Animal cruelty, climate change, monoculture...the list goes on.

[ChrissyStar]

I feel hopeless and have decided not to have children because of the state of the world (why would I wish to bring a child into this when I myself, do not like to live here?). Does anyone else feel the same?

[BeKindRewind4Life]

Hi,

Sorry I didn't respond right away as I've been travelling up and down the coast of Tasmania so a bit tired, off again tomorrow 🙂

I saw it asked, what the transition was like for me becoming vegan? Well I turned fully vegetarian in about 2006, from being pescatarian (fish) for a long time. It also took a long time to fully transition to veganism, as turning vegan isn't something I could dive into without a lot of education, and trial and error as when I was younger I didn't take to time to carefully read about everything my body needed. I went from being a vegetarian to a vegan over a number of years and not months as others, I have been fully vegan for around a decade now. Back when I started to become vegan the choice in vegan foods other than fresh (which is the best) wasn't that great. I also took a long time to learn to eat the right foods high in B vitamins, proteins and iron. I once met a girl who worked in a cafeteria, and she told me she "was vegan" but stopped being vegan for health reasons, which I found interesting. Whilst I'm sure people can transition much faster than I did, I feel education is very important in becoming vegan, from a ethical standpoint as well as a health based one.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi BeKindRewind4Life (waves to beautiful birdy, ChrissyStar and all),

No apology needed. Just reply when and if you’re feeling up to it 😉 I hope your coastal travels are going well. It must be so picturesque, even if it’s tiring at times...

Thank you so much for answering my question. I really appreciate it!

Yes, I imagine it must have been harder to go vegan 10 years ago than it is now in the year 2018. It sounds like it has been quite a transition and evolution for you...from pescatarian to vegetarian to vegan 🙂 But I feel the most important part is you transitioned in a way that worked for you personally.

I agree with you that education is important. I personally feel self education should be an ongoing/continual process so we can continue to make more informed choices and/or changes.

I read before that one common issue is when people transition into a vegan diet that there’s a lack of education/misconceptions about vegan nutrition. It’s not that the vegan diet itself is problematic but it has more to do with a lack of understanding of what constitutes a healthy vegan diet.

So despite good intentions, some really well meaning people may not make the healthiest decisions because of a gap in nutrition knowledge. This is largely why I’m being somewhat pedantic about the nutrition aspect. Lol.

For me, motivation is not an issue and food cravings aren’t really an issue either...it’s more figuring out the practical aspect of this transition that is (admittedly) overwhelming me a little. Sighs..

I suppose it’s about more conscious decision making. That’s how I’m beginning to perceive veganism, that is, I see it as making certain decisions and changes to try to minimise harm to animals to the best of our ability, given our existing knowledge (that we can continue to update) and available resources at the time.

Then there’s, yes, my own personal feelings of guiltt, which is something that I’m still wrestling with...I feel it’s something that I’m just going to have to sit with, and will hopefully learn to manage better as time passes...

I hope you get some rest in between all that travelling 🙂 A big thank you again (thank you to you too, birdy!)

Pepper xoxo

[Birdy77]

Hello everyone 😊

It's great to hear from you again BeKindRewind4Life. I hope you are enjoying your travels. I always think of Tassie as being such a place of extremes, eg I imagine it to be a wonderful home & place of solace to those with any kind of 'hippie' sensibilities, love of the wilderness & nature & alternative ways of living & also a place where those on a different place on the spectrum find their livelihoods, in forestry work, mining, fishing etc.

You've had quite a journey into veganism. I jumped right in and learnt (am learning, always learning) on the fly, probably not as educated as you are on the finer points of nutrition, but for me it was a leap of passion, work out the details later kind of thing. I admire your meticulousness and thoroughness.

Dear Pepper ❤, I completely understand everything you wrote (are you sick of me saying that all the time 😁).

I am so sorry it feels lonely. But it is lonely. "It's easy to stand with the crowd. It takes courage to stand alone"(Gandhi) for what you believe is right.

I understand the fine line you mention & I don't know of a way around it yet. The problem lies in the fact that the practices we are against, are just everyday, inherently ingrained practices that most people do not even think about. It is only when they meet someone talking about the issues that it even occurs to them that what they have on their plate or in their lunchbox is the result of the cruelty we are against. It is confronting for them I think & there can be defensiveness/anger, assuming we are criticising them.

