Not Ready to Raise Livestock on your Homestead for Food?
For many people raising their own livestock is essential to their sustainable living practices. But for others, especially in urban areas, it may not be possible to do so. Even if you’re able to raise the animals, it may not be something that you want to do.
If you’re not ready to make the big commitment to raise your own animals, there are several things you can do to contribute to sustainability of the planet as well as improve your own physical health.
Buy Local
You may find that within an hour or two of where you live there are farmers that sell their animal harvests. In fact, this is becoming more and more common as people understand their responsibility to the planet as well as the dangers of commercial livestock.
A quick online search may help you to find someone in your area. He or she will be able to send you information when products are ready to be purchased, picked up, or delivered. There’s something very reassuring about going to a farm and buying your food.
You’ll be able to meet the farmer who helped to raise the animals, see how the animals are living, and have peace of mind that you’re buying a quality product. You’ll want to ask about the animal’s diet and even ask for a tour of the farm.
Farmer’s markets provide another opportunity to buy locally grown food. Many farmers set up stands to sell their meat or to take orders for it and arrange delivery times. This is another great way to contribute to sustainable agriculture.
You may find that by purchasing whole or part of an animal you’ll also be able to save quite a bit of money. Investing in a freezer can help your meat to last 6 months or more depending on the product.
Buy Organic
If farmer’s markets aren’t available to you, you may want to make the decision to purchase organic meats. Most supermarkets now carry meats that are grown organically and are free from hormones.
You can also purchase milk that’s harvested from cows fed an organic diet or from small farms instead of large commercial farms. Eggs, cheese, and other dairy products can also be purchased this way.
Eat Less Meat
You don’t have to become a vegetarian to help reduce the environmental impact of meat production. Simply skipping meat one day a week can help to reduce the effects of global warming.
If you want to live more sustainably, a simple step is to eat fewer meals with meat. Even limiting meat consumption by one or two days can have a big impact on your carbon footprint. This comes from reduced emissions by animals as well as emissions from transporting meat across the country.
Simple Steps to a Healthier World
While sustainable living can be something that requires a lot of work, it can also be done simply. If you’re not ready to leave city life and move to the country to run your own small farm, you can make some small choices that will have big effects.
If you’re ready to start raising your own animals, don’t try to start all at once. Try raising something easy such as chickens first. Once you have the hang of it, you can graduate to more demanding animals.
If you know you’re never going to want to raise your own animals, don’t feel bad. You can still support sustainable living practices by limiting your consumption of meat, buying organic, or buying from local farms.
Even taking one simple step to reduce the harmful effects of commercial meat production can have a big impact. You’ll also be setting a great example for your friends, family, and community.
While being a vegan (consuming no animal products) is certainly a viable option, you don’t have to give meat and animal products up completely in order to contribute to a healthy planet. You’ll also find that when you eat meat grown in an ethical and healthy way, your own health will improve.
