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

Recommended Posts:

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

GIF source credit: Vegan Outreach / Giphy

Your Spirituality and Veganism

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The Spirituality of Veganism

When I first went vegan over eight years ago, it was for health reasons. After watching hours of videos and documentaries on factory farming, the environment, and animal rights, my perspective changed, and then it became about ethics and morals. 

As a social worker, it was easy for me to see the inequalities in the way, how animals are treated compared to humans. The unfairness and injustice became palpable.

Eventually, I realized there was a much deeper dilemma in regards to our treatment of animals: a spiritual dilemma. 

As a certified mindfulness & meditation teacher with over 20 years of experience in practicing Buddhism and Christianity, I have heard several spiritual arguments for the use of animals to serve mankind. 

Let’s discuss a few questions to ask yourself when weighing the spiritual dilemma of the use of animals to serve humans:

Are Animals Here for Us to Eat?

Years ago, a family member told me animals were placed on this planet—by God—for human use. 

While there is freedom of thought and they have a right to hold onto their religious beliefs, I think it’s wise to challenge our belief systems when they result in the suffering of other sentient beings. 

One thing we need to ask ourselves is, if we are scientifically classified in the taxonomic order as primates with a mammalian class, and if we have many comparable similarities to animals, then is it truly a valid argument for us to have dominion over non-human animals?

Biblically, there are passages that speak to the use of animals for food. However, there are also passages that can be interpreted as supportive of non-violence, and the question remains: why do we apply such non-violence merely for humans and not for our fellow earthlings? 

It is also important to keep in mind the context at the time the Bible was written where thousands of factory farms did not exist, billions of animals were not being slaughtered every year for food, and hard to imagine whether animals were exploited for entertainment.

Furthermore, the nature of our societies & food culture is such that our hunger for fast food has led to the point of slaughtering billions of animals just to keep up with the pace of our own demands. 

So essentially, in the time the Bible was written, animals were not being used in the way they are today (Reference, The World Peace Diet by Dr. Will Tuttle). [http://www.willtuttle.com/] 

Why Do We Exclude Animals From “Love thy Neighbor”?

Perhaps one of the most powerful & profound messages of Jesus Christ, mentioned in Leviticus 19:18,  “love your neighbor as yourself”, is in my opinion, a potent argument for veganism and ending animal cruelty. 

When we come to think of this passage, the questions we cannot evade would be: why do we not include animals in the commandment to love others as we’d love ourselves? Why do we limit this viewpoint only to humans, rather than extending the expected compassion to ALL living beings? 

If our role as human beings is to be the guardians and bring peace to the world, then we should reach to the roots of our thoughts attempting to embark on a path of non-violence with a serious consideration in the interests of all living beings, and love them all as our fellow beings. 

Here is a quote from Dr. Will Tuttle:

“The two fundamental teachings of Christianity… to love God and to love neighbor,—God is the infinite whole in which we all have our being, and because there is no way to extend our love to God concretely since God transcends us completely, it follows that loving God means loving and caring for God’s creation. This leads to loving our neighbor. There is no reason, biblical or otherwise, to exclude animals from our neighborhood, because they are our neighbors on this earth and we know they suffer and feel emotions. The core biblical teachings can thus be seen to point insistently to compassion for all creatures, and toward a life of responsibility and caring for all creation”.

Can We Consider Ourselves as Peaceful While Participating in the Suffering of Others?

This is the soul-searching question we must ask ourselves if we are to sincerely extend our spiritual beliefs to consider animals. After all, there’s even a belief that every human soul could symbolize their own spirit animal!

If we consider ourselves as advocates of peace and truly wish peace for the planet, then how do we reconcile that to our choices & actions causing continuous suffering to others? 

It begs the question: do you believe that animals can feel pain? Do you believe that animals suffer as a result of factory farming, testing, etc? Despite what science may or may not say, do you believe that animals are sentient?

20 years ago, I delved into the world of meditation. I began practicing Buddhism. The first time I was introduced to the philosophy of animal rights was through Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. 

