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MISSION STATEMENT

V-EGANISM is independent in thoughts and actions, only choosing what is right and just for animals, humans, and the environment. V-EGANISM however does have a mission statement which is how the founder of veganism, Donald Watson, originally coined the word's definition. It was a perfect definition then and it still is a perfect definition now. So the following paragraph is V-EGANISM's official 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."


OPERATION V-EGANISM SHARING LINKS

I share links daily regarding animal rights/veganism on Twitter. https://twitter.com/LorraineVegan.

Healthy Body, Mind & Spirit Maneki Neko Cat

Healthy Body, Mind & Spirit Maneki Neko Cat

Love & Peace Maneki Neko Cat

Love & Peace Maneki Neko Cat

Animals Killed Counter

The Animal Kill Counter: Basic Version << ADAPTT :: Animals Deserve Absolute Protection Today and Tomorrow

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

These are the numbers of animals killed worldwide by the meat, egg, and dairy industries since you opened this webpage. These numbers do NOT include the many millions of animals killed each year in vivisection laboratories. They do NOT include the millions of dogs and cats killed in animal shelters every year. They do NOT include the animals who died while held captive in the animal-slavery enterprises of circuses, rodeos, zoos, and marine parks. They do NOT include the animals killed while pressed into such blood sports as bullfighting, cockfighting, dogfighting, and bear- baiting, nor do they include horses and grey- hounds who were exterminated after they were no longer deemed suitable for racing. Courtesy of ADAPTT

Veg Movies Website - Largest collection of Animal Activism films!

VegMovies plant-based and animal-friendly movie directory


Truth!

Monday, December 22, 2014

When Your Family Hates You for Being Vegan



When people become vegan they are often bewildered at the strength of the resistance or criticism they receive from others, particularly their family. They may have faced resistance to many other choices before, but when it comes to veganism there is none of the usual open-mindedness and willingness to embrace change, and little sign of a genuine desire of family members to love them even while they hate their behavior, writes psychologist Clare Mann. 

Why is this so, and what can vegans do when faced with a family imploring them to revert to non-veganism? Read more at:

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


If you have one of those annoying relatives or friends who cannot help but needle you with questions and comments about your veganism, it may be that this year it’s time to fight back.

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



It’s the holiday season again where we think about those dearest to us and buy them a little gift to show our appreciation, but how do you know the companies you are buying from aren’t working against the causes you support? Well, here are some ways to help you make more ethical choices 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!





Instead of writing out a check and giving it to multi-million dollar groups like PETA or places where you really don't know how they are using your money when you give it to them, you can buy food, toys, and/or bedding and give them to your local animal shelters and while there if you can, spend some time with these animals by petting them and just showing them love as they are often times in shelters for so long they become anti-social thus harder to adopt. Try and help to keep them friendly and approachable. If someone is ill in the hospital and has a companion animal at home with no one to care for the animal, volunteer to take care of the companion animal, either by stopping by the house to care for them or taking the animal in until the person is released from the hospital (if you have that kind of trusting relationship with the person). Also, times are still tough for many people financially so if you know someone who is struggling to pay vet bills or struggling to feed their companion animals, you can help them pay for these needed things. 

I have always stated the best way to be an animal activist is by being your own animal rights group--instead of paying other animal people/groups to directly take care of animals (do you really know how they are using your money?), start doing it yourself, and in this way you know where your money is going and you are really a part of seeing it help the animals. 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

A Cruelty-Free Guide to Thanksgiving

Examples of cruelty-free commercial alternatives for the holidays--and any day!

A week from today is Thanksgiving and some of us vegans try and simply avoid thinking about the impending massacre of turkeys around Thanksgiving, preferring to ignore it altogether, and some use the date as an opportunity to educate people on the reality of what Thanksgiving means for those whose bodies are to become centerpieces on the tables of over 45 million American homes.
Turkeys are social beings who nurture and protect their young and thrive in their natural habitat. Even when they are stressed and confined (whether “free-range” or otherwise), they have an amazing will to live, as do all sentient beings.

The photos above show the easy alternative way for having a cruelty-free Thanksgiving. But if you want to make a homemade Tofurky roast and gravy, here is a recipe link below to do that:



At the link below is a collection of Thanksgiving links to look at and make your own Thanksgiving experience more meaningful and hopefully to share with others the truth about who turkeys could be to us if we would only open our hearts to them.

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.

Dr. Best has published 13 books and hundreds of articles and has been active nationally and internationally for more than 3 decades, challenging the conventional wisdom. He speaks about his new book, The Politics of Total Liberation: Revolution in the 21st Century. Audio podcast, Approx. 65 minutes.

