image of cat with food bowl, pet food environmental impact

Pet Food’s Environmental Impact Can’t Be Ignored 

It’s time to talk about the substantial pawprint of our pets’ food.

pigs

The 30 Most Intelligent Animals in the World Might Surprise You

Ranging from huge to tiny, some of the smartest animals fly under the radar.

image of scottie dog taking a bite of food or treat from hand, pet food industry explainer

The Pet Food Industry’s Future, from Plant-Based to Cultivated Meat

Contrary to popular belief, the pet food industry is not its own, separate part of the supply chain. It relies on leftover meat produced for human consumption.

Sea Otter 841 frolicking in the water, How do animals demonstrate intelligence

Animals Reveal Their Intelligence in Surprising Ways

There are many types of intelligence in the animal kingdom, but human bias might mean we underestimate just how smart many animals are.

image of beef cattle on pasture, regenerative agriculture explainer

The Promises and Pitfalls of Regenerative Agriculture, Explained

Despite the massive amount of public and private funding flowing into regenerative agriculture, research shows it doesn’t live up to the climate hype. 

close-up of insect with compound eyes, definition of sentience

What ‘Sentience’ Means, and Why the Concept Matters for Animals

The term means different things to different people, but here’s what you need to know.

Curtis Brown, Behaviour and Enrichment Manager at Soi Dog check on a group of blind dogs in their kennel.

The Dog Meat Trade Is Still Legal in Some Countries – Here’s What You Need To Know

Here’s what you need to know about the dog meat industry, and the western hypocrisies about eating animals it reveals.

image of whale close up, whale hunting explained

Whale Hunting Still Exists in 3 Countries, but It Is Declining

Despite decreasing demand for whale meat and dwindling populations, the hunt for whales continues.

close-up of an infant pig, farm sanctuaries

What Farm Sanctuaries Do, and How to Support Them

Farm sanctuaries provide a second chance for animals used for food. Here’s what you need to know about these safe havens, and how to help them.

bee visiting flowers

15 Animals Who Help the Environment and How They Do It

Many animals contribute to the health of our ecosystem, but these 15 in particular are overachievers.

image of child's hands cupped for stream of water, Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act Is Important — but a New Supreme Court Decision Limits It

A new ruling threatens the power of one of the most important environmental laws in the United States.

image of polar bear, animals most affected by climate change

Which Animals Are Most Affected by Climate Change, Explained

We’re nearing or have already arrived at the 6th Great Extinction — only this time, the crisis is manmade.

wild orcas off Puget Sound, how many orcas are left

Are Orcas Endangered? Some Are, and the Species Appears to Be Fighting Back

Commercial fishing threatens marine life — and it seems orcas are trying to do something about it.

image of machinery harvesting corn on field, what are farm subsidies

What Farm Subsidies Are and Why They Matter, Explained

Farm subsidies make meat and dairy much cheaper – but fruits and vegetables? Not so much. Here’s why.

captive primate with person taking photo with phone, pros and cons of zoos

Are Zoos Good or Bad for Animals? The Argument, Explained

Debates about the ethics of zoos abound — but when it comes to animal welfare, there are certainly more cons than pros.

image of bee at flower, How Do Bees Help the Environment

How Bees Help the Environment and Humans

Why it’s crucial we protect these extremely helpful insects — and what’s at stake if we fail to do so.

image of pig, prop 12

When Does Prop 12 Go Into Effect — and Will It Be Properly Enforced?

California’s Prop 12 faced industry opposition because it has huge implications for animal welfare. Now that it’s been upheld by the Supreme Court, here’s what’s next.

image of cow drinking, how does extreme heat affect farm animals

Extreme Heat Is Deadly for Farm Animals — and Too Often, They Receive No Mercy

One ‘solution’ employed for overheated animals on factory farms? Mass suffocation.

image of hands around burger, plant-based meat companies

15 Plant-Based Meat Companies You Should Know

The plant-based food industry has exploded in recent years, with plant-based meats igniting the conversation about the future of food.

image of sheep in transport truck, sheep farming

What Sheep Farming Really Means For Animals and the Environment

Like many other forms of agriculture, sheep farming has become increasingly industrialized. Here’s what you need to know.

image of orca with open mouth, how smart are orcas

Are Orcas Smart Enough to Plot Against Humans? Their Intelligence, Explained

A series of seemingly coordinated attacks against fishing vessels has the public paying attention to orcas. Here’s what you need to know about this remarkable species.

image of pig on factory farm, what is the animal welfare act

The Animal Welfare Act Actually Doesn’t Protect Most Animals

Why are so many animals left out of the Animal Welfare Act? We explain the history of the law, and its shortcomings.

image of two defendants Animal advocates Amy Soranno and Nick Schafer, what is the difference between animal welfare and animal rights

What Is the Difference Between Animal Rights and Animal Welfare?

Animal welfare advocates and animal rights groups are sometimes at odds. In this explainer, we dig into where the two approaches diverge.

image of wagyu cow on pasture, is wagyu beef humanely raised?

