***This contest is offically CLOSED!! Thank you for all of your wonderful entries, and we'll be having another one soon!***
Every month or two, the Vegan Etsy Team hosts a give-away challenge that awards a prize pack of vegan samples from its team members. This month's contest is held in honor of World Vegan Day, and also kicks off our daily blogging for VeganMoFo! Since it's all about tha vegan, you'll see why this month's challenge is...
The True Meaning of Veganism
• Start: Now
• End: November 31st
• The Prize:
a Vegan Etsy Team sampler pack full of handmade goodies contributed by Vegan Etsy Team members
• In a comment on this blog post, tell us why you are vegan (or want to / are working to be), why you think it's important, and what you feel it means in your life and in the lives of those around you. We ask that you keep this positive - veganism always should be! There is of course no "right" answer here. Veganism is a personal journey in which we all share a common goal.
• Each person can respond 1 time for 1 entry into the drawing. (But blog followers get double entry!!)
• All contestants will be assigned a number. These numbers will be placed into a random generator at the end of the contest to determine the winner.
• Please note you must have contact information! We can't make you the winner if we can't get in touch with you. If you do not have any contact information in your user profile, please include an email in your comment where you can be contacted to inform you of your winnings.
• The lucky winner will be announced in the first week of December. Good luck!
This contest's prize grab bag is sponsored by a number of our fantastic team members, including the Vegan Etsy Team Shop, Uber Duper Creations, Starrlight Jewelery, Veganessa, Pinkbubble Designs, and more!
62 comments:
Veganism has become a huge part of who I am. I think (hope) that I exemplify veganism in every facet of my life -- what I eat, what I purchase, and how I treat people and animals every day. I can't imagine living any other way now.
I became vegan following 13 years of vegetarianism after finally deciding to read into the farming industries; once I had that knowledge, I couldn't trick myself into denial anymore! Making myself even more aware of others' lives and well-being by trying in some small, personal way, to cut down on the cruelty was an important step; I really hope that this sort of positive attitude from vegans will one day seep into the brains of surrounding people too :)
I'm vegan as a compassionate choice ... I think that it's important to do anything you can to help reduce suffering in the world (a la World Peace Diet), and it just makes so much sense to reduce suffering every time you eat dinner. I think it's important because ultimately it impacts your outlook ... my bf went veg a year ago, and the other day we were talking about zoos, and he now "isn't comfortable with them." I was really struck by the impact of a compassionate lifestyle on our subconscious opinions.
People say my veganism inspires them (even though that makes me a little uncomfortable! It's not hard to be vegan!) and I really think it influences them to make more compassionate choices here and there.
I became vegan after straying from vegetarianism for a week when I was 19. It was then that I realized I could not ethically let another animal suffer for my sustenance, convenience, or fashion. It's been a long and great journey. I can honestly say that this is what I'll be for the rest of my life.
I'm a vegan because I believe animals are conscious feeling beings, our companions on this earth. I can't justify hurting them in any way. They make me happy and I am content to live peacefully along side them. :)
To be vegan means that I have respect for all living things. To be vegan means that I believe in a peaceful world in which I refuse to partake in an abusive and violent system. To be vegan means that I love Mother Earth and want to make as little impact on her as possible, but make a huge impact with her children (all living things). To be vegan means that I shook up my own way of thinking and now I work to shake up others. To be vegan means that I have discovered a hidden talent for cooking and gardening. To be vegan means that I can taste foods better because there is no nasty dairy coating my poor little tastebuds. To be vegan means that I can sleep better at night.
I'm vegan because I want to cause as little pain during my life as possible. If I can reduce the amount of suffering in the world by the simple act of being vegan then I will go through life knowing that I've made a difference.
The hypocrisy of most people's view of animals is appalling. They are happy to eat factory-farmed pigs, cows and chickens but shudder at the thought of eating cat or dog. This discrimination between animals has no rational basis. All deserve our love and respect.
My name is Andrew Morrison and I started off with a problem. A weight problem, like most of America today. Thing was, I actually wanted to do something about it instead of just wishing i could change. A friend of mine tried vegetarianism for a year and claimed they felt so much healthier after doing it. They eventually stopped it, but it gave me an idea. Starting on January 21st of 2010, I went vegetarian. I had wanted to do it earlier, but a friend invited me over for dinner and we had lasagna…no, not meatless lasagna.
