Factory farming threatens every part of our planet. It’s a global problem that requires local solutions.
That is why it is our mission to create a community right here in Sonoma County around protecting farm animals, the environment, and the climate from the devastating consequences of factory farming.
We Sonoma County residents have endured more than our fair share of human-induced climate disasters.
It is time to start listening to nature and connecting the dots between industrialized animal agriculture and climate change.
Industrialized Animal Agriculture in a Nutshell
Inherently cruel to animals, by design, due to demands for higher and higher efficiency and larger and larger profit margins
animals are typically crammed into buildings and feedlots
their numbers are so great that it is impossible to give them veterinarian care
instead, their deaths (10%-15%) are thought of as “loss tolerances”, a manufacturing concept
they are treated like commodities, inanimate objects, rather than living, sentient beings
they are not allowed to experience natural behaviors, have families, and most spend their entire lives inside barren sheds or crates.
Accounts for more annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than all global transportation combined
this includes methane (CH4) which is 85 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2)
responsible for 18% of all climate change causing GHG emissions
Is the largest contributor to deforestation on earthMass destruction of rainforests via “slash and burn” contributes to major habitat loss, displacement of indigenous peoples, and the elimination of CO2-sequestering forests
Rapid release of CO2 from burning these carbon dense reserves of plants and soil amplifies the increase of GHGs in our atmosphere
Deforested land is used to grow livestock feed and graze cattle
The world’s human population could be fed many times over if all the crops we grow for livestock were grown directly for humans
Mass quantities of waste from livestock operations like dairy, cattle, poultry and egg-laying birds often finds its way into our waterways, including here in Sonoma County, presenting myriad problems for people and the wild animals that rely on freshwater or live in our creeks, rivers, and oceans.
The risk of zoonotic pathogens like Avian Influenza (H5N1) mutating to transmit from human-to-human is ever increasing by the minute as it continues to spread like wildfire throughout commercial poultry flocks and dairy herds, and now hogs, as well as wildlife on every continent including Antarctica.
Pandemics and climate change both present real threats to our very existence
FACES is a Sonoma County-based, grassroots organization comprised of individuals who are dedicated to putting an end to factory farming in Sonoma County and beyond.
Our small administrative team brings years of experience and expertise in outreach, education, animal, and environmental advocacy and activism.
We promote community engagement through social events and educational and outreach activities
We support legislative change that is intended to eliminate our dependence on cruel and polluting forms of animal agricultural practices
We support food production that is in alignment with Sonoma County’s values and is in the best interest of our planet and future
We invite a broad and diverse participation in these efforts and seek to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all who care about the health and vitality of all beings and ecological systems
Who We Are
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Sarah Van Mantgem
FOUNDER
Sarah lives in Windsor with her husband, 3 rescue rabbits, and adopted stray cat. She is an SSU Alumna, former environmental science professional and high school science teacher. Sarah has been an advocate for animals for over 30 years and is devoted to making positive changes for the animals, planet, and future generations.
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Marie Loren
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT DEVELOPER
Marie lives in Penngrove and is a retired public school teacher who began her environmental and animal rights activism career in the 70s. She helped launch Cotati/Rohnert Park Helping Hands, an organization that advocates for the unhoused living in Sonoma County.
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Kathy Cullen
OUTREACH VOLUNTEER
Kathy lives in Occidental with her partner and their rescue dog, Charlie. She is the founder of Jolene's Retreat animal sanctuary, which currently cares for 12 pigs, 2 roosters, and 2 ducks with plans to expand in order to continue caring for more animals in need.
Changing the way we feed ourselves is possible.
We believe that if we work together as a community with the common goal of radically transforming the agricultural practices in Sonoma County for the betterment of all, with compassion and integrity as our core values, we will achieve our goals and more! Sonoma County has a rich agricultural history beginning around 1800 when Russian immigrants settled the region. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that large commercial operations moved in. We can not only survive, but thrive, without them! We have 200 years of proof!
Ready to take action?
FACES was one of the founding coalition partners of the Measure J campaign to end factory farming in Sonoma County. Measure J garnered over 37,000 YES votes (roughly the same number of people who signed the petition to get it on the ballot), so we know that there are many folks, including youth, in our community who strongly oppose animal cruelty. If you want to be part of that change, we’d love to welcome you into our circle.
