Vegan Universal

How a Vegan Diet Can Enrich The World!

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How a Vegan Diet Can Enrich The World!

As the world is getting ever so informed & enlightened, a growing movement along with intellects, athletes, celebrities, and many more from all walks of life are going vegan to make a positive impact. 

Due to the popularity of the vegan lifestyle, we have seen vegan restaurants, cosmetic brands, and clothing lines popping up everywhere.

Many people may wonder, “can a vegan diet really save the world, or is it just another fad diet for the masses?”

Well…whether a vegan diet can save the world can be up for debate, but we certainly believe a vegan diet can enrich the world! Let’s see how…

Going Vegan—More Than Just a Diet!

Going vegan goes far deeper than simply changing what you eat. The first challenge that most vegans have to overcome is their dependency on meat, dairy, and other animal-derived foods. 

After you get past that hurdle, though, there are many other noteworthy aspects of a vegan lifestyle. 

Here are some of the key principles & values that vegans try their best to live by:

  • Supporting animal rights and treating sentient creatures with kindness
  • Avoid eating meat, dairy, or other animal-derived food items & additives including animal-derived proteins such as keratin or collagen (instead, you may try vegan collagen)
  • Not using products that are tested on animals 
  • Avoid wearing animal-derived materials, such as leather, wool, or silk
  • Avoid as much as possible participating or supporting any activities that abuse or exploit animals
  • Make environmentally-responsible choices
  • Having an understanding that veganism is not about being perfect, but rather trying to do our best as practically as possible. Click here for the definition of veganism.

Going Vegan—The Benefits that Enrich You & The World! 

Going vegan is a choice that impacts not just your personal health but the state of the world as a whole. If you’re on the fence and trying to decide whether or not the vegan diet is for you, then here are some great reasons to consider going vegan.

1. Improve Your Health 

Did you know that consuming plant-based proteins can increase your life expectancy by up to 10%? [1]. Plant-based proteins are generally lower in unhealthy fat, which makes them far better for your overall heart health. 

In support of this, a recent study [2] shows that plant-based diets are correlated with a lower risk of heart disease and may even offer heart-protective benefits. This means that plant-based foods can actually strengthen your heart! 

A growing number of vegan doctors are also recommending plant-based diets to their patients and writing books that help first-time vegans understand the health benefits. 

2. Going Vegan Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

The US Geological Survey, along with numerous top climate scientists, have already alluded to the long-term effects of global warming [3] and climate change. If our planet continues on its current path, we can expect to see:

  • Rising water levels
  • Extinction of more animal species
  • Sudden heat waves and cold fronts
  • Reduced access to fresh water

Livestock accounts for around 15% of all human-based greenhouse gas emissions [4]. By reducing our reliance on meat, each vegan can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. 

3. Vegan Food is More Sustainable for The Planet

A single pound of beef requires over 1,800 gallons of water [5] to produce. This accounts for all of the water that a cow drinks and consumes through their food during their lifetime. 

Conversely, a pound of dried beans only requires around 600 gallons of water and a pound of almonds only requires around 400 gallons of water to produce. 

Although some tend to take fresh water for granted, it’s a serious issue in many parts of the world. As global warming continues, access to fresh water will be restricted even more [6]. 

This means that it’s more important than ever to find ways to save water and reduce the environmental impact of our food consumption. 

4. Going Vegan Can Prevent Animal Cruelty

One of the main reasons why many people go vegan is to put an end to their participation in animal cruelty. Commercial meat farms are full of suffering, death, and disease. Animal testing facilities are filled with the screams of tortured animals. 

There’s nothing remotely necessary about any of this. 

By switching to plant-based proteins and committing to purchasing only cruelty-free products that aren’t tested on animals, all vegans are contributing to a more ethical world where animals are treated fairly. 

Conclusion—Is Going Vegan Hard? 

Going vegan can seem challenging especially if you’re brand-new to the vegan lifestyle. However, if you stick with it, learn as much as you can, and make healthy choices, it can greatly benefit your personal health and improve the long-term health of the planet. 

The only question is, are you ready to make a change for the better? 

Few things we hope you can do:

Comment: if you need any help, have questions, or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Your feedback inspires us and we would reply as soon as possible.

Share: “sharing is caring”, if you found this article to be useful, please share it by using social buttons on the left or bottom.

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References:

1.https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/eat-more-plant-based-proteins-to-boost-longevity

2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6089671/

3.https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-long-term-effects-climate-change

4.https://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/197623/icode/

5.https://foodprint.org/issues/the-water-footprint-of-food/

6.https://www.unicef.org/stories/water-and-climate-change-10-things-you-should-know

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Image credits:

  • Vegan diet by forthwithlife 
  • Male deer: Maxpixel
  • Pine Trees: Pexels
  • Scenic ocean view of the landscape against sky: Pexels
  • Scenic View of River: Pexels

6 Great Vegan/Animal Charities You Can Help!

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Vegan Animal Charities/Nonprofit/Not-for-profit Organizations

If you’re excited about helping animals and spreading the vegan message with the resources you possess, we believe this article is for you!

