Moral Dilemma... Go vegan or save animals?!
Moral Dilemma... Go vegan or save animals?
I have a bit of a moral dilemma...
I decided to go vegan yesterday after doing a lot of research on the internet. I was already a vegetarian and found that the production of milk and eggs was not, as I thought, cruelty free.
So before breakfast this morning I went to the supermarket to buy some soy milk, yoghurt and non-dairy spread for my breakfast. I found that it was much more expensive than dairy food... in some cases over double the cost!
So here's my problem... I worked out that I would be spending over 10 pounds (20 dollars) a month extra on this basic everyday vegan food. This is money that I could instead give to an animal charity like PETA or WSPA.
Sure, I'd feel less guilty for consuming animal products like milk and yoghurt but in essence that's only really for my peace of mind... it wouldn't actually make a difference and stop the suffering of an animal. Over 120 pounds a year on the other hand would help a charity save animals lives.
What should I do??
Answers:
I know exactly what you mean. Finding decent toiletries that haven't been tested on animals and don't cost the earth was a big hurdle for me, but I've done my research and have now found a good but cheap brand.
In my opinion the health and ethical reasoning for going vegan is worth every bit of stress that comes with it.
Shop around. Supermarket's own brand soy milk etc is usually only half the price of a well known brand. A non dairy spread may cost a bit more but how often do you really buy spread? I know mine usually lasts way over a month.
If you really find it too expensive just do what you feel is right, but i really don't think that donating the money elsewhere is going to ease your conscience, no matter what people on this site may think.
Just spare a thought for the vegans over the past few decades and the cr*p they've had to put up with. The only reason vegan goods are becoming commonplace in supermarkets is through strength of numbers. If everyone took the easy way out, no headway whatsoever would have been made for the belief.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
xx
Vegans are in the minority, and always will be. For this reason, no matter what you do personally, dairy produce are always going to be mass produced. I admire your stance on wanting to help animals, but you as an individual will make absolutely no difference by boycotting dairy goods, and for this reason, I would say that you will do far more good by donating money to animal charities.
Less demand for milk etc. would stop animal suffering. There's no substitute for peace of mind.
I have found that Lidl does really good but inexpensive olive oil, which I use for cooking & salad dressings.
Do what you feel comfortable doing. $20 a month extra is not too much if actually eating vegan is important to you. If you would rather give that money to charities, then do that. Either way you are helping. The worst thing you could do is not to choose either option. Good luck with your decision.
What do you mean "go vegan OR save animals"? Go vegan AND save animals! It is the most useful and practical way to participate in animal liberation, just stop exploiting animals for own purpose. Thats great if you can send money to an animal org charity, but instead of depending on others to do good for animals, I suggest you start with yourself. And then if some money is left over, send it to an organisation.
ps. I'm far from rich, but I manage veganism just fine.
Give it to the WSPA not Peta, they're not acting in the animals best interests.
You could do both if you ate basic vegan foods (beans, veggies, fruits, grains)....PETA does euthanize animals though, so keep that in mind, if you are thinking of saving animals...
not to hurt any ones feelings, animals were put here on this earth for a food source. the animals that you are talking about helping stop the suffering of, they are not food, so they do need help. chickens and cows, pigs and turkey, and the eggs and milk products that come from them, these are to me, legitimate food sources. i hope this side of the coin helps in your decision.
In my opinion you should do entirely what you want. Sit down and work out all the costs and your work salary and everything like that. And if buying dairy free produce is really too much for you...try buying eggs + milk from local farmers or someone who you have looked into and have been given the thumbs up from various people. Or try buying free range or organic dairy produce. You will feel much better...trust me! good luck
Daisy x
STAY VEGAN!!
money is not as important as an animals life
Get GV brand soy milk from Wal Mart, it's the same as Silk and only 2.39 per half gallon. Non dairy spread isn't expensive and why do you need yogurt? That stuff's gross.
DEFINITELY go vegan. going vegan will do much more for animals than giving money to an organization. don't underestimate the power consumers have just by choosing what to buy and what companies to support! plus, it's just hypocritical to support animal rights but keep eating those products. you should live according to your morals, and giving up animal products is the most logical and most effective way to do this. f0xymoron's answer is absolutely ridiculous.
Its obviously your decision, but to be honest I think you would be doing more by going vegan. Buying those products is showing there is more demand for the vegan foods, and less for dairy. You may think it is insignificant, but don't look at it as you yourself cant make a difference. You are not alone in a vegan lifestyle. There are more of us! :) If it helps, you can buy the larger tubs of smart balance LIGHT spread. Peta has listed this brand as vegan, and Ive searched everywhere for something to debunk it, and nothing has. You can find it in the regular grocery store. Buy more fresh foods and less packaged. Our grocery bill has gone down considerably since cutting back on packaged items like boca etc.
Instead of donating money, you can always donate your time to your local animal shelter. You can work as little as 10 hours a month, helping with the care of the animals, or doing clerical work for the shelter. Don't forget most shelters also have thrift stores, and will take almost any donation. You could donate 1 bag of cat food a month. Every little bit makes a difference, these shelters could use your physical help as much as your money. This time of the year is the worst for shelters, and they could use everyone's help!
As much as I support the idea of PETA, I wouldn't say that all the proceedings go to saving the animals. Everyone has to get paid somehow! Plus, it could go to research.
If you really feel like you want to go vegan, than know that alot of people are with you!
I personally like to religiously check the weekly circular. They have alot of sales. You don't have to drink soy milk, or use a vegan spread every single day. So... make a little more sacrifice if it's too much of a dent in the wallet. Only buy certain things when you can afford a little extra!
For example: I buy vegan butter when it is on sale, and I use it sparingly. Usually I can use everyday olive oil, and that way, I'm not using my butter so much!
Don't worry too much about it, it's not like people go poor being vegan!
Instead of worrying about spending double the money, calm down. It's nothing too worry about. Just slow down with the substitution dairy.
Firstly, thank you for an excellent question on moral dilemma's.
Personally, I would stay vegetarian and give the money to help rescue some of those less fortunate animals in our culture that are not used for food and are mistreated to the point of death by some of our countries less scrupulous owners.
I must declare and interest here - I am neither a vegan or a vegetarian but I can't abide to see animals mistreated by bad owners.
Instead of wasting money on arguably unhealthy vegan spreads and soy milks, balance your diet with vegetables, grains, fruits and perhaps tofu or TVP to get the protein and other nutirents you need. These are much cheaper than most things that new vegans tend to think they need to eat.