9 posts tagged “veganism”
After a long and difficult labor... I have officially given birth to a new website.
I'm not actually sure how long it took (moving from one state to another tends to disrupt one's carefully laid out time-frame), but I've just finished all the finalization rituals (thank the cyber gods), and sent my legion of link-checking monkeys through the whole site to click on everything and test it out. Unfortunately, I don't have more than two different browsers on this laptop, so if you're using something besides Safari or Firefox - let me know how it displays for you! The W3C validator gave me the thumbs-up, so hopefully there won't be too much cross-browser variation (please please please).
Diehard fans my recognize some of the content from the recently deceased veganteen.net, please show reverence. Of course, I'm already planning the next update, and there are some exciting things to look forward to. Currently in the development stages are: a cooking show, a podcast, and a swag store (maybe I can actually profit from this time-consuming hobby, who knows). Hopefully those will be up in the next couple months or so... we are moving into a new house right now.
Anyway - take a look!
peace.
Slavery was once a socially accepted form of human exploitation. Exploitation of "inferior" humans, by "superior" humans. The movie Amazing Grace is about the abolition of slavery in England, a country that once relied heavily on the slave trade to run the plantations in its many colonies. The practice was an integral part of the British economy, yet it was rarely questioned by ordinary citizens because it seemed so far removed from their everyday lives. No one but the slave traders themselves saw the atrocities committed, yet everyone enjoyed the benefits of free labor.
Throughout the movie, particularly during descriptions of the conditions on slave ships and plantations, I noticed a number of parallels between this system (which we now find publicly abhorrent) and the factory farming industry (which the general public still finds acceptable). The only highly visible parts of both systems are their seemingly rewarding results. The questionable means to those ends are effectively hidden from the public. No one wants to ask where their cheap food is coming from.
"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian." - Paul McCartney
I recently read a book called The Omnivore's Dilemma, in which the author decides to thoroughly examine the food system at work in the United States. Although I didn't much enjoy his defensive attitude in dissembling the vegetarian movement, I would highly recommend the book to anyone who eats.
Maybe one day factory farming will be a social and economic practice just as frowned upon as slavery or child labor or *ahem* sexual discrimination.
By the way, besides being an abolitionist, William Wilberforce (the guy the movie is about) was a founding member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
peace.
Throughout the movie, particularly during descriptions of the conditions on slave ships and plantations, I noticed a number of parallels between this system (which we now find publicly abhorrent) and the factory farming industry (which the general public still finds acceptable). The only highly visible parts of both systems are their seemingly rewarding results. The questionable means to those ends are effectively hidden from the public. No one wants to ask where their cheap food is coming from.
"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian." - Paul McCartney
I recently read a book called The Omnivore's Dilemma, in which the author decides to thoroughly examine the food system at work in the United States. Although I didn't much enjoy his defensive attitude in dissembling the vegetarian movement, I would highly recommend the book to anyone who eats.
Maybe one day factory farming will be a social and economic practice just as frowned upon as slavery or child labor or *ahem* sexual discrimination.
By the way, besides being an abolitionist, William Wilberforce (the guy the movie is about) was a founding member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
peace.
It's that time of year again. The time of year we're all scrambling to get the best gifts at the best prices, and indulging in the usual holiday delicacies. Call me the Ghost of Christmas Conscience, but I simply must take this opportunity to blog my brains out on the tender subjects of both educated shopping and eating.
What We See
Brightly decorated store windows, displaying the latest merchandise, accompanied by big tantalizing SALE! signs. Hard to resist.
What We Get
(In most cases:) The products of unethical sweatshop labor. Read the tags on an item of clothing: MADE IN VIETNAM or CHINA or INDONESIA etc. The companies that stock most department stores export their labor to developing nations. Factories in those countries don't have to abide by the comparatively strict standards as factories in the United States. Conditions are appalling, wages are inadequate (to say the least), and many allow child
labor.
What To Do
The most powerful tool at any customer's disposal is the boycott. Don't buy from companies who exploit their workers. Often this is difficult considering the lack of accessible alternatives, but if we let obstacles like this stop us nothing will ever change.