You may wonder, out of many charities/nonprofit organizations out there, what are some of the best vegan animal charities you can help. 

It goes without saying, that any charity can be noble when done for the right reasons, carried out effectively & transparently to achieve the purpose. Thus, before supporting a charity you may have some questions about it. 

Questions such as what the charity has done so far, are they using their finances responsibly, and has their work been effective.

That’s exactly why I spent hours researching the best available information to find some of the top vegan animal charities/not-for-profit organizations. You can see the official status of each charity and their Charity Navigator rating, plus I included few of the campaigns each charity has done. 

I have also shown many options to support these charities where possible. So even if you’re unable to make a monetary or any other material donation, there may still be more options for you to contribute towards saving animals and spreading the message.

Further, I made sure to include charities with an element of variety (nature of activities being different) to make this list rather interesting giving you more choice! Because we believe in and champion the wide-ranging work carried out by all of these charities with a common purpose.  

First up, we have a charity that has some impressive outreach figures…

1. Vegan Outreach 

via GIPHY

Vegan Outreach was formed in 1993 to end violence toward animals. Since then, the charity has handed out over 20 million vegan booklets to stand out as a vegan charity! 

As their name suggests, outreach is their main means of operation. This involves empowering vegans to speak up & spread the message within their communities to help others go vegan. 

Honestly, we (Vegan Universal) believe that this is one of the most effective & impactful ways to save animals. Create awareness and help change the mindset of one person and you save many animals as a result. It’s all about reducing consumption & demand, isn’t it. 

If you’re contemplating how to support or be part of vegan activism effectively, this is a community you can join.     

Charity Status & Web Link

Campaigns  

At its peak, Vegan Outreach handed out booklets to over 1 million students at 1,000 schools per semester. 

After researching the effectiveness of vegan challenges, the charity refocused their college outreach to signing people up for their ‘10 Weeks to Vegan’ guided challenge. In 2019, 150,000 people signed up. 

Once the pandemic hit (2019-2021), Vegan Outreach moved its efforts online and started giving webinar presentations to college classes. This resulted in over 250,000 signing up for ‘10 Weeks to Vegan’ in 2020, and over 460,000 people in 2021! As of early April 2022, over 100,000 have signed up despite being just 4 months in. Powerful! 

The move to online outreach allowed the charity to easily expand into new countries, and their program is now running in countries all over the world. 

As well as VO’s ‘10 Weeks to Vegan’ program, they run a 30-day plant-based ‘Get Healthy’ challenge. 

How You Can Help 

If you’d like to support Vegan Outreach, you can donate here. 

Other ways to help: 

2. Viva!

Viva Vegan Animal Charity/Nonprofit/Not-for-profit Organization

Perhaps one of the most effective UK charities at getting good information out there! Founded in 1994, and being active for over 25 years to create a kinder world for humans and animals alike. The charity handles some of the UK’s largest undercover investigations and animal rights campaigns. 

Charity Status & Web Link 

Campaigns  

Viva! was able to launch their “Takeaway the Meat” TV advert on a major UK TV network on Valentine’s Day after hitting their crowdfunding target of £40,000. 

The charity also investigated Hogwood pig farm 4 times from 2017-to 2019, recording a catalog of extremely cruel conditions. Overcrowding, routine mutilation, sick and dying pigs abandoned in gangways, and live cannibalism were some of the footage captured at the farm. 

Because of this investigation, over 70,000 people signed a petition urging a major UK supermarket Tesco to drop Hogwood. The petition was a success, and food standards company Red Tractor also dropped Hogwood. 

The footage was used to create the chilling documentary “HOGWOOD” narrated by ‘Game of Thrones’ star Jerome Flynn, after Viva! successfully crowdfunded the costs to produce the documentary. 

Viva! also investigated a Morrisons pig farm, ‘Calvesly Farm’, which got closed down as a direct result of their work. 

One of their most powerful & far-reaching campaign styles is using eye-catching billboards (love it!).

Other campaigns Viva! has worked on include ‘End Factory Farming’, ‘Foie-Gras free Britain’, ‘Exotic Meat’, ‘Eat Green’, ‘Ban the Farrowing Crate’, ‘Dark Side of Dairy’, and ‘The Big Coverup’. 

How You Can Help 

If you’d like to support Viva! on its journey to create a better world, you can donate here.