In his books, most notably “Peace is Every Step”[link: https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/], I learned about slowing down and paying attention to the food I consumed. 

Through his teachings on Interbeing, I began to believe that I am a part of everything, right down to the food I ate. If I wanted a peaceful soul, that meant considering the food I ate because what we eat becomes a part of us as to who we are. 

In essence, by eating animals that have been abused, treated with violence, and finally slaughtered, we are then bringing such violence and dark vibes into our lives. 

In the teachings of Buddhism, we are all interconnected. As the saying goes, “we are what we eat”. Thus, when we ingest violence into our bodies, that violence becomes part of us, irrespective of being conscious of it or not. 

Here is a quote from Thich Nhat Hanh in a statement he made to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):

“We need to consume in such a way that keeps our compassion alive…and yet many of us consume in a way that is very violent. Forests are cut down to raise cattle for beef, or to grow grain for liquor, while millions in the world are dying of starvation. Reducing the amount of meat we eat and alcohol we consume by 50 percent is a true act of love for ourselves, for the Earth, and for one another. Eating with compassion can already help transform the situation our planet is facing, and restore balance to ourselves and the Earth.”

More recently, I began practicing Taoism. Taoists believe that humans and animals are to live in harmony and balance with the Tao, or the universe. 

When there is an imbalance between them, there is suffering. In Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao, Dr. Dyer offers a translation of Lao Tsu’s Tao te Ching to include animals and the environment: “Of all the troubles that are reported in the media—including wars, terrorism, famine, hatred, and disease—how many are the result of interfering with the natural unfolding of creation?… What if no one could be perceived as an enemy…where oceans, mountains, natural resources, air, plants, or animals were respected and allowed to flourish without interference?” or as Lao Tzu himself wrote over 2,500 years ago: “A (person’s) life brings nothing unless (they live) in accordance with the whole universe.” 

In other words, how can we bring anything of value to this earth and to other living creatures if we don’t allow every being to live with their natural lives and freedom? How the chicken, the cow, the pig, should be left to live out their lives as nature intended instead of how we feel they should be here for us. 

Here is one final quote from Dr. Wayne Dyer to sum it up:

“Begin by seeing yourself as the environment, rather than as an organism within it…Understand that you can’t survive apart from what seems isn’t part of you—for you absolutely are the air, the water, the plants, the animals, and everyone else on the planet. Change your worldview to one that completely understands that when anyone else is starving or living in poverty, so are you. See yourself in all others and you’ll find the compassion, love, and willingness which replace your belief in your uniqueness and difference.”

In essence…when animals suffer, we suffer. Understanding this can help us make more conscious decisions about the food we eat, the products we use, in the hopes of eradicating animal suffering and elevating ourselves to have inner peace, while being a force of liberation.

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)

Recommended posts:

Author: Jay VanLandingham (animal rights activist/coach) website: www.jayvanlandingham.com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s and not a reflection of the opinions and beliefs of the website (Vegan Universal) or its affiliates.

How to Get Rid of Ants Humanely

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Ok, we may feel desperate to get rid of ants, when they march on into our personal space in great numbers. But hey – we’re vegans, right? If we take a few minutes to observe them, we realize how amazing these tiny little creatures can be and the kind of humane treatment they deserve. 

Such an impressive work ethic deserves ethical treatment… 

You only have to spend a few minutes observing ants at work to appreciate just how hard-working these incredible insects really are. Even in scorching hot weather, they’re scurrying tirelessly about, collecting resources for their larvae and family groups back home.  

Ants are among the most populated species of insects, living in incredibly complex well-organized groups known as colonies. Depending on the species, there may be tens of thousands or even millions of individual ants in a colony. 

You ‘ant’ seen nothin’ yet!

We may think we dominate the planet, but ants can definitely give us a run for our money! They are found all over the world, with the exception of extremely cold environments like the polar regions. They’ve also been around much longer than we have. Ants first appeared on Earth some 100 million years ago. To put that in context, the dinosaurs only went extinct about 65 million years ago. 

