Did you know that an estimated 99% of all farm animals in the United States live on factory farms? Factory farms were designed to produce as much product as possible for the lowest cost, and in doing so, sacrifice the health, comfort, and quality of life experienced by over 10 billion pigs, cows, chickens, sheep, ducks, turkey, and more who spend their entire lives inside factory farms.
As the Gentle Earth Journal is a place for gentle encouragement and uplifting change, I won’t share details or additional statistics regarding factory farming. However, I strongly encourage anyone who currently purchases meat and dairy products without looking for a stamp of humane certification to look further into factory farming and what life looks like for the 99% of farm animals experiencing life within a factory farm environment at this very moment. It will break your heart, but by ignoring the issue we will never inspire change.
Change is possible when we actively decide to be a part of the solution. A kinder world starts with us. It’s no secret that money drives business, and by financially supporting factory farms, these industries continue to thrive. The good news is- it’s easier than ever to support better, cleaner, more humane practices as products from farms where animals are humanely raised are everywhere!
I’ve shared previously the ASPCA’s Shopkind resource for locating humanely raised foods and I strongly encourage you to check out my previous blog for this information. Now, I’d love to share a few other ways in which you can make a difference right now for farm animals.
Going vegetarian or vegan may not be a change that everyone is willing make. But everyone can make a difference. Aside from looking for an animal welfare or humane certification on the meat and dairy products you’re purchasing, you may also consider choosing one or two days per week to go meat-free! This small change makes a bigger difference than you may think. According to the ASPCA, choosing just one day per week to give up meat can save an estimated 28 animals per year!
Say you decide to partake in two weekly meat-free movements such as Meatless Monday and Beansday on Wednesdays … that’s an estimated 56 animals per year that you’re saving just by making this small change to your weekly diet. Not to mention the message that you will be sending to the meat industry – that animal welfare is important and needs to be considered.
Check out the ASPCA’s article below titled “5 Things You Need to Know about Plant-Based Eating” for more information.
And speaking of Beansday… Humane World for Animals invites you to join the Beansday movement every Wednesday by swapping out meat for beans. They’ve even shared a ton of delicious recipes involving beans to inspire you to stick with the movement week after week by having a variety of beans-based recipes in your back pocket. Check out the links below to learn more about Beansday, pledge to go meat-free on Wednesdays, and stock up on tons of delicious bean-centric recipes!
As another important step in paving the way for positive change with regard to the factory farming industry in the U.S., consider learning about the Save Our Bacon Act at the link below titled “Send a Message to Congress”.
In short, the Senate Agricultural Committee will be reconvening to consider the Farm Bill in September and it’s important that the Save Our Bacon act is not included in the bill that is passed. The Save Our Bacon Act is an addition to the Farm Bill that has been introduced and, if approved, would undo animal protection laws and years and years of progress in animal welfare, and it’s up to us to make sure this legislation does not have a chance to be enacted. At the link below, you can learn more about the Farm Bill, the Save Our Bacon Act, and share a message with congress straight from the ASPCA’s easy to use messaging platform.
These simple steps taken today can have a monumental impact on the lives of farm animals tomorrow. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for farm animals.
5 Things You Need to Know About Plant-Based Eating
The Gentle Earth Journal 