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Five years ago, my husband and I were married in a small ceremony. As a wedding gift he gave me a beautiful Burberry purse, wallet, and make-up case. I loved this gift, though for years I had struggled with being a vegetarian/vegan and a meat eater. My family was hit really hard by the economy and my husband has always been so proud of his wedding gift to me. This year for health reasons as well as a host of other reasons, my husband, daughter and myself all became vegans. I have never felt better. Spiritually, physically, in every way I just feel amazing. While researching being vegan I came across this site: http://www.bloodyburberry.com/home.asp . I am so sick to my stomach.
Here is the upsetting part though. The purse, wallet and make-up case are more than just vanity items. They have real meaning behind them because of our wedding. I am torn! What do I do with them? Though I know that I can't in good conscience use them, I can't throw them away either! It would break my husbands heart to know that I gave them away, or threw them away. He completely supports our vegan life, and we don't intend on buying any more non vegan items. Please help me out with this moral dilemma. What would you do?
I would keep them, you can't change your past and it sounds like their meaning is near and dear to both yours and your husband's heart. I think you will make a big impact with your future purchase choices and it's great that your family is vegan too.
Best to you!
Peace,
Cassi
Cassi,Thank you. I was feeling terribly torn and it is nice to hear from someone who lives the same life as myself that it is okay to have these items. I was beating myself up to the point of feeling as though I myself killed these animals! In the future I will use them on special occasions, maybe our anniversary or such. This way we can both look back fondly without all the guilt.
Thank you again. Much love and best wishes to you as well.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
I just got a beautiful brown leather bomber jacket for Christmas and a vintage 1940's cardigan that has a........ mink collar
, totally "I Love Lucy." These items don't have near the sentimnet as yours, but I just read Alicia's book 3 weeks ago and went from "organic omnivore" to "Vegan" overnight. I've been a bit conflicted, but from here on out I will make "kind" purchases and my heart is glad knowing how my smallest choices will make a big difference on my conscience, the well being of my fellow living creatures and our planet.
Take care,
Cassi
You can't rewrite you past, but you can choose your future.
I have lots of leather shoes, leather handbags, Coach, and Louis Vuitton. It's more wasteful to get rid of them than to keep using them until they wear out. I intend to keep what I have and not buy anymore.
(But I'll admit I do a self-scan before I hit the vegan grocery! :)
Haha! Sierra your so cute! Your very right about the "self-scan" . I do the same thing! I have found that I actually own almost all animal friendly clothing! I prefer to wear cotton, so most things I own are cotton shirts and jeans, and I don't like how leather shoes feel on my feet (I have foot problems and have had surgery for it) so I like really pliable shoes. I'm lucky in that my clothing for the most part fits in with my life style. My biggest issue so far has been these bags. I am going to do just what you and Cassi have suggested. I won't waste what I have, and appreciate it for what it means, but in the future I won't support any products that abuse animals. It's funny, if you had told me back when I got these items that the fell into that category, I wouldn't have wanted them! It's amazing the veil we pull over our eyes so we can have and eat what we "want". I'm happy I pulled that veil back, the world is such a brighter place.
Thank you LadiesElizabeth
Keep it hon. It has sentimental value.
I know exactly how you feel! I have a closet full of leather shoes and bags and I'm sick about it. To add insult to injury, most of these items, that were not cheap, are made in China. So between that and animals dying for them, I'm embarrased to own them, much less wear them out. I decided to give the bags to my mom (shoes won't fit her). The damage is done, so throwing them out doesn't do anyone any good. At least she will enjoy them and I can start refilling my closet with smarter choices. As for your bag, I agree that you should keep it, because of the sentimental value. You don't have to wear it out if you don't want to. Giving it away won't bring the animals back and it will just leave you feeling sad.
I was planning to do some spring shopping today and I'm so glad I read this first. I haven't really thought about shoes and purses and clothing...but I will certainly be more aware from now on. Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention.
I have a leather purse and possibly shoes that I purchased years ago, well before being a vegetarian. I would not purchase leather or animal products today. I do not see the point in throwing them away. You bought them well before you made this life decision so you should still enjoy them! Plus, if they have that much meaning you totally need to keep them :) Can't change the past only the future my dear!
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