Something about connectedness…
When I was in the Geez office a couple of weeks ago I asked Aiden why he was a vegetarian. His answer included nutrition, compassion and something about connectedness. It got me thinking about eating meat. The more I thought about it the more my chicken drumstick became unappetizing. Meat was grossing me out and I grew up on a cattle farm. What would my parents say?
While I was reading the freeconomy blog by Mark Boyle yesterday I came across a link to watch Earthlings (you can watch the full film here). Anyone who eats meat, heck, anyone who is a consumer needs to watch this film. If you do watch it make sure to bring a snot rag and a puke bucket.
For those of you who haven’t seen it, Earthlings exposes humans’ oppression of animals in five ways: pets, food, clothing, entertainment and science. I balled through the whole thing and didn’t sleep much last night because the cruelties I saw were appalling.
I couldn’t believe what is done to animals that are part of product testing. According to the Humane Society“25 million vertebrate animals are used annually in research, testing, and education in the United States.” It is difficult to get accurate information about animal testing, how many are used and what they are used for. But one thing is for sure, many are not treated with any mercy.
After seeing what happens in slaughter houses I know now that at the very least I want to know where my meat comes from but I am leaning towards scrapping meat altogether. I have gone without meat for the last couple of weeks and I haven’t missed it. At first I felt so overwhelmed by my new knowledge and didn’t know what to do with it. Then I started doing some research and thinking about what I can do or at least what I should not do.
For those who enjoy eating meat but want to do it as humanely as is possible, Temple Grandin has high standards for slaughter houses and there is a story on her work here.
Leaping bunny is a company that certifies cosmetic companies that are cruelty-free. You can print out a pdf guide to cruelty-free companies or they will even mail you a pocket size guide for free.
Caring Consumer gives two lists: companies that do test on animals and companies that don’t.
After reading through these lists I was shocked at all the products that I had and thought were good and safe, that have been tested on animals. I also had never put too much thought into where my meat was coming from and just blindly trusted my supplier. But I guess the first step to change is awareness. Now I know, so now I can change.
3 Comments
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Hi Megan, I am a food animal veterinarian very much interested in seeing Jesus and the church be relevant to the current generation of 16 to 30 year olds. My profession is very much aware of The Humane Society of the United States. They are biased. There have been instances of animal abuse that very much concern those of us who care for animals but please be aware of HSUS bias. Those who make their living from the production of meat and milk know that their animals will do best when they are comfortable and well fed. There will always be an exception but the vast majority of animals are well cared for. I was glad to see you mentioned Temple Grandin’s work. She has championed humane treatment of animals for several decades and raised awareness through out the animal world. Roy DVM
Roy December 26th, 2009 9:44am
Thank you for your insight into this issue. I grew up on a very small cattle and grain farm and have seen the good side of the industry. All our cows had names and lots of land to graze on.
I would really appreciate it if you could provide any resources about this issue. I would like to find out more about which companies are more reputable and which are using factory farms.
geezblogger December 31st, 2009 1:34am
The term factory farms is misleading. It assumes that that big is bad. I have witnessed first hand the fact that animals that I see now are more comfortable, cleaner and more productive than they were when the farms were smaller.
Roy January 5th, 2010 11:09am