Every year over 100 billion animals are killed for their meat. This not only has significant effects on the well-being of the environment but also on the health of those who eat it. I believe that students should minimize the amount of meat they eat in order to help the environment and because what’s happening to these animals is morally wrong.
One of the key reasons that so many people are vegetarians is that the negative impacts on the environment have become much more apparent. According to the ELC, The meat industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with it being responsible for around 20% of the total emissions. Additionally, the industry strains water and land reserves. As these environmental harms have increased, more and more people are trying to do their part to help by becoming vegetarians.
There have also been numerous replacements for meat developed over the past couple of years, including brands such as Beyond and Impossible. While these substitutes often cost more than meat products, they are often healthier and much better for the environment, as they reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Meat replacements usually have much lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fats, making them much healthier options than actual meat.
In regard to the health aspect of meat consumption, a lot of meat is ultra-processed, including hot dogs and chicken nuggets. This means they are made with preservatives and synthetic ingredients. According to TIME, these ultra-processed foods are linked to an increase in type two diabetes, high blood sugar and even dementia.
In addition to environmental and health reasons, many vegetarians just find eating meat morally wrong. According to Our World in Data ten cows, 47 pigs, and 2,400 chickens are slaughtered for meat every second, with most of their lives being short and painful. Many people have decided that they want no part of that statistic and therefore become vegetarians.
At CESJDS, two out of every five meals are meat, and because the school needs enough to feed lower, middle and high school students, large amounts of meat are needed. Whether the lunch is brisket, burgers, hot dogs or chicken, by eating these lunches, students are endorsing foods that not only hurt the environment but are also not as healthy.
It is very important that JDS students do their part in eating less meat to help protect the environment and minimize the number of animals born for the sole purpose of being killed, while also eating the healthiest meals possible.
While the kitchen staff does a great job of offering vegetarian options, it is up to the students to make use of that opportunity and resource. I believe that students should do their best to minimize the amount of meat that they are eating, and by doing so I hope that the school will eventually decrease the amount of meat they order, thereby helping the environment and promoting healthier food options.
It is very important that JDS students do their part in eating less meat to help protect the environment and minimize the number of animals born for the sole purpose of being killed, while also eating the healthiest meals possible.
