The best way to start eating animal products more ethically is by self-education. There are lots of great resources out there that people don’t know about; I will showcase some of them from time to time. One of the best resources, and probably my favorite animal welfare book, is “Righteous Pork Chop: Finding a Life and Good Food Beyond Factory Farms”, by Nicolette Hahn Niman". This well-researched book is not only a great exposé on factory farms, it is also one woman’s tale of fighting Big Ag and finding love and a new life in the process.
In “Righteous Pork Chop”, Nicolette describes her transformation from city-girl lawyer and council woman to animal-rights crusader and cattle rancher. Throughout the fascinating narration of her personal story, she dishes out the scoop on the origins and current conditions of factory farming in America. While so many animal welfare books shock readers into wanting to change their habits, but give little advice on how to do so, Hahn ends her book with a helpful and pragmatic chapter dedicated to assisting her readers find ethical food in the store or from their local farms. Not only that, she now aids consumers by providing ethical food herself. Nicolette and her husband, Niman Ranch founder Bill Niman, produce premium 100% grass-fed beef and heritage turkey through their new company, BN Ranch.
While there are many good animal welfare books to be found, Nicolette’s meticulous research and practical attitude makes this book my #1 recommendation. “Righteous Pork Chop” can be purchased for a very reasonable price from Amazon or from virtually any local or national retailer. I have drawn much inspiration and insight from Nicolette. I hope you do too!
