“Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret” is a groundbreaking feature-length environmental documentary following an intrepid filmmaker as he uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why the world’s leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it. As eye-opening as “Blackfish” and as inspiring as “An Inconvenient Truth”, this shocking yet humorous documentary reveals the absolutely devastating environmental impact large-scale factory farming has on our planet. Read our exclusive interview with director Kip Andersen about his new film.
What was your reaction when you first found out how destructive animal husbandry is to our planet?
I was devastated, on so many levels. I couldn’t believe how much this one industry affects so many things, across so many issues. But then, to find out this information was nowhere to be found on environmental organizations’ websites or in mission statements was equally disturbing.
Do you think the cattle industry will ever proactively try and cut down on the environmental impact of raising cattle?
Superficially, yes. They already feign to with ridiculous labels like, “sustainably raised” and “grass fed,” when in reality many of these methods are in fact worse than factory farming, especially when it comes to land use and species extinction. It takes so much dedicated land to raise grass-fed beef (which we explore in the film) that all other wildlife — wolves, coyotes, wild horses, cougars, etc. — are kicked out or, worse, killed because they interfere with these “sustainable grass-fed cattle farms” that span thousands upon thousands of acres, with much of that being public land. There are other forms of green-washing as well, so silly I won’t even mention. It’s just lip service. No one’s owning up to being the culprit.
Why does there seem to be a misunderstanding that it’s better to eat “grass-fed” beef?
It seems like it makes sense when you don’t really think about it critically. Yes, it is technically less awful for the cow, but that is about it. Once you break it down, it just doesn’t add up. Perhaps 100 years ago it would work, but definitely not today. With our current population soon reaching 8 billion and many of our precious natural resources and wild animals already being destroyed by this industry, grazing cattle occupy up to 5–25 times more land than factory farmed cattle, which greatly impedes upon wildlife and natural habitats. Plus, cows — regardless of where and how they are raised — need to drink up to 20 gallons of water per day (in California, a majority of all our fresh water goes towards raising animals for food, while humans are put on home water rations enforced by fines). Many operations also pollute our rivers and streams, not to mention the air. Grass-fed cows also live much longer than factory farmed cows, which means they emit more methane gas per lifespan. The bottom line is, there just isn’t enough land or water to go around, regardless of how cows are raised. The most responsible course to take is to go vegan. And it’s so easy once you form new and improved habits. I promise.
Even after you discovered that those against the cattle industry may be in danger, what pushed you to keep filming?
Essentially realizing that we all need to do something about this or none of us will be around much longer. The global fear of what is happening due to this industry and our irresponsible food choices needs to supersede any individual fear any one of us may have. We call it “second hand eating,” the fact that one’s food choices create a domino effect, impacting the entire planet. Fortunately, a lot of us are waking up and realizing we can choose to either support all life on this planet or kill all life on this planet, simply by virtue of what we eat day in and day out. One way to eat takes life, while another spares as many lives (plant, animal and otherwise) as possible.
In the film it is mentioned that your funding was cut. How did you bounce back from that and what other struggles did you have to get past?
Fortunately my newly formed nonprofit, Animals United Movement (AUM) Films, saved enough money for Keegan and me to power through the rest of the filming and editing process, albeit super bare bones! This turned into a huge positive as we executed an extremely successful Indiegogo fundraising campaign where we reached our goal in only four days, and ended up more than doubling our initial ask, thanks to over 1400 people from around the world. The continued overwhelming support for the film and its message is so inspirational and shows the shift of consciousness has happened; the tipping point now points to the light, more and more everyday. This film is from and for everyone, truly.
If there is just one action that you could have every person do to help save the planet, what would it be?
Learn the truth, share the truth and live the truth as best as you possibly can.
What’s next for you? Are you currently working on any projects that you can share with us?
We are beginning to work on our next project, which is very exciting, but I cannot yet share what that will be. Stay tuned…
If you’re in New York tickets are available for the premiere this month. For more information visit the film’s official site, Facebook,Twitter, and Facebook event page.
