Veganism-Environmental Guide and Nutrition in Species Ministry. VEGAN = LOVE FOR PEOPLE, ANIMALS, PLANET.
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MISSION STATEMENT
"V-EGANISM educates people and helps people and animals regarding the political and social justice cause, Veganism, which is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude--as far as is possible and practical--all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, cosmetics, household products, entertainment, service or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals, and the environment."
Healthy Body, Mind & Spirit Maneki Neko Cat
Love & Peace Maneki Neko Cat
Animals Killed Counter
Animals Slaughtered:
0 marine animals
0 chickens
0 ducks
0 pigs
0 rabbits
0 turkeys
0 geese
0 sheep
0 goats
0 cows and calves
0 rodents
0 pigeons and other birds
0 buffaloes
0 dogs
0 cats
0 horses
0 donkeys and mules
0 camels and other camelids
Monday, December 29, 2014
365 Thought Provoking Questions to Ask Yourself This Year
Monday, December 22, 2014
When Your Family Hates You for Being Vegan
Thursday, December 18, 2014
The Problem with Vegan/Animal Rights Forums
I have been a regular poster on many online vegan/animal rights forums and I have yet to find one where I would like to stay there.
After thinking about it, I've come to the conclusion that what they all have in common is the people on these forums have a huge chip on their shoulder, eagerly looking to be defensive and ready to attack you if you say just one thing they don't like, and less likely to be politely informative and cordial.
I believe the reason is based on the much egotism and jealously within the vegan/animal rights community/forums, and this really brings out the worst in people. I can even "feel" the negative energy if I stay their long enough--and a few hours is long enough!
There's nothing wrong with disagreeing with others, stating why and encouraging others to see your side if it helps the animals in a positive way, but it should be done in a mature, polite manner instead of putting people down, hurling insults to the point where the moderators (sometimes) have to delete comments because they are so vile. This does not make for a friendly, healthy place to fellowship with others!
I will not name names of these vegan/animal rights forums but chances are, all the ones you know about are like this. I have a feeling if there is a website filled with mature animal rights people in the forum, such a site is probably small and difficult to find online. Why? Because I think many people enjoy the meanness, rudeness, and bloodthirsty arguments in forums; I guess to them it makes for good entertainment. But whether the reason for such horrible forums is because of egotism, jealously or looking for some bloodthirsty entertainment, we need to stop this ridiculousness as an animal rights movement and instead discuss, educate, and encourage people in a mature, kind, responsible manner. Non-vegans are watching and it's no wonder many refuse to be a part of the animal rights cause.
While I think vegans definitely need to talk more to non-vegans instead of wasting much time discussing veganism with other vegans (aka preaching to the choir), we do need some time to discuss with other vegans on how to approach non-vegans in an effective way so they become vegan/animal rights activists, and well, sometimes animal activism can be very emotionally draining and it's sometimes good and healthy to be with fellow vegans for encouragement and to regroup.
Also, I've noticed most vegan/animal rights people aren't that spiritual. I think lack of a spiritual foundation causes mean-spiritedness, negative energy and anger. Vegans should take time out to deal with that side of them. It's imperative to be healthy in all parts of one's life: Body, Mind and Spirit. This makes for a better, more mature person.
We vegans/animal rights people must be a good representative of the movement. The animals depend on it.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Dealing with Annoying Anti-Vegan Comments
Here are a few of the various things that might come up at the dinner table, and a couple of hopefully humorous suggestions about how you can deal with them, as well as how to turn these questions into teachable moments, too:
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Shop According to Your Values This Christmas
Thursday, December 4, 2014
The 3 Top Misconceptions about Veganism
I have been a vegan since 1983. And through those years, I have met many vegans and most of them are making erroneous statements about what it means to be vegan. I notice it's getting worse and worse as the years go by as the definition of veganism gets unethically watered down more and more...It's very disconcerting. These same "vegans" are also making things even more worse by teaching non-vegans incorrectly about what it means to be an animal rights activist.
So let me give you the facts if you have believed any of the following misconceptions:
#1. VEGANS MUST LOVE ANIMALS.
