Month: May 2011

I am not a vegan because I "love animals"

Let me clarify: I am not a vegan because I “love animals”. Rather, veganism is about justice. It is not a “lifestyle choice”. It is not a “personal preference”. Veganism is not about you or me at all. It is about the fundamental right of nonhumans not to be used, owned, labeled, branded, enslaved, exploited and generally commodified to serve our interests and convenience.
~ Kerry Wyler (May 29, 2011)

This year I've basically become a vegetarian since the only meat I'm eating is from animals I've killed myself

This year, my personal challenge is around being thankful for the food I have to eat. I think many people forget that a living being has to die for you to eat meat, so my goal revolves around not letting myself forget that and being thankful for what I have. This year I’ve basically become a vegetarian since the only meat I’m eating is from animals I’ve killed myself. So far, this has been a good experience. I’m eating a lot healthier foods and I’ve learned a lot about sustainable farming and raising of animals.

I started thinking about this last year when I had a pig roast at my house. A bunch of people told me that even though they loved eating pork, they really didn’t want to think about the fact that the pig used to be alive. That just seemed irresponsible to me. I don’t have an issue with anything people choose to eat, but I do think they should take responsibility and be thankful for what they eat rather than trying to ignore where it came from.
~ Mark Zuckerberg (May, 2011)

I am an atheist and a vegan because I believe in equality

I am an atheist because I do not believe in superior beings, and I am a vegan because I do not believe in inferior ones.

Think, then Go Vegan!

It shouldn't matter what other human or nonhuman animals do or do not do

It shouldn’t matter what other human or nonhuman animals do or do not do. All that should matter is what YOU do and how YOU feel when you do it. I for one am vegan—which means I do my very best each day to avoid exploiting others (humans and nonhumans alike)—because it makes me feel like I am making a difference in this world by standing up for the rights of others not to be slaves. And I truly believe I am making a difference. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Think, then Go Vegan!

The only logical and rational way to react

I’m vegan because it is the only logical and rational way to react to the knowledge that other beings are sentient and suffer and do not wish to be treated the way they are.
~ Kate Roberts (April 27, 2011)

There are many ways it could be done more humanely

Now, I don’t believe that humans were never supposed to have consumed animals or used their by-products. We needed to, for shelter, food, tools, and much more. Some cultures still need to for survival. But I believe that as humans become more humane, and despite all the evil deeds that still go on in the world, we have evolved and it’s part of our path to move away from animal products. Maybe we’re meant to use some animal by-products—eggs and milk and wool (though dairy has the protein casein, a proven cancer promoter)—but to do it without cruelty could perhaps only be accomplished on a small farm. The size and needs of our society make it difficult to meet demand. But still, there are many ways it could be done more humanely, even with mass production, though the agriculture lobby is strong and resistant.
~ Val Brown (April 29, 2011)