CONFESSIONS OF A BABY VEGAN || DAY 16

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[briannabossard]

I'm going through the transition. Today is 4 months being vegan. What I'm doing is just going through the cosmetics, cleansers, etc. that I have and replacing them with vegan/cruelty free items. Like you said, throwing the item away isn't going to make the animal come back to life. And honestly, I just don't have the money to replace all of my things (though I have found out that some of them are actually vegan/cruelty free). And when I really comes down to it, I'm trying my best, I'm contributing as little as possible to the industry, and I feel good about that. We are all bound to make mistakes here and there, but recognizing those mistakes and moving forward in a more humane way is what really counts.

[charlottekvoinov]

I think that the decision you took is the best one. I completely understand that it is not that simple to replace your whole wardrobe and cosmetics, but what you are doing is so admirable, and sets a really good example. I have been loving your daily videos, I am sure it takes a lot of time but just keep on doing what you are doing, it is awesome! You inspire me every day to be a better person and to care more and more for animals Caitlin :) Love from Switzerland,
Charlotte ;))

[lilaylou]

Thank you so much for making a video about this dilemma. It can be so easy to get down on ourselves because of the reasons you mentioned, and you start to doubt yourself a lot. Especially for things like a designer bag that was gifted to us (raises hand), especially if you're in an environment that isn't particularly appreciative of a vegan transition approach.

[JuliaMazzucato]

I recently went vegan about a month ago. I have a fashion blog where I wore a lot of animal product/designer items, and I transitioned it to a vegan fashion blog. Personally, I don't see an issue with wearing the products you already have until they are old enough to get rid of, since the damage is already done by buying them. What I did was sell my animal products and use some of the money from that to buy new vegan clothes and makeup!
Really, the best way to show people that veganism is the best lifestyle is to be a shining example- so I always feel proud to tell someone about an ethical brand (Matt & Nat for example) if they like something or ask where something is from.

[lakotawilson]

I'm really glad you're talking about these issues, I find it quite difficult to find vegan examples on social media who are still struggling with the transition and can share theirs advice.

[victoriagarcia]

I've been vegan for almost two years, and as far as my beauty products go, I only use vegan shampoo. I use oil based soap for my body, and make my own deodorant (coconut oil and baking soda) and conditioner (apple cider vinegar diluted with water). I still use my non-vegan makeup, because they last FOREVER and they haven't run out yet! I'll buy vegan when they get finished, but buying new ones, when I use them so little, doesn't make sense in my student-budget. I still use my leather boots too, but I don't really feel bad about it. I've changed and I wouldn't buy them again, but being realistic, I'm a student, If I'd replace them that would be a huge impact in my super-tight budget...

[hannahwatson]

You are doing great for only seven months in! It took me a lot longer to be as well educated on the ethics as you already are :)

[catreadsabunch]

Awesome! Great video! I'm a newbie to the vegetarian lifestyle so I get being new to something! I would love to see more videos about transitioning into more vegan products! It's all a learning process, can't wait to see more videos!

[lakotawilson]

I personally think that for the average person using up all your non vegan products before replacing them for vegan products is totally fine but when you have a large following and are promoting the vegan life style you have a responsibility to only promote vegan products 💗

[jrossi]

Thank you for making this! I am plant-based (not vegan) but I am transitioning into using cruelty free products. I still have a ton of make up from before that I will probably never use up, but anything new I buy is cruelty free. I DO have a ton of animal products in my wardrobe though, and although I feel a bit guilty...I intend on keeping them. I am not in the same situation that you are where a have a big following because of my veganism, so I think it's a bit easier for me to justify this. I also don't have a problem with buying thrifted leather. I know that many wouldn't consider this to be ethical, but I also don't think it's ethical to buy cheap wardrobe staples that have to be replaced every year because the quality isn't there and synthetic materials aren't durable. It's not good for the environment, and depending on where you are buying your clothes the companies you're supporting might not believe in ethical treatment of humans. That's where I am at, and I feel like the YouTube vegan community is so harsh on people who are in a state of transitioning or don't follow every norm.

[ClaudiaJeann]

I think as long as it is clearly not vegan, wearing out your old non-vegan products isn't harmful as long as you are recommending vegan products! Like I have some old shoes that I'm wearing out that are leather but you can't tell if they are leather or fake leather from looking at them but if someone were to ask where I'd got them from I'd tell them but then tell them a vegan brand that I found that makes the same style for cheaper and I've done research on what brands sell vegan make up so if anyone asks what I do for makeup I can tell them where I find vegan makeup even though I haven't bought that much so far! But I think as long as you aren't promoting animal products then it's not a problem!

