cows

Virtual Slaughterhouse: What It Feels Like to Be a Cow

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For anyone who’s had the opportunity to meet cows, pigs, and birds in an up close and personal setting, like a sanctuary, it’s an incredible experience. Much like the cats and dogs in our homes, these animals are very social and playful, and they have individual personalities. It can be a life-changing experience. So can watching an undercover video filmed inside a factory farm or slaughterhouse. And while such information has compelled millions of Americans to change our dietary choices by leaving animals off our plates, would more people be willing to alter their behavior if they could experience what life is truly like for farmed animals?

Horse Slaughter

Will the US Start Horse Slaughter Again?

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Remember the UK’s “horsemeat scandal” that prompted public outrage, meat recalls, and overall led to our neighbors across the Atlantic eating less meat? Yes, the discovery of horse DNA in some “beef” products caused quite a fuss . People began questioning the lack of oversight in food production methods as well as food safety. But, the issue also drew attention to how deeply cultural “food” norms run through our society. The scandal drew a bitter reaction from some because of the idea of eating an animal who is seen in many cultures as a companion or pet.

Are You Smarter than a Chicken

“Are You Smarter than a Chicken?” Toddler Edition

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When my adorable niece was just a toddler, I was blown away by her intellectual capabilities. When she mastered a new concept, such as spatial reasoning, enough to match a shaped block to a corresponding hole on a toy, a silence filled the room and jaws hit the floor. She was so smart, and we were thrilled to watch her develop.

Yet as smart as she was, it turns out she may have been no match for a chicken.

Animal-Human

Breaking Down Animal-Human Language Barriers

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For those of us who choose to pay attention, animals communicate a great deal. Mother cows cry out to their calves. Chickens have more than 30 types of vocalizations and chirp to their chicks before they’re even hatched, and the furry companions in our homes will be sure to let us know when they need something–a belly rub, dinner, or playtime. just to name a few. No doubt, though, we’re sometimes left scratching our heads, wondering what our cats or dogs are trying to tell us.

milk

Milk Consumption Declines with Each Generation

smcdonaldAnimals, Health, News, Outreach, Veg Eating 1 Comment

While milk mustaches may have never really caught on as a fashion trend, the days of this symbolic foamy white upper lip may be numbered. In fact, right now, the dairy industry may be facing its biggest sales threat to date: younger generations with a world of information readily available at their fingertips along with countless dairy-free options available to them.

Horsemeat

Horsemeat Scandal Prompts UK Consumers to Eat Less Meat

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While factory farmers, food manufacturers, and retailers play the blame game in Europe over the discovery of horse DNA in various beef products, a significant number of British consumers are responding by not just avoiding the possibly tainted beef, but eating less meat overall.

sofritas

Chipotle Launches Vegan Sofritas Burrito in San Francisco Bay Area

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Starting February 12, seven select San Francisco-area Chipotle restaurants will be dishing out new vegan Sofritas for burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads.

What exactly is Sofritas? It’s shredded tofu (non-GMO from Hodo Soy Beanery) braised with chipotle chiles, roasted poblano peppers, and spices made from tofu. While it was developed specifically to cater the growing number of vegetarian and vegan diners, the company believes it will have a broader appeal to all customers.

eating eggs

Think Smoking is Unhealthy? Eating Eggs Might Be Worse

smcdonaldAnimals, Health, News, Veg Eating Leave a Comment

eggs-smoking-286x167.jpgIn a new video, posted on one of our favorite websites, NutritionFacts.org,  Dr. Michael Greger discusses the details of a competing risk analysis from a Harvard Nurse’s Health Study on women’s health.

Among other important topics, the review compares the dangers of smoking to the dangers of eating animal products. The results?     

According to the study, the number one single cause
of death was heart disease, and dietary cholesterol consumption was a
significant risk factor for death. The second leading cause of death was from smoking-related cancer.