Cheddar, goat cheese, gouda, havarti, swiss, feta . . . I love cheese, yes I do. Back home in VT it was easy for me to get dairy products from small, humane local farms (as well as a great many other things). Here in Chicago, it’s all kind of a mystery – or, if not, outrageously expensive.

I think that a carefully-planned vegan diet will be far better for my health, and it is certainly more environmentally/ethically responsible. I may occasionally eat dairy from local, organic small farmers if such presents itself, but I think on the whole I will be healthier and happier going vegan. Perhaps when I move back home things will change again – especially if I get to raise my own goats and bees! – but right now, I want to do this. I will feel better about groceries, and be able to afford them better, too.

Since I can’t just say “nope, no more dairy” and live on toast and jam, it will necessitate me being much more vigilant about what I toss down my gullet, generally – and that’s certainly for the good.