'Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret' A Must-See Documentary
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

'Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret' A Must-See Documentary

The issue few environmental agencies recognize.

143
'Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret' A Must-See Documentary

There is no denying that the state of the Earth is in imminent danger. Human-induced climate change is real, and top environmentalists such as Bill McKibben, are becoming less and less hopeful that the damage can be reversed. This is a scary thought; it is difficult to accept that our actions and participation in larger systems could leave a world that is very difficult to live in for future generations to come.

We know we should turn off the lights when we leave a room. We know we should recycle. We know we should shut off the water when brushing our teeth. We know that walking or riding a bike rather than driving a car is the more environmentally sound choice to make. However, it is less common knowledge that we need to stop eating meat.

"Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret" is a documentary, available to stream on Netflix, that dives into the environmental issue the largest environmental organizations have chosen to ignore: animal agriculture. Although it is the leadingcause of deforestation, water consumption and pollution, rainforest destruction, species extinction, habitat loss, topsoil erosion and ocean ‘dead zones,’ it has gone unaccounted for as a primary reason for these environmental threats.

The filmmakers, Kip Anderson and Keegan Kuhn, were met with resistance during their journey to create this film. It appears as if this resistance is purposeful, and their desires to bring light to the issue could result in a backfiring from large animal agricultural industries.

Here are some of the facts:

1. Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. This is more than the combined exhaust from all transportation.

2. Cows produce 150 billion gallons of methane per day, with methane having a global warming potential 86 times that of CO2 on a 20-year time frame.

3. Agriculture is responsible for 80-90 percent of U.S. water consumption.

4. 2,500 gallons of water are needed to produce one pound of beef.

5. Five percent of water consumed in the U.S. is by private homes; 55 percent of water consumed in the U.S. is for animal agriculture.

6. Livestock covers 45 percent of the Earth’s total land.

7. A farm with 2,500 dairy cows produces the same amount of waste as a city of 411,000 people.

8. U.S. livestock produces 116,000 pounds of waste per second.

9. Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 91 percent of Amazon destruction.

10. 80 percent of antibiotics sold in the U.S. are for livestock.

The numbers are daunting. It is important that the world’s leading environmental organization begin to recognize the livestock industry for what it is: a horrifyingly inhumane, destructive industry. The reasons why organizations have ignored this are likely related to money and politics.

Large livestock industries place huge investments in keeping this reality quiet; if it was widespread public knowledge that meat is not only unhealthy, but also a huge player in the destruction of our planet, then their industry would eventually cease to exist.

This film is essential for all. If you have dubbed yourself an environmentalist, or care even the slightest about the future of the planet, then making the decision to stop eating meat and animal byproducts is inevitable. The U.S. in particular must begin to share this issue with the public because as a nation we produce and consume more meat than any other nation on Earth. According to Cowspiracy’s website, the difference between the diet of a vegan and a meat eater are huge:

I became a vegetarian because of another environmental film: "Food, Inc". Although it may seem a silly reason to some, I am not the only one who chose to do so as a result of education. Education produces action, and we need to act. We should all be striving to live off a plant-based diet.

The Earth depends on it. Beginning slow can really allow you to realize the benefits of a more plant-based diet both physically and mentally while contributing to the fight against climate change.

Many of us have become nearly desensitized to the images of slaughter that are often used to encourage vegetarian and vegan diets. I encourage everyone to consider a plant-based diet for his or her New Year's resolution. If not for the animals, do it for our children’s futures.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

936055
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

112827
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

74278
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments