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Leo Tolstoy, Leonardo da Vinci, Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Einstein are just a few of the figures throughout history that have practiced and advocated a diet that reduced animal suffering in the worldt.
Every day, when we sit down to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we have an opportunity to help create a a less violent and healthier world. Every day, when we shower, get dressed, and ready ourselves for the day, we have numerous opportunities to choose products that don't inflict pain and suffering on animals. This section is intended to provide information, support, and resources.
Connecting to the Truth
“I have no doubt that it is part of the destiny of the human race, in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Only through educating ourselves and reflecting honestly upon our personal choices can we make informed decisions about how we want to live. After visiting ourBeing Vegan section to learn about the reasons why so many people are changing their diet, you may feel overwhelmed, confused or shocked. You are not alone. Learn More
"...there is not really any sacrifice to becoming vegan once one learns how delicious vegan foods truly are...I now enjoy eating more than I ever have before."
- John Mackey, CEO, Whole Foods Market
A balanced vegan diet is about enjoying a wide variety of delicious food. You don't need to say goodbye to your favorite foods whether they are burgers, hot dogs, burritos, tacos, cake, cookies, soups, etc. In addition, you can still enjoy a wonderful array of ethnic foods including Middle eastern, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, etc. Many restaurants offer a selection of vegan items and are often willing to accommodate your requests; realizing that simple adjustments and a fresh approach can go a deliciously long way! To make things easier for you, mainstream markets like Shaw's and Stop and Shop are selling a wide variety of vegan foods. We encourage you to visit ourRhode Island Guide in the Resources section of the website.
Vegan Starter Guides
“The human body has no more need for cows’ milk than it does for dogs’ milk, horses’ milk, or giraffes’ milk.”
- Michael Klaper, M.D., Director, Institute for Nutrition Education and Research
If you are ready to begin making changes in your diet or would like to learn more, we encourage you to order a FREE VEGAN STARTER BOOKLET from any one of the following links below. Including tips, inspiring facts to motivate you, nutritional guidance, delicious recipes to try, and plenty of resources to get you started, these booklets offer a wealth of invaluable information . We also encourage you to visit ourResources page for restaurants, markets, travel, and more. Join us for any one of RIVA's events to learn more, meet others, and taste for yourself how delicious healthy, compassionate and ecologically friendly vegan food can be. Grab a plate, get some silverware, and best wishes!
Animal Protection Institute
Compassion Over Killing
Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Vegan Outreach
Viva!
Beyond Food ~ Compassionate Living
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King
Compassionate living goes beyond not eating animals, as people are concerned about animal suffering and environmental pollution in every facet of their life. Instead of supporting products that are harmful and cruel to innocent beings, vegans strive to support products that do not support animal suffering, have not been tested on animals in painful experiments, and are environmentally friendly. These products can include toiletries, cosmetics, cleaners, and household items, and much more. Look for labels that say vegan, no animal ingredients or byproducts when you select items. Whole Foods Market in Rhode Island has a good variety of natural and compassionate selections as do some local health food stores. We encourage you to visit ourResources page for more information on living vegan.Here are just a few other suggestions you may want to consider
Instead of attending a circus with animals who are denied their deserved freedom in the wild, separated from their families, and forced to do unnatural tricks for human entertainment, attend a human only circus like Cirque de Soleil.
Instead of visiting a zoo where animals are in captivity and denied their natural habitat and freedom, visit a national park or local wildlife sanctuary.
Instead of putting groceries in plastic bags that cause unnecessary pollution, bring canvas and reusable bags to the market.
Please remember ~ When we honor what we care about and strive towards more conscious living, our lives are filled with meaning, honesty, purpose, and most importantly, the seeds for a radically different and kinder future for all. Let us remind ourselves daily that no choice is ever too small or insignificant when it affects the well-being of another.
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