Explainer
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.
Diet•7 min read
Grace Hussain
Grace covers farming and agricultural policy. Her reporting has been published in Truthdig and the Good Men Project. She holds her MS in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University.
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Explainer
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.
Climate•7 min read
Reported
In Turkey, a Farm Sanctuary Became a Haven for all Animals
A farm sanctuary in Turkey rescued animals during the earthquake, and supported their humans too.
Policy•3 min read
Explainer
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.
Law & Policy•7 min read
Explainer
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.
Health•8 min read
Explainer
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.
Health•7 min read
Explainer
What Does the USDA Do?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has many responsibilities, including oversight of the food system and rural development.
Food•7 min read
Reported
The Dublin Declaration Is Riddled with Animal Industry Bias
The 1000 scientists who signed the declaration are far from impartial.
Food•6 min read
Reported
Some Muslims Want a Greener Ramadan With Less Meat
A growing number of Muslims have been working to promote "Green Ramadan" — to help celebrants reduce food waste and eat less meat.
Climate•4 min read
Explainer
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?
Food•7 min read
Reported
The Way We Eat Can Harm — Or Help — Biodiversity
Two new biodiversity studies find a link between what we eat and the shrinking number of wild plant and animal species left on the planet.
Climate•4 min read
Explainer
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…
Science•9 min read
Reported
The Way We Eat Is Killing Manatees
Experts warn the Florida manatee is at risk of mass starvation as farm pollution continues to wipe out their primary food source.
Climate•5 min read
Explainer
How Do Factory Farms Use Antibiotics?
Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health threat responsible for 1.2 million deaths worldwide. A leading driver of this crisis? Antibiotic use on factory farms.
Health•8 min read
Explainer
Why Do We Call Them Broiler Chickens?
The poultry industry uses the term "broiler chickens" to describe birds farmed for meat. But where exactly does the term come from?
Food•9 min read
Explainer
What Is Grazing?
In animal agriculture, grazing is the practice of allowing animals to roam across land. Grazing allows animals to behave naturally but it also comes with many environmental downsides.
Food•8 min read
Analysis
Freshwater Fish Are a ‘Significant Source’ of Forever Chemicals
New research finds significantly higher levels of PFAS in locally caught freshwater fish than store-bought fish.
Health•3 min read
Reported
‘Eat Less Meat’ Doesn’t Work. Try This Instead.
A new study finds messages that stress civic action and collective evolution resonate better with focus groups.
Research•4 min read
Explainer
What Is a Food System?
Food systems refer to different ways societies organize the production and distribution of food. While some types put a strain on the planet, others have a smaller impact.
Food•8 min read
Explainer
What Is Animal Welfare?
Public opinion polls find strong levels of support for animal welfare laws aimed at improving the treatment of farm animals.
Law & Policy•9 min read
Explainer
What Exactly Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet has taken the world by storm. But what is this diet and is it healthy?
Diet•8 min read
Explainer
6 of the Worst Facts About Factory Farms
More than 21,000 factory farms raise and slaughter billions of livestock animals each year in the U.S.
Food•4 min read
Explainer
Why Is Dairy Farming Bad?
Dairy farming is the practice of raising animals such as cows, goats and buffalo to produce milk for human consumption.
Food•8 min read
Explainer
What Is Speciesism?
Speciesism is the idea that only humans are worthy of moral consideration.
Science•9 min read
Perspective
Sentient Spotlight: Chris Eubanks
"Once we all realize that all of our oppressions are interlinked, all the movements will benefit"
Spotlight•10 min read
Perspective
Project Street Vet’s Dr. Kwane Stewart
An interview with the veterinarian providing care to companion animals living with homeless residents across California.
Spotlight•10 min read
Explainer
Could Veganism Solve World Hunger?
Increasing adoption of vegan diets and curbing food waste are two powerful ways to combat world hunger
Policy•8 min read
Reported
Sentient Media Spotlight: House of Chick’n Founder Chris Burnam
Chris Burnam talks about developing the perfect vegan chick'n, being a conduit for food transitions and the importance of discussing Black veganism.
Spotlight•8 min read
Explainer
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.
Climate•7 min read
Perspective
Sentient Media Spotlight: Meet Farm Sanctuary’s Nirva Patel
"Meeting a cow or a sheep is just like meeting a new person...They may not be human, but you hear their stories and know they have the ability to suffer…
Policy•7 min read
Explainer
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.
Health•8 min read
Perspective
Sentient Media Spotlight: Meet the Stars of Critter Fixers on Disney+
Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges are the stars of the hit TV show, Critter Fixers. Their mission is to mentor the next generation of veterinarians.
Spotlight•9 min read
Explainer
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.
Health•8 min read
Explainer
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.
Health•8 min read
Explainer
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.
Health•8 min read
Perspective
Sentient Media Spotlight: Cristian and Ariana Rubén of i Film Heroes
Check out the first interview from our new series, Sentient Media Spotlight, that celebrates people making a profound impact in their communities.
Policy•6 min read
Explainer
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.
Climate•8 min read
Explainer
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.
Science•8 min read
Explainer
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.
Food•8 min read
Explainer
What Foods to Avoid If You Are Lactose Intolerant
Over half of the world’s population suffers from lactose malabsorption, the condition behind lactose intolerance. Learn how to avoid its worst symptoms.
Diet•8 min read
Explainer
How to Start Eating Plant-Based: A Beginner’s Guide
Want to change the way you eat? You came to the right place. Here's a comprehensive guide to eating plant-based.
Diet•8 min read
Explainer
Why Don’t Buddhists Eat Meat?
Buddhism focuses on doing no harm. As a result, many of its 500 million practitioners around the world, though not all of them, abstain from eating meat.
Health•10 min read
Explainer
Why Americans Are Choosing to Eat Less Meat
For the last several years, meat consumption in the United States has, in fact, been increasing. But many Americans are deciding to make a change.
Health•7 min read
Explainer
The Benefits of Eating Less Meat
Reducing meat consumption can have numerous benefits on human health, the environment, and animals. Find out how to take charge of your diet today.
Diet•8 min read
Explainer
The Downsides of Drinking Milk: Understand the Risks
There are several health issues to consider when consuming milk. Milk contains large amounts of fat, causes acne, and can trigger allergic reactions.
Diet•8 min read
Explainer
What You Should Know About the World’s Top Dairy Companies
In the U.S., dairy farms generate $628 billion annually. And while they add to the GDP of many countries, they also cause harm that cannot be undone.
Food•8 min read
Explainer
Millions of People May Be Suffering From Cheese Addiction
Cheese addiction is real, and overconsumption of cheese can have serious consequences for your personal health and the health of others.
Diet•8 min read
Explainer
How Eating Less Meat Could Help Save the Planet
Animal agriculture is responsible for a large portion of global emissions. If you’re trying to lower your carbon footprint, going vegan may be the answer.
Climate•8 min read
Explainer
The Key Differences Between Cage-Free and Free-Range Eggs
The terms cage-free and free-range may seem very similar but in reality, there are some key differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know.
Food•7 min read
Explainer
What Happens Behind Closed Doors in the Egg Industry
The egg industry is a dark, complicated place. We took a closer look at the mistreatment of birds on egg farms and what you can do to help.
Food•7 min read
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