Look for items that are specifically labeled "sweatshop free" or "fair trade." Support good industry with your money. Even if you can't always afford to buy ethically made, buy used. Make sure that the money paid for used items is not returning to the manufacturer.
What We See
Brightly decorated store windows, displaying the latest merchandise, accompanied by big tantalizing SALE! signs. Hard to resist.
What We Get
(In most cases:) The products of unethical sweatshop labor. Read the tags on an item of clothing: MADE IN VIETNAM or CHINA or INDONESIA etc. The companies that stock most department stores export their labor to developing nations. Factories in those countries don't have to abide by the comparatively strict standards as factories in the United States. Conditions are appalling, wages are inadequate (to say the least), and many allow child
What To Do
The most powerful tool at any customer's disposal is the boycott. Don't buy from companies who exploit their workers. Often this is difficult considering the lack of accessible alternatives, but if we let obstacles like this stop us nothing will ever change.
What We See
A delicious holiday feast, slow-roasted cut of meat at the center, surrounded by cheesy side dishes, followed by a rich chocolate dessert. Wish we could eat like this year round.
What We Get
The products of a factory farm or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). These are places where food animals are kept ankle deep in their own waste, and fattened on evolutionarily inappropriate diets. Take for example the cow, whose feed consists almost entirely of corn. Cows are not designed to eat corn, which is why the CAFOs must process the animals in as little time as possible, before they die of malnutrition. The rest of their
Oh, and did I mention that these operations are exempt from clean air and pollution policies?! They have virtually no restrictions to prevent them from dumping their toxic wastes right into the Gulf of Mexico. The animals, and the environment they live in, are both so full of chemicals that the manure they produce (which could be used as a valuable, free fertilizer for farming!) becomes a bio-hazard!
What To Do
I'm not going to proselytize veganism. I'm stating facts, not vilifying omnivores. After all, humans are omnivores. But this is wrong. There's a difference between sustainable farming - humans and animals in harmony - and factory farming - humans treating animals as brute commodities.
I will, however, implore you: do not support CAFOs with your money.
Find a nonindustrial farm, or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) near you. Buy your food animals and animal byproducts from a farmer who treats her or his livestock with respect. Unfortunately, the meat and eggs and milk and cheese in the supermarket do not come from sustainable farms, even if the label says "free range."
It honestly makes me sad when people won't research where their food and clothing come from. Ignorance is not bliss, and in the long run - we all suffer due to the lies behind our unexamined lives. Consumers ultimately rule when it comes to industry. Every dollar spent is a vote for what is was spent on. Don't let your power go to waste!
peace.
Yes, I am home-schooled. If you are, or were, home-schooled too - you will find
this list both hysterically funny and caustically accurate. If you are not, or never were, home-schooled - read it anyway. Think of it as a "learning experience", which we home-schoolers are quite fond of.
While I'm at it, let me add that the underlying tone of this list also applies beautifully to us vegans.
peace.
Greetings omnivores, I have a feeling you will enjoy this post.
Last week I was in Connecticut, visiting family. On a windy country road near my grandparent's house there is a family-owned organic farm stand and bakery called Holbrook Farm, where we were allowed to step out back and see some real free-range chickens.
Even if some egg cartons in the grocery store are marked "free-range", it doesn't mean the chickens that produced those eggs are humanely treated. The label "free-range" is virtually unregulated by the USDA, and the requirements are easily evaded by factory farmers.
At Holbrook we bought some fresh organic tomatoes, yogurt and feta cheese made from "happy" goat's milk, and one dozen beautiful eggs, two of which I ate for breakfast the next morning.
My beef is with the factory farming industry, if all animals were treated as well as these ones, I would not feel the need to be a vegan. (I'd be a vegetarian)
peace.
Last week I was in Connecticut, visiting family. On a windy country road near my grandparent's house there is a family-owned organic farm stand and bakery called Holbrook Farm, where we were allowed to step out back and see some real free-range chickens.
Even if some egg cartons in the grocery store are marked "free-range", it doesn't mean the chickens that produced those eggs are humanely treated. The label "free-range" is virtually unregulated by the USDA, and the requirements are easily evaded by factory farmers.
