So, I ask again.  Are you vegan?  I did not say, “Do you eat vegan, (most of the time?)”  Here’s a hint.  Being vegan extends beyond your plate.

Humans recently found out that polar bears can swim continuously for nine days.  Correction- an adult, female polar bear can swim continuously for nine days- in search of ice that is no longer existent- for food for herself and her cub- at a cost of nearly a quarter of her body fat, and most importantly, her baby’s life.  Why?  Humans’ insatiable activities have warmed our planet, which has melted polar ice (among other extraordinary, irreversible changes), thereby effectively eliminating polar bear food- seals.

Vegans have a responsibility to save not only domestic farm animals, but wild animals as well, and this is not done by sharing recipes alone.  Vegans must be environmentalists.  I’ll take this opportunity to also state that environmentalists must be vegans if they want the changes they seek.  The environmental impacts of factory farming are well documented, as are those of the textile industry, the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry, etc., all of which use animals in their production processes.

Major environmental organizations talk of eating local or sustainable animals- not eating vegan.  Being political groups, they are very much afraid of offending traditional sensibilities too much.  After all, it’s been a rough battle to sway the public’s attitude toward using cloth grocery bags and driving small electric cars.

For the sake of ALL the Earth’s animals, think beyond your plate and your unwillingness to offend people with your ethics.  There’s only so much we will be able to accomplish if ALL we do is share recipes and applaud celebrities for “going” eating vegan.

Don’t be afraid.  Be vegan.

The polar bear is listed as a Threatened Species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which means it is “at risk” of becoming “endangered” (in danger of extinction).  How very ignorant optimistic of the government to ignore omit irreversible planetary warming leading to sea ice melting, when evaluating such matters.  Do they think the sea will miraculously begin to freeze again despite the ongoing trend of warm temperatures?  Or do they think the polar bear can be relocated to Scandinavia to live in catered ice hotels?

via bbc.co.uk

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Countryside Conservancy has leased land to an individual who will raise animals for slaughter on the property.  Laura DeYoung will practice ”sustainable farming and environmental stewardship,” as she raises “free-range” chickens and sheep for wool and meat.  Darwin Kelsey, the conservancy’s executive director, said, “raising gourmet lamb was appropriate for that site.”

Perfectly good tax-payer park land being used to promote outdated, harmful, selfish, and destructive practices.  I get their game- “preserving historic farms.”  But, at what expense?  How about the lives of animals?  Clean water?  I understand this is no CAFO DeYoung is running here, but does it make it any less horrible?  Just because my neighbor isn’t Monsanto, he’s still poisoning the Earth when he sprays his sidewalk with his one bottle of Roundup.

DeYoung has a doctorate in environmental planning and claims to have “fallen in love” with sheep during time spent in England.  What’s she got against American sheep?  Where’s the love gone?  And why are universities teaching that proper environmental planning can include little bits of destruction here and there?

What’s worse, is that she hopes to pass on this inadequate education to the youth,

DeYoung hopes to sneak in a little education about ‘sustainable farming and environmental stewardship,’ ‘If I get people out here to see the cute little lambs or the border collies, then maybe we can get them to listen to some issues.’

Yes, if people will come see the cute little lambs (“gourmet meat”) she intends to slaughter, she will tell them how it is all good for the environment and stuff.

To add insult to injury, her fundraising efforts include her “lease-a-sheep program-” for $250, one can sponsor a ewe, which allows visitations to see her shorn, and also includes a blanket made out of her wool.  What a great way to teach our children the value of life- pay money to see an imprisoned, frightened animal restrained and shaven.

Sheep are animals, like we are- not commercial items.

Millions of gallons of cow waste has contaminated the water in Snohomish, Washington, due to a manure lagoon failure.

Bartelheimer Brothers Dairy, along with west coast dairy consumers, is responsible for this filth.

The nonchalance of the impending environmental disaster frightens me:

The Department of Health says they are monitoring the situation, but at this time they say there is no effect on local drinking water supplies. However, they are urging people to avoid contact with the Snohomish River as cow manure is a source of E. coli bacteria.

That’s it?  No mention of the nitrates, antibiotics, hormones, pfiesteria piscicida, sulfides, and/or cryptosporidium that’s hangin’ out with E.coli?

People and other animals die from these chemicals and pathogens.   Aren’t you glad to be making the sacrifice for the GDP?

Take a stroll through Commercial Street to find out more on the true cost of dairy farming.

via komonews.com

Humans are driving other species to extinction faster than new ones can evolve.

Conservation experts have already signalled that the world is in the grip of the “sixth great extinction” of species, driven by the destruction of natural habitats, hunting, the spread of alien predators and disease, and climate change.

It’s quite ironic to be the most intelligent species on Earth, yet not have enough brains to stop building on natural habitat, hunting for sport, introducing non-native species, and operating concentrated animal feeding operations.

Old news validated by new science.

via guardian.co.uk

Olsen Haus is using recycled TVs in the new Fall/Winter 2010 collection, in the effort to phase out petroleum-based faux leather.

Even greener and more vegan than before.  Sweet as hell, I say.  Waiting will be a bitch, though.