Encouraging delegates to make an ethical lifestyle choice for world health, for the environment and for the animals.

According to a new report from the UN. The report, Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Production and Consumption: Priority Products and Materials from the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP), found that consuming a diet free of meat and dairy will be the best approach to dealing with climate change and its consequences.


So despite all the science pointing to animal agriculture being the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, inter-governmental talks do not even include on their agenda the discussion of the meat and livestock industries. The facts clearly demonstrate animal products are unsustainable and truly detrimental.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE, GLOBAL WARMING, GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, AND HOW GOING "VEGAN" CAN HELP SAVE THE ANIMALS AND THE WORLD!     http://meatfreecop16.org/

New York City Teams Up with NBA Champion John Salley for the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals

NEW YORK, NY – October 8, 2010 – On October 24, New York City and NBA champion and wellness guru John Salley will host the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals, an annual event taking place in more than 75 cities across the United States and Canada to celebrate and promote compassion for farm animals and raise vital funds to support the lifesaving rescue, education and advocacy work of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. This year’s national Walk spokesperson is celebrity trainer and television personality Bob Harper from NBC’s hit show “The Biggest Loser.”


“Farm animals are smart, friendly animals who experience fear, pain and suffering just like cats, dogs and all other living beings do,” says Salley. “The cruel conditions endured by billions of farm animals annually on factory farms all across North America is an issue that affects all of us. As a proud Brooklyn native who believes all animals should be treated with compassion, I am honored to be back in my hometown leading the 2010 New York City Walk for Farm Animals. I encourage all New Yorkers to join me on Sunday, October 24 to spread a critical message of hope for farm animals. I’ll see YOU at the Walk!”

Last year’s New York City Walk was the biggest ever with almost 800 registered participants. This year, attendance is expected to exceed that number. The Walk in scenic Central Park will be led by NBA champion, wellness guru and proud Brooklyn native John Salley, the first NBA player to win four championships with three different teams, and will feature inspiring speakers, including Farm Sanctuary’s President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, a bagged vegan lunch, raffle and special musical performance by singer/songwriter Jenn London.

“Animals raised for food in the U.S. spend their entire lives in filth and darkness, kept in such severe confinement they cannot turn around, lie down or extend their limbs,” said Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary. “No one likes cruelty and when people learn about the abusive conditions inside factory farms, they are appalled and a growing number are getting active to raise awareness about these intolerable cruelties and put an end to the unnecessary suffering. For nearly 25 years, Farm Sanctuary’s Walk for Farm Animals has provided a forum for people from all walks of life to spread a powerful message of compassion for farm animals in their own cities and hometowns. The exponential growth of the Walks is a very positive sign. This year, we are thrilled to have the support of John Salley as our New York City grand marshal and Bob Harper as our national spokesperson for the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals. Both are as passionate about animal protection as they are about health and fitness, and with their support, the biggest winners this year will be farm animals.”

The 2010 Walk for Farm Animals is sponsored nationally by Boston Baked Bonz.

The New York City Walk for Farm Animals is on October 24 in Central Park. Participants are asked to meet at Merchants Gate (Central Park West at 59th Street). Registration is at 10 a.m. and the Walk begins at 12 p.m. Those interested in registering for the 2010 Walk can learn more at walkforfarmanimals.org. All participants will receive a special limited-edition 2010 Walk t-shirt designed by vegan fashion house Vaute Couture, and special prizes will be awarded to walkers who reach fundraising milestones.

NOTE TO MEDIA: If you would like to attend the Walk and speak with NBA champion John Salley or Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

Photos of last year’s NYC Walk for Farm Animals, an approved image of 2010 host John Salley, or 2010 national spokesperson Bob Harper from NBC’s hit show “The Biggest Loser” are available upon request.

Photo: John Salley, courtesy of jsquaredphotography.com.


About Farm Sanctuary



Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.



Follow Farm Sanctuary on Twitter: twitter.com/FarmSanctuary

Book Review : The World Peace Diet - by Will Tuttle, Ph.D.

