ag-gag laws

Ag-Gag Laws: What Are They and Which States Still Have Them?

So called “ag-gag” laws criminalize elements of undercover investigations like taking photographs and recording video in factory farms.

egg production

How Egg Production Became a $200-Billion Industry

Egg production is far from the idyllic image of a mother hen sitting atop her nest. Big Ag has corrupted the process, creating cheap eggs at the expense of billions of anguished chickens.

are mcdonald's fries vegan

Are McDonald’s Fries Vegan?

Is anything at McDonald’s vegan? This guide has answers.

cattle ranching terrible biodiversity

Cattle Ranching Is Actually Terrible for Biodiversity

Over 1.5 million cattle graze on public lands to the detriment of biodiversity — wiping out native wildlife and destabilizing ecosystems.

is alcohol vegan

Is Alcohol Vegan?

Wondering which alcoholic drinks are vegan? This guide can help.

bodybuilder

21 Vegan Bodybuilders Show It’s Better To Be a Vegan Bodybuilder

A growing number of vegan bodybuilders prove you can meet the body’s protein requirements without meat.

is honey vegan

Is Honey Vegan?

Honey is largely produced by bees living in manmade hives that are very different from their natural habitats.

bullfighting

Is Bullfighting Cruel to the Bull?

Though bullfighting is often portrayed as a fair fight between man and animal, the bull experiences stress, physical pain and, ultimately, death.

what foods are made from gelatin

What Is Jell-O Made of?

Jell-O is made from gelatin, an ingredient that comes from the bones, skin and connective tissues of farmed animals.

farmer

Could Veganism Solve World Hunger?

Increasing adoption of vegan diets and curbing food waste are two powerful ways to combat world hunger

vegan leather

No, Vegan Leather Is Not Greenwashing

Despite what you may have read in a few viral Twitter threads, animal leather is not more sustainable than vegan leather.

animal agriculture

Does Animal Agriculture Cause Climate Change and Pandemics?

The global animal agriculture industry rakes in billions of dollars while putting the environment and human health at risk.

chicken

Just Like Puppies and Kittens, Young Chickens Like to Play Too

A new study found chickens are playful creatures who run, jump, wrestle and play with toys.

vegetarian dish

Vegetarianism: Why Are There So Many Different Types of Vegetarian Diets?

There are many different versions of vegetarianism, and a wide range of benefits from adopting a more plant-rich diet.

dairy cow

What Are the Environmental Impacts of Dairy Farming?

The global dairy industry is responsible for rising rates of water and air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and degraded farmland.

broiler chicken

Is Costco Chicken Good or Bad for You?

Is Costco’s chicken healthy? The wholesaler’s practices aren’t good for chickens or the workers who raise these birds, and there are plenty of healthy plant-based alternatives to choose instead.

ecosystems

Humans Destroying Ecosystems: How to Measure Our Impact on the Environment

Human activities like industrialized animal farming are causing the destruction of ecosystems worldwide, including as many as 1 million plant and animal species.

turkey

Turkey Lifespan: How Long Do Turkeys Live Before Slaughter

Turkeys can live for decades in the wild but, when raised for food, these creatures are slaughtered as young as 12 weeks old.

labor rights

Join Sentient Media’s New Course: Labor Rights Within Animal Protection

This course explores the contemporary labor landscape and workers’ rights in the animal protection movement.

How Many Animals Are Killed for Food Every Day?

Every second, 271 animals are killed for food in the U.S. Millions more are killed every day. Find out why so many animals are killed and how it happens.

dairy goat

Goat Milk: Does It Contain Lactose and Can Humans Drink It?

Despite the persistent myth that goat milk is healthier and more ethically farmed, dairy goats experience the same factory farm conditions as cattle.

Midwest Journalism Fund

Announcing New Midwest Journalism Fund

Sentient Media is launching a new $10,000 fund and training program to support journalists in the Midwest who report on environmental and agricultural issues.

cashmere goats

What Is Cashmere Made of and Why Shouldn’t You Buy It?

Intensive farming may have made cashmere more affordable, but overgrazing has also led to widespread environmental damage and animal suffering.

Land burned to be cleared for animal agriculture in September near Porto Velho

Amazon Deforestation: Why Is the Rainforest Being Destroyed?

Deforestation continues to wipe out the Amazon rainforest at alarming rates — threatening to release climate emissions and wipe out wildlife and Indigenous communities.

sanctuary pigs

What Is An Animal Sanctuary? And Why Are Farm Sanctuaries So Important For Animals?

