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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!

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:



Thursday, July 17, 2014

Buddhism and the Environment



"In an age of increasing environmental destruction, Buddhism can inspire the ecological awareness that’s necessary for a more balanced existence."

Below is a great article that ties Buddhist beliefs with a healthy environmental awareness:

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

What Does ‘Vegan’ Really Mean?


Here is a terrific article that reminds everyone what it truly means to be vegan, regardless of how people or society makes an attempt to redefine it. Veganism can never be redefined unless the person who coined the name/definition redefines it themselves:




Also according to the Vegan Society, the society who coined and defined the word, Vegan, it also means to love, respect, and have compassion for all beings, not just animals and the environment.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Vegans Better for Environment than Meat-Eaters



Carnivores are twice as bad for the Earth as vegetarians, a new study out of Oxford University found.

Researchers found that meat-eaters have carbon footprints about twice as large as vegetarians do. They concluded that the more meat you eat, the more you're harming the planet.

The scientists estimated the greenhouse gases emitted from 130 foods, with each type of gas (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) getting a specific "weight." Those weights were then assigned a "food code" to show the link between emissions and foods.

High meat-eaters were found to have the biggest carbon footprint, followed by medium meat-eaters, low meat-eaters, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans.

Meat-eaters have large carbon footprints because more energy is required to raise animals than plants. Plus, cows produce large amounts of methane--from burping and farting--which is a more powerful gas than carbon dioxide.

(Source: NY Daily News)

Friday, July 11, 2014

Singapore Film Promotes Animal Rights/Adoption



A Taiwanese documentary “Twelve Nights,” a film produced by bestselling author Giddens Ko, was screened in Singapore last week to raise awareness of animal rights in the city state.

The screening of the film focused on the fate of dogs in shelters was attended by over 1,000 people--many accompanied by their dogs--at the outdoor Marina Barrage Green Roof. Director Raye and Taiwanese actress Sonia Sui, a sponsor of the film, were also present at the event.

Raye hopes that by showing “Twelve Nights” in Singapore, she can promote the adoption of stray animals and discourage the abandonment of pets.

The charity screening in Singapore was sponsored by home appliances brand Beko.

“Twelve Nights” records the lives of stray dogs at an animal shelter in Changhua County's Yuanlin Township. The title refers to the number of days the dogs have to be adopted before euthanasia to make more space.

The documentary grossed over NT$60 million (US$2 million) at the Taiwan box office during its run from November last year through February. The proceeds of NT$20.91 million--after deducting taxes and the share paid to cinemas--have been given to animal protection groups, including Taipei-based Stray Cats TNR (Trap Neuter Return) Association.

(Source: The China Post)

Thursday, July 10, 2014

How Veganism Changed These People



(*Note: the first line above is sarcasm, hence the quotes.)

Below is a wonderful, inspirational article of people who became vegan. A Gentle World volunteer did an experiment on her Facebook page where she simply asked people to complete the following statement: “Since I became vegan, I’ve noticed…

Check it out here:  How Veganism Changed These 58 People

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Ten Things Every Vegan Is Sick of Hearing



"The hardest part about being vegan is dealing with other people. While some questions and comments are truly genuine, many are not. Anyone who has been vegan for any length of time can probably relate to being annoyed by some of the most frequently reoccurring questions and statements. The link below takes you to some of the most common things vegans hear on a daily basis and what we may be thinking in our heads:"


Ten Things Every Vegan Is Sick of Hearing

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

How to Avoid Animal Cruelty While Traveling This Summer



A tourist’s involvement with animal cruelty can be either conscious or unconscious--people might think that they would never buy something unethical, but it’s easy to make the mistake, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

Check out this link below for some information about staying cruelty-free in unfamiliar territory:

How to Avoid Animal Cruelty While Traveling This Summer



Monday, July 7, 2014

Backpack Style Purse Vegan "Leather" Handbag 11"H Pockets Drawstring





Last week, I received this super-cool vegan handbag from Amazon! It has lots of pockets--which I love--and designed like a daypack, only in a very stylish way! 

I wanted another casual handbag, as I only have one other and that one is pure cloth, which on rainy days, the rain goes right through it, wetting everything I have inside. Plus, with cloth bags, it's easy to wear out on the side I'm carrying it, with its constant rubbing up against my side. Also, colored pants--like blue jeans--can even "bleed" on cloth bags!

I only have another cloth handbag--which is for more formal wear--but I don't carry it often and it's of better quality than my casual cloth handbag.

Anyway, I'm SO happy I have this handbag; now that I have it and can see it up close, it's almost too nice looking to be considered a casual handbag--

LOVES IT!

Friday, July 4, 2014

American Goldfinches: Strict Vegetarians



Female and Male American Goldfinches


For my Fourth of July blog, I would like to talk about the American Goldfinch.



With a diet consisting entirely of seeds and an anti-confrontational attitude, the American Goldfinch is a vegetarian pacifist!

