Occupy Sonoma County Press Release - May Meat Challenge Campaign
Emerald
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From Occupy Sonoma County
Santa Rosa, California
Contact: Peter Ochs
707-877-6650
OSCE...@OccupySonomaCounty.org
(Please do not publish this name or email address.)
Graphic images are available on request.
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May Meat Challenge Campaign
Occupy Sonoma County has been collaborating with climate activists and local farmers to create a campaign to educate the public about the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of animal agriculture and conventional food production. We promote healthy, environmentally friendly eating for ourselves and the planet by choosing food that is produced in ways that capture more carbon in the soil than are emitted into the atmosphere and by supporting and educating people in making 80-100% plant-based organic and biodynamic food choices.
According to the United Nations, animal agriculture is responsible for more GHG emissions than all modes of transportation combined, or as high as 51% if GHG from transportation, refrigeration, deforestation, etc, that are typically categorized separately but are a direct consequence of animal agriculture, are taken into account.
Some conscientious farmers are taking important steps to reduce GHG. Composting is a very important tool to reduce GHG. Compost decomposition provides a slow release to the soil which leads to increased plant growth. More plants leads to an increased transfer of carbon dioxide through the plants into the soil, yielding additional soil carbon and water holding capacity. Grains and vegetables raised using compost instead of chemical fertilizers add carbon to the soil. Grass diets produce healthier meat if the cattle are not fattened with grain. No till farming results in less GHG. Richard Hughes of Hughes Dairy in Bodega created a closed system to separate free-ranging cattle excrement then using the solid waste as fertilizer and the liquid to water grazing lands. Straus Family Creamery of Marin developed a larger system using anaerobic digesters to convert manure to electricity, then using the electricity to run their trucks. Stemple Creek Ranch in Tomales is practicing carbon farming. Niman Ranch, originally in Marin and now across the US, reduces GHG by having all their farms located within fifty miles of their processing facilities. Different systems work best for different levels of operation.
The Occupy Sonoma County May Meat Challenge is aimed to reduce GHG by encouraging people to reduce their consumption of animal products. For some this might mean becoming a vegan or vegetarian, or moving in that direction. Others may make significant changes when they come to realize that the Standard American Diet (SAD) is not sustainable for the planet, is not healthy for humans, and contributes to a vast divide between the people who can afford an expensive diet and the people who can’t. Processed foods are energy consumptive and create poor health. We challenge everyone to consider where their food was grown (was it shipped more than 10 miles?) and how much energy and other resources were needed to create it.
The 31-day May Meat Challenge Campaign encourages everyone to participate by going 80-100% organic, local, and plant-based on or before May 31. People who choose to eat animal products are encouraged to limit that to less than 20% of their diet, eat 4 ounces or less in a serving (palm-sized), and choose organic, grass-fed/grass-finished, certified humane, pasture raised meat, eggs and dairy that is minimally packaged and grown by local farmers using carbon reducing sustainable practices and organic, sustainable, farmed fish that is raised without toxic chemicals. Leave wild fish to replenish and feed ocean wildlife. Let the oceans recover from pollution and overfishing. There is also a One Day Challenge to participate by eating an organic plant-based diet on Memorial Day, sharing organic, local, plant-based foods to initiate a conversation with family and friends. Some participants might consider these diet changes as a long-term commitment to reducing GHG by eating more whole and unprocessed foods and shopping locally to support small organic and biodynamic farms with sustainable practices.
We can all do our part to reduce GHG by pledging to eat 80-100% vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grains that are certified organic or biodynamic certified with minimal processing and packaging, pledging to eat zero or less than 20% animal products (meat, eggs, dairy and fish), and eating local foods in season from environmentally conscious farms.
“Ask questions about your food and use the Occupy Sonoma County Shopper’s Guide on our website. Conventional farmed fish might be more toxic than the styrofoam tray!” says Stefana Morales, concerned mother and Occupy activist.
This campaign is endorsed by Compassionate Living, Peace & Justice Center, Our Green Challenge, Moms Across America, and the Sonoma County Gazette.
For more information go to OccupySonomaCounty.org or call 707-877-6650.
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http://OccupySonomaCounty.org
(en español)