Other ways to help:

3. Mercy For Animals

Mercy For Animals Vegan Animal Charity/Nonprofit/Not-for-profit Organization

Founded in 1999, Mercy For Animals’ mission is to prevent cruelty to farmed animals and promote compassionate food choices and policies. The charity achieves this through educating consumers, undercover exposure, corporate outreach, and legal advocacy. 

This is an organization you can support or join, if you’re thinking about animal rights activism!

Charity Status & Web Link 

Campaigns  

Mercy For Animals (MFA) has run over 65 investigations of factory farms and slaughterhouses, many of which have resulted in animal cruelty convictions, changes in corporate welfare policies, and primetime news coverage. 

One of these investigations included exposing a pig slaughterhouse in Brazil run by the world’s largest meat company, JBS. 

Another uncovered immense suffering on a farm that raises chicken for an ALDI supplier in the US. 

The charity also drove the success of a Michigan law that will reduce suffering for at least 10 million egg-laying hens each year by December 31, 2024, as well as preserve protection for pigs and calves. 

What’s more, MFA works with celebrities and online influencers who use their large platforms to advocate for animals.

How You Can Help 

If you’d like to help Mercy For Animals end factory farming, there are tons of ways to do so! You can donate here.

Other ways to help: 

4. Humane Society International

Humane Society International Animal Charity/Nonprofit/Not-for-profit Organization

Founded in 1991, Humane Society International works around the world to protect all animals. Their work includes promoting the human-animal bond, protecting wildlife, rescuing and protecting dogs & cats, responding to natural disasters and other emergencies to save the animals in need (e.g. helping animal victims during the 2022 Ukraine war), confronting cruelty to animals of all forms and importantly promote cruelty-free testing and research. 

Charity Status & Web Link

  • 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
  • IRS ruling year: 1993
  • Donations are tax-deductible
  • Charity Navigator has given Humane Society International a rating of 83.79/100 with a recommendation “Give with Confidence”, see more details here.
  • Web: https://www.hsi.org/  

Campaigns

In 2021, Humane Society International did an undercover investigation of an NYC pet store that sourced its dogs from puppy mills and failed to give sick puppies medical care. The investigation led to the 70-year-old shop closing permanently 2 months later. This in turn generated momentum for a statewide ban on retail puppy sales. 

In 2012, HSI launched its #BeCrueltyFree campaign. Since then, many countries have introduced or re-introduced legislation on animal testing. 

In 2013, Norway banned cosmetic animal testing and the sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics. 

In 2015, Canada reintroduced legislation to ban cosmetic animal testing, sales, and data use. 

In 2018, California enacted a ban on the sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics. 

Additionally, HSI ran a campaign to draw attention to the suffering of hens used in egg production. This campaign helped lead Nevada and Utah to become the 8th and 9th states to ban cage confinement. 

How You Can Help

To support Humane Society International in creating a better life for all, you can donate here. 

Other ways to help:

5. Animal Outlook

Animal Outlook Vegan Animal Charity/Nonprofit/Not-for-profit Organization

Formerly known as ‘Compassion Over Killing’, Animal Outlook was formed in 1995 with a mission to build a better tomorrow for all animals. They achieve this through undercover investigations, legal advocacy, corporate and food system reform, and empowering everyone to choose veganism.

Charity Status & Web Link

  • 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
  • IRS ruling year: 1998
  • Donations are tax-deductible
  • Charity Navigator has given Animal Outlook a rating of 82.22/100 with a recommendation “Give with Confidence”, see more details here.
  • Web: https://animaloutlook.org/

Campaigns

In 2021, Animal Outlook exposed one of the top 15 chicken producers in the US. The investigation revealed the torment that more than 200,000 chicks go through daily at the hatchery owned by Case Farms. 

The campaign uncovered chicks being roughly handled, thrown, having plastic trays dragged across them and crushing their throats, and driven over with machinery, as well as a whole host of other cruel conditions. 

The charity has launched successful campaigns which urged major brands Morningstar Farms, Boca, and LightLife to cut down on their egg use in their products. 

In 2017, Animal Outlook began developing a program with all the necessary components to remove exit and entry barriers for animal farmers looking to transition to plant-growing facilities. This will ultimately be impactful for both farmers and animals. 

How You Can Help

If you’d like to support Animal Outlook in advocating against factory farming and promoting vegan eating, donate here. 

Other ways to help:

6. Chilis on Wheels

Chilis on Wheels Vegan Food Charity/Nonprofit/Not-for-profit Organization

Founded in 2014, Chilis on Wheels mission is to make veganism more accessible in low-income communities across the US. The charity was born after founder Michelle Carrera couldn’t find a soup kitchen that served a vegan Thanksgiving meal. So she made her own chili and took it straight to the community, and saw the need for such a service to exist.             