I didn’t eat cheese, but did have things like ricotta pancakes, goat cheese, and a few baked stuff . But one day I decided that if i were to do this, i needed to go all the way. So I went for it all. In early April, I was a vegan. And from that January to April, I lost 80 lbs. I didn’t feel weak at all and actually had more strength and energy. I learned to do it without problems by reading other blogs and they helped so much with recipes and such. They helped out so much!
Veganism to me is a lot more than just a plate of raw vegetables. It is a complete life style full of new discoveries and foods I had never even heard of before, but now love. Yes, you can make awesome cookies without eggs. Yes, you can have the best muffins you have ever tried without milk. Yeah, pizza is still the best food in the world with a little Daiya cheese on it. Heck, even Oreos and most Pop-Tarts are vegan. And so is an awesome pumpkin pie i made a few weeks back!
I don’t eat junk all the time and though compassion has become another reason for staying vegan, health is still a big thing to me. I am going to be in my body for a while, so minus well take care of it, right? I try to keep things as natural as possible. I don’t even own any all purpose flour. I only use whole wheat. And I love making stuff from scratch.
I am 16, I’m a vegan, and I’m loving every minute of it…..
-Andrew "VegMuffinMan" Morrison-
the626drew@gmail.com
I went vegetarian at age 1 because I didn't like meat and went vegan at 35 because of my son's food allergies. Now that I'm more educated on all the other reasons to be vegan, I have different reasons for staying a vegan. I'm also vegan because I want to be the best I can be. I learned how to be a better cook and bake as a vegan and I love the food.
I am vegan because I do not believe that there is any humane way to make money off of animals, no matter what “humane meat” promoters say, and I don’t want to feed into any industry that tries to do so. I think veganism is important because, though most people say “to love others you must first love yourself,” I disagree. I think that to love yourself you must first love others, and for me that was a love of animals shown through veganism (and other life choices). It means everything in my life--in short, promoting the vegan movement and helping the wellbeing of animals everywhere is my reason for living. For those around me this means raising awareness about industry practices they would otherwise never know about, and thus raising compassion.
I am vegan because want to show my daughter how important it is to be compassionate in everything you do. It was so great realizing that there are so many ways for people to live cruelty-free lives.
Even though veganism is new in my life, just 1 year today, I know if has helped me regain discipline and order in my life. It has helped me appreciate the whole foods that God has created in addition to whole grains and all natural foods.It has made me realize how important eating well and what is going on to poor animals is huge! It is a day to day path that I see becoming the rest of my life. noellsky (at) gmail (dot) com
After years of going back and forth between vegetarian and pescatarian, I became a vegan on 15 february 2009 for health, environmental, and animal rights reasons. It was truly the best decision I ever made--I will never go back.
xoxo,
LJ
i was vegan a long time before i embraced veganism. as a young child, it really bothered me to eat meat, especially chicken legs.....i'm so happy that so many are joining me in what has felt so right for so long.
vegansoapkitchen at gmail.com
I switched to veganism 11 years ago mainly for health/environmental reasons. But I've reached a point where I feel comfortable including ethics as a reason. These are all important to me.
There are many who don't fully understand the whys, but I know that they admire the will and conviction they see.
i'm working towards veganism because i believe it takes your body less energy to properly digest plant based foods. and, i love furry animals! and scale-y ones! and feathery ones! etc.etc.etc.
How fun! Veganism has been very important to me since I became vegan when I was 17, I was already veg for 4 years then, and remember learning about Factory Farming and connecting with the Farm Animals at the school I went to in VT. I feel good knowing that my diet and personal choices help animals and the environment. I love sharing vegan recipes, foods, and ideas w/friends and family and my vegan cooking/baking is improving, there are so many delish and healthy vegan foods! :0)
I am vegan first and foremost for animal rights. Veganism has become a very large part of my life. I was vegetarian first then about a year later went vegan once I started to read up on even more issues. What is really amazing about veganism is that not only do you help animals, but veganism is also great for the environment, planet, and human health and rights. I like to say veganism is a win-win-win-win-win lifestyle! The world definitely needs more vegans and vegan stereotypes need to be broken down so many can learn about true veganism and how positive it is in all aspects of life.
