“Grass-fed,” “organic,” “free-range,” and “pasture-raised” are four labels you’ll often see on animal products that claim to be better for us, the animals, and the planet. But what do these claims mean? Do they guarantee that animals are well-cared for, and raised in an ethical, sustainable way? Research suggests it’s unlikely. Instead, labels like this just seem to be propping up destructive and exploitative meat, dairy, and egg industries. Here’s more about why they exist, and why they might not be as ethical as they imply.
Cognitive dissonance and animal products
Most people are animal lovers. In the US, nearly 90 million homes are shared with a companion animal, like a dog or a cat, and most Americans see their furry friends as another family member. In fact, in July 2023, one study from Pew Research Center noted that around half of the people with…