All I can say is, “You go, Gap.”

I remember being impressed with Gap Inc. launched their Red campaign (I was totally in love with “Inspi(red)”), and though I still had issues with the company’s ethical practices overall, I thought it was great that they were trying to make a difference.

I still don’t shop brand names; call me an anti-conformist, a nerd or simply broke, but I still can’t wrap my head around spending that much for a name when you can get secondhand clothing much, much more cheaply. Besides, who wants to look like everyone else?

That said, it’s a freaking huge company that sells a freaking huge amount of clothes, so what they do is still important. Behold their newest effort to be good—using cage-free eggs!

That’s right. Chickens whose eggs fall into the gap are likely happier chickens. Instead of being cooped up in a cage so small they can’t spread their wings, they have two to three times more space and can actually lay their eggs more comfortably in nests.

And Gap isn’t alone. After finding out how many eggs come from chickens in factory farms—and how these chickens, kept in battery cages, are treated—mistreated, really—a bunch of companies decided to take action and to start using cage-free eggs in their cafeterias.

These other companies include Yahoo, Google, Bon Appétit Management Company, and other California-based companies. After the state passed the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act last year, a lot of companies started going free range—including Carl’s Jr., Burger King, Denny’s, Wendy’s, and Quizno’s. While these food companies may not be much greener for these efforts, they are certainly showing a kinder face toward farm animals.

It looks like the Humane Society of the United States has a hand in on the campaign, apparently offering up some education about the plight of chickens for the companies. Senior Director Paul Shapiro says, “The Humane Society of the United States applauds Gap for joining the national movement to stay away from cruel battery cages. It’s hard to imagine a more miserable existence for a bird than being crammed in a cage so small, she can’t even spread her wings.”

I think it’s fantastic that big companies like this are taking steps toward a more humane world and providing a shining example for other companies who can follow suit.

Do you buy cage-free? Why or why not? It’s definitely more expensive. Do you think it’s worth the price?