Our New Year’s Resolution? Eat Better Meat!
Not all meat is created equal
For many people, January is about making changes - why not have your resolution this year be sourcing and eating better meat?
In a broad sense, “better” meat is better for people, animals, and the planet. You may have heard that all meat is bad, especially for the environment. However, such statements gloss over the fact that meat is not all created equal. It’s true that the vast majority of meat in the United States is raised on factory farms run by huge corporations that pollute the environment and mistreat both animals and workers. But, there is an alternative – you just have to look for it.
The small but growing contingent of farmers using practices that are actively beneficial for the planet and kinder to the animals can be found all over the country. Studies of these farms that raise animals on pasture using rotational grazing practices have found significant increases in general soil health and carbon sequestration, both of which are key pieces in mitigating climate change. These farmers aren’t eligible for much of the federal subsidies that prop up factory farms, which makes the support of individual consumers that much more important.
We talk about sourcing and eating better meat because we know that committing to more thoughtful meat purchasing is a great way to create a long-lasting habit that works alongside small farmers to build a healthier planet. However, it can be hard to know where to start.
The better meat that we seek out is often raised outdoors on a small farm, by people who care for their land and their people. You might purchase better meat directly from the farmer, or from a butcher shop who works in close partnership with the farm. There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of better meat, and it can be challenging to figure out exactly how better meat fits into your budget and lifestyle. Better meat can be expensive or only found in certain shops or areas. This is why we use the word “better” rather than “good” or “best.” We believe that we ALL can do better when it comes to our consumption habits. Better meat is less about a specific label or farm and more about our capacity for incremental change.
The process of choosing better meat begins wherever you are, which is why this moment of reflection and intention-setting is a great time to start making changes to your meat habits. Maybe this year, committing to better meat means choosing the grass-fed beef at Stop and Shop instead of the conventionally-raised beef. Or, maybe you’re already doing that, and it means finding a farm to purchase from directly. Any step towards better meat is one that benefits your health and the health of the planet.
As James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits says, “rather than trying to do something amazing from the beginning, start small and gradually improve.” Completely changing your diet at the drop of a hat is unlikely to be a practice that sticks. Finding meat that is more delicious and more responsibly sourced? That’s a resolution that can last.
Tips for Finding Better Meat:
Take a look at your current meat purchasing habits. Think about where you could improve them in a way that is financially and logistically feasible.
Check out your local farmers market to see if any of the producers are selling meat. Try out a local steak or chicken breast for dinner this month.
Sign up for our mailing list to get our Boston Better Meat Buying Guide! It is full of information about places to purchase meat, questions to ask meat purveyors, and a set of our favorite farmers, butchers and restaurants with better meat in Boston.