If you are thinking of going vegan or need some vegan support, feel free to stop by http://whatsavegan.tumblr.com
It's a place to spread the vegan love :)
I became vegan because I love animals. I was vegetarian because I didn't want to eat them but didn't realize how eating other animal products harmed animals until I did more research. Education is important.
bittofraw@gmail.com
AWESOME give-away!
Veganism for me is all about treading as gently as possible on this earth. I don't want my existence to be the result of another's suffering.
What a great and generous giveaway! <3
For me veganism is a constant choice I'm making. It's about doing the best that I can to show my respect and compassion for every living thing.
(Oh and I just realized that blog followers get double entires, so I'm shamelessly posting again... Thank you so much! You're awesome!)
I went (and stay) vegan because I believe that causing intentional harm to anyone is wrong. I wouldn't kill a person or keep them in cages or force them to give me their food, so it doesn't make sense to me to do that to animals. I think compassion is one of the most important things we can give to the people and world around us, so I act on that. I like to think that in living a compassionate life, I inspire others to start thinking the same way.
Oh, I just noticed phoenix's comment--followers get double entries? You all are too awesome ^_^
Veganism for me means that I don't have to question what I'm putting in my body or the impact that it may have on others. It also means a varied diet and striving for health. Most of my friends are not vegan, so I try to be the "normal" vegan who doesn't put anyone else out due to my needs.
thank you for this awesome giveaway:)
veganism for me is to appreciate all lives (including mine) and be kind to animals (human, non-human), the earth and my body.
It's been over a year since I became vegan after several years of being vegetarian, but I haven't felt great like this whole my life.
My father went vegetarian when he was 17, so growing up, the idea wasn't completely foreign to me. He didn't raise us vegetarian, nor was he especially vocal in his beliefs, but the idea was always there, in the background. I guess you could say that he planted a seed, but through actions rather than words. He taught us to relocate "problem" animals rather than kill them, and to respect "even" the smallest of creatures, like bugs. Occasionally, he'd remind us that the "meat" we were eating was once a living, breathing, sentient being, with a life, a will and a family of her own.
My siblings and I also grew up with a menagerie of "pets": dogs, mostly (and mostly adopted in pairs), but also cats, rabbits, fishes, turtles, and birds. We'd rescue and attempt to rehab injured sparrows; those who could not fly found a forever home with us. Those animals who had to be confined to cages and aquariums in the house inspired guilt in all of us, and we'd try to let them run free(r) whenever possible: during the summer, Henry the turtle spent his days in a larger kiddie pool outside, and Pokey the rabbit was relocated to a spacier enclosure in the backyard (all supervised, of course!). Even the grounded sparrows got to hop around the yard - usually using the nearest human as a perch - while his babysitter read a book or talked on the phone.
During my high school years, the incongruity of claiming to "love" some animals while eating the flesh of others began to gnaw at me. I knew, deep down, that my actions were wrong, and yet I fought against this realization for what now feels like the longest time; I guess I just didn't want to face the "inconvenience" of giving up meat.
Then one night, my freshman year of college, I was at work - I worked at a grocery store - and the managers were throwing an "employee appreciation" party. All you can eat food, including copious amounts of meat: hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken. I can remember thinking, great, a hundred people stuffing their faces full of food that they don't necessarily need or even want, just because it's "free." But free for whom? Certainly not the animals. It's hard to explain in words, but it just hit me, then; I had my proverbial lightbulb moment. Without much obvious forethought for planning, I "gave up" meat right there, on the spot. I've never regretted it, backslid or had a second thought.
It took me longer to embrace and transition towards veganism, but it was much the same process. Gradually, I learned - and came to accept - how all animal industries objectify, enslave and exploit animals, and realized that, given a choice, no true animal lover could possibly support this. For me, veganism is about justice and peace, for humans and nonhumans, as well as the environment in which we all live. Violence and oppression poisons everyone and everything in its path: most obviously those who are marginalized and exploited, but also those who do the marginalizing and exploiting. Those who look at a pig or a cow (or a cat or a rat) and see a "lowly" animal whose only purpose for existence is to serve man - or, worse yet, see an object or a piece of property no different than a television - are missing out. They're incomplete. Humans are animals - and when we deny our kinship with our nonhuman brothers and sisters, we turn our backs on an essential piece of ourselves.