Charity Status & Web Link

Campaigns

On Thanksgiving Day, Chilis on Wheels serves over 1000 meals to New Yorkers. 

The organization offers free vegan food to those in need of a warm meal, weather-appropriate clothing, cruelty-free toiletries, sleeping bags, and a variety of other items.

Upon request, the organization also runs vegan workshops for members of the communities. These include food demos and educational talks on veganism with local churches, community centers, or schools. 

The charity extends its services to those in need abroad, having helped communities in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. 

How You Can Help

If you’d like to support Chilis on Wheels in making veganism accessible for low-income communities, you can donate here.

Other ways to help:

Summary

While living a vegan lifestyle is great, it may not be just enough to simply be vegan. There are still millions of animals experiencing extreme torment right now. So it’s essential that we do our best to take some form of action beyond simply being vegan.

Even if you can’t afford to donate money, you can consider helping by volunteering your time! 

I’ll leave you with a powerful quote from Jon Camp of Vegan Outreach: 

“While our decision to go vegan impacts hundreds of animals,  we can exponentially increase the good we do for animals by getting involved in advocacy. So I’d recommend finding a style of advocacy that is effective, easy to do, and to then do it regularly at a sustainable pace.” 

Let’s make a difference and do our best to support these charities!

Other Significant & Notable Charities/Nonprofit Organizations:

  1. The Vegan Society (the oldest vegan organization and pioneers of veganism!)
  2. American Vegan Society
  3. Veganuary (inspire people to try vegan January and beyond)
  4. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (focus: promote non-animal methods in research and education (opposition to animal testing) and advocate a plant-based diet for disease prevention)
  5. Animal Aid 

Did we miss any charity/nonprofit organization you would like to see here? Let us know in the comments.

Few things we hope you can do:

Comment: if you need any help, have questions, or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Your feedback inspires us and we would reply as soon as possible.

Share: “sharing is caring”, if you found this article to be useful, please share it by using social buttons on the left or bottom.

Subscribe: subscribe to our free newsletter and receive updates on latest articles, vegan news, recipes, health, and much more!

Follow: connect with us socially on Facebook (like), Pinterest (follow), Twitter (follow), or Instagram (follow)

 
Author: Oliver James of https://veganfocused.com

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Image credits: Vegan Outreach / Viva! / Mercy For Animals / Humane Society International / Animal Outlook / Chilis on Wheels

GIF source credit: Vegan Outreach / Giphy

Best Tips to Make Adopted Pets Get Along in Your Home

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No doubt, adopting pets that enter animal shelters every year is certainly a noble gesture as you save the lives of stray, or abandoned animals. 

While bringing these animals to your home can be your initial step, living with them can have its own challenges to overcome and fulfill your purpose.

Especially, if you have multiple pets in the house, you would want them to get along well having a healthy bond. Thus, if you have more than one pet or are aspiring to adopt another one, this post can be quite useful. 

Fortunately, two or more pets can live in harmony and enjoy each other’s company. The key to achieving this is patience, and smart techniques, which can enable them to bond like good siblings.

So, let’s explore all the top tips to make two or more pets get along at your home.

Make The Introduction at a Neutral Zone

First of all, try not to bring a new pet, a dog, a cat, or any other adopted animal directly to your home. 

This may provoke the home pet which can create chaos. The first introduction can be in a park where the home pet may not consider the other pet a threat. 

Under your close observation, let them sniff and have a quick contact. Let your home pet explore them in a safe, open, and spacious location first. The sniffing and becoming familiar outside the home could allow them to have their first contact and put them at ease.

Give Personal Space and Individual Attention

Home Deco for Cat Lovers
Love the above canvas art? Click here ElephantStock

Just like we need our personal space, we must respect pets’ need for their personal space. 

There can be a case where one among your pets is a loner who stays quiet and doesn’t bond much. Contrary to this behavior, there can be some pets who are aggressively trying to control others. Hence you can consider creating some partitions or giving them different corners with a distance allowing equal spaces. 

You can also pay personal attention by appropriately placing their favorite toys for teething, beautiful food containers, pillows, beds, and nighttime toys. Also, it could be an exciting prospect for you to consider giving character to such areas by hanging unique wall art with animals, that can add life to the walls. 

This cozy area with toys, sleeping essentials, and cute decor would not only stimulate you but make your pets feel equally loved and enjoy their personal space. Spend some time with each one individually so they never feel left out.

Introduce Each Other’s Scents Indirectly

It’s observed that two pets get along well if they start early. Anyway, if that’s not the case, there are other tips. One great idea is to swap each other’s scents. Help both the dogs to get attuned to each other’s scents via blankets, toys, etc. Also, you can practice this for cats, and other pets as well. The familiar smell will let them connect and get accustomed to each other.

