Why be Vegetarian/Vegan?

Participants consider the reasons to become vegetarian or vegan. Here we'll learn about all the wonderful reasons to eat vegetarian foods, meet some interesting animals, and answer some commonly asked questions about vegetarianism you are most likely asked by all your friends.

Animal Rights & Wrongs

What are Animal Rights and Animal Wrongs? This thought provoking discussion will delve into the dark topic of animal exploitation including the world of entertainment, animal testing, and the reality of slaughterhouse and see how the animals are treated before being packaged for human consumption. We will also explore the concept of Speciesism ("racism" against different species") which has been used to justify animal abuse over time. We will discuss if there anything that we, as a society or as individuals, can or should do to change this mindset that continues to exploit animals.

Conscious Shopper

With every dollar we spend, we can support companies who are trying to make a positive impact in the world. Your wallet has the power to make or break an industry! Did you know that some products are tested by dripping solutions into the eyes of rabbits while they are fully conscious and restrained? Did you know that a lot of chocolate we so excitedly devour, can contribute to slave labor? Or the gold that we wear contributes to environmental damage around the world? By thinking before you shop, you CAN make a difference and feel and look great too.

Compassionate Cooking

Participants will be introduced to the idea of cruelty-free cooking and the stories behind common ingredients. Participants will be able to sample cruety-free ingredients and consider ways on how to use them in their cooking. The session will end with an easy interactive cooking demo participants can use in their meal plans.

Eco-Choices for the Home

Participants will learn how to interpret eco-labels, identify misleading marketing, pick out eco-friendly products. This session will end with an interactive activity where participants will be able to make eco-friendly natural cleaners which they will be able to take home and use.

Me, You & Us

In this session participants learn from sharing with one another. Participants will be led through trust games, invited to share personal stories to learn from one another, and discuss the concept of compassionate communication to use with their loved ones. Participants will leave with journal writing homework and potential skills they could use to encourage ahimsa in their own home.