The Impact We Have in the World....

The Impact We Have in the World....

Our actions have an impact throughout the web of life. "The toilet paper on your grocery store shelves may have a direct impact on the 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. Not all tissue and paper towels are made from responsible sources."

So, I had found the picture and the 3 sentences on Pinterest months ago. Recently, I posted it on The Compassionate Vegan facebook page and someone asked about what companies are socially responsible. It got me thinking about some may not know about the companies or even realize that we have an impact with the items we purchase every day. The link below will help you find great info to help make a more compassionate choice.
http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp

The Fairness of Trade

The Fairness of Trade

Today is World Fair Trade Day, and it gets me to thinking (since my mom mentions going to Walmart and the building collapse in Bangladesh), how many really know and understand fair trade.

According to fairtradeusa.org: Fair Trade began modestly in the 1940s when a few small North American and European organizations reached out to poverty stricken communities to help them sell their handicrafts to well-off markets. Later, a fictional Dutch character, Max Havelaar, was developed as an advocate for exploited coffee pickers. Today, Fair Trade is a global effort. Consumers can enliven developing countries, relieve exploitation and promote environmental sustainability by purchasing Fair Trade-labeled tea, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, sugar, honey, wine, flowers, grains and rubber products.



How does this tie into everyday purchases? When we as consumers read the labels "made in ____" fill in the blank, we are making the purchase power of a lifetime. We can say through that purchase that I will make sure this will not go towards the exploiting of the environment, of people and countries. So here are some steps, look for labels that say fair trade. Look for clothing that is made in the USA or call up the companies and ask how their products are made and how they treat their employees.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. Bruce and I spent it with friends eating a ton of great vegan food... Some friends opened their home for a potluck, and about 30 of us showed up and laughed over new stories and sharing memories from the year. I have to admit- it was really nice spending a holiday, that is surrounded by food, with friends that have the same mindset and views. Sometimes we have family that sees us as more of the odd man, then understanding that we see the environment, animals and our fellow humans are not for us to exploit....

Carson & Barnes Circus Demo

Yesterday, when I got off from work I participated in The Carson and Barnes Circus Demo. For those who don’t know what this is about, I’m an activist at heart and use my voice to speak up for those who can’t; from animals to the environment, women’s rights and abused neglected children. I’ve got a strong background in pet adoptions and have worked with abused and neglected kids at a long term care residential treatment center (RTC). One could say that I’m passionate about what I do, and one would be right…

Going back to the circus demo, I have to admit that this was one of the better ones I’ve been to. Small, with about 4 people showing up to use their voice, to show that they care and know, and are the change that they want to see in the world. In San Antonio, TX, a person holding up their sign is usually met with arguments more than a person stopping and asking about the why and the how.

Last night, the majority were positive responses and there were 2 negative responses; including a middle age man, overweight giving us the finger. Well what I would like to tell this man is, while we may not agree and if you want to insult us that is your choice. However, that shows your lack of maturity and please, do the gesture right!

It doesn’t matter if the group is large or small; when you use your voice to speak up for those that are abused (whatever cause) there is a sense of liberation. One leaves the peaceful demonstration or event more empowered and feeling like there is a difference being made. While I can’t keep elephants out of the circus yet, the more of the public that learn about what happens behind the scenes and stop going is a victory that continues. Someday, I hope that animals of all sorts are able to be free from the torture of electric prods and get to remain being animals; that they will no longer be exploited for entertainment, experiments, or robbed of their offspring. Until that day comes, I will continue to use my voice.

Happy World Water Day!

Today is World Water day and I'm reminded that there are so many in this country and in the world don't have clean water to drink, cook or clean with. We take for granted that we can turn the tap on or reach for a bottle (very wasteful for those not using a reusable bottle). Please take care of our precious natural resource and lets not waste even one drop, for when it's gone we never get it back.....