The Irony of Peace: How Our Diets Contradict Our Hopes for Harmony: Factory Farming Harm Animals, Our Health and the Planet-It’s Time for Change
It is the time of year when I am reminded of this relevant preface to the book Old MacDonald’s Factory Farm by C. David Coats:
Isn’t man an amazing animal? He kills wildlife – birds, kangaroos, deer, all kinds of cats, coyotes, beavers, groundhogs, mice, foxes, and dingoes – by the millions in order to protect his domestic animals and their feed. Then he kills domestic animals by the billions and eats them. This in turn kills man by the millions, because eating all those animals leads to degenerative – and fatal – health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. So, then man tortures and kills millions more animals to look for cures for these diseases. Elsewhere, millions of other human beings are being killed by hunger and malnutrition because food they could eat is being used to fatten domestic animals. Meanwhile, some people are dying of sad laughter at the absurdity of man, who kills so easily and so violently, and once a year sends out a card praying for “Peace on Earth.”
The irony of our actions is stark. While we profess a desire for peace and harmony, we perpetuate an unnecessary and unhealthy animal sourced food system that breeds suffering, exploitation, and killing. Factory farming, whether it be for dairy, poultry, fish, pork, or beef, epitomizes the dissonance between our ideals and our reality.
As Will Tuttle explains in his book, The World Peace Diet:
We owe the animals our most profound apologies. Defenseless and unable to retaliate, they have suffered immense agonies under our domination that most of us have never witnessed or acknowledged. Now, knowing better, we can act better, and by acting better, we can live better and give the animals, our children, and ourselves a true reason for hope and celebration.
The health implications of consuming animal products are undeniable. From heart disease to cancer, the statistics speak for themselves. Moreover, the environmental externalities of animal agriculture are staggering. The greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution associated with factory farming contribute to climate change and ecological degradation. By choosing plant-based foods, we significantly reduce our risk of developing chronic illnesses and improve our overall well-being, while making a positive impact on the planet and future generations.
The suffering endured by animals raised for food is immense. Confined to cramped, unsanitary conditions, denied basic necessities, and subjected to brutal practices, these sentient beings deserve our compassion and protection. By choosing plant-based options, we can directly contribute to reducing the demand for animal products and help alleviate the suffering of countless animals. It is time to embrace a more compassionate and sustainable way of living, one that honors the lives of all creatures.
The choice to consume or abstain from animal products is a powerful one. By understanding the implications of our dietary choices, we can make informed decisions that align with our values. Let us strive to create a world where compassion, health, and environmental sustainability are prioritized.