I recently finished reading The World Peace Diet.  I thought it was extremely well written, and very informative.  In this book, Dr. Will Tuttle talks about our relationship with our food from different angles.  Morals, religion, ethics, traditions, etc. and our inter-connectedness we have with the animals that end up on our plates as well as with  other humans. This book describes what changes we can make for ourselves, the animals, and the planet if we open our eyes to a new way of living through a compassionate diet. Whether you are religious or spiritual, if you are vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, if care about animals, or if you just want a very informative book that will give you quite a few aha! moments that may make you think twice about the foods you serve your family, this book is a must read.  There are also several heart-warming personal stories Dr. Tuttle shares.  I highly recommend this book.

Here is a small excerpt from The World Peace Diet:

"When we cultivate mindful awareness of the consequences of our food choices and conscientiously adopt a plant-based way of eating, refusing to participate in the domination of animals and the dulling of awareness this requires, we make a profound statement that both flows from and reinforces our ability to make connections.  We become a force of sensitivity, healing, and compassion.  We become a revolution of one, contributing to the foundation of a new world with every meal we eat.  As we share our ideas with others, we promote what may be the most uplifting and healing revolution our culture has ever experienced."


http://www.amazon.com/World-Peace-Diet-Spiritual-Harmony/dp/1590560833

Activist Interview - Manuela Rodrigues

Manuela Rodrigues is an animal activist originally from Brazil, now living in the United States.  She is the Assistant to the Director @ Amazon CARES (Community Animal Rescue, Education & Safety).  I first met Manuela via the website Change.org and have become friends in the fight for animal rights.

What got you into activism?
I have been working as a volunteer since I was 16 years old. Back in 1996 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where I used to teach Physical Education classes in poor communities, also helping taking care of abandoned/abused babies in a kindergarten in the slam. In 2002 I adopted my first dog, Biggie. He is still with me today. He was being sold on the streets, and the guy who was selling puppies had just Biggie left... He was going to leave him on the street at only 7-8 weeks old. I could NEVER leave him there, turn my back and sleep well, so I took Biggie to my home to stay with me. That's when I started with animal rights activism. In 2004 I came to live in US and brought Biggie with me. Animal rights activism here is much more intense than in Brazil, and I believe that is because Brazil has so much poverty that they don't think about the animals first. I love anything related to animal rights, and it has become ME, my life.

Are you vegan? If so, what caused the change?
 No. I am vegetarian but not vegan. Also usually I do not consume any milk derivatives, I have a high intolerance to lactose.

Could you tell us about what Amazon Cares does , how you got involved with them and what people can do to help the cause?

Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education and Safety (CARES) was founded in 2004 by citizens with a desire to protect the countless stray animals that roam the streets and villages of Peru. Amazon CARES has received international recognition as an innovative charity based in the US and operating in the Peruvian Amazon region. Amazon CARES seeks better health and living conditions for ALL living beings of the Peruvian Amazon region. This includes appropriate care, respect, and protection from cruelty and neglect.

I used to help Amazon CARES on Change.org, and I have been working as a volunteer for them since May 2009, and officially as a team member since last month!

Amazon CARES just released a new website (which we are still working on it) - http://www.amazoncares.org/

Anyone who wishes to help can join as a Supporting member (which we are giving a Free membership kit), or if you donate $25 or more you will receive a Deluxe membership kit (including the new 2011 Amazon CARES Wall sized Calendar) - Link: http://bit.ly/cDPFis ;. We are selling the new 2011 Amazon CARES Calendar, for $15 + $2 Shipping, and every dollar donated will be used to continue our journey in rescuing animals from the streets, giving them appropriated medical treatment, and then placing them in a lovely home. Any donation, of any amount, will help.

When you aren't doing animal activism activities, what do you enjoy doing?
 I love outdoor sports, taking my dogs for a long and nice walk in the park, love watching movies - I am a movies addict... I probably have 500+ DVDs at home! I also love cooking, trying new recipes.

Where do you see the animal rights movement in 10 years?
Great awareness in many countries about animal abuse, cruelty and neglect. Hopefully spaying and neutering will become more and more accessible, so less stray dogs and cats on the streets. Last but not least - people becoming less and less meat eaters.


What is the one thing you are most proud of?
I am proud of people whom fight for animal rights, and for those whom fight for good and needy causes - It surely is making a huge difference in the world!


It was my pleasure to have Manuela featured on my blog, as the first Animal Activist Interview!  She is a very passionate activist that I am proud to call my friend.  Thank you Manuela, for your time to do this interview, and for all you do to help animals all over the world.


Manuela, with a few of her best friends!







Animal vet Esther, with "Manuela", who was abandoned
in front of the Amazon Cares shelter.
The cutie was named in Manuela's honor.













 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more information: Amazon CARES:


Blog - http://amazoncares.blogspot.com/

Follow us @AmazonCares on Twitter

Facebook Fan Page @http://www.facebook.com/AmazonCARESFans

On Causes Facebook: http://www.causes.com/causes/122522

Change.org http://www.change.org/amazoncares

Support animals whenever you shop online! We-Care Reminder Turns Shopping Into Giving. http://www.amazoncares.we-care.com

Ellen DeGeneres Urges Public to Save a Life This Thanksgiving by Adopting a Turkey Instead of Eating One

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – October 1, 2010 – Thanksgiving is a time of great warmth, gratitude and the comfort of being surrounded by family and friends — unless you’re a turkey. That’s why beloved talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres is stepping up to serve as the 2010 spokesperson for Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project, an annual program, launching today, that seeks to end the misery of commercially-raised turkeys by offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving.


Says DeGeneres, "Save a life this Thanksgiving, and join me in starting a new tradition by adopting a turkey instead of eating one through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey Project."

Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, has organized the annual Adopt-A-Turkey Project since 1986. This Thanksgiving, with Ellen’s help, thousands of families will save turkeys, instead of eating them, by adopting a feathered friend who lives at Farm Sanctuary’s New York or California Shelter. For a one-time donation gift of just $30, adopters will receive a special Adopt-A-Turkey certificate, featuring a color photo of and fun details about their new friend, and the great feeling of knowing they are sponsoring the care of a turkey who has been rescued from cruelty. These donations help Farm Sanctuary educate and advocate for turkeys, and other farm animals, everywhere. This year’s “adoptable” turkeys include: Velma, Daphne, Kima, Harley, Reese and Jordan.

Through the Adopt-A-Turkey Project, Farm Sanctuary has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys, placed hundreds into loving homes through their annual Turkey Express adoption event, educated millions of people about the plight of these friendly, intelligent birds on factory farms and provided resources and recipes for a plant-based holiday. The organization also hosts two Celebrations FOR the Turkeys at their New York and California shelters where the birds are the guests of honor and are treated to a buffet of squash, cranberries and pumpkin pie. Compassionate guests come from all over the country to attend these popular sanctuary events.

“We are thrilled to have Ellen’s support as this year’s Adopt-A-Turkey spokesperson,” says Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary. “Through her trademark blend of humor and warmth, she is reaching millions of people with a critical message of compassion for all animals that is as contagious as her laughter and her dancing. Ellen’s positive energy and zest for life make her the perfect ambassador for these charismatic birds, who also possess a strong desire to enjoy life. The important thing to realize about the Adopt-A-Turkey Project is that it’s not about giving anything up — it’s about embracing your deepest values and celebrating in a way that is consistent with those values. No one likes cruelty to animals, and when people learn about what happens to turkeys on factory farms, the decision to skip the turkey in favor of compassionate plant-based options, is an easy one to make.”

Between 250 to 300 million turkeys are raised for slaughter every year in the U.S. — more than 46 million alone for Thanksgiving. Birds are typically packed by the thousands into dark, filthy factory farm warehouses, where they are allotted approximately three square feet of space in which to live. Debeaked and detoed without any pain relief, these birds are bred to reach a crippling weight at an unnaturally fast rate. When turkeys reach only 14 to 18 weeks of age they are transported to slaughter, often under harrowing conditions. Because turkeys and other birds are specifically excluded from the Humane Slaughter Act, which requires that animals be stunned prior to slaughter, their deaths are a brutal end to a miserable existence.

You can learn more about Thanksgiving’s toll on turkeys here.

To join Ellen DeGeneres in starting a new tradition by adopting a turkey instead of eating one, visit adoptaturkey.org or call the Turkey Adoption Hotline at 1-888-SPONSOR.

To speak with Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, receive images of this year's “adoptable” turkeys, as well as industry b-roll and images, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

When you sit down at Thanskgiving dinner this year, do so with compassion.  Spare the turkey!  There are many other options to consider.  Tofurky has a vegetarian feast and Field Roast has a celebration roast that is too yummy for words!  Try one and see that you can still eat delicious food, without the suffering of animals.  Thanks!










About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.


Follow Farm Sanctuary on Twitter: twitter.com/FarmSanctuary