What's wrong with McDonald's?

Posted by: True Activist

1.) Ammonium Sulfate

Dong Ming

Nothing helps mass-produce bread like ammonium sulfate. Unfortunately, nothing fertilizers soil or kills bugs like it either. Read more about ammonium sulfate and other nasty bread additives here: 5 Dangerous Additives Hidden In Packaged Bread

2.) Silicone Oil

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Chicken McNuggets are full of dimethylpolysiloxane, a silicone oil that is often used for making contact lenses and other medical items. Learn more about your beloved McNuggets here: The Chicken That Should Be Banned

3.) Cysteine-L

continentalfeathers

Fast food restaurants use Cysteine-L, an amino acid synthesized from human hair or duck feathers, to flavor their meat and soften their breads and pastries.

4.) TBHQ

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This additive can be found in 18 McDonald’s menu items. It’s potentially lethal, but don’t worry, the FDA says it’s generally regarded as safe (GRAS). Learn more about TBHQ here: The Petroleum Byproduct You Are Most Likely Eating

5.) Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a chemical compound that can be found in anti-freeze, e-cigarettes, and that’s right! Fast food!

6.) Prescription Drugs

rudoilaw

By testing feathers, researchers from Johns Hopkins University found some very interesting characteristics of factory-farm-raised poultry. And you thought the pink slime scandal was bad? Anti-depressants as well as other prescription drugs are added to chicken feed for fast food “poultry” items. That’s right, those McChicken sandwiches and McNuggets come from chickens that were raised on a steady diet of prescription, over-the-counter, and even banned drugs. Learn more about it here: 3 Dirty Chicken Facts Exposed

7.) Dimethylpolysiloxane

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You’ll find this in almost any fried fast food menu item and also in silly putty, contact lenses, caulking, shampoo and conditioners, cosmetics, polishes, heat resistant tiles, and the list goes on… Learn more about Dimethylpolysiloxane by following this link.

8.) Carminic Acid

Wikimedia Commons

Synthesized by Cochineal beetles, Carminic acid is used to dye foods, especially meats, red. You can learn more about the beetles in your food HERE.

9.) Cellulose

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You’ll find this organic compound, which is produced from wood pulp, in nearly every fast food menu item. Learn more about cellulose by following this link.

10.) Silicon Dioxide

Wikimedia Commons

This industrial sand is used in things like Wendy’s chili to keep it from clumping together. Mmm… industrial sand. Learn more about silicon dioxide HERE.

Cooking your own food has never sounded more appealing. If you think you can’t afford it, follow this link to learn how to grow your own organic produce. What’s that all you have is an apartment? Check out these tips for apartment gardening!

Have you heard enough about this discusting place called "McDonald's?"  Good.

What to Do if You're Bullied for Being Vegan

Posted February 6, 2015 by Lily Trahan

Bullying is a huge issue these days. It seems like almost every day, we hear about someone being teased, physically threatened in school, or sometimes, something even worse. I remember my middle-school days all too well. I was made fun of for my appearance as well as for being shy, a nerd, and a Buddhist. There were days when I’d fake being sick—just so I could avoid the mean girls at school. I even remember one incident in seventh grade in which a group of girls chased me down the hall and threw their textbooks at me, just for being the quietest girl in our gym class. Sounds pretty ridiculous, right?

Something we don’t often talk about, though, are the cases in which kids are bullied for being vegan. It’s so sad that people with the kindest intentions are picked on and even alienated because of their beliefs. While we may not be able to stop bullying overnight, we here at peta2 have put together the following list of tips on how to deal with it—just in case you find yourself in a similar situation:

Recognize why they’re doing it. People bully vegans for two main reasons: (1) They don’t understand why anyone would want to stop eating animals, and it’s easier to mock something you don’t understand than it is to face it. (2) They know their current lifestyle choices contribute to someone’s suffering, and they’d rather be in denial. Think about it: If they didn’t feel guilty, why else would it bother them so much? #TruthHurts

Let them know that you don’t expect them to change. While it’d be WONDERFUL if everyone in the world ditched animal products, it’s unlikely that it’ll happen anytime soon. Remind your friends that just because you choose to live a certain way doesn’t mean you expect them to follow. People are less likely to get defensive if they don’t feel threatened.