Now I can look at you in peace. I don’t eat you any more.
- Franz Kafka, to a fish
I feel so incredibly enriched to have known, loved and shared my life with my nonhuman friends.
Now that I've made a commitment to live as vegan a life as possible, I can finally look at them in peace.
I am vegan because I refuse to hurt or kill animals for my own pleasure, food or other reasons. I don't see any reasons why humans should exploit, hurt or kill animals. I think that being vegan isn't about perfection. It is a journey and it is about making the best possible choices that we can. We live in a modern society surrounded by animal by-products. We can only do our best, be a good example and educate people about vegan alternatives for most things that we use in our everyday lives, not just in or diet.
What a cool contest! I'm vegan because I one day I made a huge connection between my beagle and a pig, he is about the same size and makes the same grunting sounds that a pig does. I love him more than anything and it seemed so unfair to eat pigs and spoil a beagle when they are the same thing. Once I went vegan I fell in love with cooking and learned so much about the environment, animal rights, and health issues that I could never go back.
I began being vegan for health reasons. You see, I have always been prone to kidney infections and going veg was the most practical option for me. Now that I have been vegan for a moment, I enjoy it. Also, after reading Eating Animals, I don't think I would go back to an omni diet again.
I see veganism as part of social justice intersectionality in general. Fighting oppression includes that of nonhuman animals.
sisuzine at gmail dot com.
I'm vegan because I never want to restrict my compassion. Being vegan is the best thing for animals, the environment, my own health, and other humans. It's an ethical foursome!
For me, being vegan is about living a conscious life. Considering the impact of my choices and making the best decisions I can, for my health, the planet and the animals.
Knowing that my choices don't cause harm to others allows me to live each day with joy.
Bit by bit my eyes have been opened to the realities of meat and dairy farming. I can't consume these products in good conscience. It is a wonderful bonus to feel so much healthier while doing what I know is right!
I am becoming a vegan because I want to not only improve my life and my son's life, but the life of many animals who are killed and tortured when there is no need for it. By not contributing to that torture I feel like I am doing something really good for all living creatures. With my becoming a vegan and raising my son to see how being compassionate is the way to go I can spread the love to him.
Two Years Ago I got dumped for the first time in my life after thanksgiving. I soothed my ego with thai food. While I indulged in the green curry chickens the meat taken from my freezer and put in my fridge intended for intimate dinners for two turned grey and then green as a visual symbol of my deadening soul. Haven't had a taste for meat since.
The transition to Vegan is new- this month for Vegan Mofo! It came about when my yoga teacher was complaining about the lack of energy she was feeling from her vegan experiment and how she felt she wasn't getting enough protein. All the omnivores went on and on about how it must be so hard for her to which I said "pfft we're in Toronto, Vegan is easy in Toronto" pissing everyone off in the process.
Then I got to thinking... how would I know? So I'm committing to trying it out this month, blogging about it and plan to adopt "the lifestyle" if it goes well. So far, so good.
My veganism is the result of a life long commitment to stick up for all of the voiceless beings with which we share this plant. I abstain from all animal products and by-products because I cannot consciously contribute to an industry that values profit over life (that of fellow humans AND animals). I believe in the natural rights of every given creature, and strive to share these values with others. Just because animals can't SAY no, doesn't mean they want to be tortured, mutilated, slaughtered and eaten.
I became vegan because I believe in nonviolence. I don't want to participate in the violence or oppression of other creatures. Becoming vegan was flat out the best decision I've ever made.
My husband and I first became vegan for health reasons. It just made sense/ Eventually I started reading more information and learned about the cruelty of animal production. At this point, I would say that that is the main reason why we are vegans.
I have been a vegetarian for 20 years (since i was 12) and I keep trying to make the jump to vegan. I stopped eating meat beacuse of the cruelty involved, and this is why I want to be vegan too. Its also just wrong and creepy to drink another animals milk (made for their babies).
thanks
meangreenom[at]gmail[dot]com
I'm a blog follower too :)
meangreenom[at]gmail[dot]com
I've been a vegan for the past four years because it's important to be to live a cruelty-free life to the best of my abilities. In addition to helping animals, veganism is also a much healthier lifestyle choice and is way better for the planet! I love being vegan and I'm sure that I will be for the rest of my life.
