Farm animals say, "We are the 98%!"

Since there's so much attention to the Occupy Wall Street movement and the outcry that we are the 99%, I thought it would be appropriate to share another statistic.  This one has nothing to do with Wall Street - at least, not directly.  But it does have to do with the economy.  The economics of the agriculture industry.


According to the Humane Society of the United States, 98% of all animals with whom we interact directly (i.e. have as pets or eat) are farm animals.  And 10 billion of them per year in the U.S. are raised and then killed for their meat, eggs and milk.  We spend a lot of time worrying about the welfare of our dog and cat companions (and rightly so!) but our society turns a blind eye to the other 98%; the farm animals that are treated solely as commodities and whose welfare often runs counter to profits.


The Animal Welfare Act, which governs the humane care, handling, treatment and transportation of many animals, including dogs and cats, does not apply to farm animals.  Since they are considered livestock with an end use of food, they are excluded.  We don't think of them as sentient beings but they feel pain, fear, love and loss just like humans and our pet friends do.  Ask any dairy farmer the worst part of their job, and they'll often tell you it's when they have to separate a mother cow from her calf.  


It doesn't have to be this way.  We can refuse to support this inhumane system.  A vegan or vegetarian diet is the most compassionate thing you can do.  And it makes all the difference to the silent 98%.

Sustainable ways to pass your Thanksgiving weekend

Though we're in the throes of Thanksgiving day (and hopefully you're enjoying a vegan feast), most people have a full 4-day weekend to enjoy.  If you're in the Phoenix area, here are 2 great things to do that also celebrate sustainable living and the environment.


On Saturday at 7pm, the Museum of Science and Sustainability is having an Eco Fashion Show.  It will take place at Bragg's Pie Factory and will feature live music, a dance performance, live auction and fashion showcases.  There will also be vintage resellers for all your sustainable clothing needs.  MOSS is a great institution to support - they don't yet have a main center but are working on raising the needed funds.  Their mission is to bring a much-needed focus on sustainability to the Valley.  


If you haven't seen them yet, don't miss David Rogers' Big Bugs at Desert Botanical Gardens.  These giant sculptures of bugs made of fallen and found wood and other natural materials.  Some of the bugs are as tall as 25 feet.  A fascinating look at the bug world surrounded by the beauty of the desert.  Your kids or those you have visiting this weekend will be mesmerized.  


If you've eaten a vegan feast today and will be enjoying the leftovers this weekend, you won't have that nasty, "I feel sick because I ate too much" feeling, and you'll have the energy to go out and experience these events.  I wish you all a most enjoyable weekend.

Thanksgiving or ThanksLIVING?

Let's face it.  Thanksgiving is not the best holiday for vegans.  It seems like the day is almost as much about the dead turkey on the table as it is about being thankful and spending time with those you love.  And when you're a vegan in a family and social circle of omnivores, you can feel downright disenfranchised. 


But fear not, Phoenix vegans, because there's a wonderful celebration where you can give thanks, celebrate the joys of life and bond with others who share your values.  It's called ThanksLIVING and Green New American Vegetarian restaurant in Tempe is hosting its fourth annual event.   


ThanksLIVING features multiple courses of cruelty-free gourmet food, live music, guest speakers, crafts for the kids, and sparkling conversation with your fellow vegans.  And if you can't stay, they offer food to go too.  While the celebration is at the Tempe location only, you can purchase tickets at either location or on their website.  


Whether you're vegan, curious, or just love gourmet food, start a new tradition that gives thanks and celebrates compassion.  Hope to see you there!