Livin’ Veg

The Shelter Pet Project September 30, 2009

The Shelter Pet Project is designed to give a voice to animals who live in a shelter and sit there waiting to be adopted. Through humorous video and audio it debunks all kinds of myths people believe about shelter pets. Many people believe animals put in a shelter are damaged goods - that they were abused, that they are dangerous. But that’s a sad stereotype. And even many animals who were abused continue to be loving and friendly, albeit a little shy.

Many companion animals are abandoned by people who lose their homes (especially over the past year). Others have to give up their dog or cat due to getting sick. An elderly person might pass away - then what happens to their animal? These animals don’t have a thing wrong with them. It’s just the unfortunate circumstance.

Take a moment and go to the Shelter Pet Project Campaign section and watch the videos. Listen to the audio. They are funny and poignant. Then on the Pet Project website click the share button and share it on Facebook, Twitter, email it to friends. Share it with whatever technology you use. Help spread the word that shelter pets deserve a home. Adopt!

Vegan Boots To Die For September 29, 2009

Vegan boot season is here and the boots are hot! I can’t actually afford the Cri De Coeur boots to your right but I’m considering selling a kidney for them. I’ve got two, right? No biggie.

In my life time (I’m not that old) vegan shoes have gone from Pay Less to super glam. Here are some beautiful boots you might want to consider for this fall/winter. Then I can live vicariously through you while you saunter around looking amazing. Although I guarantee my coat will be better. That is, unless you’ve already ordered your Vaute Couture winter coat. (My husband pre ordered me one during a big sale for my birthday. What a gem!)

Now, for the shoes…

Click here for a slouch boot by Olsen Haus. ($225)

Click here for a bootie by Melissa Shoes. ($120)

Click here for the fabulous Cri de Coeur Boots you see on the right. ($350)

Vegan Sweet Potato/Black Bean Recipe - Amazing! September 28, 2009

Thanks to my Dad for emailing me this amazing recipe from Mark Bittman’s “The Minimalist” in the NY Times. He sent it on Saturday. On Sunday morning I went to Whole Foods, picked up the ingredients and made it for my husband and our good friend for lunch. Perfection!

Here is a list of ingredients so you can get a feel:

1. Sweet Potatoes (I used yams - worked great)
2. Black Beans (canned are fine)
3. Lime Juice
4. Jalapeno Pepper
5. Olive Oil
6. Garlic
7. Red Onion
8. Cilantro
9. Red or Yellow Bell Pepper

Click here for the full recipe and watch the video for amounts.

That’s it. There is a reason his column is called The Minimalist. So easy. And I’m fairly certain my husband and I are going to eat this dish all fall/winter long. Sweet potatoes are incredibly good for you. Black beans provide protein and are so cheap. (Organic canned black beans at WF set me back a whopping $1.09.) It’s a full meal. Not a side dish. Although of course you can serve it as a side. I have enough for lunch today and I’m using all my will power not to go finish the rest right now. I love trying new foods. But I especially love when a recipe is easy and tasty. This gets 5 stars in both categories.

No Impact Man September 25, 2009

No Impact Man is making its tour around the country and I’m desperate to see it. Sadly, it’s already been to NY so I’m going to have to wait. What is No Impact Man? It’s a film about a family that tries to produce zero waste for an entire year. That means no trains, subways, cars, elevators, food that isn’t local, tv, etc. Green to the nth degree.

I’m pretty green, but this movie is going to make me look like some wasteful celebutant. Not all my food is local. I drive to work 3 days a week (and work the rest from home). I am on my computer ALL the time. I go to the gym. I used to take the stairs, but a pesky foot problem has made it so I have to take the elevator. Basically, I want to see No Impact Man so it can give me a much needed kick in the butt. Sure 50% of my clothing is used, but what about the other 50%? How do we enjoy life and be as effective as possible. I think this movie might have some answers to that question.

I think we all wish we had the courage and conviction to do with No Impact Man has done in his book/film. Watch the trailer and be inspired. Then support the film when it comes to a theater near you. Or, buy the book. Even though, technically, that’s not too good for the environment. So! Buy the book used:)

How Do You Cope With The Sadness? September 24, 2009

Being an AR advocate can be challenging. Totally rewarding but sometimes, it can also be sad, demoralizing and make you shake your head at humanity. I had such a moment this morning when I read this article about a dog fighting operation taking place at a day care center. In fact, ten feet away from the dog fight were little kids playing outside. My heart went into my stomach. It always does when I read such news.

In general I try to keep this blog focused on the positive: ways we can help, vegan treats and products, and good news. But the truth is, bad news having to do with animals takes place every day. And it can be hard on the stomach, hard on the heart. Working in the AR non profit world, I see it all the time. I live in it. And sometimes it takes it’s toll on me emotionally and mentally.

So, I really have a question for you today. How do you cope with the sadness? 10 billion farm animals are raised and slaughtered in the most horrific conditions possible. Dog fighting is rampant in our cities. 4-6 million companion animals are euthanized every year. And more and more species are slipping into extinction. Yes, we are making progress every day, but the reality is still the reality. How do we as activists cope with the up hill battle? How do you handle it?

Shikai Products Are Totally Vegan September 23, 2009

For a while now I’ve been using Shikai shampoo and conditioner. It’s one of those products that you’ve seen all around but you might never have realized that they are vegan. No animal ingredients. No animal testing. Score!

