PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 1, 2020
When American beef processing plants were closed because of the current pandemic, importers turned to Central America to take up the slack. Cattle ranchers expanded their operations, edging further into forested areas which provide a sanctuary for indigenous people. Loss of life and habitat have been the result, a consequence of our seemingly insatiable appetite for meat. Yet most Americans, Mainers included, continue with their meat-based diets, in spite of the fact that meat production is extremely energy intensive and thus contributes significantly to global warming. We continue driving gasoline fueled cars, heating our homes with oil or gas, placing our retirement savings in stocks that support the fossil fuel industry, and flying rather than taking the train to our vacation destinations. How much longer until folks understand that we are jeopardizing the futures of our children and grandchildren, truly reaping what we ourselves have sown? ~ Joe Hardy, Wells