I love the peace of mind I get from not eating the flesh of an animal. I get all the protein, fat, and carbs I need from wonderful plants God provides us! But what about clothes and cleaning supplies; don't they have animal products in them?
There are plenty of cleaning supply alternatives in today's market for just about anything. Some of my favorite brands are Method and Seventh Generation- love their hand/dish soaps and bleach! Clothes, on the other hand, can be a bit more difficult. Sure you can say no to that cowskin biker chic jacket for a faux leather version, but what do you do if your job requires something made of animal?
There are plenty of cleaning supply alternatives in today's market for just about anything. Some of my favorite brands are Method and Seventh Generation- love their hand/dish soaps and bleach! Clothes, on the other hand, can be a bit more difficult. Sure you can say no to that cowskin biker chic jacket for a faux leather version, but what do you do if your job requires something made of animal?
Method green tea hand soap, SG 'Clorox wipes', Method 'Fabreeze room spray' and SG 'Clorox bleach'. None are tested on animals and all worked great for me!
Allow me a second to spiel... I started working on a ranch with a bunch of horses. Kids of all sorts come and get riding lessons throughout the week. Not only do they learn to ride, but by teaching people to love animals while they're young, they gain lifelong respect and carefulness towards animals and other people. The kids learn to focus and work hard. This is their time to relax with the most gentle creatures on the planet; no amount of time watching cartoons can 'train up a child in the way he should go' like animals and fresh air can. Being a part of this process is why I love the ranch so much.
Problem? Wherever there is horses there is most definitely poop, wet grass, dirt, mud- the whole enchilada. Last time it rained it dropped 20 degrees outside. My tennis shoes and jeans got entirely soaked, grass and filth clung to my legs- the experience was not great for me or the horses I rode with wet pants. My friend suggested I buy some rubber rain boots but those are not very durable, nor do they fit the stirrups correctly. They are not made to fit your calves or feet snugly for riding purposes.
This is why western boots are so important! They are meant to fit the rider and stand up to farm-working conditions. Just like a welder wouldn't show up to work wearing a plastic toy welding mask, a ranch hand can't do without her boots! I went to 5 different western stores running through endless aisles of tall boots and short boots and pink fluffy boots and size 20 mens boots... not once did I come across a single faux leather pair. The ethical animal lover in me wanted to cry!
This is why western boots are so important! They are meant to fit the rider and stand up to farm-working conditions. Just like a welder wouldn't show up to work wearing a plastic toy welding mask, a ranch hand can't do without her boots! I went to 5 different western stores running through endless aisles of tall boots and short boots and pink fluffy boots and size 20 mens boots... not once did I come across a single faux leather pair. The ethical animal lover in me wanted to cry!
Don't cry! Maybe this brand of cosmetics made in the USA will cheer you up. Pacifica is 100% Vegan and their perfume roll on, lotion, and lip stain were vanilla coconut perfection! They also make eye shadows, mascara, lip gloss, and tons of other perfumes. Found mine at Target.
I hung my head down thinking about the cow whose life was cut short so I could have something to wear to work as I walked out of the last store with a $150 pair of authentic Texas cowboy boots. It was one of the cheapest pairs I could find with the highest quality; if I take care of them then I won't have to buy another pair for a really long time. I even bought a vegan mock 'mink oil' waterproofing coating for them, if that makes anything better!
I know, it's like eating an entire wedding cake for your birthday thinking carrot sticks on the side will even things out. It doesn't right a wrong. I did what I could- I looked for alternatives for the sake of the job. I can't help thinking why I would refuse to work where you teach people to love animals because of just one animal's life!
I know, it's like eating an entire wedding cake for your birthday thinking carrot sticks on the side will even things out. It doesn't right a wrong. I did what I could- I looked for alternatives for the sake of the job. I can't help thinking why I would refuse to work where you teach people to love animals because of just one animal's life!
The bottom line; sometimes you HAVE to do things out of your comfort zone. All you can do is think like you're mountain biking; if there is an obstacle in your way either
a.) ride around it (you'll hit some trees & get scraped by bushes) or
b.) pop over it (this hurts, believe me)
Stick to what is right to the BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES. Hardcore veganazis can hate me for 'giving in' to buying leather boots, but purchasing proper attire for a job that has such a profound impact on other people's forever perspective on animals is worth it in my eyes. I don't buy animal skins for fashion ever! I don't purchase cosmetics that test on animals ever! I don't eat meat and try to avoid hidden dairy/eggs always. An extremely rare exception never means people are bad.
a.) ride around it (you'll hit some trees & get scraped by bushes) or
b.) pop over it (this hurts, believe me)
Stick to what is right to the BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES. Hardcore veganazis can hate me for 'giving in' to buying leather boots, but purchasing proper attire for a job that has such a profound impact on other people's forever perspective on animals is worth it in my eyes. I don't buy animal skins for fashion ever! I don't purchase cosmetics that test on animals ever! I don't eat meat and try to avoid hidden dairy/eggs always. An extremely rare exception never means people are bad.
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