4 Frequently Forgotten Cruelty-Free Shopping Tips

"Here are a few things to keep in mind when going cruelty-free that should save you more head-scratching moments."

4 Frequently Forgotten Cruelty-Free Shopping Tips

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.’

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.

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:

No Kill Redemption

Don’t Give Up! Learn How Not to Let Your Vegan Diet Make You Sick

Here is a terrific article for anyone who struggles with the food part of a vegan life:

Don’t Give Up! Learn How Not to Let Your Vegan Diet Make You Sick

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.

Is Horseback Riding Animal Exploitation?

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:

Horseback riding: Is it vegan?