From Farm to Freezer: 3 Ways Buying Meat In Bulk Helps The Environment
Buying meat in bulk isn’t just a smart economic decision—it’s also a powerful way to support environmental sustainability in your home. At our local meat market, we’re proud to offer whole animals to families across the Shenandoah Valley. This month, we’re sharing three reasons why buying your meat in bulk helps the environment.
1. Buying Local Meat In Bulk Cuts Miles & Carbon Emissions To Reduce Your Climate Footprint.
When it comes to what we put on our plates and in our freezers, buying locally sourced meat in bulk is a step towards sustainability.
According to a study published in Nature Food, global food miles account for nearly 20% of total food system emissions. Food miles is the distance food travels from farm to plate. By purchasing whole animals from a local farm, you’re effectively reducing the distance your food travels.
That means fewer carbon emissions from transporting meat products nationwide or internationally. It also means you’ll need fewer trips to stores to stock up on meat, decreasing your family’s carbon footprint.
2. Buying A Whole Animal Minimizes Packaging & Food Waste.
Buying a whole animal typically involves less packaging than purchasing individual cuts of meat, meaning fewer plastics and other materials end up as litter or in our landfills. The EPA estimates that containers and packaging alone account for over 23% of the material reaching landfills in the United States, some of which are food-related.
Additionally, by purchasing in bulk, you utilize more parts of the animal, including less popular cuts, reducing overall waste. That means you’re not only saving money but also making a positive impact on the environment.
3. Ordering Local Bulk Meats Supports & Empowers Sustainable Farming.
Many local farms prioritize pasture-based systems that promote biodiversity and soil health while conserving water. Purchasing from local sources means supporting farms with smaller herds, which minimizes environmental impact and reduces the need for extensive transportation.
Here at Sunrise Farms, we take pride in our commitment to sustainable practices. Our animals are raised on lush Virginia pastures and supplemented with our non-GMO feed, allowing them to graze and forage until they reach an optimal weight. Though our process may be slower, we believe it leads to healthier, happier animals and, ultimately, better-tasting and healthier meat.
Ready To Bulk Up? Place A Whole Animal Meat Order From Sunrise Farms.
We’ve been proudly supplying high-quality meats to customers across Virginia since 2003. Ordering in bulk from us is easy and hassle-free. Simply check out our guide on making an order, or contact us directly for more information. We’re always here to help and would love to chat about how we can meet your needs for quality bulk meat purchases!
