Ok, so you’ve contemplated vegetarianism but come to the conclusion that you are in fact a meat eater. That being said, there is a way to eat meat and at least try to treat the animals you will consume with as much as respect as possible, and also help protect the overall environment.
There are a few ways to do it.
This term is most often seen on cartons of eggs, and chicken. The term is fairly clear cut. Products stamped with the words cage-free or free range simply means that the animals are given room to move around. Free range is also described as a method of animal husbandry where the animals, for at least part of the day, can roam freely outdoors rather than being confined in an enclosure for 24 hours each day. Being confined keeps animals from practicing their normal behaviors such as grazing and roosting. Of course, free range must have its limits, consequently for chickens, free range means “chickens kept within a fence that restricts their movements very little.”
While there’s no USDA stamp of approval for grass-fed animals, the best definition of a grass-fed animal is one who’s eaten nothing but fresh grass and hay. Look for products with an American Grass-Fed Association or Animal Welfare Approved stamp. This can help prove that the animal was raised on a family-owned pasture or range. Grass fed is also called “raising animals on pasture,” and is most often heralded as the best way to keep livestock from subsisting on “unnatural diets,” of modified grains that can contain a host of questionable ingredients.
The list of health concerns tied to hormone-filled meat is controversial, from prenatal developmental problems to early puberty and infertility. Some studies have shown growth hormones from certain foods can disrupt hormones in humans and can even contribute to breast and prostate cancer. The best choice for hormone-free meat is to look for the USDA Organic label.
Natural is a loose term for foods without synthetic preservatives, artificial sweeteners and other additives. There is no governmental regulation from the FDA or USDA for using the words on labels. The only time the word natural is regulated is when it comes to meat, which requires the product have no preservatives and minimal processing. But some say the term “natural” on packaging has no meaning at all because there are so few regulations, and because food manufacturers can include ingredients that may not be considered natural by some consumers. Once again the USDA Organic will help ensure that the product is
Eating ethically, or responsibly raised meat and poultry can be hard, but the reward is a healthier diet, a cleaner planet, and a cleaner conscience, knowing you cared about the welfare of your animal food sources.
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