They have a nervous system, a heart [ref], and famous for their great strength, capable of carrying objects 50 times heavier than themselves. They’re also incredibly quick. The fastest ant clocks in around 855 mm per second [ref]– the equivalent of a human running at 436 miles per hour (702 km per hour). Needless to say, this is significantly speedier than the fastest production car.

Ants GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Fastest ant: silver desert ant (credit: BBC / antARKTV / YouTube – Link / Giphy)

Ants are environmentalists, too

Like so many creatures we wrongly label ‘pests’, ants play a crucial ecological role. Much like earthworms, ants help to aerate and mix the soil in the process of building their tunnels. They bring nutrients from the surface underground, where they can be reused by plants. Some species even partner with nitrogen-fixing bacteria which improve soil quality – a technique human gardeners replicate when they use fertilizers.

For such a tiny animal to possess so many skills and work so cohesively together as a group, ants definitely deserve a lot of respect from us! 

In addition, the highly toxic chemicals used for killing ants can also be harmful to humans, our pets, and our environment.  

Follow the tips below for humane, mostly natural and safe ways to control ants in your home without endangering yours and your family’s health.

1) Remove Sources of Attraction

Keep your kitchen and dining areas clean. The simplest way to humanely control ants is not to attract them in the first place! For a natural, eco-friendly clean, wipe down floors, counters and cabinets with a 50/50 water and vinegar mix.

Ants simply aren’t interested in environments where there’s no food they can access. Avoid leaving dirty dishes, crumbs, or food waste where they can reach. Store pet food and items like sugar and cereals in airtight containers to keep ants away.

2) Locate The Source of The Ants 

When you see ants in your home, try to follow them back to the point where they entered. There are plenty of places that you might not have noticed before that can be filled in. In particular, be sure to check:

  • Openings around windows
  • Gaps between your air conditioning unit and the frame it rests on
  • Small openings around doors
  • Any indoor appliance that is connected in some way to the outside (dishwashers are a prime example)
  • Underneath carpets, tile and hardwood flooring
  • Any structural splits or cracks 
  • Air exchanges and vents between the inside and outside of the house

Use caulk or spray foam to seal all possible entrances into the house. Apart from keeping ants and other insects out, this may also help make your home more energy-efficient when it comes to heating and cooling! 

Remember that ants are tiny, and can fit through gaps you might barely even notice. Remove any food sources first, and allow any ants inside a chance to get out before you seal openings. 

In case if you find it difficult to remove ants humanely from crevices you can use anything sweet placed on a piece of cardboard or paper to entice them out and then use a glass to gently trap them and release them further from your house (if you know a colony of the same species living outside release them to the same area since it would be much easier for them to survive). Weather-stripping can also be applied under doors if they are using these as an access point. 

3) Use Ant Repellents 

Interestingly, ants won’t cross a line of cream of tartar. This is a particularly useful way to repel ants from doors and windows. Other natural deterrents include:

    • Coffee grounds
    • Cloves 
    • Cinnamon 
    • Black pepper 
    • Paprika 
    • Chili powder 
    • Cardamom 
    • Bay leaves
    • Catnip 
    • Spearmint
    • Dried peppermint leaves 

Essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, cedar, tea tree, eucalyptus and clove oil are other methods to naturally control ants. 

To make a handy spray for problem areas, make a 50/50 mixture of your preferred oil with water and use as needed. Alternatively, dip a Q tip or small paintbrush in the mix, and draw a border across entry points. 

Another option is soaking cotton balls in the mix, and placing them in strategic locations or plugging larger gaps with them. Some people have also had success with a mixture of cucumber and water (blend as thinly as you can), which can likewise be used as a spray.    

Chalk can act as a temporary deterrent as it disturbs the scent trail the ants follow.

Once you’ve started following the humane methods we’ve discussed, that should prevent ants from invading your home and keep them in their own natural habitat!

