I am an e-vegan.

Living in smalltown Michigan (100+ miles to the nearest Trader Joes or Whole Foods, Yikes!), I have to rely on the internet for many of my vegan needs. Some of my favorites:

Grocery

Vegan Essentials stocks great pantry items:
http://store.veganessentials.com/food-sweets-and-beverages-c1.aspx

Veggie Brothers is the BEST for mock meats:
http://www.veggiebrothers.com

Gobble Green is pricy, but a la carte options offer a great selection of microwavable meals:
http://www.gobblegreen.com


Shoes and Bags

Susan Nichole has really luxe cruelty-free handbags that are grown-up enough to take to work:
http://susannichole.com

Pansy Maiden has cute eco weekend options:
http://www.pansymaidenshop.com

Alternative Outfitters offers great shoes and bags at inexpensive prices:
http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com

MooShoes has several stylish shoe and handbag options:
http://www.mooshoes.com


Any personal favorite sites for vegan shopping online?

-vi

I am an undercover tree hugger.

I have never been one to tell people how to think or how to feel. I think this is mostly because I hate it when people tell me how I should think or how I should feel. There is a reason I am seeking support for my decisions online... I haven't found the words to ask for it in person yet. I am struggling with how to navigate the negative perceptions of people who make the conscious decision to go against the social grain, regardless of their validity in that position. I don't know how to be different, and my family and friends don't seem to understand where I am coming from. And this is before I have told them about my attempt at becoming vegan.

I don't want to hurt animals, or the environment, but I don't want to hurt the feelings of the people I care for, either. I am terrified to be the change I want to see in the world for fear of becoming the change I don't want to be in myself.

Can I be vegan without being an activist? Or am I simply picking and choosing which battles to fight, and only chosing the ones that come easiest?

Did any of you feel similar struggles as beginning vegans? I'd love to hear how you overcame them.

-vi