A question for/about Vegans...

In Belsey's fabulous ible Vegan Egg, it's states that "Vegans won't eat or use animal products..."

Which begs the question:  Is it unethical, or unprincipled for a Vegan to drive (or ride in) any vehicle that consumes gasoline or deisel? 

Afterall, fuel is an animal by-product.

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Abigaill says: Apr 9, 2012. 11:11 PM
There 're too many animal by-products around us. it's hard for vegans to avoid, even if they don't like.
bajablue (author) in reply to AbigaillApr 10, 2012. 10:30 AM
You make an excellent point Abigaill. The only thing a vegan can really control is what they choose to eat.
lemonie says: Mar 20, 2012. 4:41 PM
It is unethical for a "vegan" to drive or be driven in a car with leather-trim. Or horse-hair / feather stuffing in the upholstery.

L
bajablue (author) in reply to lemonieMar 20, 2012. 8:00 PM
[gasp] Something else just occurred to me, Lemonie...

Now I'm not sure about in the UK, but in the States, many newly developed diesel engines require a urea additive.  (lol... no s#it... it's pee!;-O)

I don't know what kind of urea is used in this additive, but I betcha it ain't human... which probably wouldn't bother a Vegan in the least!

I think Don't ask, don't tell  is probably the most (U)reasonable approach

I know, I know... this is almost unbelievable, but I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried! ;-D
lemonie in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 2:47 PM
Urea is industrial: mineral gas (methane) + water -> carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide & hydrogen.
Hydrogen + air (nitrogen) -> ammonia
Ammonia + carbon dioxide -> Urea

L
bajablue (author) in reply to lemonieMar 21, 2012. 3:38 PM
Taken from hino SCR Technology:

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a solution made up of purified water and 32.5 percent automotive-grade urea that is used as a carrying agent for the ammonia needed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles into nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide (CO2).

What is urea?
Urea is a compound of nitrogen that turns to ammonia when heated. It is used in a variety of industries, most commonly as a fertilizer for agriculture. Urea is naturally occurring, but it is primarily produced from natural gas.


lemonie in reply to bajablueMar 22, 2012. 1:35 PM
Yes, that's it. DEF will be industrial as I described.
The synthesis can be reversed in the exhaust-system to produce ammonia (and carbon dioxide). ammonia reduces nitrogen-oxides to dinitrogen and water (harmless).

L
bajablue (author) in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 3:41 PM
I must say it's the last sentence gives me cause to pause.

hmmm..... "primarily"..... ?
lemonie in reply to bajablueMar 22, 2012. 1:37 PM
That means "-can also be produced from other sources, but we haven't researched that much."

L
bajablue (author) in reply to lemonieMar 20, 2012. 7:07 PM
But.. but... what about the horses under the hood? ;-D
Kiteman says: Mar 19, 2012. 1:37 PM
:-D

Excellent.

I wonder how many vegetarians and vegans are aware that when toiletry and laundry products list "anionic surfactants" in their contents, they usually mean chemicals extracted from sheep?
bajablue (author) in reply to KitemanMar 19, 2012. 1:43 PM
DANG! 8-/

I.d.i.d.n.o.t.k.n.o.w.t.h.a.t.e.i.t.h.e.r.!!!
Kiteman in reply to bajablueMar 19, 2012. 1:54 PM
There was an interesting series of documentaries on the BBC, called Kill It, Cut it, Use It..