Take Charge

In case of multiple dogs in your place, take the role of the pack leader. It’s the natural tendency of the dogs to be in a pack, and they follow their leader. If you fail to perform this role, the dominant dogs may try to control the submissive or quieter dogs. Thus, be the pack leader earning their respect, and avoid fierce fights, and even injuries.     

Tip: if you’re adopting a new dog, study the traits carefully. Dogs with similar traits may get along well with each other.

Never Allow to be Biased (highly unlikely for a vegan)

Pets are one of the most lovable beings, where you get to experience their affection unconditionally. During the introduction and regular meet-ups, treat them wholeheartedly and give attention to both the pets. 

Give them individual love, applaud them when commands are followed, and never let one feel sidelined. Always offer equal love and care to both. 

Pets have a great range of emotions and be considerate while loving your extended family, which we believe quite natural for vegans.

Obedience Training

Home Deco for Dog Pups Puppy Pet Lovers
Love the above wall art? Click here ElephantStock

The majority of dogs have an inborn tendency to go after small animals. Therefore, it’s wise to train your dog or other pets well before bringing another small new dog or cat. Bonding with a cat will require a lot of patience. 

So, it seems sensible to train your pets to follow a few commands like sit, stand, spot, and a word that means “to stop.” If your pets follow such commands, they may not be a threat to other pets.  

Tip: Treat your pets with their favorite food when they follow your commands and be gentle with other pets. It will foster good behavior and allow you to strengthen your bond with them!  

Never Leave Them Alone

Be as responsible as you can, and don’t leave them alone together for a long period of time. You wouldn’t want to see a moment of heat resulting in injuries. So, please be mindful to dedicate some time to supervise their behavior. 

Observe Your Pet’s Mood

You can detect aggressive or calm behavior in dogs or other pets from their gestures. If your home dog shows signs of teeth-baring, staring, stiff tail, forward ears, or growling, just delay the introduction of a new pet for now. 

In the case of cats, having a stance where the rear end is raised and the back sloped downward, showing signs of staring, constricted pupils, forward upright ears, piloerection, scratching, exposed teeth & claws, growling, or yowling, can mean aggressive behavior!    

Also, with dogs, tail wagging, relaxed tongue, snout licks, soft eyes with relaxed lids, rolling over the back, lowered tail, and yawning are all calm & friendly signs. For cats, an upright tail, soft eyes, slow blinking, rubbing their heads and cheeks against you, rolling onto their back, and a hop-up could mean their calm and affectionate.

You can make out a lot from these signs and bring the other pet home when you’re confident that the atmosphere is calm & welcoming.

Give Your Cat Sufficient Time

Since a cat is a smaller animal compared to a dog, it’s quite natural for them to be scared of dogs initially. 

A cat will take some time to adapt and feel comfortable. In case the cat feels threatened, you may create a separate zone that is inaccessible to the dog/s. 

If during initial encounters the cat runs away, no need to panic! You don’t have to force the cat to bond with the dog instantly. Make sure to keep the dog away from the cat’s litter box. Patience is key, and if you follow the tips we’ve given above, hopefully, they should get along well with time.

Last Thoughts

You being an animal lover try to know the traits of your adopted pets and do your best to create a bonding between the pets.

You have to put yourself in their context and then assess the situation. Be smart & caring when adopting them to create a beautiful family.   

Patience, care, and timely observation will make them feel equally loved, belonged, and protected. So, try all the tips we’ve mentioned above and have a paw-some time!

Few things we hope you can do:

Comment: if you need any help, have questions, or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Your feedback inspires us and we would reply as soon as possible.

Share: “sharing is caring”, if you found this article to be useful, please share it by using social buttons on the left or bottom.

Subscribe: subscribe to our free newsletter and receive updates on latest articles, vegan news, recipes, health, and much more!

Follow: connect with us socially on Facebook (like), Pinterest (follow), Twitter (follow), or Instagram (follow)

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Image credit: “senior cat and dog hold paws” by rikkis_refuge CC BY 2.0

Environmental Impact of Vegan Fashion

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Environmental Impact of Vegan, Eco-friendly & Sustainable Fashion

In the recent past, we have observed how our shift towards an ethical treatment of animals has created a positive impact on animals, ourselves, and the environment. 

Animal farms leave a very large environmental footprint. Thus, adopting a plant-based vegan diet has become a sensible & prudent choice. 

However, it’s worth noting that animal agriculture is not the only perpetrator here. The fashion industry is not too far from being responsible for harming animals and the much-cherished environment. 

It’s really encouraging though to know that many people have started embracing veganism with their diet and fashion choices. Let’s discuss the impact of vegan fashion on the environment and what changes it will bring to our future.

