According to a recent Daily Livestock Report, 2010 marked the fourth year in a row that meat consumption declined in the United States and the fifth decline within a six-year period. Now, a new report shows this trend is expected to continue in 2012. Although the biggest drop is expected for beef, poultry and pork consumption are also expected to decline dramatically. All of this despite the fact that the US population continues to grow.
While some people may be switching from beef to chicken, an action that actually causes more animals to suffer since it takes many more chickens to equal the meat from a single cow, it appears that, on average, Americans are eating less meat, including chicken, and cooking more meat-free meals.
What is responsible for this trend? Certainly the ailing economy is prompting many consumers to tighten their belts and look for less expensive vegetarian meal options. After watching the hit documentary Forks Over Knives, or hearing about how former President Bill Clinton has reversed his heart disease, many are also looking to improve their health by adopting a healthy, vegan diet. But some reports also indicate that Americans are ditching meat, dairy and eggs after learning about how animals are raised and killed for food.
Whether to help farmed animals, improve their health, or save money, Americans are slowly but surely losing their taste for meat. Replacing meat with tasty vegetarian dishes is an inexpensive and effective way of reducing suffering on factory farms and in slaughterhouses. Please visit ChooseVeg.com for delicious, cruelty-free recipes and tips on transitioning to a healthy and humane vegan lifestyle.
