Many claim that the fast food industry had a negative effect on the environment, eating habits, and families. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some would argue that the prevalence of fast

food

in society negatively impacts families, nutrition, and the environment. I am in complete agreement with

this

sentiment.

Firstly

, fast

food

has destabilized traditional family meals. In the past, it was common for individuals to spend time eating a family meal so that parents and children could share quality time together. Fast

food

does not make

this

impossible,

however

, consumers are more likely to eat fast

food

while driving, watching television, or outside the home. The impact on families is marginal since fast

food

meals may be the exception though it is

also

decidedly negative.

Secondly

, few would claim that fast

food

is healthy. The products at most fast

food

establishments are extremely high in sugar, fat, calories, and chemical preservatives.

For instance

, a cheeseburger from McDonald’s contains red meat that has been treated with steroids, salty cheese, and various other ingredients with, at best, doubtful dietary implications.

This

applies to the majority of fast

food

and is the main reason many today strive to eat at home or at healthier restaurants.

Finally

, the production of fast

food

has significant environmental repercussions.

Firstly

,

this

involves factory farming. In order to supply beef, chicken, and pork there are massive farms that not only occupy land but

also

produce methane and other gases harmful to the ozone layer.

Secondly

, the transportation of goods that ensures consistency across franchises requires fossil fuel consumption. The chief culprits here are cars, trucks, and aeroplanes. In conclusion, though there may be limited benefits related to convenience, fast

food

is an overwhelming negative in terms of families, eating habits, and the natural world. Whenever possible, consumers should not opt for fast

food

.