Aligning my actions with my morals

In early April, I watched half of the documentary Earthlings. It was in the evening, and after hearing people on Tumblr talk about it, I felt like I had nothing better to do, and just went for it. I always had a vague understanding of the industry, but it wasn’t until that moment when I saw and felt the pain and suffering of all those animals. There was, initially, anger as to how we’re not told this information and how could people do that as a job, but then it became shock. I was consuming those products, and paying the industry for slaughter. How could I? I have mixed feelings about my following actions, which was to become vegetarian the following day. It only lasted a week or so, but that immediate change made me feel really lethargic and I got lots of headaches. Now, after 3 months, I have been coping well, if not thriving, both physically, and emotionally.

However, there has been a constant guilt. Meat is not the only product of harm; all animal products have a very negative impact. This year I’ve learnt about the sexual assault, diseases and emotional trauma of dairy cows and the “disposing” of male chicks in the egg industry. I have also discovered about the environmental impact of consuming animal products. Feeding one omnivore requires over 50 times more farmland than a vegan; the world has even been so desperate to allow more land that they’re clearing the Amazon Rainforest. Yes! The AMAZON RAINFOREST.

I haven’t fully transitioned yet (I’m still a vegetarian), but I’ve decided to make a bit of a masterlist with support and information for people who want to make such a positive change in their lives.

Recipes

• http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/vegan-recipes-ideas-for-the-perfect-picnic/
• http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/easy-vegan-recipes#2buxyn0
• http://theveganstoner.blogspot.com.au/
• http://www.thekitchn.com/recipes/vegan
• http://www.theppk.com/?s=vegan
• http://nourishandevolve.com/
• http://www.superfoodsiobhan.com/

Facts and Statistics

• http://saveourbones.com/osteoporosis-milk-myth/
• http://www.rense.com/general26/milk.htm
• http://www.news-medical.net/news/2005/09/12/13120.aspx
• http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/10-reasons-stop-eating-red-meat?s=1
• http://veganfaq.blogspot.com.au/2008/02/problem-with-honey.html
• http://sustainabletable.org.au/Hungryforinfo/Factory-farming/tabid/106/Default.aspx

Videos and Literature

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDdlDYWG7no&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DoDdlDYWG7no&has_verified=1
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19qSsUI79Ro
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=friwGYNRKBc
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es6U00LMmC4&feature=youtu.be&t=1m45s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4HJcq8qHAY
• http://rawfoodsos.com/category/china-study/
• http://worldpeacediet.org/download2.htm

I hope this has helped people!!