This is one of those brands that I love because they are available at major stores. And non veggies don’t even know it’s vegan. They do so well because they have a great product. I bet the majority of users have no idea about the animal factor. Obviously awareness is good. But I’m always excited when a veg brand makes it in the non veg world on merit alone.

So if you’re looking for a new shampoo, check your local store and try Shikai products. They smell good and leave hair soft. I should know. I’ve been using their shampoo and conditioner for months. And no, Shikai did not contact me or give me free products to write this review…although if they are reading, I wouldn’t say no:)

Vegan Banana/Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe! September 22, 2009

For years my husband and I ate cereal every morning. We grew increasingly tired of it but didn’t feel like we had any other low maintenance options. That is until we considered smoothies.

For a few months now we’ve been drinking banana/peanut butter smoothies for breakfast and they are divine! Filling, yummy, healthy, raw and easy. (Although the clean up is obviously more time consuming than just eating cereal.)

Here is the recipe we have found to work really well. It feeds two people:

- 2 bananas (make sure they are fully ripe - no green bits or the smoothie will be grossly thick and lack flavor)
- 4-5 spoonfuls of peanut butter
- 1 tbsp of flaxseed oil
- 2 spoonfuls of raw cacao nibs
- 7-10 pieces of ice (depending on the size of your ice cubes)

Put them all in your blender at the same time and turn that sucker on. The cacao nibs will leave little crunchy bits in your smoothie that add wonderful texture. The flaxseed oil ensures you get some of your omegas for the day. Peanut butter gives you protein. And bananas provide you with fruity goodness.

Enjoy!

Thumbs Down For Antibiotics Used In Meat Production September 21, 2009

Frankly, I’ve always been a bit confused about the effects of antibiotics used in meat production. Some people say that there is little data and we shouldn’t worry about it. Others say it’s a major problem in our food industry. Obviously as a veg I don’t have to worry so much about it. But like all issues, its bigger than whether or not it just effects me. An article in the Washington Post really got my attention with the information it provided on this issue.

The article says:

Food animal production accounts for 70 percent — 70 percent! — of the antibiotics used in the United States. That doesn’t even include the antibiotics used for animals that actually get sick. That figure is for “non-therapeutic use” such as growth promotion and disease prevention.

Why are farm animals given such high amounts of preventative antibiotics? Because they are kept in such deplorable conditions that stuffing them full of meds is the only way to keep them from spreading sickness like the bubonic plague. Comforting, right?

But why are antibiotics in food bad? That’s what I was never really clear on. The article talks about this excess of meds in the food contributing to more antibiotic resistant bacteria. Basically, all this exposure to antibiotics makes it so our regular medicine is less effective.  I won’t go into this but you should read the article and see what it has to say on the topic.

What are other countries doing? Are we alone in our maniac use of antibiotics? Not alone but other countries are changing their policies because of the dangers:

There’s also a trade angle to the issue: In 1986, Sweden banned the use of non-therapeutic antibiotics in their meat. In 1998, Denmark, the largest swine-producing nation in Europe, did the same. In 2006, the whole European Union outlawed growth-promoting antibiotics in its meat, and it’s likely that other countries will follow suit.

I recommend the whole article. It gives stats, studies and great info.

Awesome Big Cat Conservationists In Botswana September 18, 2009

NPR did a great little piece on two conservationists: Dereck and Beverly Joubert. They focus their efforts on big cats, photographing them for magazines like National Geographic as a part of their conservation efforts.

Their biggest project of late was the task of following one leopard for 5 years. From infancy into adulthood. And the trick is to do it while staying out of the way of the animal. How do they do it? This is what they say:

“The non-intervention is purely because we want to be able to understand these animals in a way that [will help] them survive in the future. … What we are out there to do is to hopefully show people how similar we are to animals, and how these wilderness areas are so precious.”

This is the kind of conservation I really love. People studying animals without interfering, without poking them with needles or sticking them in a zoo.  Down and dirty watching from afar for a period of time. And doing it so the creature can be better understood and therefore protected better in the future.

You should read the whole article. It’s short. And at the bottom listen to the couple talk about their work. Truly admirable.

Thanks to my friend Alex for the tip!

Two Campaigns Against Fast Food Joints September 17, 2009

I love campaigns that get massive companies to change their ways. We haven’t had any in a while and now there are two being done by two great organizations.

1. HSUS is asking everyone to ask IHOP to switch to cage free eggs. Why now? IHOP’s egg supplier has just been exposed. HSUS writes, “An undercover investigation has revealed shocking abuses at IHOP’s egg supplier…the footage reveals filthy conditions, sick and injured hens, and birds forced to live in cages with the decomposing corpses of their cage-mates.”

Click here to take action and contact IHOP!

2. For the past few weeks COK has been immersed in a campaign to get Dunkin Donuts to stop using eggs and dairy in their products! Dunkin Donut’s egg supplier is also mistreating chickens. I’m guessing IHOP and DD share an egg supplier. Big ag business is a small world.

Click here to take action and contact Dunkin Donuts.

It’s really amazing how effective consumer calls are when trying to get a company to change their sordid ways. These two calls which will take you a total of 3-4 minutes will help change conditions for millions of hens. Together, we can change the world:)