Don’t be afraid to be real. At the same time, while you can’t expect everyone to change instantly, you should expect your friends to RESPECT your beliefs. A true friend is someone who’ll understand that you have certain values—and if something is important to you, the people who care about you shouldn’t make fun of it, period. You can simply tell your friends: “Hey, this is my life, and I’m not expecting you to change yours. But please respect what’s important to me.”

Remember that your values belong to YOU. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel that what you believe in is stupid or pointless. You have the right to your own opinions, just like anyone else. In reality, there will ALWAYS be someone who disagrees with you. If it’s not about being vegan, it’ll be about politics, religion, etc. People love to debate and argue, but that doesn’t mean that what you’re doing is wrong. You’re making a difference every day through your kind choices, and while you may not be able to meet all the animals you help save, you’re sparing them unimaginable suffering. If they could thank you, they would.

Show them the benefits of your lifestyle. Lots of times, people don’t want to hear—or don’t even care—about animal suffering. It’s the whole “out of sight, out of mind” thing. During your conversation, casually slip in the benefits of going vegan (e.g., clearer skin, better health, less or zero B.O., less gas hehe, helping the planet, etc.). With that said, though, don’t fight fire with fire. Rather than running around screaming at people for what they’re not doing, show them how happy you are as a vegan and kill them with kindness.

Plant the seed. Cook delicious vegan dishes, host documentary movie nights, invite your friends to fun vegan-friendly events, etc. Basically, show ’em little by little how fun it can all be. I once dated someone who had absolutely no interest in being vegan, so we didn’t talk about it much—but one night, I hosted a Vegucated movie night, and he ended up going vegan on the spot and never looked back. So you just never know!

Seek support from an adult. Unfortunately, there are times when things just go too far. If you’re in a situation that makes you uncomfortable or feel threatened in any way, please tell your parents, a teacher, a school counselor, a youth leader, or any other trusted adult. Just remember: You are NOT alone, and there are people who want to help you!

Join a community of like-minded peeps. It’s likely that all your friends aren’t into animal rights, but it def helps to have some who are. It makes a world of difference to have that extra support. Join (or start!) a campus club, participate in meet-ups, find online forums, follow fellow vegans on Instagram, or join the peta2 Street Team and start making tons of vegan friends!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/vegan-bullied/#ixzz3lV6dxYrY

FYI: Your Favorite Snack Is Probably Vegan

osted September 11, 2015 by Whitney Calk

For me, going vegan opened up a delicious new world of food choices. I mean, it’s practically impossible to walk into any grocery store these days without finding vegan meat from brands such as Tofurky and Gardein and dairy-free options such as soy milk and Daiya brand vegan cheese.

But something else that really excited me about going vegan was finding out that so many of my favorite snacks from my pre-vegan days were still safe for me to eat, i.e., they were “accidentally vegan.” Which snacks am I talking about, you ask? Here’s a hint:

And before you go all, “But Whitney, why are you so psyched about unhealthy food?!” let me say this: I never said that this stuff was healthy. All I’m saying is that most of these are snacks you ate before—and can continue to eat now without a guilty conscience (because they don’t contain any animals or animal byproducts). That’s a big ol’ vegan win-win situation!

