Reflecting on the Turkey Club

America’s delicacy item, the turkey club, is a problem. Or I should say that one of its products is a problem. And that product is bacon. The bacon production is taking a bigger toll on American lands than ever imagined. So let’s consider it on some different scales. 

On a national and global scale, some actions can be taken to reduce the environmental impacts of bacon. To give a little context of bacon on a global scale, in 2022 there was a reported 34 billion dollars in the export of bacon. Exports of bacon are going to countries such as China, the United States, Japan, Canada, and Denmark. One solution to this issue would be to reduce exports. Whether that be adding a higher tax or vamping up the price of bacon, it could be the answer to solving many issues. Such as reducing greenhouse gases, reducing transportation impacts, and reducing a carbon footprint.

On a more local scale, many more actions can be taken to reduce environmental impacts. The biggest issue, especially on American pig farms, is the amount of manure that is spread onto nearby land. So a solution to this would be providing areas or facilities to better get rid of manure. It should also be mentioned that manure is an organic nutrient source for crop production. With that being said, local pig farmers could use manure as a more valuable resource which may serve as a better way to protect air, water, and soil quality. To understand the viability of manure, the following image goes to show what could happen if manure is used to its ability. 

Another solution is to reduce the amount of pigs being stunned each year. Pork also goes through production for other things besides bacon which could be a limitation. So, to completely cut down on the production of bacon would also cut down on the amount of pigs being stunned which would also decrease the amounts of other items made with pork. It was reported in recent years that the U.S. pork industry slaughters 130 million pigs which are used to make bacon. Over 90% of these killings were done using carbon dioxide gases. To add to this, to reduce the impacts, local farmers around America should also consider better farming practices that have better raising techniques for the meats. Likewise, better policies should be put in place for more sustainable supply chains and production. These should be implemented in local grocery stores, restaurants, and other food service operations. 

On the scale that hits closest to home, the household is the most effective group to reduce the environmental impacts of bacon production. As we know, bacon production gets its cues from supply and demand. So, if we limit this demand, we could potentially reduce major impacts from production. One example I found in my research is the average amount of food that is wasted within a household in the U.K. While we are focusing on America, it’s also important to look at other places to see other household effects. In their report, they revealed that 52 slices of bacon per household were wasted and thrown away. If we add that up, that’s a lot of waste and unnecessary carbon emissions. To read more on the food that is wasted, the following article provides a good consensus: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/food-and-drink/2593258/52-rashers-of-bacon-13-pints-of-milk-shocking-reality-of-the-food-each-household-throws-away-every-year-laid-bare-in-nationwide-survey/. To put things in perspective, skipping one serving of bacon (which adds up to 4 strips) per week would eliminate 1,050 pounds of manure. The best solution households can take would be to choose bacon alternative options. These could include healthier, plant-based alternatives which are more environmentally friendlier in their production. Taking the focus away from the environment for a second, switching to plant-based alternatives could have its limitations. This could be because many companies in America are reliant on the production, as well as many local farms. It could take a major toll on the economics of the country which could turn them to alternatives, impacting the environment even further. 

     

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