If you’re thinking of adopting a vegan lifestyle, or you have already become a vegan, you may want to think about all the extra ways in which you could be contributing to the overall mission of vegan life.
Sure, you don’t eat animals or any animal products, like eggs or milk or gelatin, but you may be looking for ways to be true to your veganism outside of the kitchen.
If you want some new habits or product swaps to incorporate into your lifestyle that will uphold your animal-free goals, here are some ideas to consider.
Make the switch to vegan leather wherever possible.
One of the top things to avoid if you are going animal-free that is not related to diet is leather. Making the switch from leather goods, like purses, backpacks, and wallets, to ones with faux leather is a simple switch that will align your diet and your shopping habits.
Opt for vegan bags and totes to stash your everyday carry, as opposed to the leather bucket bag you may be used to. These days, there are many different boutiques and large retailers that provide vegan bags and accessories as opposed to real leather, so this swap is not hard to make.
Your handbag can still look stylish if it is faux leather, and to many people, the difference is imperceptible…
Avoid silks.
Many do not think of this one, but silks actually contain animal products. The fibers of silk are primarily constituted of fibers produced by silkworms.
While you may not consider insects to be at the top of the list when it comes to protecting animals, a true animal-free lifestyle will be avoidant of silk textiles and products.
Even if the products seem luxe, remember that clothing items made with silk are made with animal products.
Look for animal products in beauty products.
As you browse the makeup and beauty aisles, make sure you look at the ingredients closely.
Beeswax is a popular ingredient in lip and body balms, and while it is moisturizing and can leave a hydrating film on your skin, it is made from a honey-based product and should be avoided in your animal-free lifestyle.
Some other ingredients that crop up in makeup and skincare products that are animal-based are lanolin, honey, propolis, keratin, and mink oil.
These are all ingredients that are sometimes included in makeup and personal care products but are made from animals or animal products.
Add more plants into your life.
You don’t have to have a greenhouse to have a green thumb! If you’re living truly vegan in all aspects of your life, including diet, you may want to invest some time into other green practices, like taking care of plants and gardening. Pick up some outdoor plants
to live out on your patio, porch, yard, window sill, or wherever you can fit them. You can even plant shrubs along the side of your house and perennials in a flower bed in your front yard.
If you live in an apartment or do not have a lot of outdoor space, consider choosing plants that can thrive in a pot, or going for indoor plants that bloom regardless of access to full natural sunlight.
During the winter months, you can purchase succulents as indoor plants. These plants typically require very little sunlight and very little water, so they are easier to keep inside.
While plants may be seen as a trendy accessory these days, caring for plants can be a great way to learn more about plant life and to gain an appreciation for the plant-based protein you’re taking in in your vegan diet.
About The Author:
Anne Kamwila is a freelance content writer and a digital marketer. She is passionate to write about health, technology, and business-related guides, news, and books.
