The KInd Life Community Forum

Hello there

I have been a vegetarian for the past 20 years so meat was always an easy 'no thank you' for me .

A couple of years ago however I read a book that shocked me to my core about how animals were used, mistreated and tortured for the sake of me 'enjoying' dairy products so I decided to go vegan, but I have to admit that it didn't last and I soon reverted back to being just a vegetarian - no excuse really but I have battled with being overweight for a long time and found it too difficult to resist dairy and to stick with a vegan lifestyle...... People around me would question my choices and I ran out of steam defending and explaining myself. If I had an 'off' day it was immediately attributed to not eating a 'proper' diet of meat and/or dairy. Anyway, a couple of months ago I came across an interview with Alicia Silverstone on Oprah and found her enthusiasm infectious. I had never considered how much of an impact my diet choices had on my environment. An argument I would love to have had available to the people who questioned my choices! I'm just starting the fifth chapter and am hooked! Although there are still some doubts about changing my lifestyle completely - especially when it comes to non-diet issues such as leather shoes and clothes, I am determined to change one thing at a time...... Does anyone have any advice for me as far as what to do with non-food animal products? Do I throw the shoes, bags and clothes away or would that just make it even more unethical? Would love to hear from you.....x Nadine

I think it's a personal choice whether or not to keep the things you already have. If I could have afforded it I would have donated my leather items and down coat so other people could buy those and I would have bought all new items.... but I could not afford that at all. So I just started looking at the options out there and whenever I need a new item I buy a cruelty free fashion accessory. I bought a susan nicole handbag last year and I'm thinking of getting some new shoes soon. I did get rid of the leather jacket because it bothered me to wear something so obvious and frivolous. Whether you decide to keep the old or not, the most important thing is to look to the future. There are some really amazing brands and stores out there if you start looking. Here are a couple of good sites:

www.mooshoes.com

http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/

http://www.bboheme.com/