David Suzuke “Do Not Eat Red Meat”

In 2003, I was working for Youth Conservation Corps. We were given the unique opportunity of meeting Dr David Suzuke at an event in Adelaide. I do not recall what the event was about exactly, but do I remembered later discovering that the man we had met was world famous – a renowned Climate Change Expert, Advocate and a really good Speaker.

After his speech, each of us was allowed to go up to him and ask him some questions. The line to speak with him was very long, but I waited very patiently. I was the very last person who got to speak with him.

When I approached him, he asked what my question was and I replied, “What is the best thing we can do for the planet?” His response was, “Do not eat red meat.” I asked why. He said that the amount of water required to feed the cows, grass, grains etc. and water was phenomenal – grazing also causes soil erosion. He said that cows produce a lot of methane as well and this contributes a little to climate change. There was more to it. I don’t recall exactly everything and my recollection of it now may not be entirely correct, but you get the gist of it.

: Feeding Cows to Feed the Masses is killing our planet.

I’m not saying that you have to stop eating red meat immediately, but it is something to consider. Besides the benefits to the environment, there would be less demand for the cows, less calfs would become cows, less cows would be born in future and therefore eventually cows wouldn’t be used as food anymore (If I had my way).

There are other sources of meat if you really want to eat meat that are more cost effective, eco-friendly and better for the planet overall.

I do personally advocate eating as little meat as possible. I prefer to eat it sparingly, although I will not dictate to you how you should or could eat. I am only sharing what information has been passed on to me and how I feel about it. I’m not telling you to do this or do that. I am just sharing my preferences and the reasons for that.

What are your preferences and why? Please share in the comment section below. 🙂

*the featured image is ‘Chilli Con Carne’ made at ‘Let’s Latte’ in Southport, Scarborough St QLD, 4215