Miomarmo

Simple Statement of the Day

The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.
~ Ayn Rand

Simple Statement of the Day

We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.
~ Margaret Mead

Simple Statement of the Day

Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.
~ Stuart Udall

Simple Statement of the Day

Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.
~ Jimmy Carter

Yes to Prop 2!

A victory for animals was won on Tuesday when Proposition 2 passed! As we wrote earlier, Proposition 2 "stops cruel and inhumane treatment of animals, ending the practice of cramming farm animals into cages so small the animals can't even turn around, lie down or extend their limbs." Yay! 

Simple Statement of the Day

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.
~ John Burroughs

Proposition 2 (or, 67 Square Inches)

On November 4 of this year, California voters will get to make their voices heard for those who can't speak for themselves: farm animals. Proposition 2 "stops cruel and inhumane treatment of animals, ending the practice of cramming farm animals into cages so small the animals can't even turn around, lie down or extend their limbs."

As Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society brought up on a recent Oprah Winfrey show addressing this issue: each chicken has 67 square inches of space—which is about two-thirds the size of a standard sheet of paper. "That's their living space, Oprah, for two years."

You might not live in California, but there are some simple things you can do to help fight animal cruelty at its most basic level:

Go Veggie (even if it's just one more day a week) - eat pasta tonight, or get a pizza (without pepperoni, of course!) Make eggplant, or a vegetable stir fry, or try our a new recipe from another country's cuisine you're not familiar with. You might just have a new favorite, and you'll be helping animals. (Read my post about this on my other site here.)

Vote with your wallet. I read labels. And because I do, my family only eats chicken that's been fed an all-vegetarian diet (that's a WHOLE other post besides) and eggs that are certified Humane. We've also been fortunate enough to find a local family to get our eggs from where I know they are free to roam and live normal lives and not be stuffed into a cage. Sometimes these items cost a little more, but you know what? We don't eat very much meat in our house, and I'd rather have a clearer conscience. I'm also trying to help create a demand - when the twins were small, I had discussions with the head of the dairy department about how we could get more organic milk on the shelf. Now our store has a whole organic section. One person's choices can make a difference.

Educate yourself. I can't recommend the book Food Revolution enough, but if you don't have time to read a whole book, check out:

Recap from the Oprah show - "Conscious Choices"
Lisa Ling Reports - "How We Treat the Animals We Eat" (2nd link if the first doesn't load)
The Meatrix - learn where the food you eat comes from.
HSUS Factory Farming Page - Working to reduce the suffering of animals raised for meat, eggs, and milk.

Quote of the Day

A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children.
~ John James Audubon

Simple Statement of the Day

To cherish what remains of the earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.
~ Wendell Berry

Simple Statement of the Day

It is our collective and individual responsibility...to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.
- Dalai Lama