Compassionate Living
Be an animal-friendly traveler- Many tourists are unaware of the hidden cruelty involved when animals are used in entertainment. Taking rides, performing tricks, taking selfies, these might seem interesting ways to interact with the animals but animals suffer immense pain and torture. Animals are kidnapped from their natural habitats, kept in cages and subjected to mental and physical abuse. Let us end the cruelty in the name of entertainment by not taking part in any such attractions.
Shop cruelty-free- Caring about the lives of animals, being destroyed for trivial things like cosmetics, luxuries, fashion, etc, is a choice that we all can make. Most fur comes from China where fur farmers use killing methods such as suffocation, electrocution, gassing, and poisoning. Most leather comes from India, where animals have their throats cut and their skin ripped off while they are still conscious. Most of the world’s wool comes from Australia, where large chunks of skin and flesh are cut from lambs’ backsides without any painkillers. The exotic skins trade is just as horrifying. Snakes and lizards are skinned alive because of the belief that live flaying makes leather more supple. But you can stop this. Don't buy items made from animal-derived products such as leather, wool, fur, etc. or experimented on animals.
Save the Environment- Globally, every year, we produce 300 million plastic wastes, which is equivalent to the weight of the entire human population. Only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. About 12% has been incinerated, while the rest — 79% — has accumulated in landfills, dumps or the natural environment. If the current trend continues, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050. There are so many things that you can do. From ditching single-use plastic and cutlery to bringing your own coffee mug to office or school, to asking restaurants you visit to stop using plastic straws.
Eat Plant-Based Healthy Foods- When you choose to eat meat, eggs, dairy products made from animals, you play not only with the lives of animals but yours and the planet. Every year 56 billion animals are killed for food. Animal farming is responsible for 65% of all emissions of nitrous oxide – a greenhouse gas 296X more destructive than carbon dioxide. Watch documentaries like Cowspiracy, What The Health to understand the detrimental effects of your food choices on your body and the climate.
Don't participate in sports/activities involving animals- Dog sledding, trophy hunting, fishing, bullfighting, horse carriages, rodeos, cockfights, circuses, zoos, sea aquariums, horse racing, etc; we light-heartedly call it amusement or sport, but for the animals, it is a pathetic life filled with stress, cruelty, confinement, terror, loneliness, and boredom. The training and tricks that are used to force animals to participate are physically uncomfortable and behaviorally unnatural. Visit animal sanctuaries instead of zoos/aquariums and participate in sports that do not involve animals.
Always adopt, don't buy- Puppy mills might be an amazing place for the buyers but not for the mother animals. They're bred to their limits and not given proper care and treatment because they're considered as commodities kept only to gain profits. There are so many animals on streets and rescue shelters waiting for a forever home, so always adopt when you plan to add an animal companion to your family. This way you will not only be providing a happy home to an animal in need of care and affection, but you'll also be helping to reduce the demand for animals bred for pet stores.
Caring for animals is everyone's responsibility- Be a responsible pet owner by taking care of your pet's daily needs and do not abandon them because they're a part of your family just like any other family member. If you see any signs of animal abuse around you, report it immediately to your local animal welfare organization or SPCA.
People do not realize how much power they hold as purchasers. Remember consumer demand is the driving factor behind the abuse and suffering animals and the planet suffer. Live with Compassion and encourage others to do so by sharing this knowledge with them. Let us embody kindness, care, and empathy for one another without prejudice of species.