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5 Things You May Not Know About Beef
October 11, 2007

Inspired by our conversation with Laura Stec, author of the upcoming “Global Warming Diet”, here are some things you may want to consider before your next visit to the steak house.

More greenhouse gas emissions than transportation industry
Late in 2006, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) published a report Livestock’s Long Shadow (1) which found the livestock industry generated 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as measured in CO2 equivalents, more than the transportation industry. Much of the emission is in the form of methane (released from the cattles’ digestive system), which is 23 times more “warming” than CO2.

Drive three hours or BBQ some beef
GHG from 2.2 lbs (1kg) of beef has same environmental impact as driving a conventional sedan for 155 miles. The amount of energy required to produce this beef can power an incandescent 100 watt light bulb for 20 days. (2)

Only one-third of the livestock is eaten by consumers
The average cow weighs ~ 1200 lbs but only about 400 lbs is actually consumed by humans. The remainder parts are either sorted for other uses like pet food or simply disgarded.

Eating less beef = switching to a Prius
Hard to believe but it appears to be the case. Research from Martin and Eschel (3) analyzed the GHG emissions of various mixed diets based on the average American consumption of 2100 calories a day. Per the analysis, the additional GHG from a mixed animal diet versus a vegetarian diet is ~1.5 tons. In comparison, a switch from an average sedan to a hybrid results in savings of only 1.05 tons!

Moderation in consumption CAN make a difference
Medical experts have long advised patients to reduce consumption of red meat to maintain health. Now moderation has been shown to improve both the health of your body and the environment. If the average American reduces meat consumption from the current (average of) 30% to 10%, this is equivalent to GHG reduction of switching from a sedan to a Prius. (4) Supporting local, sustainably raised livestock will also help decrease GHG as these ranches work to reduce land and water degradation and transportation distances. In addition, look for progressive farms like Blue Spruce Farm (Vt) and Straus Farm (CA) that actually harness the methane gas to generate alternative energy.

CindyC at Organicpicks

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Sources:
(1) Livestock’s, Long Shadow – Environmental Issues and Options
(2) Study commissioned by National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Japan
(3)Diet, Energy & Global Warming by Pamela Martin and Gidon Eschel
(4) Calculation derived from Table 3 of aforementioned Martin and Eschel Study

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