What's the Beef with the Livestock Industry

Just how huge of an impact does the livestock industry have on the planet? A spin on The Economist's Big Mac Index, we consider the real cost of a burger to people and the planet.

Episode 3

4/18/2024

Just how huge of an impact does the livestock industry have on the planet? The Economist developed its 'Big Mac Index' to indicate currency values based on the cost of a McDonald's Big Mac. We consider the many costs to people and the planet not included in the price of a Big Mac burger.

Key Topics

  • Find out why our diets are taxing the planet

  • How eating meat is an inefficient way to convert plants to calories

  • Why, for so many reasons, it's so challenging to forgo eating meat and dairy products

  • The many ways that governments are huge supporters of the meat and dairy industries

  • A plant-based diet can be nutritious and even delicious- just listen to what Michael has to say about adopting a vegan diet

  • How to consume less meat, including meat alternatives, lab-grown meat, and even insects

  • Skipping beef just one meal a week can make a huge difference for the planet, and a Meatless Monday can help change the world

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