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


A historic victory for animals came as India bans the import of animal tested cosmetics. Coming just a few months after implementation of a national ban on cruel cosmetics testing in India's labs, the import ban now makes India the first cruelty-free cosmetics zone in South Asia and an example for other nations to follow.
The ban comes in the form of Rule 135-B that states, "Prohibition of import of cosmetics tested on animals. No cosmetic that has been tested on animals after the commencement of Drugs and Cosmetics (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2014 shall be imported into the country." The notification will come into effect on November 13, 2014 (30 days from the date of notification).

Monday, October 20, 2014

Wanderlust and the Environment: Can We Afford to Keep Traveling?




Traveling comes with a high environmental cost. But many people who care about the environment still want to be able to see the world. Could virtual – or virtuous – travel be the answer?


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



Since 1963!

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

Read more about why

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?

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

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

Monday, August 25, 2014

So, Why Become Vegan?



Veganism is a combination of everything in coming to understand about life. To inspire others to commit to an eco-friendly and animal-friendly life, author Sandra Kimler has published a new book titled, “So, Why Become Vegan?: A. Nutritional Reasons B. Spiritual Reasons C. Environmental Reasons D. Ethical Reasons E. All of the Above” (published by Balboa Press).

Drawing upon years of study in nutrition and iridology, Kimler describes her motivations to live a vegan lifestyle in this new health guide. She begins by introducing the reader to tips on becoming more aware of one’s impact upon the earth and its animals. Continuing with chapters on nutrition and veganism recommendations for recipes, websites and books, and finishing with information about the ethical and environmental reasons for veganism, Kimler makes a case for the lifestyle choice.

What Kimler likes for people to take away is the confidence to change their eating habits, thinking patterns and behavior. Her message is: ‘Be kind to yourself. Never feel guilty--but always learn, change and be fiercely curious.’

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.

More information:

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Whole Foods Selling Rabbit Flesh


A$$whole Foods Market has begun selling rabbit meat in select stores nationwide, and the move has animal advocates hopping mad. Mad enough, they say, that they'll be protesting at Whole Foods stores this weekend, handing out leaflets reminding consumers that rabbits are popular furry companions.

I think it's foolish to only protest the selling of rabbit flesh when there are other kinds of animal flesh sold at A$$whole Foods.
People should be just as outraged at selling any kind of animal flesh--not just rabbits. There is no difference in their lives; all animals are sentient beings who have the right to live, and also important, people do NOT need to eat animal flesh to be healthy...And not eating animal flesh is in the long run, good for the environment as well, plus we would be saving billions of lives every year, as well as our own lives.
Peace out.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Is Horseback Riding Animal Exploitation?

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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


Should animals be permitted to hunt and kill other animals? 
Some futurists believe that humans should intervene, and solve the "problem" of predator vs. prey once and for all. British philosopher, David Pearce wants to use radical ecoengineering to put an end to the carnage.
A world without predators certainly sounds extreme, and it is, but Pearce can't imagine a future in which animals continue to be trapped in the never-ending cycle of blind Darwinian processes. It's up to us, he argues, to put our brains, our technologies, and our sense of compassion to good use, and do something about it. It's part of his overarching Hedonistic Imperative, a far-sighted "abolitionist project" set with the goal of achieving nothing less than the elimination of all suffering on the planet. And by all suffering, he means all suffering.

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.
There are many other social justice movements, like women's suffrage, civil rights, etc., and various labor movements have museums--or sections of museums--dedicated to those causes, but there has never been any museum that focuses on animals and animal rights. 
Beyond animal rights, the museum focuses on events where animals and society intersect through the arts, humanities, science, and humane education.


Current Exhibits at Animals & Society


Light in Dark Places was their first exhibit this summer. (The exhibit is open one final weekend, closing on August 3.) The show, curated by writer and animal advocate Julia Orr, traces the history of the Anti-Vivisection movement from Victorian England to modern day. The Anti-Vivisection Society was originally created to end various types of medical testing on animals. Experimenting on animals has been done through the ages, and pre-dated any type of anesthesia for humans or animals. The extent of inhumane treatment knew no bounds. Today Anti-Vivisection Societies still exist in this country and worldwide to fight to end animal testing done by medical and cosmetic groups.
The exhibit documented the involvement of notables such as Mark Twain and George Bernard Shaw, both of whom used their influence to stand up for this cause. Caroline Earle White (1833-1916) is among the many women who are highlighted. Ms. White was the founder of the first animal shelter in the United States.
The next exhibit is Dog, Cat, Mouse, which features work by three California artists showing the art they have produced featuring dogs, cats, and a rodent. A percentage of the proceeds of any art sold will be donated to the SPCA of Los Angeles. The opening reception will be on August 9 at 7 p.m.