It is hard. It hurts ... having to explain to 97% of the people we know why we are against cruelty.

We've had friends pretty much shun us when they learned we've gone vegan, out come the reasons why you shouldn't or "jokes" about their meat & where it comes from. Other thinking friends have been inspired to make positive changes.

We've had family look disgustedly at us (& mother-in-law cry) when we said we'll bring food to share to family dos, (to them we're criticising them & their cooking).

"Let them look askance at you/And you askance reply" ...!

I have had to delete a lot of my reply to you Pepper, I keep running out of characters. I will write more another time.

Wanted to mention, if you go to Animals Australia website they will send you a free vegan starter pack. They also have a cookbook, simple recipes called Taste For Life.

For a wry laugh, check out Vegan Sidekick.

I'm here for you. I get it.

🌻birdy

[Peppermintbach]

Hi ChrissyStar, BeKindRewind4Life and all,

Beautiful birdy: No, of course I’m not sick of you saying that you understand 😉

If anything, it’s very comforting and reassuring to have your deep understanding. Thank you so very much 🙂 Your insight and understanding is always appreciated..

Yes, it is a fine line. I agree with you that the defensiveness partly stems from feeling confronted/unexpectedly challenged about things that most people don’t usually question...

Plus I feel perhaps animal welfare and animal rights can feel removed from (some) people’s personal experience because animals can be seen as the “other” in (some) people’s eyes. As in I think some people perceive animals as not “one of us” (or not human) therefore maybe it’s easier for some people to emotionally disconnect for that reason...just my thoughts anyway...I think that’s why I really like how you describe the choices that you make as an expansion of love 🙂

I feel saddened by some of the responses of your friends. It must hurt or at least feel frustrating to have friends poke fun at what you so passionately believe in and are committed too...

Although it is very heartening to see you have other friends who are much more supportive friends 🙂

Yes, I remember you have mentioned your mother-in-law’s response before. I feel perhaps it’s because she isn’t really looking at things from the animals’ perspectives...she seems to be looking at it from her own perspective in the sense of how she feels your choices “affect” her.

To her, it’s an affront to her and her cooking skills rather than understanding that it’s not about her. It’s about you and your partner making a conscious decision to act on something you both truly believe in. Speaking of which, I think it’s courageous that you both stand by what you believe in 🙂

Thank you so much, I have had a quick browse on Animals Australia, and might get through it bit by bit 🙂 It seems very comprehensive.

Funny you mentioned the vegan sidekick, I actually accidentally stumbled upon it recently (even before you mentioned it). Lol!

I feel I’m (slowly) learning. There’s a lot to digest, analyse and reflect upon. The feelings of loneliness isn’t exactly fun but I figure, I will get used to it over time. It really helps to have this outlet here to be able to talk...

I look forward to reading whatever else it is you wanted to write about 🙂 Your comments, insight, etc are always valued and most welcome...

Love,

Pepper xoxo

[Birdy77]

Hello ChrissyStar and everyone here 😊

Dear Pepper ❤ I just felt like holding out my hand for you to hold in case you needed to know a friend is close by.

I saw a poster the other day that said something like "New vegans, remember: it's okay if you screw up; it's ok if it takes time; it's okay if your friends think you're weird. You're doing the right thing." I thought of you (i often do - even my partner said the other night when I was trying a new recipe "wouldn't it be cool if we could invite Pepper for dinner to try this?" True story 😊).

Try not to feel too overwhelmed by everything. Just do your best, bit by bit ... it will fall into place eventually. E.g. some food labels say "may contain ..." and it might feel too hard to avoid them at first. It's ok. It will be an evolving thing, just be gentle with yourself knowing that you are allowing your compassion to guide you.

Don't forget you can ask me anything and I will always try to help you, if I can.

It must be almost time for your consultation with your nutritionist. I hope that gives you a bit more confidence.

Glad you found vegan sidekick. His sardonic wit is so in-your-face and 100% true.

Do you like pad thai? If so, I will share a simple recipe with you. I promise even you could cook it.