What is Vegan Fashion?

While veganism means adopting a lifestyle that imposes no harm on animals, vegan fashion includes clothing and accessories made using products that are not derived from animals.

Further, it goes without saying, the end products of vegan fashion (e.g. cosmetics) are not to be tested on animals. While vegan fashion has an emphasis on safeguarding animal rights, eco-friendly/sustainable fashion is more focused on the environment.

Why Care About Vegan Fashion?

We believe it’s important to reflect upon our lifestyle choices and critically evaluate their impact from an ethical and ecological standpoint. It’s worth noting that the term veganism is quoted many times in the context of safeguarding animals, saving our environment and its resources for future use for good reasons.

The ecological disasters that are happening around us are interconnected to one another. Issues like deforestation, soil erosion, global warming, harm to aquatic life, and other similar calamities could be directly or indirectly influenced by our fashion choices.

Thus considering vegan, eco-friendly, and sustainable fashion would certainly be a move in the right direction not only to keep our environment healthy but also to promote healthy living!   

Impact of The Fashion Industry on The Environment

Less Ocean Pollution

Have you ever been aware of the scale of water pollution our regular non-sustainable clothes cause to the environment? It’s worth noting that the fashion industry is accountable for 20% of all industrial wastewater pollution worldwide! [1] 

The aquatic life suffers as washing the garments made of synthetic materials releases toxic substances into our waterways. That means plants and marine animals could consume these toxins leading to biomagnification.

When there is untreated toxic wastewater from textile manufacturers dumped straight into the rivers, the fabric polyester does not easily break down and stays in the ocean. When it comes to natural fibers like hemp, linen, and cotton, 70% of these fabric products are made of organic materials. Using such eco-friendly fabrics which do not include dangerous chemicals would also reduce ocean pollution. 

The most sustainable & eco-friendly way to wear cotton is, in its recycled form, which will not harm your skin as well. Another cause for pollution is the washing of regular clothes which tends to release microfibers every year into the ocean. Apparently, it is the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles. 

Again a solution to this issue can be using fibers made of organic materials which are easily biodegradable that can have a low impact when washing. 

Less Air Pollution

The world of fashion can be exciting & glamorous, but as unfortunate as it may sound, the quality of the air we breathe is declining due to its effects. It’s no secret that the fashion industry is accountable for 2 to 8 percent of the global carbon emissions [2]. That is more emissions than all maritime shipping combined and international flights. 

This can certainly be a cause for global warming, leading to excessive temperature rises, which in turn can interrupt the ecological balance. A significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions are caused during textile material production. 

Synthetic fibers are found in 60% of apparel [3], and polyester is one of those synthetic fibers and a plastic. Producing polyester releases more carbon emissions than cotton [4]. On the other hand, switching to vegan, eco-friendly & sustainable fabrics can be a more sensible & prudent option to consider, where the carbon footprint is expected to be much lower than that of polyester.

High Consumption of Water

Water is fundamental to all living creatures. After agriculture, the garment and textile industry is one of the most water-intensive industries in the world [5]. On the other hand, more eco-friendly & sustainable options to consider would be wearing recycled cotton, opting for organically made fabrics such as hemp & linen, and using biodegradable Tencel. 

Recycled cotton uses a very low amount of water to produce compared to traditional cotton [6] [7]. Hemp & linen plants require only a minimal amount of water to grow. Tencel which is derived from plant material is biodegradable and production requires only a 3rd of the water consumed to produce rayon comparatively.    

Soil Degradation

Soil degradation is the deteriorating process of physical, biological, and chemical composition of soil. The adverse effects of this process could mean declining soil fertility, soil erosion, parched land, drought & aridity (long-term effects), loss of arable land, and increased flooding. 

Cashmere goats and sheep nurtured for their wool heavily depend on pasture, and their overgrazing can be detrimental to the soil. Further substantial use of water & chemicals to grow cotton would not do any favors to the land either.

Deforestation

Even by 2020 the fashion industry heavily relies on trees to produce textile fibers making deforestation part of the supply chain. There are many textile materials made with cellulose taken from tree pulp. 

Such tree-based fibers include viscose, modal, and lyocell. These can be found in our shirts, pants, sports tops, leggings, and maxi dresses. 

Thus the environmental consequences of fast fashion, high-end brands, and the fashion industry in general with negligent material sourcing, and high water consumption can not be ignored.  

Vegan Fashion: A Step in the Right Direction?

Some perceive veganism as the “new green,” and it seems sensible to opt for veganism as a way to live an ethical and sustainable lifestyle. 

What’s apparent is that vegan & sustainable fashion is less polluting and demands fewer natural resources such as fossil fuels, water, animals (zero demand for leather, wool, down, and silk), trees, and land. 

