producing "real food" including operating a dairy, and teaching others skills conducive to a small, diverse family farm lifestyle. Contact her at firesignfamilyfarm.com or ruthehman@live.com
Comments
Gary L
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 9:44 p.m.
f we truly respect animals and want to refrain from inflicting avoidable harm on them, we'll go vegan. Every study shows that fewer animals are killed on a vegan diet - yes, this includes mice who may be killed during plowing. Furthermore, the animals killed intentionally for food are nearly all young and bred to overproduce flesh, milk, eggs, and/or offspring. If we truly want to reduce the amount of violence we inflict on other living beings - because we do have tremendous leeway even though we'll never get the number to zero - the first thing we'll do is stop the premeditated creating of beings just to kill them as soon as profitable. Then we'll work on ways to minimize the harmful side effects of our lifestyles; e.g., buying locally and from fair trade producers, supporting veganic farms and products that use no animal byproducts. With millions of thriving vegans, including champion athletes in nearly every sport, and Hoard Lyman who once ran the largest cattle ranch in Montana, it's clear that we no longer need to slaughter animals to have a healthy, diverse, satisfying diet. Let's evolve toward a nonviolent society.
Gary L
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 9:42 p.m.
The "circle of life" doesn't justify murder; it doesn't justify inflicting easily avoidable harm. Virtually every animal raised for flesh is killed in the prime of life or younger. Free-range chickens are typically killed when 6-8 weeks old. Killing a living being as soon as economically profitable is the ultimate disrespect. Nonhumans value their lives. If your next door neighbor said "We killed our puppy because we wanted to eat her. But we gave her a decent life beforehand so we respect her" you'd be outraged. There's no ethical difference between a puppy and a piglet. Furthermore, nearly every animal raised for flesh, milk, or eggs today suffers from human callousness. For example: - Chickens are so top-heavy that many die of heart failure or collapse and die of dehydration before they're slaughtered. - Egg-laying hens come from hatcheries that routinely suffocate or grind up newborn male chicks. - Dairy cows are forced to be pregnant and lactating their entire abbreviated lives. Their babies are taken from them, causing distress to both mother and babies and destroying one of the strongest bonds in nature. They're killed when they can't produce enough milk to be profitable. - Animals may legally be transported in sweltering heat for over 24 hours with no food, water, or rest. - Over a hundred undercover investigations of slaughterhouses show horrific suffering. This is not surprising in a place that kills animals en masse. In "Slaughterhouse" by Gail Eisnitz, one ex-slaughterhouse worker after another reports horrors such as improperly stunned pigs thrashing wildly in scalding tans until they drown. Chickens comprise 90 percent of "food" animals killed, and they are not even covered by the meager protections of the Animal Welfare Act or Humane Slaughter Act. These are widespread cruelties, not just limited to factory farms - the source of at least 95 percent of animal food products.
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:25 a.m.
A good chance to plug the book The China Study.
Rick Taylor
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
I just read a a comment about animals eating other animals to survive like the fox killing a rabbit to feed its young. This is just one of many, many examples of life in the real and natural world, this world is so far removed from us with technology today. I have 2 lovely cats at home but I refuse to give them the same value as a human being, I find that to be absurd. As a hunter (who likes his veggie's too) I can't deny our psychological make up. We have teeth made for tearing meat, we have eye's set in front of our skull because we're designed to be predatory. Simply stated, we're designed to be omnivorous. Good article...
Rick Taylor
Mon, Aug 5, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
Oops, I meant to say physiological make up, darn spell checker.
Elaine F. Owsley
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.
Thanks Ruth for a clear and basic view of the circle of life and death that provides our food. The other side of this is, if no one eats meat, no meat animals are born or raised. The need came before the critters were produced and reproduce in the quantities we see. If not for domestic farm animals for food, we would be out there finding some living thing to replace them. Personally, I am not a fan of wild meat.
SonnyDog09
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 12:03 p.m.
Every time I read one of these discussions, I am reminded of the discussion in the Niven series on Known Space as to why most intelligent species in the galaxy are Carnivores (or omnivores) and not herbivores. "It doesn't take a lot of intelligence to sneak up on a blade of grass."
Andrew
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 10:44 a.m.
For every animal you don't eat, I'll eat three.
Thaddeus
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 5:09 a.m.
The author, Ms. Ehman hit on some very good reasons to enjoy a diet leaning in the "vegetarian/ vegan" direction. As something in the lines of 83% of the crops grown in the U.S. are for feeding livestock, one would kill far less worms, voles, birds, insects, et al as she describes by just eating the crops. A pound of meat typically requires 4 to 16 pounds of crops to raise (as well as a lot of water and other resources). Meat production produces far more pollution, requires far more pesticides, run-off, etc. The much more resource intensive aspect of meat production is (I believe) an even more important and compelling reason to direct one's diet away from meat. We can debate the semantics of animal rights, "humane" treatment in the life-and-death circle of life, etc., but the resource cost-benefit of meat production alone is reason enough to make meat products a small/ non-existant part of one's diet. This is weighted in that there is no nutritional element of eating meat that is obtained as well or better, along with the numerous health benefits in eating a vegetarian/ vegan diet....