LINK

LINK

If you're in the UK, you can see clips here, otherwise, many clips are available on YouTube.

bajablue (author) in reply to KitemanMar 19, 2012. 3:43 PM
Oh my. Perfume a la Whale Puke. Fascinating stuff!
Goodhart in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 8:01 AM
Babies of a bird species called the Eurasian Roller vomit a foul-smelling orange liquid on themselves as a defense mechanism. Talk about eau de farum ! LOL
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 21, 2012. 1:14 PM
lol... I did not need to know this, evil Goodhart!  No, I did not! ;-D
Kiteman in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 3:44 PM
A lot of seabirds vomit on you as a defence mechanism.
Goodhart in reply to KitemanMar 21, 2012. 5:10 PM
Yes, but it seemed extra gross to me to vomit on one's self for this purpose....albeit the alternative is much worse I suppose
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 21, 2012. 6:00 PM
I agree. No one should ab stain. Not even birds.
Goodhart in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 8:37 PM
I didn't know that birds had abs ;-D
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 21, 2012. 9:11 PM
Let me ponder this. ;-)
bajablue (author) says: Mar 20, 2012. 7:39 PM
Now I'm wondering about pigskin/cowskin... actually Footballs to be more exact.

I understand the small footballs for kids are rubber, but collegiate and professional balls are made of cows hide.

Tony Gonzalez of the Falcons is a self-professed Vegan, but really in name only as far as I can see.   He's like the married guy (in name only) who won't wear a wedding ring for fear of missing an opportunity.

If Gonzalez doesn't adhere to Vegan principles, he should just call himself a I-Don't-Eat-Meat-But-I-Play-With-Skin guy.

If I was a devout Vegan, I'd pay some REALLY-GIGANTIC-nefarious-type-carnivorous-person(s) to tar and fake-feather Gonzalez.

To that end, I'm pretty sure tar is acceptable.

Wouldn't that be a fun Utube video?

 
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 20, 2012. 9:48 PM
I have to say I don't get all this no true scotsman stuff. Different people have different places of drawing the line as to how much due diligence they can/will do to ensure they are not using any animal products. Add in problems of definition and pretty soon you could get vegans who won't eat any food that has glucose on the grounds that it COULD be from an animal. Doesn't seem very reasonable to start berating people for not being good enough vegans because they use hydrocarbons and sometimes toss a football around.
CatTrampoline in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 11:35 AM
+1
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 20, 2012. 10:46 PM
hmmm... I think the big guy could take a little light-hearted fun-poking... lol...IF he cared. ;-)

Are you a Vegan, Lithium Rain?
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 6:05 AM
Nope, not even a vegetarian.
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 1:09 PM
Well darn. I was really hoping a few Vegans would weigh in... unless they're too serious to appreciate the innocuous, light-hearted banter.
Goodhart in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 5:23 PM
Believe me, I have had enough run-ins with militant vegans to know how fanatical some can get.....when you get accused of being a murderer and life hater; well you get the picture.
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 21, 2012. 5:55 PM
Wow. I've never had the displeasure, Goodhart. I would definitely consider such individuals "too serious..." for this discourse.

I also get the impression that some members feel this discussion has somehow breached hallowed ground. ;-/
Goodhart in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 8:36 PM
I have even been told that some forms of torture are ok; such as feeding veggies only to a pet whose entire makeup, from their teeth to their intestinal constitution are geared for being carniverous. It boggles the mind....

bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 21, 2012. 9:08 PM
LOL!!! Thanks... I needed that! ;-D

My dog would make the perfect vegetarian as long as fish and eggs were on the menu.

She loves bananas, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers ... even wasabi peas of all things. If I eat it, she's convinced it must be good. ;-D
Goodhart in reply to bajablueMar 22, 2012. 4:46 PM
Yes, but most cats, and probably all lizards / snakes, some fish, etc etc. would have difficulties with a fruit and veggie diet. Some of them will literally eat and eat and still not be able to digest the cellulose material in veggies. They starve to death on a strict diet without their meat.

I was once asked:   How can you POSSIBLY eat anything that has eyes?  Andf I asked right back;  "what ?  You don't like potatoes?  ;-)

 
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 22, 2012. 5:56 PM
Excellent points, all.

