For The Environment

Environmental Impacts of Eating Meat

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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations coordinated a 1996 report, Livestock and The Environment. Problems caused by growing feed for animals are:

Decreased biodiversity through habitat loss and ecosystem damage
Soil erosion
Reduction in the availability of irrigation water
Greenhouse gas production (nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide)
Aquifer depletion
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticide contamination of water through run-off from fields

The report lists the following problems created by manure:

Contamination of surface waters
Aquatic eco-system damage
Greenhouse gas production (nitrous oxide and methane)
Soil contamination with heavy metals
Acid rain and forest damage from ammonia emissions

The report states that fossil fuel energy is a major input of industrial eggs, milk, and animal flesh production, and that industrial systems (factory farms) are inefficient at converting this energy [into food for humans]. Factory farms collect the animal wastes in large lagoons which spill into local waterways. Intensive pig farms have made the air unbreathable in many rural communities; some residents must wear masks while outdoors (Time, 11/30/98). Poultry and pig waste has contributed to the growth of pathogenic organisms in waterways which have poisoned humans and killed millions of fish (Scientific American, 8/99). Animal Waste Pollution In America (released by Senator Tom Harkin ,12/97) says that from 1995 to 1997, more than forty animal waste spills killed 10.6 million fish.

Some information provided by Vegan Outreach

Take the enviromental quiz!