Nope. Even though most vegans do love animals, you don't have to love animals to be a vegan. I don't know of any person who honestly loves every single animal on this planet--and I don't think anyone does. I certainly don't! Liberating animals has got nothing to do with loving them. Animal liberation has everything to do with justice and freedom to allow sentient beings to live as they want in peace.
#2. VEGANISM MEANS BEING CRUELTY-FREE.
Nope..not exactly. Sure one must be cruelty-free to be vegan but that isn't the main reason to be vegan. Veganism is about being exploitation-free. There's a difference. One example is using service animals. Service animals, be they being used for a business or privately--even treated very well physically--are still animals being used; it is still exploitation and exploiting any being is unethical and not vegan. So just because animals are not being treated cruelly--in the sense that they are not being beaten, starved, or killed, the fact that they are being used in any way is exploiting them. Regarding keeping animals as companion animals, we only do this because humans unethically forced animals to be kept to serve or to be used as companions many generations ago, domesticating them to the point where they have lost most of their natural wild instinct to survive in nature. It's now pretty much a fait accompli where we have no choice but to keep them as "companions" otherwise they would die very quickly in the wild, at a great unjustly disadvantage.
#3. NOT EVERYONE BECOMES VEGAN OVERNIGHT, SO VEGANS MUST NOT TRY TO PERSUADE EVERYONE TO GO VEGAN IMMEDIATELY. EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN JOURNEY AND STILL CAN BE CALLED, OR CONSIDERED TO BE, VEGANS.
False and totally missing the point of being a vegan. We must teach people the truth and nothing but. They must know what being vegan means, and let them decide on their own whether they want to become vegan immediately or sometime later, but we never give them suggestions (different ways of still exploiting an animal in their journey) of how to get there--and as they go on their own journey, they are not vegans. That is their decision, and one they have to live with if they choose to be vegan later. They must know being vegan means one does not eat, drink, use, or wear ANY animal product item, nor is tested on animals.
No, there is no such thing as a perfect vegan but if one strives daily and honestly to remove as much animal products from their life as possible, this is what it means to be a vegan. I am constantly researching to find exploitative-free items to replace things in my house that is from an animal--or tested on animals. And with SO MANY vegan things around in this day and age--from expensive to free; from intentionally to unintentionally--vegan, there's no excuse to wait to be vegan.
It's devastatingly sad that many known vegans are teaching falsehoods like the above to non-vegans. Just speak the truth in love. Don't insult people by hiding the facts or saying things just to make them feel less guilty. If, for instance, they choose on their own to start with being vegetarian, just encourage them to become vegan from time-to-time and show by example the vegan life.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Be Your Own Animal Rights Group!
Monday, November 24, 2014
Horseback Riding Cruelty: Part 2
Thursday, November 20, 2014
A Cruelty-Free Guide to Thanksgiving
Monday, November 17, 2014
Steve Best: The Politics of Total Liberation
Steve Best is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at El Paso, but he’s perhaps best known as an advocate for the liberation of the earth and all who live on it--humans as well as other animals.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Horseback Riding Cruelty: Part 1
Monday, November 3, 2014
Being Vegan – We Need To Get It Right With The Animals First
Monday, October 27, 2014
Montreal’s First Ever “Vegan Super Store”
Finding exclusively vegan products can be a bit of struggle at times. Even though Montreal has many restaurants, health stores, and grocers that cater to the vegan life, no establishment exists that solely stocks vegan products. Antidote Superalimentation, Montreal and Quebec’s first 100% vegan grocery store, has changed that:
Saturday, October 25, 2014
India to Become First Cruelty-free Cosmetics Zone in South Asia
Monday, October 20, 2014
Wanderlust and the Environment: Can We Afford to Keep Traveling?
Monday, October 13, 2014
Easy, Safe and Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes for Kids
Halloween is one of the most thrilling days of the year for young children. And of course, the main focus of all the excitement is choosing a really fantastic outfit to dress up in. As a parent, you’d like to make sure that Halloween costumes will look great and be easy to assemble, without endangering either your offspring or the environment.
