Intentional Eating

In 2011, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ passed a “Resolution for Mindful and Faithful Eating” that encouraged the discussion of our food choices in accord with our faith, particularly in regard to “implications for the environment, human well-being, and animal welfare.”  In the spirit of that resolution, I offer this reflection to promote continued conversation on this matter in light of the present climate crisis.

In our world of supply and demand, our personal choices affect the world around us. Each time we pull out our wallet we are making a choice between durable/disposable goods, local/distant products, sustainable/unsustainable methods, and various other impacts to our environment. Sometimes it may seem difficult to determine which purchases lower our carbon footprint, and if those choices really make a difference.

Well, yes it does really matter. As stewards of the world we inhabit, our choices really add up, especially as Americans and the carbon footprint that comes with our lifestyle. Automobiles, appliances, electronics are typically what comes to mind when trying to make responsible purchases. However, the choices that have the most tangible effect are the choices of what we eat.  Every time you pick up your fork you are choosing how much impact on the planet your meal will make, not only with greenhouse gases, but water and land usage as well. The production of one pound of beef requires 12 pounds of grain, 2500 gallons of water, not to mention the vast amount of untreated waste that ends up in our water supply.  One burger might not seem to mean much but our collective choices can have a dramatic impact on how future generations will cope with climate change.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Association, “livestock may well be the leading player in the reduction of biodiversity, since it is the major driver of deforestation, as well as one of the leading drivers of land degradation, pollution, climate change, overfishing, sedimentation of coastal areas and facilitation of invasions by alien species.” 

Our meals are woven into our cultural, social and personal beliefs, yet in our quest to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, we must sometimes rethink our lives to align our beliefs with our actions. Our reverence for life must consider all creatures and realize that the miracle of life depends on the balance that nature has produced.  It may be hard to imagine a world without cars, refrigerators, and computers, even though most of our history did not include such ‘necessities’. However, imagining a world that did not require the exploitation of animals is a much easier and more sustainable future for everyone.

Noel Cleland is a member of Coral Gables United Church of Christ.