Adopt don't shop has been going around for as long as I can remember. I have many friends and see many acquaintances posting online about the movement. I try my best to support local rescues and shelters, and even adopted one of our dogs after a large natural disaster.
But what about animals that aren't in shelters? What about farm animals? Who protects them? Who deals with their animal cruelty?
Well the ASPCA is concerned with the welfare of farm animals as well and has asked me to help share ways you can become a more aware and welfare-conscious consumer when shopping for your family’s groceries.
But what about animals that aren't in shelters? What about farm animals? Who protects them? Who deals with their animal cruelty?
Well the ASPCA is concerned with the welfare of farm animals as well and has asked me to help share ways you can become a more aware and welfare-conscious consumer when shopping for your family’s groceries.
- Eat Seasonally - Eating foods in season means that you’re able to buy from a more
local economy and avoid having your food ship from other countries. This
means fresher foods picked at peak ripeness too!
- Shop Locally - CSA’s and local farmers’ markets help support local, often
smaller scale, farmers and ranchers who are producing outside of the
traditional factory-farm system. If you aren’t sure where to start, visit
your local farmers’ market and start asking some question - this guide
will get you started. https://www.aspca.org/shopwithyourheart/consumer-resources/how-shop-farmers-market
- Conquer Labeling
Confusion - Marketers create confusion with their
flashy labels and clever catch-phrases. But unfortunately, sometimes they
care more about finances than transparency. Words like “natural” or
“humane” often don’t have any oversight to actually tell you as a consumer
anything concrete. However, some phrases and labels do have regulations
associated with their use, and that’s what you can start to look for as a
savvy shopper. Here’s a guide to labeling to get you started. https://www.aspca.org/shopwithyourheart/consumer-resources/meat-eggs-and-dairy-label-guide
- Be Careful to Minimize
Waste - One of the ways we can treat the animals
used for food respectfully and humanely is by making the most of the food
we purchase. Purchase only what you know you’ll use and serve the right
sized portions to avoid wasting what your family buys. https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/the_good_groceries_guide_final_version.pdf
- Look for Certifications
That Mean Something - Unlike marketing gimmicks
there are certain certifications and awards that have true meaning. For
example the USDA Organic label
shows that the produce grown (or fed to the animal) didn’t use banned
pesticides. Others include Animal Welfare Approved or Certified Humane
See The Good Groceries Guide for more
information about how our shopping habits impact the lives of those around us -
animals included. https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/the_good_groceries_guide_final_version.pdf
Find more resources for savvy shoppers at the
ASCPA Shop With Your Heart website! https://www.aspca.org/shopwithyourheart/consumer-resources
And don’t forget to enter to win some fun
items from the ASPCA!