Is cheap meat worth the karmic cost of industrial animal production?
The word sustainable expresses the obligation that each generation has to the next to preserve the value of the natural world. It does not mean we can’t use nature. Humankind, a predatory animal, is part of nature, and in my view the worst outcome of environmental advocacy would be if it resulted in separating human beings from nature. God wants us to use the bounty of the earth to enrich ourselves, to raise living standards, to build dignified vital communities, to savor life through all our senses, and to serve others — we just can’t use it up! We can live off the interest, but we can’t dip into the capital. This broad definition generally leaves me with a full plate. My own nature is to not be too careful about what I eat. I avoid endangered species: monkey brains, shark fins, whale sushi, sea turtle, and Atlantic swordfish, which, but for its endangered status, is my favorite food. Otherwise, I’ll try almost anything on the menu or off the road. I’ve eaten all kinds of insects and
