Buy organic pork regularly
Why This is Green
Organically raised animals are required by USDA organic regulations to have some access to the outdoors. They must be given organic feed and aren’t permitted to be administered antibiotics. All of this means eating organic pork reduces our personal exposure to chemical and antibiotic residues. (All pigs in this country—organic or not—aren’t allowed to be given hormones. Those are only permitted for ruminants – steer, cows, and sheep.)
That said there’s more to consider than the USDA organic seal when shopping for bacon. In terms of issues like ethical treatment of animals and overall environmental impact, you need to know a little about how and where the pig was raised. Smaller, local-to-you farms raising animals in less crowded conditions tend to have waste management systems in place specifically designed to minimize their ecological footprint. In terms of humane treatment, you either have to know the farmer and his/her practices, or look for a certification like Animal Welfare Approved or Humane Certified and Handled.
Learn More
How To
Organic pork can be found at supermarkets, but you’re more likely to find it at natural food markets. It can also be ordered online, though shipping frozen meat has it’s own eco-impact.
For local pork from animals fed organically grown feed, head to the farmers’ market or a butcher shop specializing in grass-fed and organic meats.
Buy directly from a farmer and share a whole or half pig with friends and family. Some CSA farm shares offer meat; if yours doesn’t, request it.
Recommended Products
- Organic Prairie Pork
- The Butcher's Guide To Well-Raised Meat
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