As the world population is expected to grow continuously, a rapid global movement towards vegan & sustainable fashion is an effective way to reduce our impact on the environment. 

How to Choose Vegan & Eco-friendly Fashion? 

When you make informed purchasing decisions about clothing, including beauty products, based on ethical and sustainable sourcing & production, it allows you to lead a vegan and sustainable lifestyle. Encourage you to check a few tips we have shared below to pursue vegan & sustainable fashion:

  • Opt for eco-friendly garments and accessories, while buying products online or at a store, and look for information about the materials used for clothing and beauty products. Brands claiming to make ethical & sustainable products may mention the types of raw materials used during manufacturing.
  • Clothing manufacturers also use recycled and upcycled materials, such as recycled cotton. Using clothes through recycling, upcycling, or reusing is a great way to save our resources and contribute towards ecological balance.
  • Make sure to choose ethical vegan fashion brands that use materials not derived from animals e.g. recycled cotton, hemp, linen, and biodegradable Tencel. 

How Vegan Leather is More Eco-Friendly

Leather production is another contaminating process and it’s responsible for having a negative influence on our environment. 

Alternatively, “vegan leather” is more sustainable and eco-friendly. Vegan leather can be made from plant-based fibers, including corn, pineapple leaves, cactus, cork, coconut, and apple peels. Since sustainable vegan leather is made up of plants (that can be easily reproduced) and bi-products of the food industry, they do not require resources as much as traditional leather. 

There are various types of vegan leather products in the market, people find with excitement, such as vegan bags, vegan belts, vegan boots, and other vegan shoes.

Last Thoughts

As the population and demand for resources grow, we all have a personal responsibility to do our utmost to champion ethics & sustainability to preserve the environment. To reduce the negative impact, protect the world’s natural resources, and live an environmentally conscious life, we encourage you to thoughtfully consider vegan & sustainable fashion!

Few things we hope you can do:

Comment: if you need any help, have questions, or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Your feedback inspires us and we would reply as soon as possible.

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References: 

1. https://www.wri.org/insights/apparel-industrys-environmental-impact-6-graphics

2. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/putting-brakes-fast-fashion

3. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret

4. https://www.wri.org/insights/apparel-industrys-environmental-impact-6-graphics

5. https://www.epa.gov/sustainability/lean-water-toolkit-chapter-2 

6. https://www.climateaction.org/news/levis_jeans_to_make_all_its_products_from_100_recycled_cotton

7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1964887/

Image credit: Henry Jose / flicker (CC BY 2.0)

Dark Chocolate Uses for Vegans

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Dark Chocolate Uses for Vegans

Chocolate is often referred to as the “food of the Gods,” and with good reasons. Not only does it taste good, but it also offers a myriad of health benefits. 

While the base ingredient in all chocolates comes from cacao beans, the final taste and nutrient profile vary depending on the kind of chocolate. Dark chocolate contains 50%- 90% cocoa solids or cocoa butter, while vegan milk chocolate may contain 10%- 50% cocoa solids with plant milk and sugar. On the other hand, vegan white chocolate is primarily made of cocoa butter, vegan milk, sugar, and may or may not include cocoa solids.

Among the different varieties of chocolate, dark chocolate is considered the healthiest. It does not contain milk or any other dairy products and is perfectly vegan-friendly. 

The sugar content is minimal with dark chocolate making it lower in carbs. It is one of the best brain foods that can also improve your physiological health. Being a vegan, you can consume dairy-free dark chocolate in various ways. 

Here are some of the top ways to include dark chocolate in your vegan lifestyle!

Top 8 Ways to Use Dark Chocolate as a Vegan

1) Vegan Chocolate Cake –  You can easily turn any cake recipe vegan by replacing butter with oil and eggs with vinegar. A foolproof vegan chocolate cake batter will need 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup raw sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp distilled white vinegar, and 1 cup water. 

Sift the dry ingredients and then mix in the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter. Pour into a baking tray and bake at 175 degrees C for 45 minutes. This chocolate cake can just be the kind of indulgent for your anxiety!

2) Vegan Hot Chocolate – Just imagine yourself on a cold winter with a mug of pure vegan hot chocolate…wOw…just what the doctor ordered, right? Dark chocolate is famous for its mood-boosting properties and works well in a vegan hot chocolate recipe. For this comforting beverage, warm some almond milk on the stove, then add cocoa powder, raw sugar, a pinch of salt, and some vanilla essence. Once the milk is warm, turn off the heat and add a few pieces of vegan dark chocolate. Stir the milk till the chocolate dissolves completely. And that’s it! You have a rich, creamy, and comforting drink for a cold and gloomy day!

