Eating Ethically - what more could I do?!
Eating Ethically - what more could I do?
I would like to ensure that the food I eat is ethically produced, particularly meat and dairy products. At the moment all my meat and dairy is organic or Free range/outdoor reared- is this enough? I have considered vegetarianism - but that still leaves me with the dairy issue (I am a lapsed veggie), or a Vegan diet, but I'm very uncertain if I could cope with this.
Any advice on what I can do to ensure my diet is the most ethical I can make it would be appreciated.
Answers:
Well, I think just because something says free range it doesnt always mean free range... plus lots of meats are still killed in an inhumane way (ie not stunning properly before slaughter etc.). You should try to buy from local farmers instead of corporations... try going to www.themeatrix.com, is has a link for finding humane farms in your area.
A good start would be to go to your local butcher, fishmonger etc - they know exactly where there meat is coming from and will tell you if you ask
They often supply local produce, and I'm sure I'm sure the meat will come from smaller farms
You could eat raw dairy from a local farm or food co op. They usually maintain the animals carefully and lovingly. I take the milk from my cow, skim the cream, and churn it into butter. I also make cheese using vegetarian rennet. Try Cabot brand cheeses-they use vegetable rennet instead of animal rennet which comes from the 4th stomach of slaughtered veal calves. Free range eggs from well cared for chickens are easy to find. I dont think there is any way to "humanely" slaughter an animal. Its better that you are using organic meats as opposed to commercially farmed meat, but if you feel strongly about it, try a vegetarian diet. My 12 year old daughter and I are thriving on a veggie diet-I took her in to her pediatrician just for a check up, and he said she is clearly healthy and thriving. There are many meat substitutes on the market now. I dont use them because of food allergies, but my daughter loves the veggie burgers. I also make her burgers with a grilled portabello mushroom. There are so many good alternatives, that meat is simply not necessary. Good luck!
Just don't eat meat. Now I have a question for you. I have been ttc for 2 years, and I have PCOS. I'm overweight, and just wondering since agnus castus, and magnesium worked for you...well, are you also heavy? I mean, were you low-carbing it as well? I'm at my wits end here, and really hope to conceive this year. Thank you. Your answer would help me a great deal. Please email me at jessfors@sbcglobal.net