 

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10 Benefits & Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

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Benefits & Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an incredibly versatile household item that has a ton of different benefits & uses. Incorporating it into your daily routine can be a relatively cheap and indispensable method of solving common pain points around the home.

Apart from using it inside the home, do note that apple cider vinegar, or ACV, ideally should have a cobweb-like substance known as “the mother” which is expected to provide many health benefits. 

You can identify ‘the mother’ when you see a floating, cloudy residue in bottles of vinegar. What makes it special is that it is high in natural protein, serves as a prebiotic, and has acetic acid which gives vinegar its distinctive flavor during the process of natural fermentation.

Below we’ll outline the plethora of amazing benefits & uses of apple cider vinegar; aiding us in everything from salad dressings to skincare and much more! 

1) Egg-leavening Replacement

If you’re a keen baker and happened to be vegan, you don’t have to feel as if the fun days are lost for not being able to make your baking favorites without eggs or animal products, coz ACV is ready to come to the rescue! 

Combining apple cider vinegar with baking soda causes a reaction that’s almost as fun to watch as it is perfect for making the dough rise. 

Simply mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to make your egg leavening replacement.

2) Humane Fruit Fly Trap and Pest Control

Catch flies without killing them and ward off other pests around your house. Dip a fruit in apple cider vinegar and place it in the bottom of a cup. Small fruits or fruit pieces such as blueberries or lemon slices work well. It’s even better if the fruit is over-ripe.

Place plastic wrap tightly over the cup with a rubber band around it or tape it to the cup. Poke a very small hole in the plastic wrap so that the flies can get in -being attracted by the smell of vinegar- but not easily find their way out.

After a few hours, you will find flies trapped inside the cup. You can then take the trap to a suitable spot outside the home, remove the plastic wrap and allow your little friends to fly off into the sky.

ACV can also be used as a natural and humane deterrent for mice, ants, spiders and all types of pests. Simply spray a mixture of ACV and water once a month on the areas inside and outside where they’re known to be, to sort out the issue.

3) Helps to Alleviate Indigestion and Supports a Healthy Gut

Proponents of apple cider vinegar say that the acidity of the tonic, as well as the beneficial bacteria within, can improve digestion and help to alleviate reflux. People who wish to try apple cider vinegar for mild reflux can mix between a teaspoon and a tablespoon of the vinegar into a glass of water. Taking this before or after meals may reduce acid reflux symptoms in some people, and many swear by this cheap, healthy and simple remedy.  

Apple cider vinegar is also considered a prebiotic, which feeds your healthy gut bacteria. They’re essential for gut health and ensure that your digestive system functions sufficiently.

Some people believe that apple cider vinegar helps relieve constipation because it contains large amounts of pectin, which is a soluble dietary fiber. A lack of fiber is a common cause of constipation.

Mixing about a tablespoon of ACV with a cup of warm water and drinking the mixture up to twice a day can relieve constipation. Research has also found that apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and can destroy E. coli bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and is responsible for many cases of diarrhea. Using it as a condiment on your favorite dishes is a tasty way to include more of it in your diet. 

4) Promotes Healthier Skin

Apple cider vinegar has been used medicinally and cosmetically by civilizations throughout history. The Romans had used it as a face toner and Cleopatra used ACV to clean her face, thus if you turn the pages of history, you will be amazed to find out how many people have used it for its restorative properties.

Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, succinic acid, and lactic acid – which can help to keep your skin healthy and free of acne. All of these compounds may inhibit the growth of bacteria which are responsible for acne. 

ACV has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful as a facial toner. It can also help to unblock the pores of the skin as well as exfoliate it. This will lead to an improvement in overall skin condition. ACV can also help balance your skin’s pH levels, which can aid in the treatment of acne.

However, it is important to note that ACV must be used with caution on the skin, as it may cause major irritation when applied topically without being diluted with water, leading to burns or blisters. Never use it neat, and start any skin care regimen slowly with a diluted solution so you can see if you’re particularly sensitive to it first.  

