Taking Action One Bite at a Time

by Joseph Matveyenko

Growing up, I remember my parents always telling me, “Drink all your milk, and your bones will be strong!”

At my elementary school, everyone was required to eat or drink a dairy item every time they bought a lunch unless they had a food allergy. Apparently, milk was necessary for all kids my age in order to grow. Recently, I learned that this was because the USDA health experts that create guidelines for schools receive funding from the industry which they regulate: a conflict of interest in promoting the health of Americans.

The truth is, milk isn’t necessary for you to grow. In fact, most research supports that dairy’s high saturated fat and acidic content actually weakens bones. However, for decades, animal product industries have shaped poor dietary recommendations in America that make their way into our eating habits and beliefs.

Here are 2 easy ways you can act against long-standing corruption from meat and dairy businesses:

1. Eat fewer animal products

It doesn’t mean going completely vegan or vegetarian right away, but even if you set aside one day a week to not eat any meat, everybody’s collective small change could make a big impact on stopping the exploitation of animals, improving food security, and reducing our environmental impact on the earth. Besides, it’s good for your health! Meat consumption is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, so eating less will reduce your risk of chronic illness.

2. Vote against political bribery

In the recent midterm election, 12 states passed anti-corruption laws to prevent large corporations from having toxic influence in government. Depending on which state you live in, you may be able to vote on measures for government accountability in the next election in 2020. Become familiar with your ballot measures, and let your voice be heard by voting! We want our health regulations to be based on health, not the millions of dollars meat and dairy businesses funnel to politicians.

Change is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight, but we can all take small steps together to reach our goal. Whether or not our government will one day promote an eco-friendly lifestyle or a plant-based diet, each one of us has the power to do our own research and come together as a community to share our experiences with one another.