Read more about it here: Easy, Safe and Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes for Kids
Monday, October 6, 2014
Protein Issue - Vegans Might NOT be Getting Enough
I have never really checked to see if I was getting enough protein since you hear ALL THE TIME that vegans get PLENTY of protein. But recently I read smarter vegans say IF you eat really healthy and eating enough food vegans will get enough protein.
Now that I want to lose weight, I have not been eating that much. So I checked and found out in horror that because of my losing weight and not eating as much, I am way below my daily protein amount. Even when I wasn't dieting I was still below!
I weigh in the 150s right now and according to research, I need to take in about 60 grams of protein--on average daily.
We vegans say you can get protein from lots of foods like beans, seeds, nuts, etc. but have you really seen HOW MUCH protein are in these foods?--Very low! Peanuts are pretty high but most other nuts, seeds, legumes are pretty low. You'd have to eat a lot to get in your daily protein amount. I've been checking lots of vegan foods and to be honest while there are indeed plenty of vegan foods with protein, the issue is not where vegans get their protein but HOW MUCH protein is in the foods to cover your daily needs.
Even vegan protein supplements are low in protein grams.
Everyone, just make sure you are getting enough protein. You may be getting enough, or you might be surprised....The good news is as I lose weight, I'll need less protein.
Monday, September 29, 2014
3 Tips On Avoiding Products Tested On Animals
Santosh Krinsky, head of the international personal-care brand Beauty Without Cruelty, outlines three tips for those professionals who want to support cosmetics manufacturers with shared values:
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Jains and Veganism
"One should not injure, subjugate, enslave, torture, or kill any living being including animals, plants, or insects — Respect for all living beings is Non-Violence." – Ächäränga Sutra – Bhagawän Mahãvira
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Is A Vegan Diet Too EXTREME!?
Is A Vegan Diet Too EXTREME!?
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
11 Vegan Leather Dresses To Add To Your Cruelty-Free Fall Wardrobe
These beautiful dresses at the link below are perfect for anybody who wants to try out a cool look, sans the cruelty. Each of these styles proves that you don’t ever have to sacrifice your ethics in order to accomplish an awesome outfit!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Is Eating Animals A Personal Choice?
If you or anyone else you know has ever said, "I respect your choice to be vegan, so you should respect my choice to eat meat," watch this video. Eating animal products is not a choice to be equally respected as the choice to be vegan. You always hear how we each have the personal right to say what goes in our bodies, but what about when our right to choose comes at the violation of another’s rights and choices?
Friday, September 12, 2014
The Problem with Ex-Vegans
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Plant an Ethical Garden
Monday, September 8, 2014
No Kill Activist Explains How We Can Save All Animals
No Kill Activist Explains How We Can 'Save Them All'
Friday, September 5, 2014
15 Vegan Leather Jackets for Fall Fashion
"If you want to get warm, look good, and love animals, you should snag one of these gorgeous vegan leather jackets to wear all autumn long."
Check out this Fall vegan leather jacket shopping guide:
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Jains Thrive in Chicagoland despite Cultural Clash
Jains believe in nonviolence, to the point of not harming any sentient being, through action or even thought. These Jain beliefs seemingly clash with some of the most powerful forces in American culture. Yet Jains are finding ways to adapt and even thrive here in the U.S.
They’re passing these beliefs on to the next generation during their holiest holiday this week, called Paryushan at their temple in Bartlett.
Read the rest of the article here:
Tiny religious sect thrives in Chicagoland despite cultural clash
Monday, September 1, 2014
7 Sneaky Animal Ingredients to Watch Out For in Supplements
"Many ingredients in vitamins and supplements come from animals or involve animals during production. Be sure to read vitamin and supplements carefully, and always look under the ingredients list at the end of the nutrition label to see exactly what is in the supplement you’re buying. Unless you’re buying exclusively vegan vitamins (like the ones above), at the link below you’ll more than likely see one of the following animal ingredients in at least one of the supplements you’re taking."
