Ignorance may be bliss, but it's ignorance none the less.

As someone who just recently learned the truth about the industry that feeds us, I truly believe that if people knew the truth, they would also feel the need to change the way they eat. In my opinion, it is the ignorance caused by an intentional veiling of the food system that keeps animal cruelty, ecological destruction, corporate greed and denial, and food safety failures going. Maybe this is hopeful thinking on my part. Maybe it's just my way of coping with the truly depressing facts. Maybe it's my way of maintaining my belief in the innate goodness of human kind. No matter the reason, it's something I'll hold on to tightly for as long as I can.

That being said, I've decided that it's time for me to share some sources of this knowledge with the ones I love. There is a very thin line between educating and sharing the truth and being perceived as aggressive and preachy, and I truly hope that I'm not crossing it by sharing this.

Articles

Meat and the Environment- Why Truly Going Green Means Cutting Out Meat

The Health Benefits of Going Vegan- Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and More

The Case Against Meat- Meat Based Diets are Bad for the Environment, Aggravate Global Hunger, Brutalize Animals and Compromise Our Health

Widespread Mistreatment of Workers in the Meat Processing Industry

Government Regulation is Failing Consumers

The True Cost of Factory Farming

What Humans Owe to Animals


Videos

Warning- These videos are very graphic and upsetting. They still bring me to tears. That being said, I'm glad that I watched them and I think it's important that people really know where their food is coming from. I completely agree with Paul McCartney, who says that if slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.

Glass Walls

Meet Your Meat
(I want to make a note that this is the video that changed my mind. After viewing it, I made the decision that I couldn't morally justify contributing to this system of cruelty. It still makes me cry to watch it, but it reminds me why I've made the changes I have in my life.)

Chew on This- Reasons to be a Vegetarian (or Vegan)

45 Days in Hell: The Life and Death of a Broiler Chicken

The Reality of Egg Hatcheries

Battery Cage Egg Production

Fowl Play- A great movie on the truth behind eggs

On a lighter note,
"Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows"- A great question to ask yourself!

There are a few really great videos on this subject that you can rent as well. I highly suggest that everyone watch Food Inc. at least once. It's a well made movie which doesn't necessarily preach vegetarianism, but gives you a great inside look on the food production industry.

There are many more great sources of information on human consumption of meat and alternative lifestyles. Simply Google it! I hope that you will take the time to contemplate all of this a little further, and about the personal choices you make everyday.

I would NEVER tell someone else that they must become a vegetarian or a vegan, or that the personal decisions that they make about the way they live are wrong. It's a deeply personal decision that must be made on your own. That being said, I hope you know that there are plenty of resources if you have more questions or want to discuss all of this further. Once again, the Google has become my best friend when I have random questions on the topic. Furthermore, I'm always willing to sit down and have a talk on the subject. I am by no means an expert, but I love to share what I know and I'd love to help you find the resources you need to make informed choices that are right for you!