Ben and Jerry's considering a vegan ice cream

[Erin Pavlina]

I got word from VivaUSA.org that Ben and Jerry's is considering adding a vegan option to their line of ice creams. They are checking to see how many vegans call in and are interested in the idea.

If you want to see a vegan option at their stores, you should call now and "cast your vote". The number is 800-738-2450. Push "1" to get the general operator, and then tell him you want to talk to someone about the vegan ice cream option that Ben and Jerry's is considering. He'll forward your call to Eloise's voice mail, just leave a quick message saying you'd support a vegan ice cream product if Ben and Jerry's offered one. They're just counting the calls in support of the idea.

Now, if you wouldn't support Ben and Jerry's no matter what they offered, obviously this isn't for you. But there are definitely people who would like to be able to get vegan ice cream at Ben and Jerry's when they're out with their omni friends. So if you're at all sympathetic to the plight of these people, please call in and vote for the vegan option, even if you never plan on eating there.

I, for one, believe that when an omni company begins thinking in this direction, we should support it. But that's my personal opinion.

[molly]

If I may add my 2 cents worth of hearty support: I understand completely if anyone is against Ben & Jerry's as a whole & therefore doesn't want to get involved in this, but please consider the potential impact this could have on the general public. Many omnivores think veganism is just a weird thing that weird people do, and many more of them don't think of it at all. The more people see vegan options sharing shelf-space with non-vegan items, the more "normal" veganism will seem to them. Omnis & vegetarians could see a bit of evidence that it really isn't that hard to enjoy food as a vegan, that maybe it's worth considering. Think of how many animals suffer for just one person who isn't vegan; if even one ambivalent person decides to go vegan, that would make a difference.

Also, other companies will be able to see that there is a market for vegan, animal-friendly, cruelty-free products (food & otherwise). Wouldn't it be great to go to ANY store where you live and find what you need as effortlessly as the omnis do?

(Again, though, I totally understand anyone who boycotts Ben & Jerry altogether. I don't support companies who test on animals even if some of their products happen to be vegan. I realize it's the same idea, in a way. So no offense, please. There's no easy answer; this is just my opinion.)

[reb_granger]

Erin, will I have to pay a bomb if I call them up? I don't live in the United States. Any idea?

[Erin Pavlina]

Don't call if you are outside the US. The call probably won't go through anyway.