(I signed in with my google email account so I hope there is a way for you to contact me through that if I win, but just in case that doesn't work, then my PPK username is AvocadoAddict. Thanks!)
I'm vegan because I'm sensitive! I love my pets, friends and family so much that I can't imagine living a life that causes purposeful harm to anyone or anything. The bonus is is great health too...win win!
Becoming a Vegan is a journey I've been on for years. Vegetarian eating came naturally, I felt best on a meat free diet and did it more for health reasons than anything.
Then I read the book "Skinny Bitch".
It completely changed my life. When the realities of factory farming are presented to you in a no nonsense, in your face, manner, there is no more rationalizing the awful truths we all try to gloss over in our minds.
Since then, I've become much more informed and involved in several animal rights/rescue organizations and Veganism is the only ethical choice there is if you pay attention to how industrial farming is affecting the environment, the economy, our health and most importantly the welfare of the animals raised in unspeakable conditions. Not only is meat murder, milk is murder!
It's definately a process but,the more informed you get, not to mention all of the meat/milk substitutes that are available now, make it a whole lot easier.
I am just so inspired by everything that has been written! I went vegan for health reasons and I am nothing short of amazed of the difference it has made in my physical health. What I didn't expect was that it would also make such a difference for me spiritually to adopt a lifestyle that values all life. I am early on in this journey, but I can't imagine going back.
mlb405 (at) gmail (d0t) com
This is my second entry for being a follower of your blog :-)
I've been vegan for the same number of years I've been a bellydancer: 8. For me, veganism and bellydancing go hand in hand in creating a happy, healthy, and strong body. If I win, please email me at: smilingvegan@gmail.com Good luck to everyone!
To me, veganism is the natural extension of my compassion for all living beings. It makes me feel joyful to live a life of abundance - eating delicious plant foods. When I visit sheep, pigs, cows, chickens, and turkeys at animal sanctuaries, I can pet them without guilt. I can laugh when they do something funny, and I can enjoy the quiet with them when they are still.
I am vegan because I can be. Why cause unnecessary suffering and pain to living creatures when there is another alternative?! I absolutely love being vegan, celebrating amazing plant-based food, and being able to stare a turkey in the eye. :)
Also a blog follower! :)
I believe in a Vegan diet and lifestyle because it is kind to the environment, people and animals. I have been Vegan for many years and have my family on board as well.
avennett AT verizon DOT net
I follow the Vegan Etsy blog
avennnett AT verizon DOT net
At first my family became vegetarian for health reasons. After doing a ton of research, we decided to try veganism. That was 15 months ago. Becoming vegan was a catalyst to a healthier lifestyle. We look great, and feel amazing.
I am vegan because it is the most consistent and efficient way to apply my values. I am grateful every day for having discovered this path and I'll have been vegan for 16 years on Feb. 1. I am now proud to be raising a child who is also a passionate advocate for all! Marla@veganstreet.com
I am vegan out of compassion. Compassion for other living beings, our planet and my own body.
I also follow your blog!
I grew up in a half-vegetarian family, but became completely vegetarian (left out fish) about 10 years ago. I'm allergic to eggs and milk, so that part came naturally - also to my family, as they were used to baking everything egg-free since I was a baby.
My reasons for eating a vegan/vegetarian diet are all ethical - I just couldn't eat animals of any kind. Any other things that follow (environmental, health, etc) are just a bonus. :)
Oh yippie, I'm subscribed to the blog, too!
I went veg at 15 because I just couldn't understand why we would eat animals. It just hit me, like I woke up from a deep sleep or something where no one questioned anything. Then, 14 years later went vegan. As a vegetarian I really thought I was making a positive difference for animals, but I learned about the dairy industry & knew I had to eliminate it forever. Becoming a mother only reinforced that for me. Veganism is like a present I give to myself, and to my family, every day. Making positive choices, living without violence, it's such a happy thing!
The health bennies and environmental kindness is just extra.
Well I actually have a video i made explaining why i'm vegan, very recently. Does that count? :)
Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w7I-tw8BBM
I'm vegan because I want to keep God's temple, my body, clean. I strive to honor God by what I put into my body, through food, exercise, or filtering what enters my mind. czbteach@msn.com
Post a Comment