What environmental impact does Schlosser associate with fast-food production?

The association of fast-food production with the destruction of ecosystems for factory farming and deforestation is rooted in the industry's reliance on intensive agricultural practices. Schlosser illustrates how large-scale meat and crop production is often achieved at the cost of significant environmental degradation. This includes the conversion of forests and natural habitats into farmland, which not only displaces wildlife but also leads to the loss of biodiversity.

Additionally, factory farming methods contribute to pollution through the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, which can contaminate water systems and harm local ecosystems. The environmental consequences are profound, as the demand for fast food drives deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of natural resources. Schlosser emphasizes these points to underscore the broader implications of fast-food consumption, linking it directly to ecological harm and unsustainable agricultural practices.