An animal sanctuary is a facility where animals are brought to live and be protected for the rest of their lives.

puffin pair

15 Animals That Mate for Life

Non-human animals engage in a wide range of relationships that mirror the human experience — from monogamy to open relationships to dating around.

hands holding peas

Do Plants Feel Pain? How Do We Know That They Don’t?

“But plants feel pain too,” is a frequent argument put to vegans but the bottom line is plants do not possess pain receptors like humans and animals.

processed meat

Processed Meat: What’s in It and Why Is It Bad for You?

Processed meats are a regular part of the American diet but eating them could be be risky for your health.

wolf

Is Hunting a Sport?

Hunting is defined as the act of chasing another animal to kill, typically with a gun. Eight states have banned wildlife killing contests.

deforestation

What Are the Causes and Effects of Deforestation?

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, especially clearing land for cattle and soy to feed farmed animals.

beef cattle quebec

How Does Livestock Farming Affect Climate Change?

Animal farming is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and nitrous oxide.

media walking

The Month in a Minute: July 2022

In Sentient Media’s monthly video series, host Jasmine Leyva shares the top stories in food, animals and the environment in 60 seconds.

sled dog

The Iditarod: How Long Is It and How Many Dogs Die in the Race?

Dogs who participate in the Iditarod sled race experience illness, injury and, in some cases, death.

organic hen farm

Are Eggs Good for You?

Is it healthy to eat eggs every day? People may avoid eating eggs due to health concerns, allergies or ethical considerations.

meatpacking truck

Meatpacking: A Closer Look Inside a Secretive and Dangerous Industry

On factory farms, animals are subjected to stress, confinement and physical harm. But the meatpacking industry is also harmful to humans caught within it.

Edamame

Is Soy Good for You?

Soybeans are a protein-rich legume native to East Asia and the main ingredient of many different nutritious foods.

young salmon

Is Salmon Good For You? 6 Alleged Salmon Benefits Debunked

Salmon has long been considered a healthy source of protein, but there are plenty of nutritious plant-based alternatives.

Madagascar Deforestation

How Does Agriculture Affect Deforestation?

While there are many drivers of deforestation, a leading cause is animal agriculture.

supermarket produce

Food Deserts: What Are They? Their Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions

The term “food desert” describes an area where it is hard for people to access fresh, healthy and affordable produce.

hemp seeds omega-3

The 14 Best Vegan Sources of Omega-3

Omega-3s are most commonly associated with seafood, but can also be found in leafy greens and other vegan sources, including foods that come from plants.

pig prop 12

Slaughterhouses: The Harsh Reality of How Meat Is Made

Roughly 25 million farmed animals are slaughtered in the U.S. every day. Many die before they even arrive at the slaughterhouse.

baking food

Level Up Your Baking With These Vegan Egg Substitutes

Baking without eggs may sound challenging, but it’s easier than you’d think. Check out this list of the best egg substitutes for home bakers and cooks.

Gen Z: The Future of the Planet Is in Their Hands

Our planet is in trouble. Younger generations, like Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are taking action.

gelatin tray

Where on Earth Does Gelatin Come From?

The gelatin available at most grocery stores is primarily made from a protein found in the bones of farmed animals such as cows and pigs.

chicken

How Long Do Chickens Live on Factory Farms?

The vast majority of chickens spend their entire lives in the confinement of a factory farm. Farmed animals live for about six weeks before they are slaughtered.

dolphins

In Captivity, Dolphins Live Shorter, Less Natural Lives

In the wild, dolphins spend their lives surrounded by other dolphins. But in captivity, life looks very different, and their health often suffers as a result.

10 Exciting New Plant-Based Products Hitting Shelves This Year

Plant-based foods are one of the food industry’s top-selling items. Here are a few of this year’s trends, from “meatier” meat to plant-based seafood.

monkey zoo

Animals Benefit From a Mentally and Physically Stimulating Environment

Virtually every member of the animal kingdom benefits from a more mentally stimulating environment, especially zoo animals, cats, dogs, and even mice.

hot dog

What Are Hot Dogs Really Made Of?

There is not a lot of actual meat in hot dogs, even when it’s listed as a top ingredient. They are mostly water and fat, but hot dog companies don’t want you to know that.

dairy cow

Do Cows Have to Be Pregnant to Produce Milk?

To produce milk, dairy cattle need to be impregnated. The typical dairy cow is bred every single year, giving her body no break from producing milk or carrying a baby.