A Meat and Dairy Article from All-Creatures.org

What Is Humane Washing and Is Certified Humane Legit?

From FFAC Factory Farm Awareness Coalition
May 2023

Humane washing is prevalent in the United States, and introduces issues of product transparency and animal welfare standards. Companies use humane washing tactics to appeal to the rising consumer interest in ethical treatment of animals, but only change the packaging of their product rather than their systems of operation. 

Introduction

As consumers become more aware of the impact of their purchases, they often begin to purchase items that align with their values. In recent years, more consumers have expressed a desire to support eco-conscious and humane initiatives. This spike in consumer interest has led to the implementation of humane certification labels. Common humane labels include “cage free”, “free range”, “grass fed”, and “locally grown.” But what do these labels actually mean? What does a “cage free” farm, by USDA standards, look like? How is it different, if at all, from a factory farm? In this article, we will explore the topic of humane washing and various forms of humane certification.

What is Humane Washing?

In 2018, Starbucks released plastic lids that no longer required straws, marketed as an effort to make more eco-conscious choices. This announcement quickly evoked positive support, as a large company was aligning with eco-friendly movements by reducing plastic waste. But when taking a closer look, Starbucks’ newly designed lids actually used more plastic than their straws (Surge). This is an example of greenwashing, where an organization releases products aligned with eco-friendly movements, while in reality their practices are not eco-conscious.

Topics also include:

• Is there such a thing as Humane Meat?
• Is Certified Humane Legit?
• How to Spot Humane Washing?
• Why is False Advertising Bad For Animals?

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Please read the ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE.

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