Which looks better to you?
When we discuss “Factory Farms,” we often talk about how the animals are treated there (not well) or the health of the animals on the farms (not good). We also talk about the breathing room animals have (little to none) or the things they’re injected with (too many).
Amidst all this, there is one topic that we don’t often stop to consider: where do all those animals go to the bathroom, and how do they get rid of the waste?
Recently, the EPA decided we needed a more definite answer to that question.
In the next year, the EPA will be investigating approximately 20,000 “Factory Farms” that have, until now, avoided the government regulations regarding water pollution and animal waste.
As it is now, many of these farms are keeping the waste in man-made lagoons (which can contaminate ground water) until they spray it onto land and crops (which can contaminate surface water). The result is pollution in the form of nitrates, pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Gross, right?
Right. And grossly dangerous to our health.
So, what can you do? Well, it’s a good idea to research where your meat is coming from. That way, you hold the power, and you can demand that the “Factory Farms” clean up their act!
Want more information? Sites you can visit:
EPA CAFO Regulations
Natural Resources Defense Council facts about CAFOs
News story: Why Factory Farms May Finally Be Held Responsible for Their Polluting Waste
All animal products are bad for the environment, not just those from “factory farms.” Case in point:
“Livestock account for a greater share of human-induced greenhouse gases than all of transportation combined (trains, planes, cars, and ships).” http://www.fao.org/docrep/010/a0701e/a0701e00.HTM
Then the Worldwatch Institute says it’s actually even WORSE than that: http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf
The amount of grain we feed to livestock in the US alone every year could feed 800 million people (2.5x our population): http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/aug97/livestock.hrs.html
And let’s not kid ourselves. There is no such thing as “humane” or “happy” animal products. It can be likened to promoting the “humane” treatment of slaves– there is no such thing. We acknowledge that the act of slavery in and of itself is a terrible thing which we don’t want to partake in, and that inherently there is no “nice” way of going about it.
Farms are often next to golf course or developments where untreated water flows and is used to raise livestock, foood products.
Wow, this is scary!
It is gross, disgusting actually, just wish it were more affordable. We have had to get creative. We found an organic farm that sells whole cows and split a cow between several families. This way was a lot more cost effective. Now if only we could find a cheaper way to get organic chicken….
@Lara, what a great solution!
AHHHHHH Eat More Chicken!
lol @J
You all realize the above positions are complete nonesense, right?
Animals are not crowded together and mistreated on “factory farms”. (Which actually don’t exist.)
Unfortunately, EPA s also now run by people with poor knowledge of the actual subject.
@Keith, you can click here for more information on CAFOs http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/factoryfarming/
So good to see and read about ones respect for the earth and it’s ability to produce goooood food. Our Creator Jehovah really appreciates all effort being made.