Practical - Index > To Do - Index > Activism

6 Things to Do, x 2

1. Become a vegetarian after viewing the slideshows at http://www.slaughterhousecam.com and take responsibility for your role in animal slaughter.

2. If you drink milk or eat cheese, read the read the following letter written by a physician to his patients: http://www.notmilk.com/kradjian.html

3. Send an animal researcher Ray & Jean Greek's magnificent textbook regarding animal research: "Sacred Cows and Golden Geese." See: http://www.curedisease.com/book.html

4. Try a pint of chocolate vegan Soy Delicious ice cream.

5. In a small garden outside of your home, in an area the size of an average desk, you can grow six different varieties of lettuce to take to your local homeless shelter.

6. If you have lost a companion animal, or know a person who has, read a tribute to an activist Boston terrier who attended more animal rights demonstrations in his own short lifetime than most AR activists do in theirs. The following is both comforting and inspiring to those who have suffered similar losses: http://www.kimbergorall.com/spike.htm

Another list:

1. Since 98% of animal abuse occurs in animal agriculture, boycotting animal products in your diet will help the most animals. The fork is the most dangerous Weapon of Mass Destruction when it comes to animals. Consider replacing all animal flesh, dairy, and eggs with the abundant delicious and healthy alternatives that are available today. We can choose compassion every time we have a meal. It's that easy!

2. Only buy household products and cosmetics from companies that do not test on animals. There are many animal-friendly companies. Check the labels for "cruelty-free" or "not tested on animals." Contact companies that still test on animals and tell them why you're not buying their products. Feedback is very important and can make a difference in policy changes. The consumer dollar is a very powerful thing!

3. Contact (telephone, email, or mail) legislators and other policy-makers and decision-makers about animal issues. Let them know these issues are important to people. For every phone call or letter they receive, they assume that a number of others feel the same way, so it's like speaking for more than just yourself.

4. Educate friends and family. Give them literature, show them a video, or just be an example of a compassionate life. Don't be frustrated if they don't all "get it." Remember the ripple effect--if one other person gets influenced, then he or she may influence another, who may influence another, and so on.

5. Carry rescue supplies in your car. You never know when you'll come across an injured animal who may linger in agony for hours or days without help. Have an animal carrier or a big box, towels, gloves, a leash, a net, etc. And don't forget phone numbers for vets, emergency clinics, police, wildlife rehabilitators, etc. Remember your own safety in all situations and call someone for help if needed.

6. Volunteer with pro-animal organizations. Any amount of time or effort is appreciated. The animals would thank you if they could.