According to statistics quoted in this NYT opinion piece, America is eating less meat!
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/10/were-eating-less-meat-why/?ref=opinion (Thanks again Ed!)
The department of agriculture projects that our meat and poultry consumption will fall again this year, to about 12.2 percent less in 2012 than it was in 2007. Beef consumption has been in decline for about 20 years; the drop in chicken is even more dramatic, over the last five years or so; pork also has been steadily slipping for about five years.
12% decline in 5 years! Whoo Hoo!
The article goes on to discuss the possible causes of this, including recession, exports, etc. But opines that we are eating less meat because we *want* to eat less meat – because it has sunk in that eating LOTS of meat is bad for us and/or the planet.
Around 1997 I went lacto-ovo vegetarian. In 2007 I went back to eating seafood.
My child has been raised without ever eating beef, poultry or pork (but loves fish sticks).
I have quietly explained to folks my reasons when asked (better for me and the planet), and gently encouraged them to eat meat less – take even one meal off a week. I have held fast through business lunches and dinners and family meals.
Today I feel vindicated. I feel part of a successful movement.
Yea!!!
I now go to eat pork medallions.