veganmovement2012: GETTING INFORMED For your transition to veganism to be smooth, first and foremost
veganmovement2012: GETTING INFORMED For your transition to veganism to be smooth, first and foremost, you have to be properly informed. • EARTHLINGS is an informative documentary about animals who are exploited for consumption, clothing, entertainment, research and “pet” purposes: Earthlings.com/?page_id=32 • The falsely yet widely held belief is that only factory farms are cruel but things are not any better on “cage free” “free range” “humane certified” “grass fed” “organic” and “local” farms. HumaneMyth.org is where former animal farmers turned vegan and animal rights activist expose the fallacy and absurdity of “humane” animal farming and “humane” animal products. Slideshows on HAPPY COWS and CAGE-FREE EGGS are especially important. • What is wrong with eating backyard eggs? peacefulprairie.org/backyard-eggs.html • What to do with a “pet” or rescued hen’s eggs? peacefulprairie.blogspot.com/2012/08/their-eggs-not-ours.html • What is wrong with eating honey? tinyurl.com/StolenHoney Assuming you have explored the above links thoroughly, let’s move on… VEGANISM a) What is veganism? Although it is commonly and falsely portrayed as a diet that excludes animal products, veganism is an ethical stance that rejects the property status and exploitation of ALL animals of ALL sizes — including bees whose food humans steal and silkworms whom humans boil alive for their silk — not just so-called “food” animals. The vegan diet (meaning the diet of a vegan) is the ethical diet that represents the philosophy of veganism but the vegan diet is only one aspect of veganism. Veganism is against the exploitation, domestication, killing, breeding, trading, selling, buying of animals for: • consumption: vegans do not consume flesh, honey, egg, non-human milk or anything that contains them or their derivatives, • entertainment: vegans do not visit zoos, circuses, marine parks, rodeos, horse carriages, dog/horse racing; vegans also do not ride horses (more info: tinyurl.com/horseriding1) etc., • clothing: vegans do not buy anything that comes from animals such as wool, mohair, shearling, leather, suede, nubuck, silk, fur, angora, cashmere, ivory, pearls, seashells (skeletons of marine animals called mollusks), down/down feathers (found in many pillows, bed comforters and similar fluffy things such as ski jackets; the label should indicate if it contains down), • cosmetics: vegans do no use products that contain animal ingredients, including honey and its derivatives such as beeswax, which are commonly found in lipsticks, lip balms, mascaras and candles (there are vegan cosmetic products and candles), • testing, experimentation, research: vegans do not use cosmetic, household, cleaning products tested on animals, • “pet” industry: vegans do not buy, sell, breed, rip animals from their habitats and families to turn them into “pets” for humans. Vegans support rescuing, adopting, fostering animals who have already been ripped from their habitats and families and now depend on human care for their survival. And because veganism is not a diet but an ethical stance, there is NO such thing as “mostly vegan” “veganish” “80% vegan” “strict vegan” “casual vegan” “ on-and-off vegan” “vegan except on family gatherings/holidays” “vegan as long as nobody sees me eating this slice of dairy cheese.” Just as we cannot be against racism (discrimination against other races) 80% of the time or whenever it suits us, we cannot be against speciesism (discrimination against other species) 80% of the time or whenever it suits us. There is veganism, and there is non-veganism — nothing in between. Therefore, we are either vegan thus absolutely against the discrimination and exploitation of other species at all times or we are not vegan thus absolutely for the discrimination and exploitation of other species. Anyone who eliminates animal exploitation only from her/his diet for whatever reason (e.g., to lose weight, to improve health, to detox) and has not yet internalized the selfless and ethical philosophy of veganism is not a vegan but a plant-based eater/dieter. b) Was veganism founded as a solution to corporate owned/operated factory farms or bad animal welfare conditions? NO. Donald Watson, who coined the word “vegan” in 1944 and defined veganism as “the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals,” did not found veganism as a solution to bad animal welfare conditions or corporate owned/operated factory farms in England. Factory farming in England began in 1947; that is, 3 years after Watson founded veganism. It was actually Watson’s experience on a “humane” family owned/operated local farm that led him to veganism. Watson said, “One of my earliest recollections is of holidays on my Uncle George’s farm where I was surrounded by interesting animals. They all ‘gave’ something: the farm horse pulled the plough & the lighter horse pulled the trap; the cows ‘gave’ milk; the hens ‘gave’ eggs and the cockerel was a useful 'alarm clock.’ I didn’t realise at that time that he had another function, too. The sheep 'gave’ wool. I could never understand what the pigs 'gave’ but they seemed such friendly creatures, always glad to see me. Then the day came when one of the pigs was killed. I still have vivid recollections of the whole process, including the screams, of course. One thing that shocked me was that my Uncle George, of whom I thought very highly, was part of the crew. I decided that farms - and uncles - had to be reassessed. The idyllic scene was nothing more than DEATH ROW, where every creature’s days were numbered by the point at which [s/he] was no longer of service to human beings.” c) What is the difference between welfarism and veganism? The philosophy of welfarism states that other animals are the property of human animals; therefore, it is morally justifiable for human animals to exploit other animals as long as they are treated “humanely.” The philosophy of veganism states that other animals are not the property of human animals; therefore, it is not morally justifiable for human animals to exploit other animals regardless of how well they are treated. Vegans acknowledge other animals to be irreplaceable individuals with unique personalities, not expandable property as defined by law and accepted by welfarists, by referring to them as “she”/ “he” and “who” instead of “it” and “which.” For example, SHE is a curious cow WHO loves treats (a cow is someone) vs IT is a curious cow WHICH loves treats (a cow is something) Watson, who believed that humans exploiting other animals was inherently unjust, said, “We can see quite plainly that our present civilization is built on the exploitation of animals, just as past civilizations were built on the exploitation of slaves…” Like those who fought to abolish the property status of black people, who were once legally considered to be the property of white people just for looking different from white people, vegans acknowledge that someone’s physical appearance does not dictate the moral consideration she/he deserves thus aim to abolish the property status of other animals, who are legally considered to be the property of human animals just for looking different from human animals, and have them legally protected against human exploitation, including “humane” exploitation as promoted by welfarists. This is why veganism is not a diet but a social justice movement. d) What is Animal Rights? Although welfarist organizations have degenerated what Animal Rights mean, Animal Rights refer to the laws that would protect other animals against human exploitation, including “humane” exploitation as promoted by welfarists. Within recent years, interest in the growing field of Animal Law has exploded. Animal Law is now taught in over 100 U.S. universities, including Harvard and Stanford Law School. Lewis & Clark Law School in the US is the first law school to offer the world’s first advanced legal degree in Animal Law. Under Animal Rights, other animals would not be considered property but legal persons. To learn more, we recommend this brief speech by Canada’s first Animal Rights attorney: youtube.com/watch?v=Fr26scqsIwk e) When did Donald Watson die? Many had claimed that Watson could not have possibly survived by eliminating animal products from his diet but Watson died at 95 (1910-2005, England), free from the need for doctors’ interventions in his final days. ANIMAL TESTING Doctors AGAINST animal testing, experimentation, research to save human lives: medicinekillsmillions.com/articles/doctors-scientists-against-vivisection-animal-research-tests-experiments.html Charities that do not fund animal testing, experimentation, research (donate wisely): HumaneSeal.org NUTRITION Why you probably SHOULD NOT listen to your physician when it comes to nutrition: • Most medical schools in the US fail to provide even a bare minimum of nutrition training to future physicians: nutritionfacts.org/video/medical-school-nutrition-education/ • Patients know more about nutrition than physicians: nutritionfacts.org/video/doctors-nutritional-ignorance/ • Physicians know less than they think about nutrition: nutritionfacts.org/video/doctors-know-less-than-they-think-about-nutrition/ • The dairy industry has scientists, medical doctors and medical writers on its payroll: fb.com/photo.php?v=530604870379389 • Physician trade groups such as the California Medical Association came out in opposition of a bill requiring physicians get 7 hours of nutrition training: nutritionfacts.org/video/medical-associations-oppose-bill-to-mandate-nutrition-training/ • A presentation by Dr. Michael Greger where he shares shocking nutrition facts about animal products and states that physicians are one of the leading causes of death in the US (this video was once taken down by youtube for no reason): youtube.com/watch?v=30gEiweaAVQ • USDA promotes the special interests of the dairy, egg, flesh industries through its official dietary guidelines and the Food Pyramid: tinyurl.com/usdaconflictofinterest Nutrition info by physicians who have studies nutrition extensively and promote a plant-based diet for health reasons: • A simple nutrition chart: pcrm.org/health/diets/pplate/power-plate • A more detailed version: pcrm.org/health/diets/pplate/power-sources • FAQs about plant-based nutrition & their answers: pcrm.org/health/diets/vegdiets/frequently-asked-questions-about-nutrition • Is soy bad for your health? pcrm.org/health/health-topics/soy-and-your-health • What is the safest source of vitamin B12? nutritionfacts.org/video/safest-source-of-b12/ - More videos on B12: nutritionfacts.org/index.php?s=b12 For more info by physicians who eat a plant-based diet for health: Dr. Micheal Greger: nutritionfacts.org & facebook.com/NutritionFacts.org Dr. John A. McDougall - DrMcdougall.com & facebook.com/DrJohnMcDougall Dr. Neal Barnard - NealBarnard.org & facebook.com/NealBarnardMD Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr - heartattackproof.com & facebook.com/Dr.Esselstyn Dr. Joel Fuhrman - DrFuhrman.com & facebook.com/DrFuhrman FITNESS VeganBodybuilding.com ThriveForward.com Plantbuilt.com FOOD Recipes: theppk.com/recipes veganbaking.net plantbasedonabudget.com mouthwateringvegan.com smithsvegankitchen.blogspot.com/p/master-recipe-list.html and many more… (free vegan recipes are all over the net; there are also many cookbooks) Plant-based (as opposed to flesh-based) meat products: • fb.com/photo.php?fbid=389328644507013 Vegan milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, yogurt, etc. products: • tinyurl.com/bloodydairy • freefromharm.org/food-products/your-guide-to-going-dairy-free-plant-based-milks-cheeses-and-more Vegan artisan cheeses: vtopiancheeses.com Handmade fine art vegan cheeses made to order: midasdeli.com Vegan cheese cookbooks: • thegentlechef.com/NDECindex.php - his facebook page for recipe tips: fb.com/TheGentleChef • amazon.com/Ultimate-Uncheese-Cookbook-Delicious-Dairy-Free/dp/1570671516 • amazon.com/Artisan-Vegan-Cheese-Miyoko-Schinner/dp/1570672830 Vegan solution to hen exploitation: • thevegg.com • ener-g.com/gluten-free/egg-substitute/egg-replacer.html • iherb.com/Bob-s-Red-Mill-All-Natural-Egg-Replacer-16-oz-453-g/10584 • Kala Namak Salt a.k.a Black Salt (which is actually pinkish/greyish in color) gives an “egg” flavor when it is added to a dish. • hamptoncreek.com is currently working on a product called “Beyond Eggs” so keep an eye out for it. - Veganize your favorite egg dishes: tinyurl.com/cjpvk22 - There are also egg-less “egg” recipes in this book: thegentlechef.com/NDECindex.php Vegan solution to bee exploitation: • Agave nectar • BeeFreeHonee.com Vegan booze: barnivore.com Vegan restaurants near you (international): happycow.net veganbusinessguide.com Vegan online stores: veganessentials.com vivalavegangrocery.com veganstore.com VEGAN PREGNANCY & RAISING A VEGAN BABY/CHILD • As recommended by Dr. John McDougall: drmcdougall.com/misc/2012nl/sep/children.htm • As recommended by Dr. Michael Greger: amazon.com/Everything-Vegan-Pregnancy-Book-pregnancy/dp/144052551X amazon.com/Vegan-Life-Everything-Healthy-Plant-Based/dp/0738214930 ► An important video by Dr. Greger regarding B-12 intake, which is especially important during pregnancy and infancy: nutritionfacts.org/video/american-vegans-placing-babies-at-risk VEGAN HOUSEHOLD, PERSONAL CARE, COSMETIC PRODUCTS tinyurl.com/vegangoods GROWING PLANTS WITHOUT ANIMAL PRODUCTS: goveganic.net/article205.html VEGAN COMPANION ANIMAL FOOD • Veterinary Specialist Dr. Andrew Knight discusses in depth the controversial topic of feeding companion animals vegan food: www.vegepets.info • International suppliers: vegepets.info/suppliers.html • Websites that sell only vegan companion animal products (though some of the products sold on these sites should be available on other sites such as amazon.com, too): ecodogsandcats.com & vegancats.com • To connect with vegans with cats for advice, help, questions: fb.com/groups/126322004672/ VEGAN TATTOO SHOPS (USA) & VEGAN TATTOO AFTERCARE LOTION gristletattoo.com (NY) jspooner.wordpress.com (CA, NY) scapegoattattoo.com (OR) damasktattoo.com (WA) alchemytattoos.com (FL) - merryhempsters.com/hemp/lipbalm/T6.html - ohanaorganics.com/products?tid=1 VEGAN TRAVEL mindfulwanderlust.com/about VEGAN CLOTHING Blogs about animal-free shoes: vegankicks.com greatgreenshoes.com Athletic Shoe Directory: vegan8.me/vegan-athletic-shoes/vegan-athletic-shoes-2013/ Other: mattandnat.com (US-based; ships worldwide) pansymaiden.com (US-based; ships worldwide) alternativeoutfitters.com (US-based; ships to 19 other countries) mooshoes.com (US-based; ships worldwide) herbivoreclothing.com (US-based; ships worldwide) meatfreeathletestore.com (US-based, ships worldwide) cowjonesindustrials.com (US-based; ships worldwide) compassionco.com (US-based, ships worldwide) zappos.com/vegan (US-based, no int'l shipping) animalrightstuff.com (US-based, not sure if they ship worldwide) susannichole.com (US-based, not sure if they ship worldwide) theethicalman.com (US-based, not sure if they ship worldwide) niceshoes.ca (Canada-based; ships worldwide) eco-vegan-shoes.com (UK-based; ships worldwide) wills-vegan-shoes.com (UK-based, ships worldwide) beyondskin.co.uk (UK-based; ships worldwide) ethicalwares.com (UK-based; ships worldwide) vegetarian-shoes.co.uk (Despite the name, all of their products are actually vegan. UK-based; ships worldwide) veganline.com (UK-based, ships to US and Europe) freerangers.co.uk (UK-based) ISSUES WITHIN THE ANIMAL RIGHTS MOVEMENT (especially important for future activists): humanemyth.org/advancedadvocacy.htm -- source link