Other Exhibits of Interest
The museum sends representatives into schools and they host field trips on site for parents, teachers, and educators. Be Kind: A Visual History of Humane Education 1880-1945 is a popular program; there is also a pop-up exhibit on this subject that can be sent out on loan.
My Dog is my Home was among the early exhibits at the Museum of Animals and Society and also exists as a traveling show. It tells the story of homeless people and their animal companions and the very important bond between them.
There was another exhibit titled Uncooped. This exhibit explored the origins of and the cultural attitudes towards one of the most common--yet most often overlooked--of all domesticated animals: the chicken. For this exhibit, the museum hosted a chicken adoption event and found homes for 93 rescue hens.

Enriching the Lives of Both Animals and People
The goals of the museum also include enriching lives of animals and people. A year ago they coordinated the largest service fair on Skid Row for people and their companion animals. The animals received free grooming, veterinary care, food, and supplies. Food and supplies were donated and made available for the people as well. 
The museum is located at 4302 Melrose, Los Angeles, but for those not in the Southern California area, there is a website. Visit the National Museum of Animals and Society and My Dog is My Home.

10 Things You Should Know About Being Vegan in College


Freshman year and fresh into vegan eating 101. The first year in college can put vegan eaters before the bells of dorm room microwaves and in the hands of meal-plan chefs, so it’s good to get to know the ropes before you’re up against them. Here is a link to a great article to help you be prepared!


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Vegan Kitchen Takeover

THE VEGAN KITCHEN TAKEOVER - THE TIP TOP BAR &amp; GRILL ,...


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


There is a mental distance that many people invoke when thinking about the damage happening to the environment. A feeling that becomes present when realizing that the current lifestyle that many of us live will be the very thing that eventually kills or limits life on this planet is hard to face. There is a  sense of denial that we live with in order to cope with the reality that today’s luxuries are contributing factors to the destruction of the Mother Earth, which is why some psychological process needs to be addressed and explored regarding the problems of climate change and other environmental issues that are continuing to manifest. But doing right by the environmental movement means that we have to do without the very luxuries that we have been conditioned to believe make life worth living. 
We as people have failed to take into account the psychological conditioning that capitalism and other such systems like in the United States have had on the average person. We are continuing to struggle between the messages of society that are based on worth, gain and monetary values.
This is why the solutions lie very much in the psychological and the spiritual realms of activism; we cannot combat hundreds of years of programming with a simple Public Service Announcement or by using guilt tactics that promote recycling. We have to reach beyond the borders of our average activist actions and embrace the concept of majickal intervention as a means to transformation in thought, action and healing. We must also incorporate the knowledge we have gained from the social sciences in understanding how systems of denial operate, how dissociation from reality becomes a protective measure against what feels threatening, and how the social construct of our environment will shape and mold value systems. 
We live in a society that exists in so much pain, and with so many struggles that life becomes about the struggle and not about the beauty. We have to look at the struggle for environmental justice in combination with the many other struggles of justice we are fighting: They do not exist separately.
The fight for environmentalism is a combination of a psychological, spiritual, societal and historical wound that is wrapped in unchecked privilege, oppression, pain and the trauma of a world. We need to intensify our efforts to support ourselves in a healthy, whole and integrated way, so that we can change and heal the world.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Dr. Steven Best at Animal Rights Conference 2014

Dr. Steven Best is introduced by Michael Webermann, Executive Director at Farm Animal Rights Movement. Dr. Best discusses the differences between the animal welfare and the animal rights movements.



Friday, July 25, 2014

Love Art! Gallery in Portland Oregon, USA Closing in August! :(


"Vegans Ted and Ruby Madrona had no business plans when in 2009 they rented a shop in the heart of the Sellwood neighborhood's business district.

Three months later, the former cheese shop opened as Love Art! Gallery, now an iconic storefront on Southeast 13th Avenue. A giant medal sea horse peers down at passersby, and for five years tiled garden benches have welcomed pedestrians to rest.

But the benches are gone and the storage room is empty. Love Art! Gallery is closing Aug. 3."

Check out Love Art! Gallery and find out more about Ted and Ruby Madrona at the article link below:




If you are a local in Portland Oregon, visit their store and take advantage of their huge savings as they close at the of the month!! Click at the link below for information on how to get to their gallery.

101 Reasons to Go Vegan

The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) presents "101 Reasons to Go Vegan" presented by James Wildman.

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:



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