Green and ethical - not always the same thing

Casey - posted on 02/04/2010

We keep our own chickens it's the only way I know they are treated properly and fed well. We had a small cage initially (still huge for only 3 chickens they would probably fit 200 in it but I have higher standards) but with a toddler and another on the way I decided to make it bigger because I couldn't let them out for a big run as often as I did before. It's hard to believe some of the conditions people feel are acceptable for animals. Even the free range chickens aren't treated as well as my girls, highly recommend having your own chooks they take up less room and are cheaper than a dog, make wonderful pets for children, and the by products are fertiliser for the garden and eggs for your family.

Eva - posted on 01/04/2010

the laws for Organic are a joke. it use to be 7 years organic and now it's 3. for organic milk the cow only had to be "organic" for 10 months. My suggestion is to find a CSA ( community supported agriclture) where you can get involved in helping out. Most CSA's will allow you to help out to cut back on the price.Just because something says it's "USDA Approved" doesn't mean that the farm is humane or even organic. In Mexico 'organic' farms use human waste as feritlizers and the USDA will approve of it in the US.

Paige - posted on 01/01/2010

You raise a very good point. Organic is important, but it is just as important how the animals are treated. Milk that comes from cows that live on dirt, are not allowed to graze, and are fed a diet of only grains can still be considered organic. Free range for chickens just means that they have access to the outside, but does not designate an amount of time nor does it specify an appropriate location (meaning it could be dirt, gravel, anything). There is no legal definition or regulation of free range for beef, pork, and any other non-poultry products. It is basically the same as the "All Natural" label companies love to label their products with...or "no ADDED hormones/antibiotics" (how much does the animal get before it's considered an addition to what the animal is already getting???).

Thank you for raising this debate! :)

Happy Green Living!

Sarah - posted on 11/03/2009

I agree with you, just because it has the sticker of being certified doesn't mean it's a healthy place. It's sad when people and/or animals are treated this way and not taken care of. I think there is a way of being green and ethical, I personally wouldn't mind buying a product that had antibiotics in it if that certain animal got sick, if all other options for treating the disease were exhausted. Think about it, we use antibiotics and there is a place for them, however using them before knowing what is causing it is unethical.