Are Wagyu Cows Raised More Humanely Than Other Cows?

Wagyu beef is one of the most expensive — and consistently mislabeled — foods on the market. In this explainer, we look into what the “wagyu” label means for the c

person measuring shake powder what is ultra-processed food

What Is Ultra-Processed Food and Why Is It Unhealthy?

Ultra-processed foods are designed to be addictively delicious. Just how unhealthy are they and what are the processed foods to avoid? We explain.

image of man hosing down dairy operation, right to farm laws

What Are Right to Farm Laws?

Right to farm laws are increasingly used to protect industrial meat operations from answering for their air and water pollution.

bees

The Four Most Intelligent Insects

Research shows honeybees can do math. Meanwhile some ants are building massive underground fungi farms.

image of plant-based burger - fake meat

Why So-Called Fake Meat Is Actually Better for Nature Than the Real Thing

“Fake meat” has long been used as an insult to the alternative protein market but in reality natural meat is far worse for the planet.

Why Do Some Critics Call It Lab-Grown Meat?

Why Do Some Critics Still Call It Lab-Grown Meat?

More than 150 companies are growing meat from fish or animal cells. Yet some critics still deride cultivated proteins as “lab-grown meat.” Why?

humanely raised, image of two pigs on transport truck

What Does ‘Humanely Raised’ Actually Mean for Farm Animals?

A growing number of companies are marketing meat and dairy as ‘humanely raised’. We take a closer look at the reality behind the label.

image of shopping basket in grocery aisle, What Is SNAP

Do SNAP Benefits Actually Work to Address Hunger?

Over 34 million people in the U.S. suffer from hunger. One effort to address food insecurity is through SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.

image of various pulses and dried beans, climavore

What a Climavore Eats and Believes, Explained

A new kind of eater — the climavore — eats foods based on their environmental footprint. But the approach has been criticized by food justice and animal advocates.

What are non-essential amino acids? Woman running

The Difference Between Essential and Nonessential Amino Acids, Explained

There are 11 nonessential amino acids that are absolutely critical for your body.

Farm bill explainer. Image shows man in tractor on farm.

The Farm Bill Is Crucial. Here’s Why.

The farm bill is a collection of laws that governs our food system, including subsidies and federal nutrition benefits known as SNAP.

picture of cow sticking her head out through bars for story is dairy bad for you

Is Dairy Bad for You? 

Is there a link between dairy and cancer risk? The evidence isn’t conclusive but we took a closer look at what we do know in this explainer.

how to read food labels

Here’s How to Get Better at Reading Food Labels

Food labels are confusing. Our guide will help you tell the difference between useful information and meaningless junk.

essential amino acids

Am I Getting Enough Essential Amino Acids?

There are nine essential amino acids that your body can get from a variety of foods, including plant-based sources like nuts.

20 Plant-Based Protein Sources

20 Healthy Plant-Based Protein Sources for a Sustainable Diet

Protein is an essential part of any heathy diet but it’s possible to get all that you need from a healthy variety of plant-based sources.

Why do people drink raw milk?

Why Do People Drink Raw Milk?

Devotees of raw milk tout it as a miracle food yet consuming it can cause severe foodborne illness — leading to paralysis or even death.

What Is the FDA

What Does the FDA Do? 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ensures the country’s food, medical and cosmetic products are safe.

What Is Dairy?

Which Foods Are Dairy?

The global dairy industry produces nearly 550 million metric tons of cow’s milk each year. But which products are dairy and how are they made?

What Is the USDA?

What Does the USDA Do?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has many responsibilities, including oversight of the food system and rural development.

What are gestation crates?

What Are Gestation Crates?

Gestation crates are one of the most controversial aspects of pork production. But what are they, and why does the industry say they’re necessary?

Culling chicks

Is It Legal to Kill Baby Chickens?

The egg industry continues to cull billions of male chicks worldwide each year — despite legal and scientific progress to curb the practice.

Is beef consumption in the U.S. headed in the right direction?

Is Beef Consumption Headed in the Right Direction?

Researchers are clear that we can’t meet our climate goals without tackling beef consumption in the U.S. Let’s take a look at our progress.

How is leather made from mushrooms?

How Do You Make Leather From Mushrooms?

Leather made from mushrooms is a cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternative to animal hides, including cow and lamb.

What Is a Feedlot?

How Does a Cattle Feedlot Work?

What is a feedlot? These large fenced-off areas of land house thousands of cattle as they gain weight before slaughter. But how do they work?

Is almond milk bad for the environment?

Is Almond Milk Bad for the Environment?

Almond milk has become increasingly popular over the last decade or so. More and more…

How water intensive is animal farming?

How Much Water Does a Cow Need?

California may be out of its drought but millions of thirsty animals farmed in the west are still at risk. Just how much water does a cow drink anyway?

How Do Pesticides Work?

How Do Pesticides Work?

The U.S. uses around 1 billion pounds of conventional pesticides each year to control weeds, insects and other crop-damaging invaders. Pesticides are crucial for protecting crops but can also be mismanaged at great risk to the environment.