Animal agriculture is an environmental disaster. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 14.5% of all harmful greenhouse gas emissions is due to raising animals for food — a greater share than the amount contributed by all of our personal automobiles put together. The Great Salt Lake is disappearing because water is being diverted to grow alfalfa, a thirsty crop being grown in the desert. Alfalfa is produced only for animal feed.
Wild spaces throughout the U.S. and beyond are depopulated of indigenous species, especially predators, to transform the landscape to accommodate grazing livestock. Large-scale deforestation, particularly in regions like the Amazon rainforest, is similarly driven by the expansion of pastureland and cultivation of feed crops like soybeans for livestock.
Animal agriculture also threatens the globe with another deadly pandemic, due to the misuse of antibiotics as a growth promoter and the extreme overcrowding that exists on modern cruel factory farms.
Given this, I was surprised and disappointed to see that The Salt Lake Tribune highlighted only meat-serving restaurants in its recent “Earth Day” restaurant feature. Salt Lake City is home to many other wonderful all-vegan establishments, owned and managed by people who are trying to feed our community the best food while causing the least harm. This includes two restaurants I own and manage, Buds and Monkeywrench, which are proudly and forever vegan due to our ethical commitment to both the planet and the animals. I hope The Tribune will consider a follow-up piece that highlights some of our amazing vegan establishments in Salt Lake City.
This could also provide readers with important information about how animal agriculture causes profound harm and practical tips on how we can all help be part of the solution by choosing to eat vegan.
Roxy Carlson, Salt Lake City