I can't remember the other things I was writing to you the other day that I had to delete, but they'll come back some time.

Just let your gentle and beautiful heart guide you my friend. I'm right beside you.

Love,

🌻birdy

[Peppermintbach]

Hi ChrissyStar, BeKindRewind4Life and all,

Beautiful birdy: Your hand of friendship is very gratefully accepted. Thank you so very much, your post brought tears to my eyes...you’re a truly kind and inspiring friend. Thank you also for thinking of me...

I smiled at your loving partner’s
kind and generous comment 🙂 So there were both tears and big smiles as I read your very compassionate post...I love how you are always experimenting with new recipes. How did that one go, speaking of which?

Half the time, I have no idea what I’m doing. The other half of the time, I’m still figuring out what I’m doing. Lol.

Yes, you’re completely right in saying that this is a gradual thing. I agree with you there 🙂

In theory, I understand this but in practice, I do find aspects of it overwhelming. Just the sheer amount of information and labels to figure out...

On the plus side, even if this is a tad embarrassing to admit, I learnt in the last 2 weeks that there is actually a difference between the cruelty-free and vegan classification on makeup and skincare in Australia (I think?). Ignorant and naive me thought that the 2 classifications meant the same thing.

Apparently not...

I learnt that, in Australia, the vegan classification on beauty/skincare products means it contains no animal ingredients or derivatives (but it could still have been tested on animals). Whereas, the CF label means no animal testing (but it can still contain animal ingredients and derivatives). So ideally what I’m looking for is one that is both cruelty free and vegan as that would mean no animal testing and no use of animal ingredients or derivatives.

As for food, I figure most fresh fruit and veggies are a safe bet plus raw nuts and legumes. I’m still figuring out bread, pasta, etc where there’s a whole list of ingredients that I vaguely recognise but don’t always know what they mean.

So, yes, it’s an ongoing learning experience...sometimes confusing and sometimes (very) frustrating but it is a rewarding feeling when I think that I’ve learnt something new 🙂

I think time and patience (that I’m sorely lacking at times lol) will help...

Yes, I love pad thai! I would be happy if you felt like sharing it some time....

Thank you again for your beautiful encouragement and support, especially when I know you’re doing it tough...if you ever want to talk about anything, my heart (plus many others here) is always open to you. But that said, no pressure at all of course...

Love,

Pepper xoxox

[Birdy77]

Hi ChrissyStar and everyone here 😊

Dear Pepper ❤

I know it can feel really overwhelming, trying to understand it all at once. I'm still learning too. The important thing is to realise you can't do it all perfectly, & that that is ok ... perfection is unattainable & if perfectionism sneaks in, everything can feel like a burden & one might think "why bother at all?"

Just allow your compassion to guide you & continue to do your best. That's all we're ever doing: our best to not contribute to and pay for/fund the exploitation & suffering of innocent animals.

You're doing really well, learning new things as you go, & that's the best way to do it. You simply can't do it all straight up unless you go live in the wilderness & eat kale with a side of lettuce & live in a tent woven from organically grown grasses & let birds nest in your hair while you meditate.

I'm just reminding you to go easy on yourself as your heart expands with the growing depth & width of your compassion.

With processed food, there are so many additives/preservatives & whatnot that you simply can't learn all at once, so do not give yourself a headache by trying. Reading labels in the supermarket is just something to get used to. Thankfully there are quite a few pastas now that have no animal content (even lasagne sheets & canneloni tubes, yippee!). Bread, I started making my own for a while, because it was doing my head in! I still make my own wraps/flatbreads, but there are a quite a few breads that are vegan friendly.

With the skincare/beauty products, you are right that cruelty free does not equal vegan. Cruelty Free certified products have not been tested on animals, but may (or may not) have animal products or derivatives in them.

And yes, there are products out there that are "accidentally vegan" that are not necessarily cruelty-free (ie they happen to not contain animal products, but still may have been tested on animals). This is different to being a certified vegan product.

If a product is Certified Vegan (explicitly stated on the label), this also certifies that it is Cruelty Free (not tested on animals). A Certified Vegan product is not tested on animals & contains neither animal products nor derivatives.