Friday, August 29, 2014
5 Things to Ask Your Waiter When You’re Eating Out Vegan
While 100 percent vegan restaurants are the best option, you can’t always find one nearby or won’t always be able to convince those you’re with to try them out. The best thing you can do is to visit a restaurant with full confidence that you can eat vegan and do so in an enjoyable way, and here are some tips to help you with that:
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
4 Frequently Forgotten Cruelty-Free Shopping Tips
"Here are a few things to keep in mind when going cruelty-free that should save you more head-scratching moments."
Monday, August 25, 2014
So, Why Become Vegan?
Friday, August 22, 2014
Ethical Philanthropy
Religion is a broad term that should add some higher purpose to one’s life and keep you grounded. It is not just a set of rules and teachings that you must devote your life to; it’s what you take from any religion that’s important. All religions give the teachings of love, peace and unity. It should be something to believe in, and not just something to define our very actions and thoughts. The most important requirement is peace. Where there is peace there is abundance.
In religion, there is philanthropy--just being a good human being defines you everywhere. All that you need to work upon is being helpful to the needy at all times and every place. Being loving and caring towards all living beings--including animals--and to understand another person’s or animal's problem and realize the situations they are in and be considerate.
Philanthropy means caring for and helping others whenever and wherever possible, helping others at times when they need that help the most, forgetting our selfish interests at times when others need our help, and extending love (and sometimes tough-love) to each and every living being on Earth.
One does not need a hefty bank account to contribute towards philanthropic activities. Tipping wait staff fairly is also philanthropy. Lifting the heavy bag for an old woman, helping a disabled person to cross the road, helping your parents in chores, etc.,...Helping anyone who is in need is all philanthropic work.
As soon as we understand the importance of philanthropy in day-to-day life, the purpose for which we are on Earth is automatically fulfilled.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Film: Redemption
Based on the groundbreaking book of the same name, this is the story of animal sheltering, which was born of compassion and then lost its way. It is the story of the No Kill movement, which says we can and must stop the killing. It is about heroes and villains, betrayal and redemption. And it is about a social movement as noble and just as those that have come before. But most of all, it is a story about believing in the community and trusting in the power of compassion.
Written by Nathan Winograd of the No Kill Advocacy Center and produced in partnership with Debi & Lincoln Day, No Kill Nation, and Sagacity Productions.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Don’t Give Up! Learn How Not to Let Your Vegan Diet Make You Sick
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Whole Foods Selling Rabbit Flesh
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Is Horseback Riding Animal Exploitation?
The simple answer: Yes it is. No leeway, ifs or buts.
To use any animal for our amusement is exploitation, and hence, not vegan.
Would you enjoy carrying a person on your back at various speeds whenever the person felt like it? Would you like to be periodically locked up? Would you like to be "broken in" during the early stages? Most likely not.
And whether the horse is treated "fairly", "kindly", or "companionably" ("happy horse riding!") whilst being ridden is utterly irrelevant as he or she is still used. Period. That is, the defining characteristic of veganism is that animals should not be considered property, and therefore we respect their needs and wants that demand that we do not exploit them.
In a perfect world, horses would be free to pursue their own lives without human interference. Horses are herd animals, who naturally associate with large numbers of other horses, graze in meadows, trot great distances, play, and court. Domestication (like many other animals) has certainly not benefited them, as they've long been exploited as beasts of burden and are kept constantly constrained and only allowed to move about at the will of others.
Exploitation is not just about being cruel; exploitation also means using animals for any kind of work or enjoyment.
For more information on horseback riding, check out this article:
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Is it Ethical for Museums to Collect Dead Animals?
"Museums collect dead animals. Sometimes the carcasses are collected for private scientific research, and sometimes the carcasses go through a process called taxidermy where they are put on display. But is it ethical for museums to collect dead bodies?"
Read more from this article here: Is it Ethical for Museums to Collect Dead Animals?
Monday, August 4, 2014
Controversal Plan To Phase Out Earth's Predatory Species
Friday, August 1, 2014
Exhibition Shines Light on Animal Activism
Animal activist John Darroch photography images of a caged hen being released and piglets taking their first steps outside will be on show in the Animal Exploitation and Liberation art exhibition next week. The event has been organized by the Auckland University Animal Rights Group and is showing at the Te Karanga Gallery on Karangahape Rd from August 4 to 8.
