Hello Moving to Conservers! As somebody dedicated to cultivating sustainability, I can say that I am massively impressed by this group. My favorite definition of sustainability is “the possibility that human and other life will flourish on the planet forever” (-Dr. John Ehrenfeld). I find that definition both aspirational and beautiful, and so it guides my work to make this world a better place. Moving to Conservers is working diligently to cultivate flourishing for all life on this planet, and I’m happy to be a part of the team.
I’m particularly honored and excited to participate in the Eating Consciously project. My master’s thesis explored the intersections between veganism and sustainability. I advocate for veganism as both a fundamental social justice philosophy as part of a total liberation framework, and as one of the most powerful things we can do to help the environment. I truly believe that one of the primary ways to cultivate flourishing for all life is to adopt veganism at an individual and collective level.
With that being said, I want to share my favorite resources with you related to veganism and the environmental benefits of plant-based diets. This is just a small sampling of the resources available, but it’s a good jumping off point. Let’s start with some shameless self-promotion…
Veganism as a Strategy for Sustainability
- An excerpt from my master’s thesis, with an in-depth analysis of the intersections between veganism and sustainability.
- My TED Talk, with the same information from my thesis, but more simplified and digestible for a lay audience.
Fundamentals of Veganism
- Definition of Veganism: “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
- Tom Regan: Groundbreaking animal rights philosopher.
- Gary Francione: Another prominent animal rights philosopher.
- Free from Harm: Farm animal advocacy and education organization
Veganism and Total Liberation
- Breeze Harper: Intersections of veganism, anti-racism, feminism, and other anti-oppression approaches.
- Christopher Sebastian: Work focuses on how human relationships with other animals shapes our attitudes about race, sexuality, and class.
- Mothers Against Dairy: Project devoted to elevating the stories of vegan mothers for whom motherhood influenced their decision to reject dairy and go vegan, as well as reflections from mothers who were already vegan before becoming a parent, but whose mothering relationship deeply reinforced for them the injustice of dairy farming.
- Lisa Kemmerer: Ecofeminist philosopher/activist working on behalf of nonhuman animals, the environment, and disempowered human beings.
- Carol Adams: Probably the most prominent ecofeminist working at the intersections of veganism and feminism.
Veganism and the Environment
- Truth or Drought: Overview of the connection between animal consumption and environmental breakdown guided by a vegan ethic.
- A Well-fed World: Organization providing plant-based solutions to global hunger and climate change.
Plant-based Diets and the Environment (the following resources are not guided by a vegan ethic)
