This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
On May 21, animal rights activists shut down the 146-year-old Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus after years of effectively exposing them for animal abuse. Can the meat and dairy industry be far behind?
The shift toward plant-based eating is everywhere. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Quiznos, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell and Wendy's offer plant-based options. Parade, Better Homes and Gardens and Eating Well are all touting vegan recipes.
Indeed, Global Meat News reports that nearly half of consumers are reducing their meat intake. Beef consumption has dropped by 43 percent in the past 40 years. Google CEO Eric Schmidt views replacement of meat by plant protein as the world's No. 1 technical trend.
The financial investment community is betting on innovative start-ups, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods, while warning clients about "death of meat." Even Tyson Foods new CEO Tom Hayes sees plant protein as the meat industry's future.
The industry needs to transition to plant-based foods, or shut down like the Greatest Show on Earth.
In the meantime, every one of us can shut the meat and dairy industry out of our own kitchen by checking out the rich collection of plant-based entrees, milks, cheeses and ice creams in our supermarket.
Sal Lester
Salt Lake City