You mean I can’t have that?

When I made the decision to stop eating meat, it was a choice for my HEALTH, rather than the environment. While my personal views have morphed as I learn more about the vegan movement, I find that the “health” I was seeking has done the same. I started by reading a book that COMPLETELY changed my view of the food world: Skinny Bitch. It piqued my interest enough for me to stop eating meat, fish, eggs and milk. AND I started trying to eliminate animal products and byproducts from their diet. I had heard through the grapevine that there were two great resources that could help me: Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World (Tofu Hound Press) and 2006 Shopping Guide For Caring Consumers (Shopping Guide for Caring Consumers). Because there are SO many different products out there, it’s important to know what you’re buying. Vegan Freak talks mostly about transitioning into Veganism, and was an absolutely lifesaver for me, especially living with a non-vegan (sometimes) hubby. It gives advice about how to rid your life of leather, wool and silk garments and shoes. How to deal with leather furniture, bags and all other manner of animal products. I personally don’t have unlimited monetary resources, so I chose to rid my closet of as much as I could, and made a decision to continue to wear my leather and wool until it needs to be replaced (I’m a poor starving college student, after all). When people find out that I’m vegan, I get some funny looks because of this, but I calmly explain that part of veganism is conservation of our resources. I’m conserving my tiny little bank account, thank you very much. As I go forward in shopping adventures, I am careful to read labels and buy products that are synthetic or cotton. It’s actually been pretty easy, and I’ve found some REALLY cute things for cheap. I’ve also made a rule that if I find an animal friendly garment that could replace a wool or leather piece (didn’t have any silk), I will donate the old piece to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. The shopping guide helps me to make good decisions about which brands I support with my hard-earned money. It lists the brands that DO NOT test on animals, which is helpful if you are trying to avoid products that harm. I carry the shopping guide with me, or reference it before I leave the house. These two books are indispensable to me, and have made my transition SO much easier.

Tagged as: Vegan