Vegetarianism and Veganism

A Vegan or Vegetarian Diet Substantially Alters the Human Colonic Faecal Microbiota

Carol L. Glasser — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:45:00 -0800

This study examines the levels of intestinal microbes in omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. Vegans were found to have the least and omnivores the most. This is due to not consuming contaminated meat as well as a higher intake of fruits and vegetables, which are fibrous and help keep the intestines clean.

How Readable Are Your Animal Advocacy Materials?

Carol L. Glasser — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 -0800

The most exciting project this new year, is the release of our latest study examining how easy it is for the average person to read and understand animal advocacy literature. Specifically, HRC partnered with VegFund and FARM to evaluate the readability of the most widely distributed vegan outreach pamphlets.

Readability of Vegan Outreach Literature

HRC Admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:45:00 -0800

To evaluate the readability of such materials in a more robust and transparent manner, the Humane Research Council (HRC) partnered with VegFund and FARM to test a selection of outreach materials that are commonly used by vegan advocates. The average readability scores placed these materials in the range of the 11th grade reading level or higher, which is three to four grade levels higher than the average U.S. adult.

Vegan Sexuality: Challenging Heteronormative Masculinity through Meat-free Sex

Carol L. Glasser — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:45:00 -0800

This study examines how the sexuality of vegans is addressed and reacted to by a general audience. The authors examine online responses to the idea of "vegansexuals," vegans who wish to only date other vegans. The authors analyze the themes present in these responses and find that negative evaluations were attributed to vegans' sexuality.

Where To Go From Here: Thoughts on Preventing Veg'n Recidivism

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:45:00 -0800

Now that we have explored what recidivism can look like and offered some social factors that may inhibit veganism, what does this mean for our movement at large? How can movement leaders and individual activists take this information to encourage people to try veganism and offer the right support to keep them from backsliding?

Eating Less Meat is Good for the Environment

Carol L. Glasser — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:45:00 -0800

This short article summarizes and highlights the research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other studies that address the link between environmental factors and meat eating.

How Often Do Americans Eat Vegetarian Meals? And How Many Adults in the U.S. Are Vegan?

Carol L. Glasser — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:45:00 -0800

This representative survey of 1,010 U.S. adults evaluates how often people eat vegetarian meals and how many vegans there are in the U.S. The survey found that about 5% of the U.S. population is vegetarian, and about half of them are vegan.

Veg'n Recidivism: Why is it Happening?

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:13:41 -0800

Advocates can use sociological theories to understand some of the social and cultural barriers to vegetarian maintenance. During the course of my interviews with ex-veg'ns I found six common reasons as to why they struggled with the practice. These include family relationships, identity, the ambiguity of the veg'n label, gender roles, the influence of peers, and the temporary nature of trends.

Gender Differences in Family and Peer Reaction to the Adoption of a Vegetarian Diet

Carol L. Glasser — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:45:00 -0800

This paper examines reactions of peers and family members to college students when they decide to become vegetarian. The author found, contrary to some other research, that men had more leniency from those in their social circles. Women were often confronted with paternalism, but overcame it with what the author labeled "moral resilience."

HRC Happenings: Guest Bloggers and Grassroots Research

Che Green — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:45:00 -0800

Do you know a small organization doing great work for animals? If so, please make sure they hear about HRC's Grassroots Research Fund, the deadline for which is now just one month away (January 1st). The group(s) we select will receive pro bono research projects of up to $5,000 to help them evaluate and improve their work and help more animals. Also, any donations to HRC during the month of December will be earmarked for the Grassroots Research Fund so that we can help even more small groups in 2012. And be sure to check out our two guest blogs from the past month covering the topics of Big Black Dog syndrome and vegetarian/vegan recidivism. Thank you for reading!