Love By Way of Veganism this Valentine’s Day

I must admit, I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day, at least not it its current form.

Cards, flowers, chocolate and jewelry – while nice – do not equate to love, and one day of good deeds and actions do not make up for three hundred sixty-four other days each year.

I propose a new celebration. Let’s make this upcoming Valentine’s Day the start of something great. Let’s make February 14 the first day in a year of love by way of veganism.

Vegan treats (yes, chocolate counts!) for your friends and family to show you care. A great meal at your favorite vegan restaurant with your favorite person to celebrate romance. A chance each day to love the planet, which can be a pretty beautiful place when left to its own devices.

And of course, countless ways to show love for the animals we’re all so passionate about fighting for – volunteer at a farm sanctuary. Donate supplies to an animal shelter. Educate those around you about the mammal, bird, fish (such as lobsters) or reptile they might not know much about. Show some love via support – monetary or otherwise – to organizations that you really stand behind in their fight on behalf of those with no voice.

We are vegan because we are compassionate beings who want an end to the suffering and exploitation of other beings – human and non-human. If the concept of love can’t be applied to us, then who else?

Come Valentine’s Day 2014, what will you say you did to love by way of veganism?

Photo credit Daria Zeoli and the goats who live at Catskills Animal Sanctuary