CAFOs are Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and they are stinky, dangerous polluters, and ubiquitous in Iowa. Below are suggested guides to anti-CAFO activism compiled by Deb G.
The Problem with CAFOs As we Grannies are excruciatingly aware, animal agriculture is a wrecking ball for the environment, and strong scientific evidence indicates that these effects are seriously underestimated. In summary, animal agriculture causes massive environmental damage by:
- Emitting powerful greenhouse gasses Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), and Nitrous oxide (N2O)
- Massive amounts of animal waste products that pollute and poison land and water
- Nutrient runoff
- Soil erosion
- Water depletion
- Deforestation
- Water and air pollution
We are also highly alarmed by Iowa’s rising cancer rates, other serious health effects linked to animal agriculture, and the Goliath-like economic/political power of Iowa’s agribusiness sector.
An Empowering Solution The reason CAFOs exist is really very straightforward – they exist because we sustain their owners’ profits by purchasing their products (meat, eggs, dairy). More to the point, by buying meat, dairy, and eggs, we are actively participating in the environmental damage agri-business causes. But let’s frame this situation in more empowering terms – if everyone refused to purchase these products, CAFOs would vanish from our land in a short period of time. But enlisting everyone’s cooperation is not essential. While there’s no exact number, estimates suggest that if around 20-30% of the population in a country like the U.S. or European nations shifted to a vegan diet, it could create a significant economic impact. This would lead to a decrease in demand for meat and dairy, causing financial strain in the industry. A shift of 50% or more could potentially lead to the economic collapse of parts of the industry, especially in regions that are heavily reliant on animal-based agriculture.
In other words, we can choose to make these businesses unstainable by withholding our dollars from them. Eliminating or markedly shrinking animal agriculture would have a dramatic impact on curbing climate change while making it possible to feed the world on only one fourth of the land now used to support animal agriculture. We can each make a tangible contribution by changing to a plant-based diet. Doing so means you are taking a decisive stand for the planet with every meal or snack you have. Please view the following documentaries for more in-depth information:
Documentaries on the Environmental Impact of Food Eating Our Way to Extinction
Directed by Otto and Ludo Brockway and narrated by actor Kate Winslet, 2021’s Eating Our Way to Extinction is exactly what the title says it’s going to be. Accompanied by awe-inspiring cinematography, the film intends to be an eye-opening warning of what will happen to us and the planet if nothing changes with the food system soon. It features leading environmental experts, scientists, and global figures alongside powerful appearances and first-hand accounts from indigenous people.
Also View on:Amazon Prime, Roku ChannelTubi TV, Apple TV, Peacock Premium
Seaspiracy (Netflix)
Seaspiracy is a 2021 documentary film about the environments impact of fishing. The film examines human impacts on the oceans and marine life, including plastic pollution, ghost nets, overfishing, asserting that commercial fisheries are the key driver of the destruction of ocean ecosystems.
CowspiracyCowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a 2014 American documentary film produced and directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn. The film explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment—examining such environmental concerns as climate change, water use, deforestation, and ocean dead zones—and investigates the policies of several environmental organizations on the issue.
Also View on:
Amazon Prime
Maybe you find this kind of direct climate activism daunting because it raises so many questions that leave you flummoxed — even if you would like to move in the direction of a more plant-based way of eating. These questions range from important considerations about your health on a plant-based diet to purely practical how-to’s (What to eat, recipes, meal plans, and so on). The following resources (books, videos, podcasts, and websites address these questions.
To Your Health!
Here’s the very good news about Whole Food Plant-based (WFPB) eating – you will actually improve your health. The American Dietetic Association’s official position statement on this dietary approach reads as follows:
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.
And this is backed with conclusive scientific evidence:
A whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet, which emphasizes unprocessed or minimally processed plant foods and excludes animal products, offers numerous health benefits. These advantages can be particularly compelling when considering long-term health outcomes. Here are some key benefits of adopting a whole food plant-based diet:
- Improved Heart Health
- Lower Risk of Heart Disease: Studies have shown that a WFPB diet can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which are key contributors to heart disease. The high fiber content, healthy fats (e.g., from nuts and seeds), and antioxidants help protect the cardiovascular system.
- Reduced Blood Pressure: Plant-based diets are often associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, partly due to the reduction in saturated fat and increased intake of potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Weight Management
- Natural Weight Loss: Whole plant foods are generally lower in calories and fat compared to animal products, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. The high fiber content of plant foods also promotes satiety, helping to control hunger.
- Reduction in Obesity Risk: A WFPB diet is associated with lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced risk of obesity. Since it’s rich in nutrient-dense foods that are naturally low in calories, it encourages fat loss without calorie restriction.
- Improved Digestive Health
- Better Digestion: A high intake of fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains promotes healthy digestion. Fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
- Gut Health: A plant-based diet supports a diverse microbiome by providing prebiotics, which are essential for nurturing beneficial gut bacteria.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
- Diabetes Management and Prevention: A whole food plant-based diet can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. The low-glycemic nature of plant foods helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Reduced Cancer Risk: Some studies suggest that plant-based diets may lower the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal and breast cancer, due to the high intake of antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients.
- Enhanced Longevity
- Longer Life Expectancy: Research indicates that people who follow plant-based diets tend to live longer, healthier lives, with a reduced risk of premature death due to chronic diseases.
- Slower Aging Process: The antioxidants found in plant foods, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols, help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially slowing the aging process.