OK, now on to the good stuff. Prepare your taste buds and check out our fave “accidentally vegan” foods:

Airheads

Nabisco Oreo Thin Crisps

Cinnamon Life

Ghirradelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix

Fritos

 Lay’s Air Pops

Fruit by the Foot

Hershey’s Syrup

Kettle Brand Potato Chips (Backyard Barbecue, Jalapeño, Maple Bacon, Pepperoncini, Red Curry, Roasted Garlic, Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Spicy Thai, Sriracha, and Unsalted varieties) 

Jujyfruits

Lay’s Potato Chips (Barbecue and Plain)

 Quaker Apple Cinnamon Rice Cakes

Duncan Hines Whipped Frosting (Chocolate, Fluffy White, and Vanilla)

Mission Tortillas

 Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars (Peanut Butter)

Nabisco Ginger Snaps

Red Bull Energy Drink

Ritz Crackers

Ruffles Original Potato Chips

Swedish Fish

Sour Patch Kids

Thomas’ New York Style Bagels (Plain, Everything, and Blueberry)

Wheat Thins Multigrain

Once you’re done jumping for joy and writing up your next grocery list, be sure to share this list with your friends to show them how dang easy it is to be vegan!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/accidentally-vegan-snacks/#ixzz3lV3m0rdv

11 Times Vegan Shaming Failed

Posted September 9, 2015 by Hannah Healy

We’ve all seen the mocking, sarcastic, or downright mean comments left on posts about being vegan. Some people feel guilty for their choices, so they try to bring vegans down for doing something that they’re unwilling to do. Others can’t see why anyone would stop eating animals, and it’s easier to mock something that they don’t understand than it is to learn about it. 

Here are 11 glorious examples of vegan shaming gone terribly, terribly wrong:

1: Vegans Are Terrorists 

Vegans promote NONviolence. This person seems to be a tad confused.

2: Vegan Men Can’t Hold Women ‘Aloft’

This person commented on a picture of a man holding up a woman. He or she apparently thinks that vegans are weak, not knowing or conveniently forgetting that some of the strongest men in the word—including Mr. Universe—are vegan. How do ya like DEM apples?

3: Vegans Steal Food From Animals

Many times, silly comments like this one are worth ignoring. However, one person took the time to give the most badass, well-thought-out, complete answer ever. All we can do is hope the troll read it.

4: Vegans Starve Themselves

The response to this is pure gold. 

5: It’s OK to Kill Animals, but We Should Help Those Who Are Abused

But … but … killing animals IS abusing them!

6: Not ALL Slaughterhouses Are Like That

Hint: If it has the word “slaughter” in its name, it isn’t humane.

7: So You and a Pig Are on an Island …

We’re pretty sure that this person would eat the coconuts and mangos. Now, imagine that we lived in a world where most of us got our food from grocery stores and had tons of vegan options at our fingertips. Oh, wait—we do!

8: We Don’t Have Time to Slaughter Animals Humanely

This person clearly doesn’t know that going vegan helps fight world hunger!

9: We’re Top Dog

Humans have this crazy ability to be empathetic—but I’m not sure if this person knows about it. 

10: Not Everyone Will Go Vegan

This is the perfect example of not letting the haters get you down.

11: Animals Are Delicious

We try to be mature … but sometimes, we can’t resist.

NO ONE should feel bad for standing up for animals! Remember that you’re not alone, so make sure you follow peta2 on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. If you’re being bullied, we can help—check out our tips below.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/vegan-shaming/#ixzz3lLuGJpwX

Kids don't want to eat meat!

Posted September 3, 2015 by Lily Trahan

Let’s be real: Kids have NO filter. Sure, they may say the darndest things, but their honesty is what makes them so great! And the best part of all is that their words come from a pure heart. <3

These kids clearly don’t want to eat meat, and who can blame them? Why would people want to support suffering once they’ve made the connection that the chicken they cheer on in their favorite animated film is the same as the animal they’re about to be served for dinner?

You might recognize Luiz Antonio. This little guy is a YouTube sensation who, at only 3 years old, was able to explain to his mom why animals shouldn’t be killed or eaten. He had his mom (and us) in tears!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/kids-vegetarian-videos/#ixzz3l4QrFEHx

Happy National Dog Day!!

Written by: Hannah Easley

This video the PERFECT way to share something for a national day and to share awareness for pigs!
Please watch this video below and please share as well, thank you!