At Holbrook we bought some fresh organic tomatoes, yogurt and feta cheese made from "happy" goat's milk, and one dozen beautiful eggs, two of which I ate for breakfast the next morning.
My beef is with the factory farming industry, if all animals were treated as well as these ones, I would not feel the need to be a vegan. (I'd be a vegetarian)
peace.
For those reluctant to sacrifice the luxurious trim on the hood of their winter jacket, faux fur seems the ultimate compassionate alternative. Now, it seems, a guilt-free substitute can't always be guaranteed.
A recent study conducted by the US Humane Society reveals that a number of designer coats labeled "faux fur", or not labeled at all, were in fact trimmed with the fur of a member of the canine family, the raccoon dog. The brand names included Tommy Hilfiger, Sean John, Calvin Klein, and came from a variety of department stores such as JC Penny and Macy's. Most of the coats were made in China.
Currently the law prohibits the import or sale of dog and cat fur in the United States, but if the value of fur on an item is less than $150, no label is required. The raccoon dog is being added to the list of outlawed fur.
A recent study conducted by the US Humane Society reveals that a number of designer coats labeled "faux fur", or not labeled at all, were in fact trimmed with the fur of a member of the canine family, the raccoon dog. The brand names included Tommy Hilfiger, Sean John, Calvin Klein, and came from a variety of department stores such as JC Penny and Macy's. Most of the coats were made in China.
Currently the law prohibits the import or sale of dog and cat fur in the United States, but if the value of fur on an item is less than $150, no label is required. The raccoon dog is being added to the list of outlawed fur.
peace.
Before I begin, allow me first to elaborate upon my profound aversion to fast food. I have not set foot in a burger joint beyond the grease capacity of Panera Bread in about two years. For anyone having trouble kicking a french fry addiction, watch Morgan Spurlock's documentary/experiment Super Size Me just once. It will gross you out. The end.
So imagine my surprise, and skepticism, after reading an on-line article hailing the manifestation of the McVeggie Burger. Ok, I'm sure that vision was highly amusing, now try my countenance after reading that this soy patty from "McDeath" may actually be vegan. Yeah. Wow.
Time for some research. The McVeggie is currently on a test run in restaurants in southern California and Manhattan. I've read several articles, blogs, and the McDonalds website (not helpful - propaganda overload!) on the subject and the customer accounts vary from enthusiastic satisfaction to blatant disgust. Apparently, the veganism of this sandwich depends on the cooperation of the franchise you happen to be eating at. Some McManagers will have the patty cooked separately in the microwave or on an "uncontaminated" section of the grill as a matter of course, it's a meatless burger for a reason, right? While others indiscriminately let it sizzle in the same juices as the Big Mac. So, if you can guarantee that your burger is safe (good luck), you have nothing to fear from the bun, or the lettuce and tomato (duh). However, you'll have to order no condiments, as the barbecue sauce contains meat flavoring. And your side of crispy golden goodness is out of the question, McD's french fries aren't even vegetarian. They're sprayed with meat flavoring. Is that sick and wrong or what?
So imagine my surprise, and skepticism, after reading an on-line article hailing the manifestation of the McVeggie Burger. Ok, I'm sure that vision was highly amusing, now try my countenance after reading that this soy patty from "McDeath" may actually be vegan. Yeah. Wow.
Time for some research. The McVeggie is currently on a test run in restaurants in southern California and Manhattan. I've read several articles, blogs, and the McDonalds website (not helpful - propaganda overload!) on the subject and the customer accounts vary from enthusiastic satisfaction to blatant disgust. Apparently, the veganism of this sandwich depends on the cooperation of the franchise you happen to be eating at. Some McManagers will have the patty cooked separately in the microwave or on an "uncontaminated" section of the grill as a matter of course, it's a meatless burger for a reason, right? While others indiscriminately let it sizzle in the same juices as the Big Mac. So, if you can guarantee that your burger is safe (good luck), you have nothing to fear from the bun, or the lettuce and tomato (duh). However, you'll have to order no condiments, as the barbecue sauce contains meat flavoring. And your side of crispy golden goodness is out of the question, McD's french fries aren't even vegetarian. They're sprayed with meat flavoring. Is that sick and wrong or what?
