The Farm to Fridge Project
This past week, Mercy for Animals, an amazing animal protection organization we've spoke about before on here, released their latest documentary video about the animals we use to make into food. It's called "Farm to Fridge,"and it consists of 12 minutes of undercover footage on factory farms across the nation, ranging from egg-laying facilities to dairy "farms", and all the way to factory fish farms. While harrowing and very difficult to watch, I made an empowered choice and decided to view it first before sharing it here, and I must say, it has completely reminded me that the work of an animal activist is never done.
I was angry, sad, and basically an emotional wreck watching this thing and those old feelings of helplessness began to creep in as I took in the gravity of this seemingly hopeless situation. But in my two years of vegan living, I've learned that in order to find something positive, something to smile about, amongst the dark truth of animal abuse, we need to act. Whether it's through a blog, a video on your facebook wall, or creating an animal rights/vegan book club, we need to push through the pain and filter it into something hopeful and uplifting, something tangible, something people can use to empower their own lives.
Thus, the Farm to Fridge project was born. What is the Farm to Fridge Project? Well, I'll be sharing "Farm to Fridge" on my facebook wall for seven days, and each day, I will remind everyone out there that if they choose to watch it and feel helpless afterward, I can help. This is my pledge, and it's the least I can do for these innocent, sensitive, and needlessly abused animals.
And now I reach out to you - my beautiful, compassionate, kiss-worthy community of readers and activists:
Will you make a pledge with me to feature "Farm to Fridge" on your facebook wall for the next week? Or at least the next day? Because even if a thousand people don't stop to watch it, one might. And that one may be a person who never before considered changing his or her ways from carnist to vegan.
I would love to get a tally of who decides to participate, so could you comment below this post if you'll be pledging to share the video?
Thank you, as always, for your rockin' support and open hearts. It is my sincere hope that this project will inspire and empower others to open their own hearts to positive change. Let's be the change we wish to see in the world, as Gandhi so beautifully beckoned us to be during his lifetime. Let's help give people a reason to fight for something positive, a reason to open their minds ever more to beautiful and compassionate change, a reason to really smile.
Comments
I'll share it on my blog http://redhotveganmomma.blogspot.com/ It'll go on my facebook and twitter as well.
I totally and completely hear you, understand where you're coming from, and respect your decision. These videos are nearly impossible to endure, especially when you're a seasoned watcher of undercover investigations. Thank you for sharing your perspective on this - I know that these videos are not going to be for everyone, and that's fine. I do have a thought though - if this is too much emotionally to share with people, what if you pledged to share seven fun facts about going vegan on your FB wall, or one vegan recipe a day for seven days? Maybe find a fun way to put a spin on this pledge?
One last thing - I write about animal rights for Examiner.com and I did a review of "Farm to Fridge" which I invite you to share with anyone you think it might influence to watch the film:
http://www.examiner.com/animal-rights-in-chicago/farm-to-fridge-by-mercy-for-animals-review
For everyone else, thank you so much for supporting the blog and this pledge, and hopefully we can open some hearts and minds with this! And Dani - I will definitely check out your review of "Farm to Fridge" - thank you for making it a priority at the Examiner!
I hesitated for a couple reasons. For one, I have posted similar stuff many times before, and I am afraid I will alienate people or make them suspect of anything I share.
Second, I am not a vegan myself. It has been a long journey to where I am at now--a mostly plant diet with a few local eggs each week, some raw goat cheese every once in awhile, and raw honey.
There isn't a name or an "ism" for how I eat, but it is what I've come to after years of experimenting and soul-searching.
The reason I finally decided to post this particular vid is because I could barely watch it. Only 12 minutes, and yet so powerful.
Regardless of whether people are omnivores, vegetarians, or vegans--this needs to be seen by all.
Cheers,
Ken
I wasn't crying while watching it--I was sobbing.
I absolutely will share this on my blog and on my Facebook wall. Like you said, if one more person watches it as a result of my sharing itand is moved by it, then it will have served its purpose.
-Lisa