Today, over 70 billion farm animals are raised and slaughtered worldwide, but only 33% of them live in facilities that prioritize their welfare. Bringing conscious consumption to the forefront can change the way these animals live, especially when they are subjected to inadequate treatment.

Over 90% of consumers agree that animals raised humanely produce higher-quality protein. And this is not just an assumption.

One example is what can happen when pigs and cattle experience stress in the moments before slaughter. This can result in meat that is more fibrous and tough, with a less palatable texture and a darker color.

If animals live in small spaces, with a shortage of water or food, they may end up fighting. This can cause injuries that remove them from the production line, lead to weight loss, leave scars and even result in the loss of meat.

What is conscious consumption?

A conscious consumer can positively influence those around them and generate a collective change in habits. Buying products that do not harm the environment, are not the result of the exploitation of human beings or animals, and use natural resources wisely is already a good start.

Taking into account the interests of the whole – and not just of a single company – by enabling negotiation and sustainable consumption that gives preference to recyclable or reusable products helps define the meaning of conscious consumption.

Where does the food you eat come from? 

Part of conscious consumption is identifying where the items you buy come from, especially food. Does the brand your family likes treat well the hens that lay the eggs or the cow that provides the milk?

You might ask yourself: how do I find this out so I can change my habits? It is neither difficult nor impossible. One way is to buy products with certification labels, such as Certified Humane®, which certifies that farm animals have been treated with respect, without being deprived of proper care, and without going hungry or thirsty. 

A product bearing the Certified Humane® seal – identified on the food packaging – means that the animal from which the raw material used in the product comes was raised according to animal welfare standards from birth until slaughter.

Through humane handling, consumers are given assurance that, in addition to strictly auditing animal health, there has also been an inspection of the place where the animal lives and the food it consumes.

With animal welfare certification, for example, it is possible to trace the product or the ingredients used after processing. This tracking involves identifying the food’s movement through specific stages, from production to distribution.

The role of the consumer

Besides price, do you consider the environment, human health and animal welfare? Conscious consumption means knowing that every action has a positive or negative impact and trying to increase the positive ones while reducing the negative ones.

Consumers have a responsibility to demand that companies not only take a stand, but also have an action plan that specifically considers how to improve the lives of those who provide food or inputs for its production.

Learn more and choose companies that prioritize more than just profit. Click here to find food products from farms that prioritize animal welfare. Access our content and discover how to contribute to conscious consumption.