A Journey to Compassionate Consumption

In the vast landscape of our lives, there exists an intricate interplay between our experiences and the beliefs we hold dear. For me, this journey of self-discovery and enlightenment began amidst the innocence of childhood, where my fascination with animals was limited to those deemed “conventionally attractive,” your typical cute and fluffy cats and dogs. Yet, as life went on, a series of events slowly unraveled my ignorance, guiding me toward a newfound awareness of the ethical complexities surrounding our treatment of all animals. It is a journey that I am compelled to share, for within its threads lie the seeds of transformation, sown by the unexpected companionship of a Parisian guinea pig, the silent anguish of losing a cherished fish, and a sobering encounter with the stark realities of a chicken slaughterhouse.

However, it was the profound insights gleaned from the pages of a book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan¹, that served as the catalyst for true understanding, propelling me toward a path of conscious consumption and advocacy for animal welfare. In this narrative, I endeavor to illuminate the contours of my personal journey, offering glimpses into the pivotal moments that shaped my convictions and compelled me to take action. 

I was a curious and energetic 6-year-old when I found a box on our kitchen table. I ventured my hand inside a hole in the top, and was bitten by something. I should have been upset, but I had wanted a pet as early as I could remember, so I was delighted. My father rescued a guinea pig from the bustling streets of Paris, I named her Margot, and she quickly became a cherished companion. From her insistent cries for crunchy lettuce and mint leaves to her playful antics at the beach, Margot filled our home with joy. Yet, when she mysteriously disappeared one day, I found myself grappling with the depths of loss for the first time, crying her name in the streets of my neighborhood for almost a week. All this 

Fast-forward to my twenties, when a fish gifted to me by my friends on my 20^th birthday became the mascot of our boarding school crew. However, his/her ultimate demise cast a somber shadow over our dinner conversations, revealing a stark disconnect between my friends' laughter and my own sense of sorrow. 

Some years later, I found myself thrust into the heart of a chicken slaughterhouse during an internship. The sights and sounds of the facility left an indelible mark on my psyche, prompting a visceral reaction that lingered long after I left its confines. Despite the unsettling experience, I found myself grappling with the incongruity of continuing to consume chicken.

It wasn't until my thirties, amidst a voracious appetite for literature, that I stumbled upon Michael Pollan's seminal work, The Omnivore's Dilemma¹. Through Pollan's insightful exploration of our food systems and their far-reaching implications, I was confronted with the uncomfortable truth of my own complicity in the exploitation of animals, and how most farm animals (chickens, cows, pigs) are raised, transported, and slaughtered in today’s factory farm operations. In particular, his vivid account of slaughtering a chicken by hand and cutting its throat with a knife challenged me to confront my own hypocrisy. It spurred a newfound commitment to more mindful and ethical eating practices.

In my late thirties, I realized one of my lifelong dreams of purchasing a house that would allow us to rescue farm animals. We were made aware of a chicken egg farm closing during the Covid-19 crisis and rescued 88 chickens. We also rescued two female goats; they were both pregnant, and I had to help one of them deliver one of her kids, which was a challenging introduction to “farm life” for someone with a blood phobia. We also rescued ducks from a local rescue organization struggling with too many residents. We heard that the organization was shut down two weeks later over a wild animal infringement issue, so we literally saved lives that day. Owning and caring for farm animals has made me more aware of practical and ethical complexities associated with decisions in maintaining optimum animal welfare and well-being.

As the pages of my journey unfold, I am reminded of the transformative power of empathy and awareness, whose gentle whispers beckon toward a path of greater understanding and compassion. Through my own experiences, I have realized that true change begins with a willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie at the heart of existence. In embracing a lifestyle of conscious consumption and advocacy for animal welfare, I have discovered a sense of purpose that transcends the boundaries of self-interest, forging a deeper connection with the world around me.

This sense of purpose continues to guide my work with BSM Partners, where I am fortunate to collaborate with innovative, eco-conscious brands dedicated to making meaningful impacts on sustainability and animal welfare. Through these partnerships, I have witnessed the transformative power of conscious business practices that not only benefit the environment but also foster a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. Together, we are striving toward a future where every choice reflects compassion and responsibility, and where the well-being of all living beings is honored.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, for within the crucible of introspection lies the promise of a brighter, more compassionate future. As we navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, let us embrace a path of conscious living that honors the inherent dignity of all sentient beings. In the embrace of awareness and compassion, there is hope for a world where every life is valued, every voice is heard, and every soul coexists respectfully.

References

Pollan, M. (2011). The Omnivore's Dilemma. Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.

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About the Author

Émilie Mesnier holds a master’s degree in food science from France and has been dedicated to the pet food industry since 2007. She is committed to leverage her almost 2 decades of experience to pets and animals in general, the petfood industry, efficiencies, palatability, environmental stewardship, responsible consumption, and international expansion. Passionate about continuous improvement, sustainable living and innovation, Emilie actively applies her knowledge to both her professional and personal life.