To maximize their profits, industrial farmers often crowd them into confined spaces where they endure pain and stress.
Due to unhealthy living conditions, the animals face a high risk of disease. They become ill so often, in fact, that they use the vast majority of antibiotics.
The consumption of the meat, dairy, and eggs from industrial farms deprives them of the free and happy lives they deserve.
Industrial agriculture is so resource-intensive that it not only hurts them;
it affects everyone.
It is responsible for much of our greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and
contribute to climate change.
CH4
Ruminant animals, such as cows, emit large amounts of Methane due to the types of bacteria contained within their stomachs.
N2O
Nitrous Oxide is released from the production of fertilizers, which provide nutrients for the soils that produce the crops animals eat.
CO2
Fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, release Carbon Dioxide when they are burned. These provide the energy to clear land for and house animals, as well as to grow and ship their food.
Consumers have the power to reduce the impact of animal agriculture by
changing what they put onto their plates.
They can prevent animal cruelty and conserve resources
in a variety of ways.
Vegans eliminate all foods produced by animals, such as meat, fish, dairy, and even honey.
Vegetarianism is a less strict way of eating that requires people to avoid meat and fish, but generally allows for other animal products including dairy and eggs.
Flexitarians (or reducitarians) do not follow specific guidelines, but actively try to reduce their consumption of animal products. They may do something as small as cooking one plant-based meal per week, or make the bigger change of following a vegan diet except when visiting restaurants.
Locavores eat locally grown food from farmers they trust to treat animals with compassion, and to use environmentally sustainable farming practices. Non-imported foods also require less transportation required for shipment, reducing the need for fossil fuels.
