By Jessica Scott-Reid
Jessica is a Canadian writer, animal advocate and plant-based food expert. Her work appears regularly in media across Canada and the US.
I’ve often described Planet Friendly News as a “small but mighty blog.” When I was first approached by PFN’s editor at a conference in Toronto back in 2019, asking if I’d like to contribute, I’d say that at that time the planet friendly movement was small but mighty, too. But since then, our little blog, along with our burgeoning movement, and even myself, have grown. We’ve seen climate action take centre stage within popular culture, science and politics. We’ve seen plant-based food production and consumption clearly identified as an important individual and systems-based climate solution (albeit not without constant industry pushback). And we’ve seen our wonderful readers open their hearts and minds to a myriad of ideas, perspectives, tips and tales, all with the goal of making our Earth more liveable.
We’d like to think we’ve had an impact on you all, in this collective fight to save the planet, the animals, and us. An impact, as many of our loyal supporters have assured us, that will last well beyond our decision to cease publishing a blog (our website will stay up as a repository of our content for the foreseeable future). But before we say goodbye, we would like to revisit some of the stories we found most impactful, the stories that taught me something new and amazing as I wrote them, the ones that led to particularly energized online discussions, and motivated me, as I hope they motivated you, to make and push for change.
This story is the one I keep returning to and sharing the most, year after year. It offers critical points about protein sources, debunking commonly held beliefs about food miles and sustainability. Do you know which protein source has the bigger eco-footprint?
https://www.planetfriendlynews.com/blog/local-beef-vs-imported-beans-which-is-better-for-the-planet
I interviewed a lot of amazing people during my time with PFN, and Mike Digout is certainly one of the most memorable. His viral passion for beavers, for capturing their lives and sharing it all online, is truly infectious. And his work helps dispel persistent myths and misunderstandings about these very important animals. Check out this story, then check him out on social media.
https://www.planetfriendlynews.com/blog/beaver-fever-on-social
Photo: Askar Abayev from Pexels
In 2021 we ran a series on different generations making efforts to cut their climate impact. Speaking to Gen Z’s, who were exceptionally well versed in current climate concerns, blew me away. But of the series, I think my favourite looks at Boomers who are taking it upon themselves to make changes to their habits and diet, even after decades of doing things in a different way—Boomers, including my mom.
https://www.planetfriendlynews.com/blog/shift-to-plant-based-eating-spans-generations
Black bears begging for food from tourists at a Canadian marine park. Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur, We Animals Media
In another series that sparked much reader discussion, we looked at zoos–always a hotly debated topic. In this two-parter I dive into some of the concerns about holding animals captive, and some of the solutions to the zoo problem.
https://www.planetfriendlynews.com/blog/solving-the-zoo-problem-1
Another industry we often looked at was fashion, in particular how clothing production impacts the planet, and how we can all help reduce it, whether it be through good old thrifting or the new trend of high-end consigning. But perhaps the most powerful points made in this story are about the leather industry, and the common myths about its production.
https://www.planetfriendlynews.com/blog/exposing-the-leather-industry
In the early days of the war, a Ukrainian refugee and her dog huddle together waiting to be processed at the reception center in Medyka, Poland. Photo: Milos Bicanski, We Animals Media
We focused a lot on animals at PFN, including those we keep as our companions. We talk about how to cut our pets’ eco-pawprint, about the human-animal bond enduring in time of war, and how we turned to animals during the pandemic, including bird watching. But it wasn’t always heartwarming. A particularly important story exposes the use of dogs in animal testing, which shocked many readers.
https://www.planetfriendlynews.com/blog/thrifting-gets-a-new-lease-on-life
Our coverage of eco-issues also extended beyond the planet and animals, to culture, politics and people, including discussions of food inflation and affordability. In this particularly poignant piece I speak to leaders in the food justice movement, with a focus on food availability, vulnerable communities and racial inequities.
https://www.planetfriendlynews.com/blog/move-over-sustainability-here-comes-food-equality
From l to r: White chocolate smoothie bowl made with white beans. Photo: pulses.org. Plant-based sausage. Photo: Impossible Foods. The world’s first real milk proteins made using fermentation and without animals. Photo: Perfect Day Foods
On the topics of food and sustainability, we covered a variety of angles, from cultivated meat, dairy-free ice cream and cheese, plant-based BBQing, and our culture’s obsession with protein. But the stories that resonated most with readers were those that centre on the animals trapped in our food systems, such as ducks and geese in foie gras production, and this story about cows exploited for dairy.
Photo: Leopold Maitre on Unsplash
But over these nearly five years with PFN, the stories that I personally felt most compelled, honoured and proud to write were those that spoke truth to power, that exposed industry manipulation, and shined a light on the animals, ecosystems and people (including kids) being exploited for profit by Big Meat and Dairy.
https://www.planetfriendlynews.com/blog/the-power-of-meat-and-dairy
As we leave you, dear readers, we hope you will continue to seek out news and information sources that look beyond mainstream headlines, that dare to give voice to animals and nature, and that tell the climate stories other outlets tend to ignore. I know I’ll keep writing them, and I hope you’ll find me there.
https://www.facebook.com/writerfortheanimalsJessica
https://sentientmedia.org/author/jessicascottreid/