Should There Be a Tax on Red Meat? Scientists Say It Could Save Thousands of UK Lives
According to researchers, a higher “meat tax” could save nearly 6,000 human lives in the UK every year.
Not only could the tax be a life-saver for humans as well as for the cows, lambs, pigs, and other animals who are slaughtered for their flesh, it could also save approximately £30.7 billion in healthcare costs by 2020.
Speaking to ITV, lead researcher Dr Marco Springmann said:
“[O]ur findings make it clear that the consumption of red and processed meat has a cost, not just to people’s health and to the planet, but also to the healthcare systems and the economy.”
Red meat and processed meats aren’t the only animal “products” linked to such as cancer and heart disease.
The British Medical Association confirms that people who don’t consume meat have lower rates of obesity, coronary heart disease, and high blood pressure.
The meat industry also endangers public health on a global scale, from to contributing to starvation in the developing world.
By contrast, a meat-free has been proved to help us live longer, while ditching dairy “products” is said to reduce our risk of many illnesses and allergies.
Going vegan also drastically improves our quality of life by helping us stay fitter and healthier and feel great – especially because what we’re eating isn’t causing any suffering. In fact, going vegan means sparing around 200 animals a year misery and a terrifying, painful death.
The meat, fishing, egg, and dairy industries are a nightmare for animals, who are treated like a collection of body parts rather than sentient individuals who have the ability to feel pain, fear, and joy.
“Organic”, “humane”, “free-range” – what do these labels really mean for chickens, cows, pigs and other animals raised for meat in the UK? 🤔👇 pic.twitter.com/3nomhEXR0S
— PETA UK (@PETAUK) September 1, 2018
The story is similar for all animals reared for food. Females are repeatedly forcibly impregnated. Babies are torn away from their mothers, mutilated, kept in filthy and severely crowded conditions, and fed a cocktail of drugs, sometimes causing their bodies to become oversized, resulting in numerous health problems. Then, often when they’re only a few months old, they endure a stressful and terrifying trip to the abattoir, where many are killed while still conscious.
Respecting animals and ourselves and being kind to the planet is simple. To help you get started with the transition to a compassionate lifestyle, order a free copy of our vegan starter kit today!
