Sustainable Meat Through Genetic Engineering?

            It is pretty well known that meat production, especially on the factory scale, is horrible for our environment. Raising livestock produces lots of waste, which contains methane gas that, when released into the atmosphere, adds to global climate change. There are more sustainable alternatives for raising livestock. However, most of the meat in today’s markets come from the large factories that do lots of harm to the environment.

            While browsing the internet I came across an article on pigs that I found very interesting, while at the same time it kind of bugged me. I wasn’t really sure what to think of it, except that it was odd and kind of sick. Apparently, there are scientists in Canada who have created a species of pig that is “greener” with genetic engineering. They called it the “EnviroPig”, and it is engineered to be the same quality of meat as a normal Yorkshire pig. The difference is that it is genetically enhanced to produce less toxic manure. Doing so should release fewer pollutants into the atmosphere, making it a more sustainable pig option for farmers. The kind of things people invent or discover never in today's society never ceases to amaze me. The whole thing seems pretty ridiculous!

            
           While the first EnviroPig was created back in 1999, the FDA still hasn’t approved it and made it legal for consumption, along with various other genetically enhanced foods. And this is probably for the best. Whether or not we should be eating genetically altered foods brings up lots of controversial issues among people, and it would probably just be better to avoid it. While these scientific discoveries may seem like a good idea that could be helpful, it would probably be better to try and improve sustainability by just changing our habits, like was initially planned, instead of changing genetics. Having the FDA put genetically altered meats on hold is good. In the meantime, food organizations, farmers, and environmental advocates can get support on being sustainable in other ways.

Here's the article if you want to read more! :
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/31j1PJ/:1yrzY-7$3:XiGhE14y/www.enn.com/agriculture/article/41873/
Video on the Piggy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o5GzC-SwO4