The Way We Eat

Why Our Food Choices Matter

By: Peter Singer, Jim Mason

Narrated by: Rick Adamson

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Eating is about more than satisfying our hunger. It's also about the environment, social justice, personal development, and sustainable living. Many Americans already know this. We're eating less red meat and more organically produced foods, and most restaurants offer vegetarian options. But do we really know the truth about mechanized animal farming and slaughterhouses, herbicide and pesticide use, and labels that promise "Certified Humane"?

In this revolutionary look at food and the future of life on earth, Peter Singer and James Mason examine the diets of three typical families and track down the sources of their food to see how humanely it was produced. They identify six empowering ethical principles that conscientious consumers should consider when shopping for groceries or eating out. They name names, of companies that are voluntarily instituting more humane systems, and of those that continue to offend. Recognizing that not all of us will become vegetarians, they explore ways to make the most ethical choices within the framework of a diet that includes some animal products. The bottom line is: You can be ethical without being fanatical, and here's how.

©2006 Peter Singer and Jim Mason (P)2006 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"A no-holds-barred treatise on ethical consumption, this is an important read for those concerned with the long, frightening trip between farm and plate." (Publishers Weekly)

Ethical Eating

I'm really pleased with the book over all- I learned loads more than I ordinarily would. I'm actually buying the physical copy as well and have recommended the app/book both to friends of mine.

I disagreed with some points made by the authors on Veganism- it's not just about the consumer/financial support of animal agriculture that many of us reject. And I think it would have been better if they delved more into Carnism and how vegans reject that as well.

Over all, excellent book.

huge eye opener

This is a very interesting book. The authors turn the light on the dark side of food production. They are very descriptive and not preachy. The stories of tainted food that have been constantly in the news lately make this book even more timely.

I'm Glad I'm A Vegetarian!

I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years and one of the main reasons that I became vegetarian was because of reading some of Peter Singer's previous books. This book like many of his books and writings is not for the faint of heart but for those who really seek to understand more about our food and food choices and how we can make a difference.

I only wish that this information was more widely available and accepted by our general public. I am fully and firmly committed to continue making the difference anyway I can. Besides, vegetarians are sexy!

Worthwhile

This kind of book isn't fun, like a work of fiction, but it is necessary to understand just what the book jacket claims...why our food choices matter. While some of it may seem familiar if you have listened to Michael Pollan's books, it still has enough of a different perspective to be worthwhile.

About all of us...

This book is timely. It is a great read and ranks at the top of my list. Singer and Mason offer an ethical, thorough examination of our food choices. It matters on so many levels!

If you read this, you'll regret it.

You love your pets, right? And I assume that you feel that a minimum level of humanity and decency, let alone respect, should be given to other animals?

Then, do not read this book. I did not think about this but the treatment and exploitation of the animals we eat is terrifying and the authors make a good point when they note what the ethical thing to do is. It is not so much well documented (a disappointment) as it is convincing in its main message: that animal products, at least right now, are produced in a pure evil manner. Forget meat of course, but also think fish (fished or farmed), eggs and milk, etc. I honestly stopped reading after a while; I gave it only three stars in my review because it hardly qualifies as an experience I would like to have when I get a book to read.

Perhaps some will criticize the book as being judgmental and that it is the producer's fault. That's plainly wrong as, like any good economist knows, any demand creates its own supply. Books like this one are doing the ethical thing, to put the focus on the demand for animal products.

So, yes, do not read this book, do not buy this book, as it will probably will make you feel worse when you eat the foods you like.

I raised my own animals to eat

lots of information perspective and views to consider. I would suggest it to all regardless of your opinion about meat

Interesting, but leaves something to be desired

I've been reading related books like those by Marion Nestle, the _Walmart Effect_, as well as documentaries like _Super Size Me_ and I was expecting alot from this book. (Can you tell I'm on a bit of a consumer awareness campaign for myself?) Perhaps that was my problem: expectations. After reading _Walmart Effect_ which I felt was written quite well and with a fair look at both sides of the argument around Walmart, this book is in many ways one-sided in how it presents its material. I *will* reconsider what I eat in the future (beef, pork, and chicken), so in that sense, the authors have enlightened me, but I would have liked a more balanced presentation of the facts provided.

Outstanding!

This book was not only narrated well, and easy to listen to but the context was informative and entertaining. I followed the ration thoughts for the author easier than most other arguments of its kind based on emotion. I don’t write many reviews but I was compelled because of the message and the messenger.

Captivating story from start to end

Great narration and captivating story makes this book an easy read despite the hard topics at times. A must read.