Top 10 Vegan Stories of the Week: 4.21.13

Random Goat Cuteness

This week has been jam packed with original vegan stories and vegan news from around the globe.  Didn’t get a chance to read everything?  Here it is, all in one place just for you.  We love you like that.

From The Daily Vegan Spin

Cat on Fire: Bernie’s Message to Humans

It’s hard to remember my life before this, but everything changed for me when I was attacked.  More specifically, horrible creatures tied my legs together, lit me on fire, and threw me on someone’s front porch.  Luckily, a kind human was around to save me from death.  At this point, the local SPCA took me in, and I wound up at a veterinarian clinic for treatment.

Smiley & West: In the Face of the Vegan Truth

I was so relieved and excited by the outcome of this discussion.  I would have been crushed if Smiley and West were dismissive or gave the same awful excuses that we’ve heard from others. If these true purveyors of peace and nonviolence are on their way to veganism, then we are on our way to a vegan world.

Lawn & Garden Month: Grow a Garden, Take a Stand

What stands out to me the most is what a huge difference a small force of people can make.  Twenty million people seems like a lot, but when it is put in perspective of total population, under 7% is nothing.  This movement need only grow a small amount to make a huge impact on industry.  So take a stance, help your community, and turn a stagnant plot of land into a flourishing garden, because that itself is a political statement.

The Real Truth Behind ALDI’s Truth #25

I get that we’re in a precarious situation, what with the economy in the state it’s in and everyone working with a dwindling budget. I certainly understand wanting to get the most value for a dollar. But it’s important that we don’t forget the real cost of a product, for our health, for our planet, and for the animals we force to give of themselves. Truth isn’t truth when so much isn’t addressed; it’s more a lie of omission.

Vegan in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

I was so grateful for the vegan options I was able to partake in during this weekend getaway. I must point out that there were diners and Subways a-plenty in the area, as well as convenience stores and supermarkets. It would have been easy to veganize meals at any of these places, but I’m sure you’ll all agree with me that it’s nice to go somewhere new and find a spot that makes you welcome.

Animal Idioms and Mindful Language

Using unfriendly animal language is one example of the disconnect we have when it comes to other species. It’s interwoven into the fabric of our history; it’s so much a part of routine that we don’t even realize we’re saying something speciesist. We call someone “chicken” when they’re acting scared; we call someone a “snake” when they do something dishonest. And the word “bitch” has become so overused in our lexicon. It wasn’t so long ago that my online identity included that word.

The Latest from Ask Anya

Ask Anya: Will a Vegan Diet Help Me Lose Weight?

Opting for a vegan diet not only benefits your waistline, it is a compassionate choice that benefits the animals and the planet.

Vegan Stories from Around the Globe

US animal activist laws ‘may impact globally.‘ “Animal rights activists in the US have told the BBC that so-called ‘ag-gag’ laws could be copied in other countries including the UK. Welfare groups say that the American Legislative Exchange Council is the moving force behind these laws. This group supports conservative causes and promotes legislation to limit the role of government. They have described animal rights campaigners as terrorists.”

Feds Will Take Their Sweet Time Evaluating Pesticide Linked to Bee Deaths. “…given the weight of evidence that has accumulated since 2011 on the pesticides’ harm, can we expect the EPA to ban or at least restrict them anytime soon? No. The agency is sticking to its guns—not in defense of honeybees, but rather in defense of the chemicals that appear to be killing them. Last week, CBS News ‘checked in’ with EPA about its review. The agency’s response: it ‘should be completed in five years.’ Which means at least another half-decade of vast swaths of lands planted with neonic-treated crops.”

Will Monsanto Ties Influence Nutritionists’ Stance on GMOs? “To summarize, at the nation’s most prestigious dieticians’ group, failure to disclose a non-existing consulting business is enough to get you bounced from making policy on GMOs, but ties to the GMO industry aren’t. It remains to be seen what position the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics GMO paper will take, but this is shaping up to be another victory for Monsanto.”

Photo credit: guppiecat via Flickr