While going meatless can be a component of helping animals, members of the Humane Society of Grand Valley extends their efforts far beyond their diets.

“There are people who think our organization is just for vegetarians,” said Alexis Croswell, president of HSGV. “We talk about the betterment of all animals. You do not have to be a vegetarian to join.”

The purpose of the group is to not only raise awareness in the community about important animal welfare issues, but also to participate in hands-on activities as advocates for animals by volunteering at various organizations, as well as having events on campus.

“We mainly participate at Carol’s Ferals,” said Kristina Pepelko, who is the political action committee leader. “This semester, we are holding fundraisers for the Farm Sanctuary, Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary and Furs to Feathers Rescue.”

Last year, HSGV introduced two large initiatives through Campus Dining, collaborating with them to switch to cage-free eggs and provide more meat-free options for students on Mondays.

“Campus Dining monitors what gets bought,” Croswell said. “If people are eating less meat, then dining will provide that for them. People are choosing more meatless options on Mondays.”

Many businesses and organizations have also incorporated going meatless on Mondays in order to improve the health of their employees and to reduce their impact on the planet.

“By cutting out meat once a week, we can improve our health, reduce our carbon footprint and lead the world in the race to reduce climate change,” said Beth Smyth, HSGV vice president. “I really think that going meatless on Mondays is a simple way to not only improve your health, but to contribute to the planet as well.”

All last week, the HSGV had a fundraising table at Kirkhof center for the Walk for Farm Animals, which takes animals from factory farms, rehabilitates them and allows them to live on regular farms.

The club also hosts Compassion in Fashion, a partnership with the Fashion Club. Models wear fur-free and animal byproduct-free clothing from local stores in Grand Rapids.

As a whole, HSGV strives to be involved with the community. Recently, they attended a protest against the circus in Grand Rapids in hopes of raising awareness about the animal cruelty issues.

Smyth said she believes people would live differently if they knew how their actions affected animals on a day-to-day basis, such as where the food on their plates or their pets come from.

“We want to help better the lives of animals in West Michigan and elsewhere in the nation,” Pepelko said. “We also want to help by influencing public policy through grassroots advocacy because real, long-lasting changes must happen at the legislative level.”

The group meets Tuesdays at 9 p.m. at Lake Ontario Hall Room 164.

For more information, visit hsgv.weebly.com.

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