I am not a vegan. I eat meat, I rarely eat red meat. I have posted entries talking about growing food, being conscious on where my food comes from. I have read stories that have discussed industrial agriculture and how it’s affecting our food chain. I am not an expert on anything really, yet I want to share a little story that happened to me today.

Today at work, a father and his 9 year old daughter stopped in and asked what the rug was made from. I simply replied, “It’s cowhide.”

The father was so surprised that we were using a cowhide on the floor. In todays world, I am always aware that people have various believes regarding animals, their treatment and so forth so I explained that the hide more than likely a by product of the meat industry.  The cattle farmers sell the hides to a leather business who conditions them to  be sold to make leather accessories etc. The father again was so surprised, he replied,” The only meat he wants to know about comes in a cellophane wrapped styrofoam tray he finds at his local grocery store.” It seemed he was happy knowing, not knowing where his food came from.

Since I was at work, I didn’t reply with, “did you know that wool comes from sheep?”

Speechless! I hope this fathers belief of meat is not the norm, and the daughter isn’t too upset when she finds out cowhide is really leather. It is a sad reality that people do not know where their food comes from, how it’s grown or what chemicals are used …the reality is daunting. That is why I read food labels, I grow veggies and make my own compost for the garden. I try to buy organic and will do without if I’m unsure of the foods source.

Sorry so soap-boxy. I just thought I’d share.