Diet for a Small Planet Part II

Here's another piece of writing that I've been waiting to commit to cyberpaper. Diet For a Small Planet Part II.

What I really want to address, is this vegan issue. More specifically, our very sacred human relationship and our RESPONSIBILITY, to our livestock animals. And/or. The ones we consider domesticated. The ones that have come to rely on us for their survival. The ones that are part of our sacred human society. Or what ... stands to become that, with the healing of New Earth. For this article, I am thinking 'cows and chickens' although there are many others that count.

First of all. We need to start thinking about integrating the survival aspects of our own lives in ways that we haven't been doing in our recent human past. I am talking about the challenges of the information age where people have generally become disconnected from the natural world. Take that a step further to the status of our relationships with the creatures that bridge the gap between us and our reliance on Mother Nature.

I am talking about a global agrarian revolution. Consider Russia's interest in becoming the world's leading non-GMO food producer and the spreading global legalization of marijuana and hemp in all of its forms, as saviors for humanity from big pharma and fossil fuels. I foresee small communities finding sustainable options for energy use, waste disposal and more localized food production, which includes conversion from Old Earth's corporatized world to the healing of an economy that focuses on small business and cottage industry, as well as the arts and education. Imagine food co ops and small community farms ... a garden for every household, with chickens or cows in the backyard for many.

I heard my husband talking about carbon offset credits recently. This is a system where, due to the Climate Change issue, the real status quo (the ones taking things into account and planning for our future vs. those who stand around just arguing about whether or not it is real) have set up a way for us to account for CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The "cap and trade" system works by placing limits on CO2 that businesses are legally 'allowed' to release. It allows you to buy or trade offsets through established registries, to make up for excessive carbon release if you are over your limit. The idea is to create a framework to begin managing carbon emissions by measuring them and then create economic incentive to lessen your carbon impact.

My husband said that cows will not be part of our lives for that much longer... that their carbon impact is just too high.

Or not.

Hey look. We aren't losing our beloved cows!!

BUT. The way human beings have treated their food animals can be said to be downright cruel and inhumane. These are sacred relationships that began with the dawning of humanity itself. Much of our evolutionary success is owed to them. Personally I think it is a larger issue than that - the judgment that humans are just 'bad.' It is an oversimplification to think that solving the issue means just ending our relationship with these creatures, the most common perspective underlying veganism.

We are stewards!! This is the true relationship of humanity to our own beloved world. What better practice for those whose charges are the love and care of the very animals we rely upon for our survival? There is a lot of healing to be found for this world in these relationships as well as a very tangible investment in our own future survival. We need to take control of our food (and medicine!) production industries by encouraging more familiar small scale grass roots investment. More people doing it collaboratively and fewer big market controllers steering these industries down the wrong path. As in, out of balance with our hearts and our environment on many levels.

Who doesn't love cows!?

From Google:

"In Vedic literature the cow is also a symbol of abundance and fertility as it represents both earth and sky. To Hindus and Buddhists, symbolism of the cow deals with patience and holiness. It is considered India's most sacred animal. The calm, tender nature of the cow wins this right among the Buddhists."

And

"Cow Animal Totem Symbolism. ... Cows are very generous with their lives and behave in the most selfless of manners. Among fertility and femininity, these mother creatures represent the virtuous traits of sustenance, abundance, potential, calming, grounding, and provision."

We have a sacred responsibility to our cows. All they want is to be given safe space, nurtured and loved!! In part, they are here to teach us how to 'do' this kind of love. They are a part of our society and have their place with us. We aren't going to slaughter them outright or 'get rid of them' like unwanted children.

Loving responsible care of these creatures can replace virtually ALL of the artificial additives and hormones that have been used to boost milk production in dairy cows. Love the cows and they will overflow with healthy and nutritious gifts to share with their beloved humans. Count on it.

There are many good reasons to protect milk's place in our food supply!

Google says:

"The body doesn't work with one nutrient at a time, rather it works together with the many nutrients found in food. Milk and dairy foods provide the right amount of bone-building nutrients, specifically calcium, vitamin D, protein, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B12, niacin and riboflavin, and zinc."

From another link, Is Milk Really Healthy for You?

"In terms of health, cow's milk is a complete protein source. It has eight grams of protein and 12 grams of carbohydrates per cup. Cow's milk on it's own — without fortification — has 300 milligrams of calcium, which is 30 percent of the recommended daily allowance for most adults. And, one cup of milk has half of the recommended daily allowance of B12."

"Also, most people don't know it, but milk is actually a local food for many people. Even in New York City, we're within an hour and a half's drive of dairy farms. And milk is cheap. Even at $4 a gallon, that's 25 cents a cup, and at that rate it's still cheaper than a can of soda. Milk has nine essential nutrients, and kids like it. This one isn't broken, we don't need to fix it."

Milk and dairy products contain valuable healing properties besides just providing delicious and nutritious food. I can't even begin to imagine a pizza and yogurt free world, much less the loss of CHEESECAKE!! (Can you)?

Don't believe all the hype against milk. The latest fake news that I have seen, is that milk is carcinogenic (cancer causing). This is simply not true. Did you see the references above to the essential vitamins and minerals in milk? Phosphorus, critical to healthy bone formation, is one of the hardest naturally available mineral sources to find and it is abundant in cow's milk. Naturally produced milk is loaded with hormones that can be considered medicinal ... for example. It can be used for treating hormonal issues like menopause symptoms and even post partum depression in women after giving birth. It is naturally calming for young children. There is a reason for the metaphorical glass of warm milk before bedtime. It is also the best noted source of a substance known as Capryllic Acid, a powerful natural anti fungal (anti cancer!) medicinal remedy.

Yeah I know I didn't say anything about chickens. Yet.

Have a good day peeps.

For Kat.
LR 3/8/2019

I addressed the issue of eating meat with some very different perspectives.
You might be totally surprised. WAY worth the read:

Diet For a Small Planet (Part I)
https://steemit.com/life/@mymoontao/diet-for-a-small-planet

Cow photographs courtesy of Google Images.