So I decided to become a vegan last week.

[otherlander]

So now instead of putting milk in my tea I just use sugar. Except the people who harvest the sugar probably aren't treated much better than the cows. So, the moral of the story is, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't, and the world is made out of knives.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

1. We should just become cannibals.

Somehow I don't think that's a top-notch solution however. :D

[LeftyMom]

2. It's good of you to think about these things.

As far as sugar goes, buying a reputable fair trade brand (I prefer wholesome sweeteners, but there are others) and looking into alternatives to cane sugar might not hurt. Personally, I rather like agave nectar for tea. It's made from the agave cactus (the same stuff used to make tequila) and pretty closely resembles honey in texture and flavor.

But we have to remember that we live in a society based on exploitation, and as much as we do our best not to contribute to that, we'll never be perfect. I guess what I'm saying is, do your best but don't beat yourself up for not being perfect.

[flvegan]

3. Did you learn the secret handshake?

Seriously, congrats. It's a big step, but the positive impact on the world and your health (if you do it properly) is well worth it.

[DarkTirade]

4. I use honey in my tea.

I just hope I don't find out that apiaries secretly mistreat their bees.

[BarenakedLady]

5. Ahhhh

"the world is made out of knives."

That explains the pain.

[otherlander]

8. Yes. :(

:hug:

[mulsh]

6. what about the people who pick tea? and the tea plants, plants

feel pain. they haven't done anything to you. why are you doing harm to defenseless tea plants and the exploited who toil in the feilds.:dilemma:

[Tektonik]

7. Like LM said we cannot be perfect. but

hell we may as well try.

[stuntcat]

9. Silk!~

it's milky AND sweet!

It's easy being vegetarian, I can even do without cheese mostly. I have to admit though, I have cottage cheese once or twice a week :blush: I'm waiting til they come up with a good cottage cheese substitute, I'll be all over that!

[ThomCat]

10. Do what you can. Care where you can, and as much as you can.

Practice your empathy. It's like a muscle. It grows stronger with use. But please don't worry so much about being perfect at it.

The world will continue to be made of knives regardless of what we do. But now you won't be holding one of them. :hug: