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Worldwide, approximately 67.5 billion land animals are raised and slaughtered for meat, eggs, and milk every year. Hundreds of millions of these animals are raised on industrialized farms resembling factories. On these factory farms, animals suffer immensely, many confined for the entirety of their lives in small cages, unable to perform the most basic natural behaviors. You can help decrease the suffering of these animals by adopting a more humane diet.
Reduce: If you eat meat, eggs, our dairy, consider reducing your consumption of these products. Reserve one day out of the week to eat only vegetarian meals. When you feel comfortable with this change, explore other ways of further reducing your consumption of animal products. Plant-based foods are healthy, more environmentally friendly, and can be very delicious!
Refine: Learn the origin of meat, eggs, and dairy products in your diet. Say no to battery-cage eggs and avoid other animal products produced by animals confined in cages and crates. Choose certified organic or free-range eggs and pork. While these “cage-free” products are not necessarily “cruelty-free”, cage-free farm animals have significantly more space to move around and express their natural behaviors, and they experience a higher quality of life than caged farm animals.
As a conscientious consumer, you have the power to change the way animals are treated in the food industry. Speak with managers of supermarkets, restaurants, and other establishments that you frequent. Ask them to offer more vegetarian options and to end their procurement of eggs and meat from factory farms that confine hens in battery cages, or pigs in gestation crates.
Need help getting started?
Check out our Guide to Meat-Free Meals for more information on how you can help animals when you eat, including delicious recipes, tips on incorporating more animal-free meals into your diet, and much more.
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