To Vegan or Not To Vegan

Well, that’s not exactly the question because I’m not even sure if I’m asking myself to give up anything. In fact, I’m NOT asking myself to give up anything. What I am doing is looking at a few things I’ve heard lately (factory farming to name one – a term I had never even heard of nearly a month ago), doing a little research and examining my conscience (Are animals grossly mistreated in our culture? Does it matter? Can I live with this mistreatment? Does it impact me or the culture I live in?).

I’ve heard stories about how cows are mishandled and torn from their babies over and over so I can have a slice of cheese. I want to know if this is true. Is it true everywhere or just in a few places? Do I have options that DON’T involve inflicting suffering on cows? (Which, by the way, are very intelligent creatures, capable of remembering faces and learning what their ‘name’ is and coming to someone when they are called. Would I be ok with someone treating my beloved pet dog this way?)

I have decided to not buy products tested on animals. While it means I am having to give up some old favorites and find new ones (I loved my Pantene shampoo and L’oreal), it also means I have the satisfaction of knowing products I consume, which are NOT necessary for my survival, have not caused suffering or pain on any living thing just so they could end up in my cabinet. It was an easy decision and one I’m happy with making.

And for the veganism? Well, I don’t know about that. I do know I want to make conscientious and compassionate choices. I don’t want to think of animals in horrible conditions, miserable, in agony and unable to live life as they should just so I can eat a cheeseburger. So I don’t know what will come of this. But since I’ve been exposed to these ideas, I have to research for myself and weigh whatever I learn with what feels right for me.

I’m starting with watching the movie Food, Inc. Then I’ll probably start looking at the humane society’s website, as well as doing a little extra “googling” myself. From there? Who knows… But I plan on blogging about it and taking you with me on this journey. Buckle up, tune in and speak out! Tell me what you think and what you know!