- Improved Mental Health
- Mood and Cognitive Function: A nutrient-dense plant-based diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, may improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and protect brain health. The high antioxidant content may help reduce inflammation in the brain, potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Better Sleep Quality: A plant-based diet, especially one rich in magnesium and other relaxing nutrients, may support better sleep patterns and reduce symptoms of insomnia.
- Environmental and Ethical Benefits
- Sustainable Eating: A WFPB diet has a significantly lower environmental impact than an animal-based diet. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water use, and land degradation. Eating more plant-based foods helps protect natural ecosystems and reduces the carbon footprint.
- Animal Welfare: Choosing a plant-based diet aligns with ethical considerations regarding animal welfare, as it eliminates the need for animal farming and reduces animal suffering.
- Improved Skin Health
- Clearer Skin: The anti-inflammatory properties of a plant-based diet can improve skin health, reduce acne, and promote a more radiant complexion. Nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants help maintain healthy skin cells.
- Hydration: Many plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, have high water content, contributing to hydration, which is essential for glowing skin.
- Better Kidney Function
- Lower Risk of Kidney Disease: A WFPB diet can be protective against chronic kidney disease, especially in people with conditions like diabetes or hypertension. The reduced intake of animal proteins and the emphasis on plant-based foods can help protect kidney function over time.
- Improved Athletic Performance
- Increased Energy: The high carbohydrate content in whole plant foods provides sustained energy, which can enhance athletic performance and endurance. Many elite athletes follow plant-based diets for optimal energy and recovery.
- Faster Recovery: The anti-inflammatory properties of plant foods help speed up recovery after intense physical activity and reduce muscle soreness.
Key Components of a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet
- Fruits and Vegetables: A variety of colorful, fresh produce packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, peas, and other legumes are excellent sources of protein and fiber.
- Whole Grains: Foods like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley provide complex carbohydrates and fiber.
- Nuts and Seeds: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients.
- Tubers: Sweet potatoes and other root vegetables are great sources of carbohydrates and vitamins.
- Herbs and Spices: These not only enhance flavor but also provide additional health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion
A whole food plant-based diet is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, weight management, reduced risk of chronic diseases, better digestion, and enhanced longevity. In addition to the health advantages, it also supports environmental sustainability and ethical considerations. By focusing on nutrient-dense, plant-based foods and minimizing processed items, individuals can promote both their own well-being and the planet’s health.
Documentaries on Health Benefits of a WFPB Lifestyle
An intrepid filmmaker on a journey of discovery as he uncovers possibly the largest health secret of our time and the collusion between industry, government, pharmaceutical and health organizations keeping this information from us.
Forks Over Knives is a film that explores the link between food and chronic diseases. Learn how a whole-food, plant-based diet can prevent and reverse health problems from experts, celebrities and everyday people.
The Game Changers (Netflix)
Executive producers Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, and James Cameron focus on the benefits of the whole food plant-based lifestyle for athletic performance. The film also challenges the masculine identity associated with meat. Regarding the idea that real men eat meat, Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaims, “You’ve got to understand that’s marketing. That’s not based in reality.”
This documentary beautifully brings together the intersection of physical health, planetary stewardship, human injustice, and animal compassion through the lens of the African-American experience. The Invisible Vegan challenges the cultural identity of the stereotypical African-American diet. The documentary reveals that African heritage is one of accomplished farmers who knew how to take care of the land and ate primarily plants. By contrast, the cultural African-American diet is rooted in slavery and is highly problematic for the health of the black community
Resources
Video Presentations on the Health Benefits of Whole Foods Plant Based Eating
Dean Ornish, M. D. – Founder, Ornish Lifestyle Medicine
“Transforming Lives and Healthcare”
”Dr. Dean Ornish: UnDo It! Reversing Chronic Disease with Lifestyle”
Michael Greger, M.D. – Founder, Nutrition Facts.org
“How Not to Die”
How Not to Diet
How Not to Age
Neal Barnard, M. D. – Founder, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
A Nutritional Approach for Reversing Diabetes
Foods for Protecting the Body & Mind
Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Neal Barnard Discuss Alzheimer’s Research
Michael Klaper, M. D. – Founder, Moving Medicine Forward
“What I Wish I Learned About Nutrition in Medical School”
“Using Your Food to Heal”
“Vegan Nutrition Pure and Simple”
Brenda Davis – Registered Dietician and Leading Authority on Plant-Based Nutrition
Answering the Age-Old Question… “Where Do You Get Your Protein?”
“A Sustainable and Joyful Life”
Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
“Food as Medicine”
“(How to Eat to Overcome) Food Addiction and Emotional Overeating”
“How to Live Longer with Plant-Based Protein”
Alan Goldhammer
“Escaping the Dietary Pleasure Trap”
Books
Michael Greger, MD
How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease
How Not to Diet: The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss
How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older
Joel Fuhrman, MD
Eat for Life
The End of Dieting: How to Live For Life
Fast Food Genocide: How Fast Food is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It
Dean Ornish, MD
Undo It!: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases
Neal Barnard, MD
The Cheese Trap: How Breaking a Surprising Addiction Will Help You Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Get Healthy
Power Foods for the Brain: An Effective 3-Step Plan to Protect Your Mind and Strengthen Your Memory
Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones, and Health
Websites with Recipes, Meal Plans, and Other Great Resources
Forks over Knives
Center for Nutritional Studies
Chef A J
The Whole Foods Plant Based Cooking Show
The Beginner’s Guide to a Whole Food Plant Based Diet