3) Dark Chocolate Snack Bars – Most snack bars you buy from stores are loaded with sugar. Making your own no-bake dark chocolate snack bars is an excellent idea. For this quick recipe, toast your favorite nuts and rolled oats in a pan, add vegan dark chocolate chips to the pan as well, and set aside. In a separate pan, heat coconut oil and maple syrup till the mixture thickens. 

Now, add the syrup mixture to the nuts and mix everything well to a gooey consistency. Spread the mixture flat on a baking tray and refrigerate for a few hours. Cut into small bars and enjoy! The best type of chocolate for this recipe is lightly salted vegan dark chocolate.

4) Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream – This vegan chocolate ice cream is one of the best-frozen treats to indulge in! To prepare it, heat water, coconut milk, raw sugar, and cocoa powder in a pan, whisking continuously. Then, remove the pan from the heat and add vanilla essence and vegan dark chocolate to the mixture. Whisk everything together till the chocolate melts. Chill this mixture in a cold bowl and then prepare the ice cream in an ice-cream churner, as per the instructions. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy this luscious treat. Interested in another vegan ice cream? Check this simple yet delicious vegan banana ice cream recipe!

5) Dark Chocolate Pudding – To prepare this delicious chocolate pudding, you can use your favorite type of chocolate with just a few ingredients. First, heat raw sugar, cocoa powder, and almond milk in a pan. Take the pan off the heat when the mixture is warm. Add chunks of vegan dark chocolate to the pan and whisk until it melts. Then, add corn starch solution to the pan and mix well. Put the pan back on low heat, continuously stirring the mixture. Once the pudding thickens, take it off the heat and let it cool. Serve chilled for the best taste!

6) As a Mood Booster – According to studies, dark chocolate can reduce the symptoms of depression. It contains brain-boosting ingredients like flavonols, caffeine, and theobromine that can improve your cognitive abilities. If you suffer from anxiety, stress, or depression, consuming a few pieces of dark chocolate daily can help you.

7) Dark Chocolate Face Pack – Apart from being a great alternative to boost your mood, dark chocolate is great for your skin too! It’s rich in potent antioxidants that brighten the skin and counter the signs of aging. For a simple DIY chocolate face pack, mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder with an equal quantity of vegan honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix everything well and apply the paste to your face and neck. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. This DIY mask can make your skin soft, supple, and radiant!

8) As an Aphrodisiac – According to studies, dark chocolate can act as an aphrodisiac. It contains various mood-enhancing ingredients, which can boost sexual stimulation. Not only does chocolate induce a sense of well-being, but it may also elevate serotonin levels that can enhance genital stimulation. If you have been facing issues like poor libido, dark chocolate may help you out. 

What are The Health Benefits of Vegan Dark Chocolate?

Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants called flavonols. It also contains iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. Studies have explored the various health benefits of dark chocolate in great detail. Here are the most prominent health benefits of the ingredient:

  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Improves brain function
  • Can guard the skin against photoaging
  • Fights against free radical damage
  • May reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body

Whether you are looking to improve your health, maintain youthful skin or manage anxiety, vegan dark chocolate might be the answer!

Conclusion

Dark chocolate is a vegan-friendly food rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It has various health benefits that include better cardiovascular health and brain function. It also improves sexual stimulation and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Similar to certain brain-boosting food or supplements, dark chocolate can be a great way to enhance your brain function.

Vegans can consume dark chocolate in several ways, including vegan baked goods, ice creams, candies, or snack bars. You can also use cocoa powder as a face pack to brighten your skin. Dark chocolate fits seamlessly into a healthy vegan lifestyle and offers a multitude of benefits. If you are someone looking to satisfy your sweet craving with something nutritious & healthy, make sure to add dark chocolate to your diet!

30-Second Summary

  • Dark chocolate is a vegan-friendly ingredient with numerous health benefits
  • It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and mood-enhancing ingredients like caffeine and theobromine
  • Vegans can use dairy-free dark chocolate in numerous recipes like vegan chocolate cake, hot chocolate, snack bars, ice cream, and pudding
  • You can also use dark chocolate as a mood booster, aphrodisiac, and skincare product
  • Some ways in which dark chocolate can boost your health are by lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing unhealthy cholesterol
  • It can also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Dark chocolate is a potent brain food

Few things we hope you can do:

Comment: if you need any help, have questions, or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Your feedback inspires us and we would reply as soon as possible.

Share: “sharing is caring”, if you found this article to be useful, please share it by using social buttons on the left or bottom.

Subscribe: subscribe to our free newsletter and receive updates on latest articles, vegan news, recipes, health, and much more!

Follow: connect with us socially on Facebook (like), Pinterest (follow), Twitter (follow), or Instagram (follow)

Reference:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31356717/

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