Eating More Humane is Easier Than You Think & GIVEAWAY

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Adopting Harvey was one of the best things I've ever done. It is true, dogs really are a (wo)mans best friend. He has added so much joy and light to my life. The message about animal cruelty and adopting a #ShelterPet is one that has gained ground in recent years and one of the reasons I found Harvey, but the ASPCA is concerned with the welfare of farm animals as well. Farm animal welfare tends to get overlooked because it's not as easy as going to a shelter and taking home a cow. But here are five simple ways that you can become a more welfare-conscious consumer when grocery shopping for your family:

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. And don’t forget to enter to win some fun items from the ASPCA by using the Rafflecopter form below!
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