Why Due North?

I love adventures, especially new ones to new places! On the weekends, I find myself outdoors as much as possible. From city streets to natural landscapes, from following marked trails to blazing my own, traveling ‘due north’ is my way of seeking out adventure and following a path set by intention. All photographs featured in this blog are taken on these adventures.

 

Who Takes the Photos? 

My partner-in-crime and husband, Jake. He is planning to start a nature/history blog of his own in the future. He is awesome and has been such an inspiration to me. Stay tuned!

 

Where Are the Photos Taken?

Most of the photographs are taken within the northeastern part of the US and Montreal. I used to live in Massachusetts and currently live at the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, so a majority of the photos are taken in these three states.

At the bottom of each blog post is a ‘photo credit’ whereby each photo is identified.

 

Why Vegan?

Okay, here we go!

The short answer?  Veganism has presented itself as the most ethically-conscious, eco-sustainable, and health-focused lifestyle. Well, these are the reason that I am vegan today!

The long answer?

Back in January 2017, after much thought (two years’ worth since 2015!) about pursuing a major change in my lifestyle, I decided to ‘take the plunge’ and rid my life of all animal and animal-related products for personal use.

By definition, Veganism is both (1) a diet and (2) a lifestyle that is free of animals, animal products and by-products, and any participation/support for exploitation of animals for the purposes of human desire, perceived “need”, or actual gain.

In other words, a (1) diet without meat, dairy, eggs, even honey, among other things, as well as a (2) lifestyle without use of animal ingredients or evidence of animal-cruelty for clothing and cleaning/beauty products, etc. My lifestyle also excludes partaking in other activities in which evidence of animal exploitation is apparent. This includes zoos, horse racing, fishing, etc.

Animals are not on this planet for our entertainment. There is no justification for me to support instances whereby animals are mistreated, murdered, or exploited solely for reason that they share this planet with us. I wouldn’t want others around me nor my future children (when I have them!) to believe that I  condone such behaviors.

In my opinion, in this day in age, we, humans should not and do not need to advance ourselves evolutionarily any longer by way of harming and/or exploiting other animals on this planet for profit/human gain. If humans can engineer cars, a rocket to the moon, and modern medicine (mechanical heart valve, anyone?) among many other things, surely there must be a way to engineer other resources or continue to use existing resources to sustain us as a species?

Veggie/Bean burgers? Plant-based household cleaners? Leather alternatives for shoes, car interiors, clothing (that has the look and feel of cow leather)?

The choice seems easy enough for me.

The only caveat to this lifestyle is that, at this point in time, it is slightly less convenient than today’s unfortunate and rampant pro-animal cruelty inclined society.

Yes, I may have to look up a restaurant menu ahead of time to check for a vegan entrée option. No, I won’t use the goat’s milk based body soap at the hotel. Yes, I’ll go to an arboretum or on a hike rather than to a zoo, thank you very much.

However, veganism has come such a long way within a relatively short period of time!

With each passing day, it is becoming easier and easier for one to make the switch to veganism. There are new vegan restaurants popping up throughout the country, new vegan products hitting the grocery shelves, and even more online and in-print vegan research and resources to support this growing change in mindsets and behaviors.

Who knows? Exploiting animals may be a thing of the past very soon. 2100? 2050? Sooner?

What percentage of the US currently identifies as Vegan?

People have the ability to glean new information, recognize right from wrong, and demonstrate and therefore act upon (newly founded) beliefs and values in a way that is consistent with lifestyle choices. Societal shifts happen this way which can lead to major changes.

Remember when Women did not carry the legal right to vote? Gay marriage unrecognized? Those days are long over, right?

Maybe someday we can leave all animals alone? Crossing my fingers.

 

How Did I Make Such a Change to Veganism When My Previous Lifestyle Was Just the Opposite?

Initially, the journey to veganism for me was not exactly smooth sailing through and through. Making the switch wholly overnight proved disastrous in my case, as I initially went into to it with very little research! After going back to the “drawing board”, I realized that baby steps were key! Through additional research (internet/books), trial and error (cooking), logistical planning (restaurants, etc.), and specifically learning to enjoy my journey, over time, I was able to transform my habits and sustain my veganism as a full-time viable, purposeful, and positive lifestyle. I could NEVER go back to my previous ways! I would never want to!

After more than a year since making the switch, more than anything, I want to shout from the hilltops (or an internet blog platform!) how greatly veganism has improved nearly every aspect of my life.

 

COMING SOON: The Reason I Went Vegan (blog post) and 3 Pitfalls I Wish I Avoided When I First Went Vegan (blog post)

 

Am I 100% Vegan?

As far as my diet goes, yes! As far as what I put into my mouth three (or more!) times a day, I have (nearly) 100% control over this. (My brain tells my hand what to grasp and place into that hole into my face.) At grocery stores, restaurants, farmer’s markets, CSAs (“Community-Supported Agriculture”), convenience stores, etc, I buy and consume animal-free products.

As far as my lifestyle goes, most vegans would agree that a score of 100% in this department will always be a work-in-progress.

Although I only purchase animal-free products for my home and lifestyle (such as towels, sheets, cleaning products, and clothing) currently, I still use items that were purchased prior to my transition to veganism. I have some non-vegan shoes and a jacket in good condition that I am planning to ‘use up’ before buying the vegan edition as its replacement.

I do have a cat, Freya, who I consider a member of my family. She previously lived in shelter for homeless animals, for which I consider her rescue to be a decision made with my veganism in mind. Yes, by biology and anatomy, she is not sustained on a vegan diet. She is a warm and friendly feline, who I believe is living a more joyous life within her now cage free home.

And of course, mistakes can happen.

I was once told by the person who prepared the gravy, for a Thanksgiving dinner, that it was in fact vegan. I was suspicious, but took a bite anyway. Later as I noticed the jar at the top the recycling bin, I read the label. Turkey broth was the first ingredient and milk was the second ingredient. I was mortified! Not even close! However, I realized that I should have been more careful and that if I had any doubts, just to trust my gut.

Never let ‘perfect’ get in the way of ‘doing better’.