Go Green...Eat Your Local Veggies!

I'm not looking to convert all of you into vegetarians, but.... according to a 2006 report by the Livestock, Environment And Development Initiative, the livestock industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation worldwide, and modern practices of raising animals for food contributes on a "massive scale" to air and water pollution, land degradation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. For more information about the impacts that "factory" farming have on our environment and our health and the conditions that large scale farm animals live and die under, check out the book "Diet for a New America".
Should all American's go "hippie" and completely cut out animal products? I'm not suggesting that (although many American's have), but could we all cut meat out of a meal a day, or even just a few meals a week, I think so. Cutting down on your meat intake can help the environment and help your health! But wait, what kind of effect does purchasing fruits and veggies from another country have? That's a lot of transportation and fossil fuel usage. So, "beef" up your meals with locally grown, organic veggies. Not only are you helping the environment, but you are helping to support local farms. Be conscience consumers and feel good about the food you eat : )