IVote
Sun, Aug 4, 2013 : 1:51 a.m.
Thaddeus, what you say is absolutely true.
Arboriginal
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 2:33 a.m.
Would somebody please explain those wacky egg eating "vegetarians"?
KMHall
Sun, Aug 4, 2013 : 12:15 a.m.
they don't feel pain
Arboriginal
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.
Uh huh....okay.
DJBudSonic
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 6:06 a.m.
Eggs don't have eyes, yet.
jcj
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 9:04 p.m.
Whatever! Pass the venison.
KMHall
Sun, Aug 4, 2013 : 12:14 a.m.
and excuse me while i reload
Michigan Reader
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 8:40 p.m.
God gave man dominion over all the animals and fish on earth, and I believe one reason they are here is to sustain mankind.
DJBudSonic
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 6:05 a.m.
But wasn't Man first given just the plants, and the fruits of the trees, all except the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, to eat? It was after man had defied God's wishes and eaten of the Tree of Knowledge, and sent out of Eden, that he was given also dominion over the animals, fish etc. So it is because we know sin that we are given to eat meat.
sh1
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 10:06 p.m.
Well if it's in the bible it must be true!
Brad
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 9 p.m.
Plus if she didn't want us to eat animals then why are they all made of meat?
Nicholas Urfe
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 8:38 p.m.
The regular feeding of antibiotics to livestock puts all of us in danger, as organisms develop resistance to the few available antibiotics.
Joe Semifero
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
"The regular feeding of antibiotics to livestock puts all of us in danger, as organisms develop resistance to the few available antibiotics." This is actually not really true. NPR had a great segment on this very topic less than a month ago. Basically, most of the antibiotics used in farming are not the same antibiotics used in people. Also, getting the antibiotic resistant bacteria from the farm to a person is difficult and requires a person to not follow any of the recognized safe food handling procedures. Lastly, some type of susceptibility is needed in the person receiving the bacteria, such as a compromised immune system. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/07/11/200870193/are-antibiotics-on-the-farm-risky-business
Elaine F. Owsley
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
On this earth 78 years. Me, either.
Andrew
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 10:45 a.m.
Hmm... on this earth 27 years, haven't really had a problem yet...
Nicholas Urfe
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
This is one of the most absurd rationalizations for eating meat that I have read. Mostly because it attempts to put down vegans as brutal killers of worms, or some similar nonsense. And I say that as someone who just lit the grill to cook some steaks.
Greg
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 7:45 p.m.
Veggitarians have the right to their opinion and to do as they wish. What most object to the the self righous claims they start spousing to others unrequested and pushing their beliefs on others.
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:15 a.m.
Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. It's my opinion that what happens to animals is a terrific violence akin to the mass murder of thousands upon thousands of sentient beings; who have been raised from birth with no chance at anything else. Oh, wait a minute, that's a fact, not an opinion.
pest
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.
Annie, I think you bring it on yourself.
pest
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 8:11 p.m.
Gret - completely agree.
Annie
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
How many times has it happened to you? Or is this yet ANOTHER generalization that someone is going to spew? Have ALL vegetarians done that to you? How often have YOU had to explain your dietary habits? Let me tell you, I have to explain my being vegan AT LEAST once a day....more often if I'm at a gathering of folks. It's not fun and it's insulting.
spaghettimonsters
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
This is an insultingly simplistic response. No vegan/vegetarian honestly believes that he or she is exempted from the cycle of death that defines sustenance itself. We're not fools. And we're not forcing anyone else to do (or not do!) anything. But it is a very basic fact that raising animals for meat (and dairy) consumption is far more harmful to both the environment and our bodies than farming crops. We're still human: we still participate in a harmful agricultural process which is by definition unnatural. But veganism (and responsible vegetarianism) *is* less harmful than eating meat, and pretending otherwise makes you sound dishonest and uninformed. Just say that you don't care: at least that's honest, and we can at least respect you for telling the truth.
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:12 a.m.
Again, in response to pest, I'm not so sure that it is known that animal products are healthy. Have you read The China Study? It makes a convincing case to the contrary.
Mike
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 5 a.m.
Pest- Meat production on a mass scale is one of the most environmentally harmful activities there is. It creates enormous amounts of polluted runoff, damage to aquatic ecosystems, deforestation, greenhouse gas production, and takes up huge amounts of land (1/3 or the world's arable land, to be exact). The alternative would be to not eat meat.
