I did the same with my scraps and insect-damaged tomatoes! The ducks in particular go crazy for them!

As per the article:

"But what if my container is ‘microwave-safe’?

Though various plastics are marked as microwave-safe—and plenty of plastic lobbyists have defended them as perfectly safe—the term is somewhat misleading. It’s simply referring to plastic types that won’t crack or melt when heated, not their chemical makeup. Supposedly microwave-safe products can still contain bisphenols, phthalates, and plenty of other potentially harmful ingredients."

I appreciate your engagement in this discussion, but I’d like to address your points as I feel like I didn’t make my first point about plants feeling pain as well as I could:

Firstly, it’s important to clarify that the argument I presented isn’t about how similar creatures look to us, but rather about the ethical framework we use to assess suffering. The term “speciesism” is often used to criticize differential treatment based on species, and it’s a valid concern. However, drawing a moral line isn’t necessarily about appearance; it’s about recognizing the capacity for suffering and the moral responsibility that comes with it.

You mentioned that pain requires perception, and we lack a definitive test for an inner listener. This is a valid point, and it’s why the debate surrounding the sentience of plants is ongoing. While we don’t have concrete evidence of plant consciousness as we do for animals, it’s also worth acknowledging that our understanding of consciousness is still evolving.

Regarding behavior, you rightly point out that some birds exhibit complex behaviors, including language. This complexity raises important questions about the moral implications of causing harm to such creatures. The issue at hand is complex and nuanced; we can differentiate between beings with different cognitive capacities and still recognize the moral imperative to minimize suffering across the board.

The point of discussing plants in this context is not to “win an argument” but to emphasize that the question of suffering is multifaceted. It’s a way to provoke thought about where we draw the line and whether our current practices align with our moral values. While we may not have all the answers, it’s important to engage in these discussions to encourage more ethical and sustainable choices.

The intention here is not to rationalize cruelty but to foster a deeper understanding of the complex ethical considerations surrounding our treatment of all living beings. These discussions can help us evolve our practices and make more informed choices about our impact on the world around us.

Not at all; as stated in my comment, the debate is not about whether a given creature experiences pain and works to avoid suffering, but rather where you draw the line on what level of suffering is acceptable. I personally avoid buying meat products from the store because I feel that factory farms are inhumane and unsustainable, but I’m willing to and do raise and harvest meat birds for my own consumption.

Judging by your comment history, you do eat plant-based, and that’s pretty cool. I encourage you to share some of your favourite plant-based recipes in this community :)

Plants probably also feel pain then, considering that they modify their behavior after injury, seek to avoid them, and chemically communicate with other plants to protect themselves. Life is life, no matter if it’s speaking, clucking, mooing, or photosynthesizing, it’s just a matter of where you draw the line.

A reminder to be(e) nice; we all come from different backgrounds, and launching ad hominem attacks is ineffective in getting people to consider your arguments.

This comment feels needlessly hostile.

Not a stupid question at all! This method works for several reasons:

• Typical soil contains the majority of nutrients in the topsoil layer, which is roughly 1-10in (2.5-25cm) deep. Because compost is added up to 2ft (60cm) deep, roots will grow much deeper to take advantage of the easily accessible nutrients.
• When the soil is kept loose, plants can grow roots through it much easier; French intensive gardening focuses on loosening the soil very deeply and avoids compacting it so plants don’t have to expend as much energy pushing their roots through hard soil.
• As a result of plants growing roots deeper rather than wider, they’re able to be planted much more densely and grow more produce than market gardening in the same size plot!