b'animals today in North America than we did in the 1600s before we nearly eliminated the bison, she said. Theyre different ruminants, but we dont have more methane-producing bodies out there.Sacred Cow also pushes back on the notion that the cattle industry produces more greenhouse gases than any other industry. Rodgers points to Environmental Protection Agency data, which show that livestock in the U.S. account for 3.9% of methane emissions, with beef responsible for about half that. Transportation and electricity generation combine for almost 57%. Globally, RodgersIMAGES COURTESY OF DIANA RODGERSsays, livestock account for 5% of direct greenhouse gas emissions compared to 14% for the transportation industry.Additionally, carbon cycles for livestock are different from fossil fuels. Its part of a natural cycle, Rodgers said. After 10 years, methane turns into water and carbon dioxide, which then goes into the water cycle andIf we want to feed people whobeef intake is actually pretty low, gets reabsorbed by plants. Someare hungry or undernourished,Rodgers said. Its gone down since of it can get sequestered in thethe most nutrient-dense foods1970. The average American only soil. Its like a balanced equation. are animal source foods, Rodgerseats about two ounces of beef per From a nutritional standpoint,said. In developing countries,person per day.Rodgers argues that animal- they cant just go get their B12With both iterations of Sacred sourced foods are essentialsupplement at a CVS Pharmacy,Cow, Rodgers wants to show that because they contain a higherright? Most of the world cant domeat isnt the problem and, in fact, density of nutrients, and humansthat. They require animals foris part of the solution. Im hoping can better break down and utilizetheir livelihood and nutrition. to affect some policy and make those nutrients when comparedSacred Cow also tacklessome noise about regenerative to plant-based foods. Somethe notion that red meatagriculture on a bigger scale with vitamins and mineralslike B12consumption is the driver ofthe film, she said. Now is the and iron, which account for twoserious health problems in theperfect time, with COVID, Rodgers of the largest nutrient deficienciesUnited States like obesity, diabetes,said. We really see the disruption worldwideare much easier to getcancer and heart disease. in industrial meat supply chains from animals. This is particularlyWhen we look nutritionally atand the value people are placing important for growing childrena country where 70% of people areon more regional food systems and and low-income families.either overweight or obese, ourbetter food in general.nHEIFER.ORG |39'