Annie
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
Thank you. You said it much better than me! :)
pest
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
How is raising animals harmful to the environment? What's the alternative? Slaughter all livestock so they leave no environmental foot print? Do you know that some countries and regions use goats to clear underbrush from dense areas to reduce the chance of forest fires? Did you know that cattle and grazing sheep can also keep fields clear of harmful pests? Did you know that deer (true, not livestock but a common meat) left unchecked will spread disease and cause starvation both in their species and others? It's also known that meat products are beneficial to your health, same with dairy. Are there alternatives? Yes. But some cannot eat those alternatives. I personally cannot eat soy due to medical reasons, have negative reaction to beans and most nuts. Where will my protein come from?
Annie
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 4:52 p.m.
I suppose we all should stop walking, too. Watch where you step! You might step on an ant! We live our lives killing things...constantly. However, as a vegan, I do my BEST to eat (and dress and use products) without causing harm to anything or anyone. If this article is seriously trying to tell me that I should go ahead and eat meat anyway because we're going to kill things regardless, it did a pretty terrible job doing it. Sorry, not buying it. We are not as stupid as you think we are. Do you really think that vegans and vegetarians believe we don't kill ANYTHING??? Do you really think we believe that animals don't live EVERYWHERE??? We are not that naive. And it is ignorant and insulting that you would believe that. It gives me such a headache to hear omnivores constantly berating vegetarians/vegans about our dietary habits. It is NONE of my business what people eat. I do what's right for ME, YOU do what's right for YOU. It is my CHOICE. I CHOOSE to live as gently as possible. If you have QUESTIONS about what vegetarians/vegans believe, maybe you should ASK them...instead of ASSUMING we are ignorant and mindless.
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:10 a.m.
In reply to pest, if you are concerned about the treatment of animals prior to slaughter, what do you do about that? Also, isn't it unfortunate that animals aren't allowed to live a little longer? You could stop if you wanted to.
pest
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 8:10 p.m.
Annie, I know several vegetarians and to my knowledge they are not insulted by others. Generally, most people don't notice the consumption of others unless it's thrown in their face or talked about. imo, go about your business and just eat what you want to eat. It's not my concern nor is it the business of others. But respect me and my choices as well.
Annie
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
How often are you questioned about your dietary habits? I have to explain mine AT LEAST once a day. I can guarantee that your being called a murderer happens far less than how many times people tell me that plants have feelings too.
pest
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.
On that same note, I've been called a murderer and have been insulted by vegetarians / vegans because I do eat meat. if someone chooses to or not to eat mean, that is their decision. Whether it's for health concerns or their personal ethics, that is their choice. I happen to like meat products. I also love animals. Yet I am not conflicted. I personally do not find it unethical to eat meat but what I do find unethical is mistreatment of animals prior to the butchering. Livestock can and should be treated humanely prior to slaughter.
Annie
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 6:38 p.m.
It's 14 years of frustration built up. Sorry if I went off the deep end with the capital letters!
Vern2
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 5:47 p.m.
Whoa.
Billy
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
I eat red meat because I don't like cancer. Also....it tastes absolutely delicious.
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:05 a.m.
I'd like to know your source that states red meat keeps cancer at bay. The China Study makes a good case for milk products & meat being responsible for cancer.
Phillip Farber
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
This is a thoughtful article on the ethics of vegetarianism vs. meat eating. Granted that some life must die for other life to survive, the writer's argument from the equivalence between slaughtering cattle and destroying worms is extremely weak. What it boils down to is something akin to "agriculture kills and so does the abattoir" so your choice is ethical so long as you make it fully informed. Whatever happened to doing the least harm possible?
spaghettimonsters
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 5:42 p.m.
Why are people voting down this perspective? Could you all at least respond to explain yourselves?
Jessica Webster
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 3:52 p.m.
I appreciate your thoughtful perspective, Ruth. Thank you.
M
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
An obvious utilitarian response would be to do the act that causes the most good. Clearly more harm and resources are used to generate meat. Saying "Well something has to die so it's all the same" completely and utterly ignores a useful middle ground. "But the fact remains that unless you're out there planting one seed at a time by hand moving the worms out of the way as you go, you are ending life to sustain yours." What an insulting generalization.
Andrew
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 10:36 a.m.
That's not really a generalization...
spaghettimonsters
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 5:41 p.m.
Hear, hear!
Atticus F.
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
Animals eat other animals. Without the circle of life, life would not exist on this planet. If the mother fox doesn't kill a bunny, then the baby foxes starve to death (and many do). We are raised watching cartoons of talking animals, and it creates a false percetion of reality for some. Some people even treat their pets better than they would treat another human being. That being said, I believe we have a responsibility to raise animals in a pain free environmet.
Robert Hughes
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:04 a.m.
Unless you visit the farm regularly, better yet are the farmer, you have no way of knowing how the animals are actually treated.
pest
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 7:41 p.m.
And yet, some people treat their pets in such a deplorable manner that if the pet were human, the person would be in prison for torture and/or murder. And don't get me wrong - I'm a meat eater. But you can have livestock and treat the stock humanely.