Category: Ethical Practice

Shopping with a Conscience

6/15/2017

With vegan start-ups regularly being bought out by huge corporations, how can vegans make ethical purchases?

Q:
As a vegan, I try to make deliberate and informed choices. To that end, I have recently come across information that has left me a bit perplexed. It seems that quite a few vegan brands are being bought out by large corporations, some of which are involved in producing, processing, and supplying animal products -- the very products that we as vegans try not to support.

Hidden Ingredients

4/6/2017

Is it realistic to rebel against the minutia?

Q:
I have considered myself vegan for five and a half years now, consuming only plant-based foods and doing my best not to purchase products tested on animals or containing animal-derived ingredients unless absolutely necessary (such as pharmaceuticals). Lately, though, I've been wondering where to draw the line with the effort I make to live a compassionate lifestyle.

Cupcake Crisis

3/9/2017

An important part of parenting is teaching children how to make smart decisions.

Q:
My two children, ages eight and nine, and I have been vegan for five years. We love animals and feel a deep happiness knowing that we will not spend our money on anything that would increase their suffering. However, my children tell me “Mama, it's okay if we can eat the cupcakes at birthday parties because we didn’t buy the animal products, and it won’t lessen the animal’s suffering if I reject this one cupcake.”

The Art of Vegan Giving

12/12/2016

Gifts should be given freely from the heart, with no reservations.

Q:
Where should vegans draw the line on issues such as gift giving? For instance, what should I do if a family member requests a nonvegan present, such as leather gloves, and adamantly rejects a vegan alternative, such as fiber fleece gloves? Is it unethical to buy such a present if it is truly what the person wants?

Nonvegan Medications: Take or Avoid?

9/12/2016

Without self-love, our circle of compassion is incomplete.

Q:
I've been a strict vegan for many years in all respects but one: prescription medicines. If I don't take certain medications, I'm unable to function normally. So I continue to take them even though I know they contain animal products and were tested on animals.

Are Vegan Commodities Bad for the Environment?

7/17/2016

In terms of environmental ethics, which is worse: leather or synthetics?"

Q:
Since I became vegan, I have refused to buy leather or any other items made from animal skins. However, I'm very concerned about synthetic materials. In terms of environmental ethics, which is worse: leather products or synthetics?

Transitioning to Veganism

3/27/2016

Being vegan demands compassion for all life, especially those with the greatest need and the least resources.

Q:
I just started the transition into veganism. Rather than take it slowly, I'm jumping right in. I can't bear the thought of ever consuming animal products again, but I have a problem because I still possess items of animal origin.

Grassroots Vegan
Q&As

Shopping with a Conscience

Hidden Ingredients

Cupcake Crisis

The Art of Vegan Giving

Nonvegan Medications: Take or Avoid?

Are Vegan Commodities Bad for the Environment?

Transitioning to Veganism

Jo Stepaniak

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Grassroots Vegan​Q&As

Jo Stepaniak

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Grassroots Vegan
Q&As