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Prince Charles has slammed the beef industry for its ‘overuse of antibiotics’.
The royal figure made the comment in a recent interview with novelist and environmental advocate Margaret Atwood on BBC Radio 4.
‘Growth-promoting hormones’
“The reason I was drawn to organic farming was mounting concern about what I saw as the overuse of artificial chemicals and fertilizer made from fossil fuels, the overuse of antibiotics, the overuse of growth-promoting hormones in beef production etc,” the Duke of Cornwall said.
“You have to remember that nature is not a monoculture, it is based on immense diversity. So all these things made me feel that it would end up in tears if it went too far, and that there would be no tomorrow.”
‘A polluter pay system’
Prince Charles also said that farming in ‘this overt, excessive, conventional way’ is damaging our ecosystems and driving pollution.
“That’s why I’ve always felt that the polluter should pay,” he added. “If you introduced a polluter pay system, it would instantly start to get us onto the right track, let’s put it that way.”
‘Sustainable’ fashion line
Earlier this year, the heir to the throne received heavy criticism over his ‘sustainable’ fashion line – which featured a host of eco-unfriendly fabrics.
The collection, which was also slammed for its hefty prices, included a padded cashmere bomber jacket costing £1,250, a pleated silk midi dress for £795, and a merino wool blend drawstring trousers for £695.
PETA’s director of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor told Plant Based News: “Using animals’ skin, hair, wool, or fur perpetuates cruelty and contributes to climate change.
“Land is cleared and trees are felled to graze sheep – who release methane into the atmosphere – for wool. Cashmere is a major contributor to land degradation and desertification.
“And silk, which is made by boiling silkworms alive, has been rated by the Higg Index as having the worst impact on the environment of any textile. It’s no coincidence that the biggest textile launches in recent years have focused on innovative animal-free fabrics.
“The only way to create a truly sustainable fashion line is to choose ethically produced vegan materials.”
