The holiday season is a wonderful time to gather with loved ones and celebrate over festive meals. Every choice we make has an impact on animals, the environment, and our communities. Whether you choose to buy local, support welfare-friendly farms, or enjoy more plant-based meals, your decisions matter.
Small choices, big impact
Choosing to reduce your consumption of animal products, or choosing to eat vegetarian or vegan, can make a meaningful difference. Everyone has the power to contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable food system.
While the BC SPCA is not a vegan or vegetarian organization, we recognize the positive effects of eating less meat and choosing humanely raised animal products.
Shopping Local & Welfare Friendly
By shopping at farmers’ markets or choosing locally sourced products, you’re already contributing to stronger communities and more sustainable food systems. However, it’s important to remember that “local” doesn’t automatically guarantee higher standards of animal welfare. Take a moment to ask vendors/farmers a few questions before you buy the product.
When buying animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy, look for animal welfare certifications like:
These programs certify farms that provide animal care exceeding the minimum standards outlined in Canada’s Codes of Practice. Compliance with these higher standards is verified through independent farm inspections.
Environmental Benefits
Agricultural activities, specifically crop cultivation and farmed animal production, account for approximately 10% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Intensive farming also contributes to water pollution, ammonia emissions, and deforestation for crops fed to farmed animals. Even pasture-based cattle farming requires vast amounts of land and still produces high emissions. Therefore, by choosing more plant-based meals you can help reduce demand for these systems and support a more sustainable future.
Cost Savings
At the same time, shifting toward plant-based foods can help ease the strain on your grocery budgets. Statistics Canada reports that Canadians paid 4% more for groceries in September compared to the same month a year earlier. Fresh and frozen ground beef saw a 17.4% annual price increase, while nuts and seeds rose 15.7% in 2025. According to Mike von Massow, a food economist at the University of Guelph, beef prices have climbed sharply due to extreme weather and drought in Western Canada and the U.S. Midwest. These conditions have driven up grain costs, reduced the availability of grass and hay, and forced farmers to shrink their herds. Opting for plant-based sources of protein like beans, legumes, and tofu can be a more cost effective option.
This holiday season, every choice counts. Whether it’s swapping one meat dish for a plant-based alternative, serving more seasonal vegetables, or experimenting with a new plant protein, you’ll be creating meals that are festive, delicious, environmentally friendly, and budget-conscious. To keep costs down, remember these tips:
- Limit processed plant-based products, which are often pricier than whole foods.
- Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables for freshness and better prices.
- Explore frozen produce to enjoy affordable options.
- Shop bulk aisles to try new ingredients without committing to a full package.
With the rising costs of food, we understand that compromises may need to be made to keep food bills down. Even small shifts towards more plant-based and animal welfare friendly foods can make a difference for you, the environment, and the animals.
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