Clarification

I originally wrote this as a response to Katy's comment on my last post, but I've decided to post it here, because I don't like the impression I've apparently given that meat consumption is evil, etc. So, here it goes:

Clarification:

I have no problem whatsoever eating meat. I'm trying out the vegetarian thing right now as sort of a challenge, as moral support for my beau who went vegetarian as his New Year's resolution (solidarity), and as an evironmental statement - the rate of cow consumption in this country especially is horrible for the environment. For example, for every pound of beef I do not eat, I save 2,500 to 5,000 gallons of water a year... and that's only one possible example of many.

That's why I need gross mental images to help me not eat meat - since I love it so much, I need something to control my cravings. And, I see nothing wrong with eating animals that have been treated well. I don't like the idea of animal abuse - it makes my stomach turn - but I would have no problem raising and eating my own chickens. That's no big deal.

People shouldn't stop eating meat because of animal cruelty, although I wish we would demand more humane treatment of the animals we do eat. We can demand that by choosing to purchase meat and eggs from free range chickens, etc. It's getting easier, too... for example, there's now a "Certified Humane" stamp you can look for if you so choose.

I think the environmental reasons are compelling enough to suggest that people cut their meat intake. Note, I don't say everyone should give it up. It tastes good. But we should reduce how much we consume. That is, if we care about the Earth.