Stop factory farming by what you eat
As a consumer, you have an arsenal of tools that you can use to help stop factory farming.
We will name a few.
Maybe the most important means at your disposal: stop giving money to factory farming by no longer buying meat and other products from factory farming. |
- Don't buy from companies that don't care about animal rights.
- Vote out factory farming.
- Protest against permits for factory farms.
- Write to newspapers and magazines.
- Support organizations against factory farming.
- Make clear how you feel about animal rights.
|
 Don't
eat foreign animal products. Welfare objections
stick to imported animal products. Why would a country
overproduce and deplete its natural resources? This
cannot go hand in hand with a balanced and animal-friendly
way of working. By the way, this mainly goes for
Holland. With Dutch products,
you should select ecologically responsible (biological)
products. For instance, prepare meals without meat
(more often). Ideas for vegetarian dishes can be
found for instance at the Vegetarian
Union.
Products from biological farming are a good alternative
for factory farming.
A strange phenomenon is that people are prepared to make
healthy and responsible meals at home, but seem to forget
this principle at school or at work. Apparently there's
not the time, the will or the possibility to stop and
consider the origin of their food there. Make clear that
you want responsible foods in the company restaurant or
cafeteria, which doesn't come from factory farming but
is ecologically (biologically) responsible. |
Don't buy from companies that don't care about animal rights
In general: you can use your economic power and show
companies that for this reason you do not wish to make
use of their products and services.
Don't open accounts with banks that give out loans to
companies in factory farming.
Don't buy from supermarkets that don't offer ecological
products. If you want to invest or save money, consider
green investments.
Check out our information on quality marks to see which
companies do or don't consider animal rights. |
Vote out factory farming
During local, provincial and national elections, vote
for a party or candidate who speaks out against factory
farming. Approach political parties and ask them about
their viewpoints regarding factory farming. Many Members
of Parliament can also be reached through e-mail. Read
party programs. If your party hasn't got an animal-friendly
program. Select one from the list that does.
Political parties have to bear their responsibility
for animals as well.
Look under "taking action" for examples of
writing actions. |
Protest against permits for factory farms
If factory farms want to settle near you or want to
extend their stables, there are possibilities to stop
them from getting permits. Local departments of environmental
organizations can help you (often free of charge), for
instance by giving legal advice. For names and addresses,
look on the page with national and local action groups.
It is often possible to do something against companies
that already have permits, if you can prove that you
are really troubled or bothered by them. |
Write to newspapers and magazines
Submitted letters-sections in newspapers, magazines
and club periodicals are often read by many people.
Sending a letter in which you state your opinion on
factory farming, can make many people think. You have
a better chance of getting your letter published if
you react to an article you read earlier in that paper
or magazine. Also read our writing tips.
Various magazines and national and regional newspapers
have a site on the Internet, and often offer the possibility
of sending in your letter through e-mail.
Send a protest letter to the Code of Advertising Committee
if you see commercials or articles in the media that
do not take animals seriously or if they are misleading. |
Support organizations against factory farming
In every country there are various active organizations that
fight factory farming. If you want to help them, you
can become a contributor and/or apply as a volunteer
to help with actions.
Register as a volunteer and help (with) others to give
animals a dignified existence.
You can support the Animal Freedom Foundation with a donation. |
Make clear how you feel about animal rights
It can be tricky to determine how far you can go. If
you exaggerate, it may turn out wrong. If you say nothing,
nobody will know how you feel. When you have dinner
with other people, you can always tell them (up front)
that you won't eat meat from factory farming. And if
you go shopping, tell the sales person that you are
looking for ecological products. If you want to convince
others of your viewpoints, it is best to target
people whose ideas are close to your own. It takes a
lot of time and energy to convert patent opposers. Don't
strain yourself. Be brief and don't attack others when
you tell them how you feel. If you are looking for (counter)
arguments, read our list
of non-valid arguments. If you have doubts on how
to go about something, send us an e-mail and we will
advise.
If you make your own action materials, be sure to make
them yourself or borrow them from official organizations.
Don't make (improper) use of logos or materials of the
party you are protesting against.
If you wish to support us, a donation is welcome. Click here for our goals. |
