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"Every day life invites you to make choices. Live your values.
Change the world." - Non-Violence United
Choosing vegan is the single most powerful way to reduce suffering and injustice, heal the planet, and improve your health all at the same time!
Please take 4 minutes and watch the video: "Have We Been Lied To?"
Connecting to the Truth
“I have no doubt that it is part of the destiny of the human race, in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals.”- Henry David Thoreau
Only through educating ourselves can we make informed decisions about how we want to live. After visiting our Vegan Means section to learn about the reasons why so many people are choosing vegan, you may feel overwhelmed, confused or shocked. You are not alone. Learn More
Enjoying Vegan Food
"...there is not really any sacrifice to becoming vegan once one learns how delicious vegan foods truly are...I now enjoy eating more than I ever have before." - John Mackey, Whole Foods Market
There's no need to say goodbye to favorites whether they are burgers, burritos, cake, cookies, soups, etc. or the many variety of ethnic foods including Middle eastern, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, etc. Many restaurants offer a selection of vegan items and will often accommodate your requests. Visit our Resources page for more information.
Vegan Starter Guides
“The human body has no more need for cows’ milk than it does for dogs’ milk, horses’ milk, or giraffes’ milk.” - Michael Klaper, M.D., Director, Institute for Nutrition Education and Research
If you're ready to make changes or learn more, we encourage you to order a vegan starter guide from one or more of the links below. With inspiring facts, nutritional guidance, delicious recipes, and resources to get you started, these booklets offer a wealth of invaluable information . Our Resources page has restaurants, markets, and more for you. Grab a plate, get some silverware, and best wishes!
Compassion Over Killing
Farm Sanctuary
Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine
Vegan Outreach
Viva!
Beyond Food Compassionate Living
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King
Vegan living goes beyond food choices. Instead of supporting products that commodify living beings and cause enormous suffering to other species, people, and the earth, vegans strive to make consumer choices that are kinder to everyone. These products can include toiletries, cosmetics, cleaners, and household items, and much more. Look for labels that say "vegan, no animal ingredients or byproducts". We encourage you to visit our Resources page for more information. Also, consider the following:
Instead of attending a circus that violates the rights of other species, separates them from their families, neglects their basic needs, denies them freedom in the wild, and forces them to do unnatural tricks for human entertainment, attend a human only circus like Cirque de Solei or Circus Smirkus.
Instead of visiting a zoo where non-human animals are held captive and denied the right to their natural habitat and freedom, visit a national park or local wildlife sanctuary.
Instead of putting groceries in plastic bags that cause unnecessary pollution, bring canvas and reusable bags to the market.
Let us remind ourselves daily that no choice is ever too small or insignificant when it affects the well-being of another. Why Vegan? By: Laura Barlow, RIVA President A vegan is a person who does not eat or use animal products. Current data suggests that veganism is becoming more popular. More people are making the switch to a vegan lifestyle that is healthier for themselves, our planet, and our fellow earthlings! It has also never been easier to go vegan! This article provides you with three of the main reasons that people choose veganism. Health: The World Health Organization recently found that one’s consumption of meat could lead to cancer. The link between consuming animal products and disease doesn’t end there, however. An invaluable resource, The China Study by T. Colin Campbell is a great place to start when researching the connection between the consumption of animal products and the development of chronic illnesses. The China Study is the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted. By watching Forks Over Knives, you may learn for yourself that a healthy vegan diet can help you fight the leading causes of disease such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Environment: Our planet suffers from overpopulation of humans and nonhumans. Animal agriculture is the greatest contributor to deforestation, water consumption, and global warming. You can reduce your impact and make a difference today by going vegan. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a must-watch environmental documentary for anyone interested in learning about the environmental impact that animal agriculture has on our planet. Animals: Our society treats animals like commodities, beings on an assembly line existing solely for profit. Humans slaughter animals at an unconscionable rate: over 68 billion farmed animals every year with no regard for their life or treatment. We unnaturally pump these animals with hormones and chemicals and confine them in tiny, filthy cages. We cut off their body parts while they are fully alert, scald them alive in boiling water, rip their babies from them at birth and often dismember them while they are fully conscious. It is very hard to comprehend the cruelty we inflict on animals because it is hidden from us and masked with propaganda and advertising. Connecting to animals and expanding your circle of compassion is one of the most beautiful things a human being can do. If you still consume animal products please take some time to watch the films Earthlings or Unity. In addition to all of these great resources, there are many local people and resources available to help you transition to a vegan diet! For more local information or resources on going vegan please contact your local organization: Rhode Island Vegan Awareness (RIVA). RIVA hosts monthly meetings and various events. Find us online: http://www.veganawareness.org and on social media including Facebook!
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