>>>potatoes>>>eyes>>> *snicker* ;-)
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 6:29 PM
That would be a wrong impression if you are referring to me. However, I do feel that it's rather a negative thing to bash people for not fitting your own personal definition of adherence to a certain philosophy/way of life, and then claim that it was all in good fun and anyone who doesn't think so, or who objects to what you are saying, is uptight, over-serious, consider the topic hallowed ground, etc.
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 6:52 PM
lol... Boy... I guess you told me.

I am a scosh stymied as to how you think you've come to know "my personal definition of adherence to a certain philosophy/way of life... blah, blah, blah."

Perhaps you're projecting?  I don't pretend to know you, or the motivation behind this/your rabid diatribe.

But if you feel better now, I'm good with that. ;-)
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 7:27 PM
I know your personal definition of adherence to the philosophy of Veganism because you keep talking about what choices people should and should not make.

In so doing, you are both defining your personal definition of adherence to veganism (do these things and not these other things) and attempting to impose your interpretation of veganism on others, by saying that if they don't do things they way you say, they aren't really vegans. So assumption on my part is utterly unnecessary.

An example is when you said :

"Tony Gonzalez of the Falcons is a self-professed Vegan, but really in name only as far as I can see. He's like the married guy (in name only) who won't wear a wedding ring for fear of missing an opportunity.

If Gonzalez doesn't adhere to Vegan principles, he should just call himself a I-Don't-Eat-Meat-But-I-Play-With-Skin guy.

If I was a devout Vegan, I'd pay some REALLY-GIGANTIC-nefarious-type-carnivorous-person(s) to tar and fake-feather Gonzalez.")

And you say *I* went on a rabid diatribe?

I did not go on a "rabid diatribe." I calmly stated my position, as I continue to do now. In addition to being exceedingly condescending, you are making things up which never happened. Please do not do that.
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 7:42 PM
Clearly, you have difficulty grasping the rhetorical concept of tongue-in-cheek humor... and/or your comprehension skills are in desperately need of honing.

I'm sorry I can't help you what that.

What do you say we just agree to disagree and call a truce? ;-)
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 8:21 PM
Insults and repeated cries of "You need to lighten up! Don't take things so SERIOUSLY" (all the while rather oddly attempting to deny it) only serve to more effectively make my point for me.
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 8:56 PM
Oh my. I don't think this conversation is going to end well for us Lithium Rain.... I surely don't.

I'll concede to tossing a few barbs your way, but what did you expect?
You've clearly been itching for a fight since comment one. 

I've never asked (or cried for) anyone to lighten up.  Knock your silly, unhappy, indignant, delirious self out if bickering makes you feel good.  Throw another tantrum.  I honestly do not care.  Welcome to your very own self-induced train wreck, Lithium Rain. I do hope you enjoy it!
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 9:25 PM
Why?

No, I have not been itching for a fight. I have expressed disagreement with you. These things are not the same.

You have certainly asked for (and indicated hopes for) people to lighten up (sometimes preemptively). To claim otherwise is beyond disingenuous:

>hmmm... I think the big guy could take a little light-hearted fun-poking... lol...IF he cared. ;-)

>I was really hoping a few Vegans would weigh in... unless they're too serious to appreciate the innocuous, light-hearted banter.

>I would definitely consider such individuals "too serious..." for this discourse.

I also get the impression that some members feel this discussion has somehow breached hallowed ground. ;-/

>Clearly, you have difficulty grasping the rhetorical concept of tongue-in-cheek humor.


Please stop calling me names and accusing me of rabid diatribes and tantrums when I've done no such thing. It is very immature.
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 9:43 PM
If I promise not to acknowledge you from this moment on, will you leave me alone?

Please???

Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 2:43 PM
So if they don't like what you say, they need to lighten up? :\
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 3:23 PM
Is that reallly what you thought I said?
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 5:12 PM
It is certainly implied.
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 5:43 PM
That is certainly your assumption, anyway. ;-/
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 8:22 PM
Now it's *definitely* what you said.
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 9:01 PM
WTH are you hallucinating about now? 8-/
bajablue (author) in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 9:17 PM
Please, please... forget I asked. I.D.O.N.O.T.W.A.N.T.T.O.K.N.O.W.
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 9:26 PM
See my reply dated Mar 21, 9:25 PM.

