Five Hidden Dangers for the Animal Lover, Vegetarian, or Vegan

If you are vegetarian, vegan, or simply care about the welfare of animals, be sure to remember to avoid these common products.

1. Animal fat in soaps.

Almost all of the major bar soap brands have animal fat as an ingredient in their soaps. Animal fat is usually called "tallow" and will be listed as such on the soap's ingredient list. Also look out for variations on the word "tallow" such as "tallowate."

2. Leather in shoes, belts, gloves, guitar straps and numerous other products.

Leather is made from the skins of animals, such as pig or cow skins. Avoid leather in common consumer goods such as shoes, belts, gloves, guitar straps and numerous other products. Avoiding leather products may seem challenging at first, but there are a large number of products that contain man-made or synthetic "leather", sometimes referred to as "plether." Because synthetic "leathers" are often less expensive, avoiding real leather products will help animals and your pocketbook as well.

3. Jello and Marshmallows.

The common snack for children, Jello, is made from gelatin. Marshmallows also contain gelatin. Gelatin is made of animal connective tissue such as animal ligaments. If you find this repulsive, remember to avoid products containing gelatin.

4. Animal testing in makeup, personal care products, dog foods, medicines, and many other products.

Look for the cruelty free, leaping bunny logo, or the 'not tested on animals' notation.

5. Daily multi-vitamins.

Daily multi-vitamins often contain gelatin (animal connective tissue), fish oils, or other animal products. Be sure to read the ingredient list on your vitamins to avoid these animal products.

Concerned About the Environment?

A common reason to avoid cow's milk and other dairy products is a concern for the environment. Dairy cows are a major source of air pollution. The gases cows release are a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are a pollutant that form smog. If you are concerned about the environment, consider reducing or eliminating dairy products from your diet.

Bonus: Chocolate Chip Cookies for Vegans

Chocolate for Vegans

Everyone loves a moist, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookie. Unfortunately, some people cannot indulge if the chocolate chip cookie in question contains dairy, such as milk chocolate chips. The frustration in getting your chocolate fix may be due to lactose intolerance, concerns about cruelty to animals, or a desire to eat a healthier diet.

Vegan Melt in Your Mouth Chocolate Chip Cookie

With this conscientious recipe for vegan chocolate chip cookies, everyone can now indulge with a clearer conscience.

The Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie

You will need the following ingredients: 3/4 cup butter flavored vegetable shortening; 1 and 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy milk (or rice milk or any non-dairy milk); 1 tablespoon vanilla (Recipe tests have shown that imitation vanilla, the much less expensive version of real vanilla extract, is just as good or better in baked goods.); 1 tablespoon ground flax seed premixed with 3 tablespoons water; 1-3/4 cups unbleached flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips (The chocolate chips do not necessarily have to be labeled "vegan." Simply check the ingredients to be sure no dairy milk or other animal ingredients are included.)

Follow these directions: Pre-heat oven to 350 F; combine shortening, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl and beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended; beat flax seed (premixed with water) into creamed mixture; combine flour, salt, and baking soda; mix into creamed mixture just until blended; stir in chocolate chips; drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet; bake one baking sheet at a time at 350 F for 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies, or 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies; do not overbake; cool 2 minutes on baking sheet; remove cookies to cooling rack to cool completely.

If there are any leftovers . . .

Bring these cookies to your local vegetarian or vegan potluck. Take them to work to offer your coworkers a healthier version of delicious chocolate chip cookies.

No one will know these are not the usual yummy, homemade chocolate chip cookies. Unless, of course, you choose to reveal your secret recipe. Be prepared with copies. Everyone will want to know how to make these scrumptious vegan chocolate chip cookies.