Would you become a Vegan, part 3?
My little journey into discovering what being vegan actually means has opened my eyes to vegan food and also the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. However, I am a mother so what’s really important to me are my children.
For this to happen, I want to have more knowledge. Especially when it comes to our planet. I find today’s world very noisy. What I mean is, there are so many issues around us that it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start. Plus it’s not like when we were young and our parents could shield us from a lot of what was going on in the world. That is not possible. News and information are more accessible. Even if you wanted to hide from it, I think it would be quite difficult.
One thing that has become apparent to me recently is about the products that we use and the impact on not only the planet but also ourselves. I know that I should be more careful about the products that we use as a family. But like most households, I’m very aware of the amount of money I spend. And so, this means buying products that are ‘value for money’ which often means cheaper. But cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better. And cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean I’m saving money in the long term.
I wanted to understand how children can benefit from leading a vegan lifestyle so I had a chat with my good friend Ann-See Yeoh who is living the vegan lifestyle about her decision to be a vegan.
* Being more aware of our environment is not just about protecting the future of our planet but there are also some hidden dangers in everyday products. Can you tell me more?
As a society, we subconsciously rely on the media to tell us what is good for our children. And I get it. I’m not a parent, but I imagine that as a parent, you only want the best and to do your best for your child. Many of the products you buy from the high street have made its way there through an extensive distribution chain; from purchasing the raw ingredients through the warehouse, distribution, marketing before finding its place on the shelf in a high street shop. This is the standard product
distribution channel, and every business that’s involved wants and will make a profit. So, if you’re purchasing something for £2, how much do you think was spent on the active ingredients in the first place? Hence, the manufacturing company will reduce its production costs by using fillers and cheaper alternatives, like gluten and mineral oil (which is a cheap by-product of the petroleum industry). Why would you want to put petrol waste on your child, only for it to be absorbed through the skin or worse still, for them to lick, and build up over the years?
* How does leading a vegan lifestyle benefit children?
I believe it teaches them compassion for every being. Children are naturally caring toward animals and are heartbroken when their pet dies. If they can carry this compassion on into adult life, surely then the world will be led by more compassionate people who will be kind to each other and the planet too.
* What should I be more aware of when buying products for my children?
Mineral oil would be the main thing to look out for.
* What’s the worst thing we use that is actually harming our children?
Mineral oil
* How can we change things to protect our children and the products we use?
Simple. Start replacing the personal care products in your home. Increase the amount of veg and fruit per meal and reduce animal protein consumption. At some point, you may find you could have a meat free day, to being meat free all the time. Baby steps!
That’s ‘Would you become a Vegan, part 3’ according to Mummy on a Break.
Do you know what’s in the products you use?
If you can relate then follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
If you enjoyed reading my blog then share it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
