It was a great to have a meeting of perspective on the topic of veganism. In about 2 weeks I'll be traveling to interview and get a personal perspective on the Tiny House movement, so be sure to check back!
Also, check out the documentary that was referenced several times, Earthlings.
Show Notes:
My understanding of veganism and my own personal reasoning
-(Environmental Impact) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-02/su-apw021207.php
Henning Steinfeld- Extensive livestock production plays a critical role in land degradation, climate change, water and biodiversity loss," Steinfeld said. For example, grazing occupies 26 percent of the Earth's terrestrial surface, and feed-crop production requires about a third of all arable land
Introduction of guests:
Kayleigh Barber- graduated from Plumpton College in the UK with triple distinction in animal management, which I learned covers an enormous range of studies. She has experience with animals in many regards from farm animals to british wildlife, exotic insects, birds, fish and on and on. She currently has a fantastic blog called Fightingforanimals where she has become a significant resource for the vegan community. http://fightingforanimals.tumblr.com/
Orion Orbes- With over 2,700 followers on one of a few of his blogs, Orion offers an interesting perspective. He and his wife have dedicated themselves to sustainable vegan living. They have raised their children as vegans, and inspire others with their innovative ideas for sustainable living. http://havocados.tumblr.com/
Daya Subramanian- joining us today from half way around the world in her home in India. Daya is currently studying to be a publisher. She, too, has a significant following on her blog and I think will be able to give us some insight into the movement as it is around the globe. http://xthegirlwithkaleidoscopeeyesx.tumblr.com/
Jamie Foley- "James Foley was raised in the American South where his contrarian curiosity and early passion for science eventually led him to scientific skepticism and rationalism. He now makes his home in Oakland, California as he works on his degree in Biotechnology. A vegan for a decade, James enjoys exploring the intersections between science, animal rights, and social justice at his blog SkepticalVegan.com "@skepticalvegan on twitter
I think that to start it’s always important to define our terms and create a bit of clarity. So although the definition of veganism is very clear, the driving forces behind it can vary. Of course you’ll find vegans who are simply focused on finding the perfect diet, others in the interest of the environment but I find most often that veganism is adopted out of a sense of moral and ethical objection to the poor treatment of animals. Can each of you define veganism?
I think that variation comes into play with every individual’s interpretation of what the practical applications and what does this in our daily life? This is something I would like to open to you all. For example, I think most people would agree that our use of rats in medical laboratories is very beneficial to medical advancements and treatments so is that the line? Leather seats in cars? Silk? Vegan shoes? http://www.vivisectioninformation.com/index.php?p=1_8_All-you-need-to-know-in-33-facts
“Cause the least amount of harm”
(Kayleigh) Biological aspect- how are we the same? Different?
(Kayleigh) What are some of the common practices that are going on now in the way of the poor treatment of animals especially in factory farming?
Where is the harm in the dairy industry?
According to the National Institutes of Health “Approximately 65 percent of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy.” http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/lactose-intolerance
That brings us to another set of terms, because there are 2 majorly different way of viewing animal treatment. Animal rights and animal welfare. I don’t think the difference is really intuitive so panel, I would like to hear from you…. What is the difference here? Where do you stand and why?
Treatment of animals v. Allowing autonomy
(Orion) What kind of impact are we seeing environmentally from these mass-production farms? And although we can’t say absolutely because there are many factors involved in emission/climate change but what do you think the impact would be to eliminate this kind of farm moving forward?
(Orion) I also find it very interesting that you have an entirely vegan family. Can you tell us what that experience has been like for all of you?
(Jamie) Can you tell us about the ‘real cheese’ project?
Real Vegan Cheese- https://realvegancheese.org/
(Jamie) What do you think is the strongest argument for veganism? We are all the same.
(Daya) What is the perception of veganism in India? Based on your interaction with people all over the world online, how do you think the perception is different in various parts of the globe?
(Daya) What is the direction of the vegan movement in India?
What was the determining factor in your personal decision? The one that pushed you over the fence?
Great first podcast! Really good job on the subject with the panel. Looking forward to more.
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