[Thevietvegan]

I totally agree with some of the other comments—you already purchased your non-vegan products, don't let them go to waste! Obviously you wouldn't promote the use of them, but you might as well use what you have left over. As a college student, makeup, beauty products, clothing—all of that can be expensive. You don't need to empty your bank account all at once as you transition.

I still have a pair of leather shoes that I have troubles wearing, and I totally get why you wouldn't want to keep them. In that case, totally donate them. I'm also sort of a toddler vegan, I went vegan in 2013 after being vegetarian for 2 years. It's important to realize that everyone is on their vegan journey at different points and what's important is that you made it! You're a great influencer and you inspire people to go vegan with your joyful and positive experience =)

[agneseplacci]

I'm vegan since 4 months ago.
Today I ate bread wich have milk in it. I didn't know it and when they told me I immediately stopped eating it, but I had already eaten it...😔 Now I feel so bad, I should be more careful and always ask

[ItsJustRandomness]

I need a vegan deodorant. HELP! I've tried SO many and have had awful experiences. Any good recommendations?

[rhiannahammerle]

I feel like my veganism is constantly evolving and I used to work at a meat based restaurant and was required to wear leather shoes. So at first neither bothered me but then eventually working at the restaurant really bothered me, so I quit. And then a few months later I realised that I was uncomfortable wearing the leather shoes (even thought they were very expensive and good quality). So I decided to give the shoes away and bought a second hand pair of non-leather boots. But it was a transition to changing that, so I think that it's a process that everyone needs to go on; I wouldn't have thrown out my lip balm with beeswax as soon as I went vegan, and I bought a cruelty free one when it ran out, but if it was me now, I would throw it away immediately. It just changes throughout time what you are comfortable with.

[laurenbernot]

You are exactly where I was like 6 months ago! I am coming up on two years of being vegan and only about a year into it did I start replacing all of my items. I used up everything I had instead of tossing it out. It took a while, I started with makeup and body care (I use all "100% pure" products). You could try and resell your leather goods and put the money towards something you are passionate about now (this is what I did). Seeing as how you are just starting your vegan journey give yourself a break you are doing great! Only 7 months in and you are having these thoughts, many vegans on social media still promote buying leather goods (annie jaffrey) or "don't support the industry, but advertise it" inadvertently by still wearing leather goods. I can understand how you feel the pressure about having a larger presence on the internet with more people watching what you wear and buy, but you are definitely moving in the right direction! Change doesn't always happen as fast as we would like! I did a video about some of my favorite natural/beauty favorites! It might give you some ideas/brand to look into! <3

[tamaraakinbo]

We ALL still have animal products from b4 we were vegan. Don't feel bad. Use what you have until it's gone. Keep wearing your clothes or donate or sell if you want. We have all made mistakes and MOST of of are still making mistakes. Just think of all the good that you have done so far!

[rebornforman]

I have been vegan for a year and a half now, and I have a problem with my shoes, which are almost all leather :/ I don't buy any leather anymore, but I can't really afford buying new shoes right now... Of course, when I end up buying new shoes I'll make sure there are no animal traces in them :)

[nataliearones]

Hey, this is a great video and I love that you brought up this topic. being a new vegan myself (almost 4 months), I feel we need to realize that just because we're vegan doesn't mean we're perfect. people tend to think that because you're vegan, you're supposed to be this perfect empathetic human being. of course I'm against animal cruelty but some of my makeup and hair products have been tested on animals. like you said, I'm just going to throw it away because it's not going to bring these animals back. HOWEVER, I am learning a lot along the way and I am educating myself on products I can switch to that are vegan. I think it's just important for new vegans to keep in mind that we are contributing positively to this earth and the animals who don't have a voice just by choosing the foods we put on our plates. this is all a learning a process and we shouldn't be so hard on ourselves. my little message/rant I guess :P love your vids and food photos 💜💙🐷✌😊

[monikak]

I had the same mindset, when I transition I obviously change diet right away but gradually used products that ware tested on animals, but also started buying vegan products. So now I'm left with full on vegan products (makeup, beauty products, clothing, accessories) I still have 3 pairs of leather shoes that ware with me for years and probably gonna last another few years as I'm not wearing them often but I'm not throwing these away. Everything I buy now is vegan tho. Also in terms of being vegan I go to public places and my family, boyfriend and friends are not vegan, so I obviously use other (prob not vegan) soaps in these places, I'm not weird about it. I drive electric car as an environmental choice also. There is so much we can do but I think we shouldn't go crazy over the veganism and see where we stand with it. I also still cook not vegan food for my friends and boyfriend, I use to question if it's ok to hold raw meat as a vegan but I care about ppl I love.