Again, just do your best until you can do better. Then do better. It's the only way to do it & stay (relatively) sane & continue to participate in society (not that kale/lettuce campout hermitage mentioned earlier).

Out of characters!

Thinking of you. With love ❤

🌻birdy

[Peppermintbach]

Hi ChrissyStar, BeKindRewind4Life and all,

Beautiful birdy: Thank you so much for your very informative but gently encouraging and very caring post. I really do appreciate all the time, heart and love you put into your replies, especially when I know you’ve been struggling. You have been a terrific help 🙂

Your comment about the kale/lettuce lifestyle in the wilderness gave me a good chuckle. But as appealing as the grass tent is, I think that I’ll leave the wilderness to others. Lol!

Thank you also for elaborating on the whole cruelty free and vegan classification and certification. That was very helpful! I also think it’s very impressive that you make your own bread. Good job...

Sorry, I feel like I’m talking about myself way too much, which I feel bad about. So please feel free to talk about other things related to animals, climate change, monoculture as well...comments about live exports, etc, for example, are most welcome 🙂 Or just whatever other topics are close to heart that you (or others) want to talk about...

An enormous thank you once again. I always value and appreciate your comments, thoughts and insight...

I hope you and your lovely partner are having a relaxing Sunday and that you’ll get to try out another new recipe tonight for dinner ...

Love and kindness,

Pepper xoxox

[Birdy77]

Hi everyone,

Since watching Blue (The Film), I have been acutely more aware of the amount of plastics used in our everyday lives.

It has changed me as a consumer and I find myself thinking twice about lots of things that, beforehand, unfortunately I didn't even think about once 😔.

For instance, in the past, as a doggy-Mama, and being a "responsible citizen", when we were out walking I would pick up his poos with little bags and put them in the bin.

Now, as a new Mama to two fresh young dogs (AKA puppies!), and now very much more aware of the fact that plastic bags wreak havoc on the wellbeing of all sorts of birds, aquatic life and other creatures this has really been bothering me.

I know you can buy "biodegradable" bags, or use something else maybe like a paper bag or whatever, when you take your dogs out walking, and you can bury your dog's poopies in a hole in the yard for the poos that they do at home ... but unless you have a huge amount of land available, you're going to run out of space soon (this I know from experience).

So, I may be totally behind the times, but I have just discovered (and purchased) a pet-poo composting kit ... it's just like a small in-ground compost bin but for your pet's poos (which, because of certain pathogens you should not put in your regular compost bin). It doesn't smell, and it promotes earthworms and other awesome stuff to break down the poo-poos into black gold for your garden.

I think it's brilliant, and wanted to share!!

It's made by the bokashi company.

🌻birdy

[monkey_magic]

I just couldn't stop reading this thread.

I Iove how you're all full of " feeling" and thoughtfulness and you've really helped me and others understand more from your personal perspectives and experiences.

What a truelly wonderful and heartnening thing u r doing by thinking about the animals feelings. By reading I'm putting myself in their place too and it's also evoked an emotional/ sensitive response in me.

Thanks for opening our eyes. I think a huge majority of us are living blind to the cruelty and don't even think twice about it when we eat our animal products. But, reading along has tugged at my heart.

I can say I am consciously aware now!

From the bottom of my heart thanks. This sensitivity towards other creatures feelings has gone straight through me.... It honestly feels so good to know the truth.

I am more aware of how cruel humans can be to other species through lack of sensitivity, thoughtlessness, greed etc.

When I was 6 yrs old I befriended a lamb on a family farm. One day I learnt of that lamb being on our plates for dinner. I was mad as anyone could be. It was pure hell for me and I literally wanted to disown my family at 6 yrs old and be with lamba ( the name I called him)....they murdered my friend and it really impacted me.

I'll also never forget seeing a large sea turtle washed up to shore dead because of a plastic bag in its mouth. This caused me to one day go into the water fully clothed to grab a plastic bag I saw floating in the ocean. When u see the cruelty it does instill change.

My hope is that more and more people feel stronger about these issues. They are so important and significant. It really worries me that our focus isn't on what truelly matters.

The human race needs a shift, a shake, on what's truelly important and what should be implemented. Life should matter to us- human and animal. I really don't understand how suffering can be so dismissed. I'm scratching my head.