Some of you may remember that I was part of this amazing venture called Charitable Influence. Sadly, my partner and I decided to close up shop primarily because we went in different directions and it was extremely hard to get people to care about the tough issues.
I should correct myself. It’s not hard to get people to care. It’s hard to get them to do something about it. Myself included.
One of my hot buttons topics is animal welfare, primarily because they don’t have a voice. WE ARE THEIR VOICE. So when a big enough issue bubbles up to the top of the radar for the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA, I sit up and take notice.
Let’s talk about animals, specifically chickens. I’m not talking about cute, cuddly puppies and kitties although Lord knows I’ve had plenty to say on that front. I’m talking about the animals we eat. In fact, I hate that we eat animals but I don’t think I’m cut out to be a vegetarian. What I can do, though, is eat meat from animals that have been humanely raised.
In fact, that’s what the ASPCA is asking you (and me) to do. Take the Change Your Chicken Challenge for 30 days and only buy chicken that has been humanely raised. This will help you understand why.
BUT I HAVE QUESTIONS!! I know you do. You’re probably reading this because you’re a lot like me. So here are the questions you probably want to ask.
1. Isn’t is more expensive? I have a big family to feed!
Yes. Yes, it is more expensive. But I’m only asking you to do it for 30 days. Because the more people that say no to factory farming, the more we’ll show the industry that animal welfare needs to be a standard. And if that’s still too hard for you, just don’t buy chicken for 30 days.
2. How do I know the “right” chicken to buy?
I’m glad you asked because I didn’t know either. Here’s your handy guide.
3. Don’t I have to go to a fancy store like Whole Foods? I don’t even have one near me!
Ditto. I don’t live anywhere conveniently near a Whole Foods, which is the only place in my area I could find Animal Welfare Approved products. But when I searched for Certified Humane products, I found that they were located in local stores like Giant, Safeway, and Martin’s.
4. Well, I live in the middle of nowhere and I still can’t find anything with the right label. What now?
I’ve got you covered. You can print out this handy dandy letter and give it to the Store Manager. That’s right. BE THAT PERSON.
Click on the image for a downloadable PDF
5. Is this really going to make a difference?
Great question. And the answer is yes. Because you’re going to feel inspired to share this movement with your friends and family and they’re going to do it too. And when 50,000 people stop buying factory-raised chicken for 30 days, it will have an impact. And more importantly, you’ll be doing something good for your family and your own body.
—
If you’ve made it this far, you’re my hero. It means you at least cared enough to read which is step one in living the life you should. I hope you’ll join me over the next 30 days as we make a difference together!
