// Wear No Harm // The Vegan Closet

For many of us, the holidays are a time of joy, stirring up memories of celebrating with dear friends and family while sipping hot drinks and eating delicious food. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone and in this contentious time, many may be feeling extra alone. In this season focused on gratitude and love, it is worth taking the extra step to bring joy into someone’s life, especially if they are struggling.

Crunchy leaves, shorter days and colder temperatures conjure up images of cozy sweaters, fuzzy mittens and being bundled in scarves. Unfortunately, many of the items that keep us warm are made with wool, a fiber taken from animals such as sheep, goats and rabbits.

The days are getting shorter and the air is getting crisper, which means it’s time for back to school! While we think every creature is amazing in their own way, there are a few with extra special talents. In honor of the academic pursuit, here are some animals that make it onto Mother Nature’s honor roll:

For many vegans, the benefit of a leather-free wardrobe is obvious – abstaining from leather means abstaining from animal cruelty. However, eliminating animal cruelty from your wardrobe is just one of the benefits from removing leather from your wardrobe.

T-Shirts: an essential of every minimalist’s life and one of the most ubiquitous event souvenirs. No matter how excited you were to receive that t-shirt, chances are that you have a drawer full of the same thing at home. Luckily, t-shirts are the base for a multitude of fun, functional and easy projects. Instead of adding to the thrift store’s stock or throwing them away, take a look at these ideas:

With Father’s Day coming up, now is the perfect time to take a few minutes to learn about the fathers of the animal kingdom. From bullfrogs to penguins, here are a few dads that go above and beyond

Cork, most frequently associated with wine bottles, is stepping out into the world of fashion. But what exactly is cork? Is it sustainable? And, does it look good?

Occupying the 9th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the monkey is a smart, naughty, wily and vigilant animal.

Sadly, monkeys are subjected to cruel experiments, entertainment, food, and loss of habitat. During this Year of the Monkey, we’re putting a spotlight on the complex social relationships and the many trials of these primates.

The big day is behind us and the holiday dust is finally settling. But through the process, you were on the receiving end of a few not-so-desirable gifts. Whether they are not to your taste or don’t fit with your ethics, the question now becomes: what to do with them? 

If you're like many people, you feel just a tiny bit guilty when you give someone a gift card. Gift cards, while handy, have a way of feeling impersonal to both the giver and the recipient. ("Oh, wow, a gift card. Thanks, sis!")

However, in a cool twist on this popular gift:  The key is to 

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. – Dr. Seuss.
 
They can be triggered by a scent. A song. A photograph.
 
In this week’sCompassionate Gift Giving series, we’re getting nostalgic for those random memories that make us smile and warm our hearts. We’re talking about the gift of experience.

Do you ever wonder if purchasing a fair trade product really does anything for anyone? Does it even help or change anything? The answer is an astounding YES!

When buying fair trade, the money you spend on day-to-day goods can improve an entire community’s day-to-day lives.