What do animals mean to us?
Living with an animal increases our emotional wellbeing and provides companionship. Animals evoke emotions in us. Their innocence is universally appealing. That is why they are used in advertising all the time. Most people love animals generally or a specific type of animal in particular. The most common relationship between the humans and animals is of course with domesticated animals like cats and dogs. There are millions of illustrations of it across the world.
It is no wonder then that animal welfare is high on the agenda and organisations working for and with animals often do well.
Living an animal-friendly lifestyle involves making choices that don’t harm animals and, on the contrary, promote their well-being and contribute to a more compassionate world.
12 tips for living an animal friendly lifestyle
Here are some tips for adopting an animal-friendly lifestyle:
- Adopt a Plant-Based Diet:
- Consider transitioning to a plant-based or vegetarian diet to reduce the demand for animal products.
- Explore plant-based alternatives for meat, dairy, and eggs.
- Choose Cruelty-Free Products:
- Look for products with cruelty-free certifications, indicating that they were not tested on animals.
- Use cosmetics, personal care items, and household products from companies committed to cruelty-free practices.
- Support Animal-Friendly Brands:
- Research and choose brands that prioritize animal welfare and ethical sourcing.
- Support companies that follow ethical and sustainable practices in their production processes.
- Adopt, Don’t Shop:
- If considering bringing a pet into your life, adopt from shelters or rescue organizations rather than purchasing from breeders.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help control the pet population.
- Respect Wildlife:
- Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding or disturbing them.
- Educate yourself about the impact of human activities on local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
- Avoid Animal Exploitation in Entertainment:
- Choose entertainment options that do not exploit animals, such as circuses or shows involving captive animals.
- Support animal-friendly tourism practices.
- Participate in Conservation Initiatives:
- Contribute to or volunteer with organizations involved in wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
- Support initiatives working to protect endangered species.
- Wear Animal-Friendly Fashion:
- Choose clothing and accessories made from cruelty-free materials, avoiding products derived from animals.
- Avoid products made from fur, leather and other animal-derived materials.
- Educate Yourself:
- Stay informed about animal welfare issues and ethical considerations related to various industries.
- Read books, watch documentaries, and follow reputable organizations to deepen your understanding.
- Reduce Environmental Impact:
- Make choices that reduce your environmental footprint, as this can positively impact animal habitats.
- Practice sustainable living to help protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Be Mindful of Pest Control:
- Who actually determines what is a pest and why? Question the validity of this and explore other options for reducing numbers of certain insects or marsupials.
- Choose humane methods for ‘pest’ control instead of using harmful chemicals or traps.
- Seek alternatives that avoid unnecessary harm to animals.
- Advocate for Animal Welfare:
- Speak up for animal rights and welfare through peaceful advocacy and education.
- Support legislation and policies that protect animals from cruelty and exploitation.
Living an animal-friendly lifestyle is about making conscious and compassionate choices in our life. By incorporating these practices into our daily routine we contribute to a more humane and ethical world for animals.
The featured photo of the very cute koala under an umbrella sheltering from the sweltering heat is taken at the Friends of the Koala Care Centre in Lismore, Northern Rivers.