When Burger King launched the BK Veggie Burger in 2002 it was met with great acclaim by PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), even though it's not vegan - the patty contains egg and the bun contains milk. You'd think by now the fast food chains would have noticed the eager audience they have in the veg-comunity. As consumers we vote with our money, companies will only sell what people will buy. If non-animal products are succussful on the menu, they'll stay on the menu and more will appear. Want to help the deep-vat-friers of the US get a clue? Order veggie burgers. They may not be perfect, but if no one's eating them, they never will be.
peace.
peace.
I've decided to use some of my Christmas cash to upgrade my Geocities site plan from the free one, to one that costs money. Oh yeah, and it has lots of new features too. Hm. Too bad I can't exactly use any of those fabulous new features, like the e-mail accounts and the extra space, and my DOMAIN NAME! This is why I hate the sticky icky web of files called the internet. Why do we humans let ourselves be so frustrated by our own inventions?!
So, I do have a website called: www.veganteen.net, but you can't see it. If you want to see what it's supposed to look like, click here. I'll let you know if when I get this all straightened out.
peace.
UPDATE: Everything's ok now, I e-mailed the problem to Yahoo! customer support and they fixed it right away. Thank you for being so patient during my little internet-rant. So, just click on either link above (or enter my wonderful easy to remember domain name) to see the site!
P.S.
I think I'll leave the computer killer up though, I kinda like it;p
I just finished this book (big surprise) on "vegan freakdom". It is an excellent guide to ethical veganism and the details pertaining to those principles, written in a very first hand, personal style by two ethical vegans, Jenna and Bob Torres. It is full of great resources and suggestions, and although I think it could have done without the profanity sprinkled throughout, the authors definitely make their point and defend it with solid arguments. There would be more vegans in the world if people were willing to investigate where their meat (and eggs and dairy) is coming from. Ignorance is bliss. After visiting a pleasant family farm on Sesame Street no one wants to see the processes in between happy cows in a pasture and happy burger with fries.
The same mindset goes for any commodity in the department store. How did it get there? Oh, from a factory I suppose. The consumer audience doesn't see the work going on backstage. All your toys and clothes and power-tools just appear on the store shelves, and wait until you come to buy them. Capitalism is the system at work in the US, private companies are owned by private individuals, they produce goods for private profits. Don't worry, I'm not going "corporate conspiracy" on you, capitalism is a free system for good reasons, but like every system, there are ways to take advantage of it. Monopolies are the magicians and just like in a magic show, "the hand is quicker than the eye". The only part of the trick we see is the result. Even the people involved in the process don't see the big picture. The factory worker, the delivery guy, are paid to do their jobs and go home.
Now I've gone way off track, sorry about that. All I have to say in closing is - think, question, and act. Don't take things for granted, or ignore the inconvenient facts. If you're already a vegan, or seriously considering becoming one,
I recommend this book. If you're merely curious, beware, this book will probably convert you!
peace.
The same mindset goes for any commodity in the department store. How did it get there? Oh, from a factory I suppose. The consumer audience doesn't see the work going on backstage. All your toys and clothes and power-tools just appear on the store shelves, and wait until you come to buy them. Capitalism is the system at work in the US, private companies are owned by private individuals, they produce goods for private profits. Don't worry, I'm not going "corporate conspiracy" on you, capitalism is a free system for good reasons, but like every system, there are ways to take advantage of it. Monopolies are the magicians and just like in a magic show, "the hand is quicker than the eye". The only part of the trick we see is the result. Even the people involved in the process don't see the big picture. The factory worker, the delivery guy, are paid to do their jobs and go home.
Now I've gone way off track, sorry about that. All I have to say in closing is - think, question, and act. Don't take things for granted, or ignore the inconvenient facts. If you're already a vegan, or seriously considering becoming one,
I recommend this book. If you're merely curious, beware, this book will probably convert you!
peace.
