What ‘Bugs’ Me About Being Vegan by Ginger Burr

Bugs are not cuddly or cute (well, at least to most people they aren’t). In fact, they are often scary or creepy looking. Think about it. When was the last time you cooed over a spider or hugged a beetle? So, when I tell people that, as a vegan, I do not wear silk or use lipstick with carmine in it they shake their heads. What’s the big deal?

Like most people I grew up with a fly swatter in the house and my first apartment after college had cockroaches which we regularly exterminated. So, who would think that today I would get all riled up about what happens to bugs!

To be honest, I never really thought about bugs as living beings in terms of their capacity for suffering. Bugs were bugs and they didn’t take up much space in my head (or heart). The more I have learned, however, the more respect I have for who they are and what they do – and, most importantly, for their right to live free from our interference and abuse.

Let’s look briefly at three of the most commonly farmed insects.

Silkworms

Silk worms create their cocoons out of raw silk – actually, one long continuous thread (from 1000 to 3000 feet long). When ready, the silk worm will eat its way out of the cocoon but, guess what…that action breaks the threads rendering the silk useless (for our use). So, what do we do (in most cases)? We throw the unbroken cocoons (with the silk worm still alive) into boiling water. This kills the silkworm and leaves the thread intact.

Carmine (Cochineal) Beetles

It comes as a surprise to many to learn that the carmine (or cochineal) beetle is one of the primary sources of the red dyes in cosmetics (it is also used in food and by the pharmaceutical industry to color pills). Since the fact that it comes from a beetle is left off the label, most people don’t give it much thought. These beetles (like the silkworm) are harvested or farmed and then boiled alive before being dried to produce the sought-after dye. You can learn more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochineal

Bees

Bees are the most well-known farmed insect. This is a huge topic – way too big for this article. You

As you can imagine, so many people do not want to acknowledge what we do to cuddly animals in the name of fashion, so it comes as no surprise that it’s a lot harder to garner sympathy for creepy, crawly bugs. My purpose here is to raise awareness on a topic that most people have never even considered. I cannot help but encourage you to bring as much awareness and compassion as possible to the clothing and personal care choices you make. I promise it’s easy to do and getting easier every day. In fact, as I write this I am on my way to support a woman who has designed absolutely gorgeous, warm, cruelty-free winter coats. I couldn’t have said that just a year ago!

About The Author

Over the past 22 years, Ginger Burr, believing that your image is about representing the best of you (not making designers happy), has built a remarkable career as an expert personal image consultant working with women from all walks of life. Whether it’s the “dynasty” shoulder pad era, the never-ending confusion of business casual, or the low-rise pant controversy, she has helped women navigate through (and sometimes completely ignore!) the styles of the season and feel good about how they look.

In 1987, Ginger launched her own company, Total Image Consultants, with the simple credo that a dynamic personal and professional image could be created without having to relinquish personal style or comfort. Today, Ginger offers private consultations and remarkable makeovers for women, brides-to-be and transgender clients. Ginger also directs corporate seminars and community education programs for some of Boston's most prestigious organizations including Harvard Law School, Brown Rudnick Berlack Israels Law Firm, and Fidelity Investments and has been the media spokesperson and fashion expert for Rowenta, Inc.

In 2005, Ginger adopted veganism as a way of life and quickly realized that this personal commitment directly impacted her business. At a time when the terms stylish and vegan rarely appeared in the same sentence, Ginger’s mission became to prove that the two could happily co-exist. Her passion for health, beauty and her commitment to a cruelty-free way of life also led to her being selected as one of VegNews Magazine’s “25 Most Fascinating Vegetarians” in 2007. She now offers guidance, support and insight to her vegan (or just curious and open-minded) clients showing them how to dress fashionably and still be true to their values.

Ginger is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College (a music major -- who would ever think that would lead to a career in fashion!). She is also the Past President of the New England Chapter of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and has served on the AICI's International Board as the Vice President of Member Communications. In addition, Ginger is a past President of the Boston Wedding Group.

Ginger recently launched her one-of-a-kind body image, self-esteem, and style home study program “Who Taught You How to Dress?” which allows women to overcome the obstacles and learn the skills they need to create a wardrobe they love all in the comfort of their own home! In addition, Ginger's book, Fashion Secrets Mother Never Taught You is used today as a style and wardrobe consultation tool.

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.totalimageconsultants.com