Also, please don't start yelling/cussing at me when I haven't done anything to warrant such a response.
bajablue (author) in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 9:44 PM
What the HECK? Are you addicted to drama... or?
Lithium Rain in reply to bajablueMar 22, 2012. 6:07 AM
One of us has gotten upset about this conversation and departed from points of logic in their posts. That person is not me. I have generated no drama.
caitlinsdad in reply to Lithium RainMar 22, 2012. 7:59 AM
.
bajablue (author) in reply to caitlinsdadMar 22, 2012. 8:47 AM
lol... yeah, what Spock said. ;-D
bajablue (author) in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 4:30 PM
hahaha... "really", too. ;-)
Goodhart in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 7:55 AM
Many vegans will tell you that the only difference between a vegan and a vegetarian is the "reason" for the abstinence: Vegans: so animals will not suffer; vegetarians: for health reasons. The fanatical ones go so far as to not want to destroy a disease harboring misquito....
caitlinsdad in reply to Lithium RainMar 21, 2012. 7:04 AM
.
bajablue (author) in reply to caitlinsdadMar 21, 2012. 1:11 PM
omg... this is so nutty, it could drive a person to chew on... bark! ;-)
caitlinsdad in reply to bajablueMar 21, 2012. 5:34 AM
Probably not, anecdotal evidence points to not enough fiber in her diet.
Goodhart says: Mar 19, 2012. 5:30 PM
"Technically" the answer would be "no". From what I have been grilled on by vegans, this does not harm an existing animal. Which begs the question, is road kill allowable then? :-)
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 19, 2012. 6:44 PM
OMG, Goodhart... You seriously read my road-kill mind!!! ;-O)
(lol... and don't think "grilled" escaped my attention.;-) 

On a different-but-the-same subject...

I also wonder if all Vegans are Pro-Lifers... or just Pro-Animal-Lifers? 
Technically, humans are animals... most of them, anyway. ;-)
Goodhart in reply to bajablueMar 19, 2012. 6:47 PM
Yes, but a LOT of them prefer animals over humans (until they get eaten by one LOL). This is interesting....nothing but the ORIGINAL LOL
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 19, 2012. 9:06 PM
Here's the tally of a recent poll of Vegan members at 30 Bananas A Day :

Pro-Life: 26

Pro-Choice: 41
Goodhart in reply to bajablueMar 19, 2012. 10:43 PM
LOL that's only 67 % of them, do the rest abstain? LOL
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 19, 2012. 11:08 PM
Allow me to rephrase:

67 Vegans respnded to a Poll. 41 Vegans said they were Pro-Choice. 26 Vegans said they were Pro-Life.

To abstain, or not to abstain, was not the question. ;-)

Goodhart in reply to bajablueMar 19, 2012. 11:09 PM
Yeah, I try to avoid staining my abs too ;-)
bajablue (author) in reply to GoodhartMar 19, 2012. 11:10 PM
hahahahahahaha!!!
canucksgirl says: Mar 19, 2012. 2:17 PM
Honestly, I had to laugh when I looked at the "Vegan Egg".

The "recipe" calls for calcium lactate, and although the author tries to suggest "it is made by reacting lactic acid with calcium carbonate"; there is a failure to mention that whey is most often used as the fermentation medium (because its cheap and plentiful).

Whey is a milk by-product and yes, milk comes from a cow. Some production of calcium lactate is made using beet sugar, but unless the manufacturer chooses to divulge their methods, the "Vegan Egg" may very well be made WITH animal products.
bajablue (author) in reply to canucksgirlMar 19, 2012. 2:41 PM
f.o.r.s.u.r.e I.d.i.d.n.o.t.k.n.o.w.t.h.i.s.!!!

Yet another revelation! ;-D

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