Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain)
Countries: Spain, Germany, Latvia, Portugal, Italy
Participants: 30
Age: 18 to 30 years old
In the 21st century, the consumption of animal-based products is at its highest point, while prices are lower than a century ago. This increase in demand leads to higher production and, as a consequence, a decline in quality standards. Animals are often not treated as living beings capable of feeling emotions and pain. The abundance of available products, combined with our reluctance to give up certain comforts, makes us ignore the fact that we are not the only living beings on this planet. The convenience of not knowing where our food and products come from leads us to actively look the other way, because sometimes it is easier not to know than to accept reality. And although as a society we tend to advocate for the protection of the most vulnerable, we allow the exploitation of those who have no voice.
There is a lack of information and education within the European Union regarding animal cruelty and the origin of the food and products we consume. We believe it is essential for young people to understand where animal-based products come from, as well as other problematic and unethical practices that humans impose on our smallest neighbors. It is in our hands to build a more humane relationship with animals and to choose a more sustainable future in the face of overproduction and overconsumption.
For all these reasons, we decided to create the project “Compassionate Consumption.” Its goal is to create a space where young people from different countries can learn, discuss, and find ways to address this issue. Especially in an intercultural context, it becomes clear that most countries face similar challenges regarding this topic. To tackle them, it is necessary to set aside our differences and accept that our actions have consequences.
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