Eating less meat is certainly beneficial in a number of ways, but even if we were to cut it out altogether, it’s not going to solve the fundamental problems with agriculture.

When it comes to agriculture, the real problem is not the fact that we eat meat. I wouldn’t suggest that vegetarianism is an act without merit, but it doesn’t really address those fundamental problems of factory farming in all its aspects.

And for those who might think that becoming a vegetarian is as far as they have to go, well, that just isn’t the case. It is a step in the right direction, but without action on other fronts, what does it accomplish?

Here in Edmonton, there is a bicycle commuters group that has been successful in raising awareness of bike commuting. It’s great they’re doing it. It is a strategy that should be pursued in conjunction with a solid transit strategy, more fuel efficient cars, more telecommuting and decentralization of our business centres.

Obviously, vegetarianism doesn’t solve all the world’s problems, but the typical vegetarian diet is far more sustainable and better for animals and the environment than the typical omnivore diet.

It’s like saying people shouldn’t ride bikes because bicycles won’t solve all the world’s transportation and energy problems. Or saying we shouldn’t cut military spending because military spending is a drop in the bucket of the overall budget.

Even moderately changing your diet to go vegetarian a couple days a week is a step in the right direction.