5) As a MouthWash and to Whiten Teeth

Rinsing your mouth daily with apple cider vinegar has been shown to significantly improve bad breath! Gargle with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted with water to kill the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath. 

In addition, the acids in the vinegar may help to remove stains from your teeth. When using ACV as a teeth whitener, you will want to gargle with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Your teeth may become cleaner, whiter and brighter by using apple cider vinegar as part of your daily regimen for cleaning your teeth. 

6) Apple Cider Vinegar Keeps Your Hair Shiny and Lustrous

Apple cider vinegar is also used by people who want to improve the condition of their hair.

You will find that with regular use, your hair will look shinier, smoother and more lustrous after each treatment since apple cider vinegar makes the hair shaft’s cuticle smoother. 

Many people like to use it on a Sunday to get their hair ready for the week ahead.  

7) A Natural Deodorant for Underarms & Feet

Apple cider vinegar is very effective at neutralizing odor-causing bacteria on the skin thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, keeping you smelling clean and fresh. 

It also doesn’t contain any of the harsh chemicals found in most commercial deodorants which can cause irritation and may even be absorbed into the bloodstream.  

If you’re doing an armpit detox or simply want to get rid of body odor, try using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse in the shower. 

You can now also buy natural antibacterial bar soap formulated with apple cider vinegar to use in the shower, or alternatively apply a little ACV to a cotton pad and gently wipe your armpits.

But it doesn’t only stop at armpits. Apple cider vinegar can be used to cure smelly feet as well! 

Soaking your feet in ACV solves this unpleasant problem by creating an acidic environment that kills the bacteria that cause your feet to smell. ACV also neutralizes any other foul odor due to its distinctive strong, crisp and long-lasting fragrance.

8) An All-purpose Household Cleaner and Air Freshener

Vinegar has been widely known for hundreds of years as a natural cleaner. It lends itself as a readily available tool that can be used daily in your home. While the scent may initially be strong, it dissipates quickly, and also leaves behind a mild, sweet aroma.

A 1:1 solution of apple cider vinegar and water makes a formidable cleaner for the entire house. It can be used to scour countertops and microwaves, clean the bathroom and most other surfaces.

You can also use it as a drain cleaner. Simply mix it in combination with baking soda and hot water and you get an effective household cleaner.

Cleaning with apple cider vinegar helps reduce odors and eliminate even tough mold and mildew on any surface. It’s a great natural alternative for those who want to avoid commercial cleaning products and a host of environmentally damaging chemicals they frequently contain.   

9) Fights Against Colds and Seasonal Allergies

Apple cider vinegar is also regarded as a natural allergy remedy, as it can help reduce mucus production and cleanse your lymphatic system.

Apple cider vinegar helps keep pH levels in the body balanced, which can help prevent colds and flu. This is because a properly alkalized body is unappealing to germs. Experts recommend mixing one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and lemon juice three times a day to relieve most common allergy symptoms.

10) To Wash Your Fruits and Vegetables

Finally, how do you prefer to clean your fresh produce? Do you rinse it underwater, scrub it with a brush, eat it as is, or have you resorted to buying those expensive produce sprays? ACV is about to come to the rescue yet again.

Follow the guidelines below to find out how to use apple cider vinegar to eliminate germs, pesticides, and chemicals from fruits and vegetables in an inexpensive and chemical-free way:

  • Mix 4-parts water and 1-part ACV (i.e. 4 cups water and 1 cup ACV).
  • Put water and ACV into a very large bowl or bucket
  • Place your produce into the mixture for 15-20 minutes
  • Scrub anything that has wax on it. For example, apples are often waxed.
  • Rinse with water… and you’re done! 

Do note that some fruits like strawberries should not be washed until you’re ready to eat them. This is because moisture left on the strawberries will make them get moldy faster.

From the kitchen to the bathroom, this humble pantry staple has an almost unbelievable variety of uses. In addition, it’s inexpensive, good for your health and your gut bacteria, and readily available pretty much everywhere. Whoever you are, you’ll definitely be able to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your life in some form or another! 


 

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