This bright yellow songbird is one of the strictest vegetarians in the bird world, preferring an entirely vegetable diet and only accidentally eating an occasional insect. Their cruelty-free lifestyle extends to adversaries as well, opting to turn the other cheek rather than join other songbirds mobbing predators.

American Goldfinches are numerous and their populations have been stable from 1966 to 2010. Partners in Flight estimates the global breeding population at 42 million, with 57 percent breeding in Canada, 71 percent spending some part of the year in the U.S., and 5 percent wintering in Mexico.

Habitat
Weedy fields, open floodplains, and other overgrown areas, particularly with sunflower, aster, and thistle plants for food and some shrubs and trees for nesting. Goldfinches are also common in suburbs, parks, and backyards.

Food
Goldfinches eat seeds almost exclusively. Main types include seeds from composite plants (in the family Asteraceae: sunflowers, thistle, asters, etc.), grasses, and trees such as alder, birch, western red cedar, and elm. At feeders prefers nyjer and sunflower.

Behavior
American Goldfinches are active, acrobatic finches that balance on the seed-heads of thistles, dandelions, and other plants to pluck seeds. They have a bouncy flight during which they frequently make their po-ta-to-chip calls. Although males sing exuberantly during spring, pairs do not nest until mid-summer, when thistles and other weeds have gone to seed. Goldfinches do not join other songbirds mobbing predators.

Other Facts



American Goldfinches are the only finch that molts its body feathers twice a year--once in late winter and again in late summer. The brightening, yellow of male goldfinches each spring is one welcome mark of approaching warm months.

American Goldfinches breed later than most North American birds. They wait to nest until June or July when milkweed, thistle, and other plants have produced their fibrous seeds, which goldfinches incorporate into their nests and also feed their young.

When Brown-headed Cowbirds lay eggs in an American Goldfinch nest, the cowbird egg may hatch but the nestling seldom survives longer than three days. The cowbird chick simply can’t survive on the all-seed diet that goldfinches feed their young.

Goldfinches move south in winter following a pattern that seems to coincide with regions where the minimum January temperature is no colder than 0 degrees Fahrenheit on average.

The oldest known American Goldfinch lived to be 10 years 5 months old.

Paired-up goldfinches make virtually identical flight calls; goldfinches may be able to distinguish members of various pairs by these calls.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Vegan Organic Gardening


For those who are preparing their garden plot for this season, or contemplating creating a garden for the first time, this is a terrific opportunity to explain what “natural” and “organic” truly mean.
Many new gardeners may be surprised to find that blood, bone meal and fish emulsion are all considered “natural” ways to fertilize organic gardens. These substances are obtained from slaughterhouse floors or mass fishing operations… and they reek of the industries which they support.
But there is another way to garden, without animal products (including manure). It is often called veganic, vegan-organic or stock-free gardening; there are a lot of different gardening styles under these labels, so you’ll have plenty of options to explore, for the benefit of our fellow animals, our health and the health of our planet.
Whether you are new to gardening or looking to transition your garden to a vegan organic plot; from how to set up your compost pile to an overview of veganic fertilizers, check out more on this subject at the link below:
(source: gentleworld.org)

What is Vegan Organic Gardening?

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

9 Vegan Grocery Store Locations Around the World (including online too)

One of the joys of a vegan grocery store is that you don’t have to be so diligent about looking for hidden animal ingredients. Non-dairy cheese, for example, sometimes contains the milk protein casein. Casein is a cheap way to make fake cheese melt, but companies like Daiya are creating vegan cheese that melts and tastes better. At a vegan grocery store, there’s no guesswork.
The list below has some brick and mortar locations and some shops that are online only: 
1. Viva La Vegan has two brick and mortar locations: one in Santa Monica and in Cucumonga, California. You can also shop Viva La Vegan online.
2. Veganz is a full on vegan grocery chain that started in Germany and is opening its first U.S. location in 2016.
3. Food Fight Grocery in Portland, Oregon, was one of the first vegan grocery stores in the U.S., and you can shop it in person or online.
4. Rabbit Food Grocery in Austin, TX is almost all online, but local customers can pick up their haul at local vegan businesses to waive any shipping fees.
5. Vegan Online is a virtual Australian vegan grocery store. They’ll ship Australia-wide, so no matter where on the continent you live, you can get vegan treats on your doorstep.
6. Vegan Perfection is another Australian vegan grocery store. If you live in Melbourne, check out their physical location.
7. Honest to Goodness is a UK-based vegan grocery store that will ship anywhere in the United Kingdom.
8. Vegan.co.uk, which also ships UK-wide.
9. Pangea’s Vegan Store in Rockville, MD has both a physical store and an online shop.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Flexitarian Samples a 100% Plant-Based Vegetarian Diet



Blog author, Zoe Lintzeris, goes on not a vegan diet (because veganism isn't a diet--it's a social justice cause), but on a strict vegetarian diet for a week (meaning no animal products at all, including eggs, dairy, and honey) and a bit more as she stays away from beeswaxed lip balm too. Check out her honest opinion of it here:

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