For more information: Animal Exploitation and Liberation: charity auction for animals
Thursday, July 31, 2014
L.A.'s National Museum of Animals & Society Focuses on Animal Rights
The National Museum of Animals & Society, is a new museum in Los Angeles, featuring an active roster of exhibits and events focused on representing the animal rights movement.
Current Exhibits at Animals & Society
10 Things You Should Know About Being Vegan in College
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Vegan Kitchen Takeover
Once a month, The Vegan Kitchen Takeover team of Chef JR and Chef Justin creates a full vegan menu at local Michigan Restaurants with a percentage of the proceeds going to animal rights/sanctuaries/organizations.
Here is a video and sample of their menu: Experience a Vegan Kitchen Takeover
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Psychological Factors Regarding the Environment
Monday, July 28, 2014
Dr. Steven Best at Animal Rights Conference 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
Love Art! Gallery in Portland Oregon, USA Closing in August! :(
101 Reasons to Go Vegan
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Shopping to Help the Environment
Everyday choices can affect your family's health as well as the environment.
There's a growing trend among consumers to make choices reflecting the goals and values that matter to them most. So here are a few ideas for easy changes:
Starting with the products you use most frequently can be a simple way to shift your choices to a healthier place. Many hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste use unnecessary chemicals and animal ingredients that are harmful to our human body and, of course, cruel for the animal it was made from. Natural, cruelty-free (and not tested on animals) ingredients work just as well or better than the artificial/cruel variety, so look for options that don't rely on dyes, formaldehyde, parabens and animal ingredients. Ingredients with chemicals directly impact waterways once they go down the drain. More cruelty-free options can be kinder to your body, to animals and to the environment.
Cleaning products like floor polish, glass cleaners, and bathroom disinfectants can be harsh and tested on animals. Consider gentler, cruelty-free alternatives.
Even if your foods are vegan/cruelty-free, certain food products can contain artificial sweeteners or use pesticides. Try switching to less processed foods and buying organic when possible. Look for locally sourced foods for added freshness and to reduce overall carbon footprint in transit.
Companies with smart environmental policies do exist. Do your research and support brands that work to lessen their environmental impact, and take pride in the quality of their ingredients, which should be listed in full on the packaging.
Brands like Tom's of Maine, which makes personal care products like soap, deodorant and toothpaste, as well as others, share their progress in helping the planet by publishing goals and results to the public. They recently released their second edition of the Tom's of Maine Goodness Report that details the company's approach to ingredients, packaging, waste, water, energy, the community, and its employees. For example, the company has opted to use steam capturing technology, ultimately reducing water usage. Cartons used for packaging toothpaste are made of 100 percent recycled paperboard and can be recycled again after use. The company is even looking into future "smart packaging" alternatives, such as biodegradable packaging made of potato starch.
Seek out a list of simple and understandable renewable and naturally-sourced ingredients. Also, inspect the material on which it's printed. Minimal packaging made of recyclable materials is ideal.
If your town doesn't take in a wide range of waste for recycling, TerraCycle is an innovative USA based up-cycling leader that enlists volunteers to recycle waste to make products such as benches, picnic tables or deck materials, ultimately sending less to landfills.
The impact of a few simple changes can have a lasting ripple effect that goes well beyond your home and life.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
How to Stick to a Vegan Diet When it’s Not on the Menu
When you are out-and-about, looking for a place to eat, check out these suggestions so you can be prepared if going to a non-vegan restaurant:
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Fruit Philanthropy: Foraging to Feed the Hungry
Nonprofit groups around the country are gleaning fruit from trees growing everywhere from backyards to the sides of exit ramps and donating it to homeless shelters--Here is one story:
Monday, July 21, 2014
Exclusive: Listen to Morrissey's New Album, World Peace Is None of Your Business
Legendary singer, Morrissey, arranged for his new album, World Peace Is None of Your Business, to be streamed on PETA's site. Listen to it here: