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June - July, 2008
Best Answers
 Hi
all of you animals and animal lovers out there. We are two very
hip kitties who will answer your inquiries about not only cats, but
also, dogs, birds, gerbils and just about any animal you may have as
pet. What is unique about us, is, if we don’t have the answers
at our “Paw Tips”, we will snoop them out and you will find them
right here in this column. Our advice comes from first-hand knowledge,
research and investigations. It’s all in a day’s work for
us. Bring it on!
Dear Tiger and Pooka Bear,
With all of this talk about living a Green life I wonder if animals
are a part of the Green world I want to live in?
Sincerely,
Going Green, Madison
Going, Going, Gone Green,
Good for you Green in Madison. You are a part of something bigger than
all of us, a sustainable way to have a healthier planet for our next
generation. A big part of the Green movement is reducing the waste of
factory farms. Factory farms are huge polluters and they raise animals
just to be made into our dinner.
The cruelty and waste of factory farms happens only so we can all have
a chicken sandwich upon demand and maybe it is time to think about
what we are eating a bit more. Us cats, just like everyone else, are
becoming a part of the Green movement. We have asked our owners to
purchase more earth friendly cat litter. It is cool to do our duty on
recycled newspapers and it gives us a chance to do the crossword
puzzle. We have also asked for food with less animal by-product for a
healthier us and environment.
According to the Humane Society of the United States Factory Farm
project, to produce a single pound of meat, egg, or milk protein,
depending on the species, 3-12 pounds of feed protein are needed.
Producing all of this feed for farm animals uses more land, water,
fertilizer, pesticides, and energy than would be used if we simply ate
plant foods directly. According to a 2006 report by the United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization, the livestock sector damages the
climate at a rate that surpasses emissions from cars and SUVs. This
certainly gives us a lot to think about as we plan our next meals.
What can we do about it?
Reduce - cut back on the amount of meat you consume. Even if
you try to make one meat free meal every week it can make a
difference. Eat plant products rather than feed them to animals to
eat! You may find that you feel better as well. Many communities,
including Madison have fresh produce available for families of all
incomes with assistance.
Refine - Not all factory farms are the same. Chicken, turkey,
and pig farms tend to be more abusive in their practices than beef
producers. In addition, there is a growing trend of cage free meats
produced locally. If you want to go organic but feel like you cannot
afford it. Make meat your choice. Who needs all those extra steroids
and antibiotics in their food?
Replace - There are lots of ways to replace factory farm meat
in your regular diet. Different beans, rice and soy can make your
favorite dish taste just as great without the impact on animals or the
environment.
Being Greener as we eat,
Tiger and Pooka Bear
Email us at
snoopkitties@madisonvoices.com
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