Let's be kind to animals, the earth, and our bodies!
Whether we are vegetarians, vegans, or omnivores, it is important to be informed about the origin of the food we consume. Every year in the US, nine billion animals for consumption (not including fish) are confined to unsanitary farms/factories, transported in overcrowded trucks, and sent to the slaughterhouse.
Almost all turkeys, cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals used to produce meat, eggs, and dairy products sold in the U.S. are subjected to conditions that cause unnecessary stress and suffering. Dr. Bronner believes that all animals should be treated humanely and with respect for their well-being.
Switching to a plant-based diet is not only more humane towards animals, but also good for the planet. Intensive animal farming, which raises thousands of animals, generates large quantities of manure that pollutes the soil, water, and air.
Feeding these animals grain diverts crops that could be used to feed people. 15% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by intensive animal farming, and the increase in livestock is a key factor in deforestation. We can transition to a better food system through our daily choices!
Dr. Bronner's Animal Welfare Program It encompasses efforts to protect animals, the Earth, and human lives through a diverse portfolio of philanthropic support. Our beneficiaries and partners use a multitude of strategies to reduce the suffering and exploitation of non-human animals, raise public awareness, and create lasting change. These strategies include:
- To get involved in the defense and education of animal rights, veganism, and plant-based foods;
- Expand markets for alternatives to products from factory farms;
- Seeking legislative changes to ban the worst practices on factory farms;
- Working with large corporations on policies to eliminate or reduce the use of products from factory farms;
- To conduct undercover investigations that generate media coverage to expose the public to the worst abuses that occur on factory farms;
- To operate animal sanctuaries that provide a safe haven for victims of animal abuse and educational opportunities for the public.
Statement of goals achieved
From 2013 to December 2022, we donated approximately US$4 million to the animal rights movement. Our donations helped drive policy changes, established several new organizations and initiatives, and sustained many others with essential resources.
The objectives achieved include:
- The passage of Question 3 in Massachusetts (2016) and Prop 12 in California (2018) – relevant legislation that banned cruel confinement practices for chickens, pigs, and calves.
- The funding for the Good Food Institute and the Plant Based Foods Association in 2016, and for Encompass in 2018, allows each organization to prove the concept in its early years and attract other donors in subsequent years.
- The company supported filmmakers Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn (Cowspiracy, What the Health, Running for Good), whose films helped educate millions about the problems of industrial agriculture and the benefits of plant-based diets. The company also provided funding to Farm Forward to support the production of Natalie Portman's film adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's bestselling book, Eating Animals.
- The purchase of a ship for Sea Shepherd, the international non-profit marine wildlife conservation organization. Its German operation christened the MV Emanuel Bronner in 2017, enabling them to protect the endangered porpoise in the Baltic Sea. This ship continues to be used to protect ocean wildlife off the European coast.
- The partnership with Compassion in World Farming, along with The Rodale Institute, Patagonia, and other allies to form the Regenerative Organic Alliance and create the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) in 2018. We created a very special, limited-edition soap label that declares "End Factory Farming!" in large letters.
Every time we sit down to eat, we can improve our health and defend animals simply by leaving them off our plates. For those who choose to eat meat, dairy, and fish but are still concerned about the impact of their choices, the following resources can help reduce the suffering and harm caused by the animal industry: