This past Saturday, more than 10,000 people — including civil rights leader and US Congressman John Lewis — gathered at the beautiful waterfront Yards Park for the 2013 DC VegFest to celebrate vegan eating, enjoy engaging speakers and cooking demos, browse over 100 exhibitors or vendor shops, and of course, eat!
COK’s new all-volunteer Los Angeles Outreach Coordinators Tabitha Phillips and Rachel Rothstein both recently graduated college — and they both ran successful vegan clubs on campus in Georgia and rural Maryland, respectively.
Los Angeles is famous for its stars, beaches, and lucky for us, its status as a true mecca of vegan and vegetarian fare. And with COK’s Fall 2013 edition of the Vegetarian Guide to Los Angeles, it’s easier than ever to find the best animal-friendly options in the “City of Angels!”
This week, environmental activists from around the world will join former Vice President Al Gore in Chicago for training through the Climate Reality Project. It’s a three-day summit focusing on public speaking, community organizing, and the latest climate science, with the expectation that in the next year, they’ll each host their own climate-related events and submit articles to newspapers about this important issue.
After learning that an estimated 95% of egg-laying hens on factory farms are intensively confined in tiny wire cages so small, they can’t even spread their wings, many well-intentioned urban dwellers are flocking to the idea of raising backyard chickens as a more humane alternative. Unfortunately, this trend which has gained momentum largely from the sustainable and locavore movements, is not all it’s cracked up to be, especially for the birds.
Like many new vegetarians and vegans, when I started to examine my food choices in early 2008, I needed an outlet for my new-found knowledge and enthusiasm. And just like other animal advocates in Southern California at that time, I started volunteering for the successful Yes on Prop 2 campaign (a ground-breaking initiative that bans the cruel practices of intensively confining calves, pigs, and birds in tiny cages or crates). After tabling for the campaign at just one festival, I was hooked. I knew I had found something meaningful that would remain a part of my life for years to come.
For anyone who’s had the opportunity to meet cows, pigs, and birds in an up close and personal setting, like a sanctuary, it’s an incredible experience. Much like the cats and dogs in our homes, these animals are very social and playful, and they have individual personalities. It can be a life-changing experience. So can watching an undercover video filmed inside a factory farm or slaughterhouse. And while such information has compelled millions of Americans to change our dietary choices by leaving animals off our plates, would more people be willing to alter their behavior if they could experience what life is truly like for farmed animals?
Last Thursday, the Montgomery County Council issued a “Meatless Monday” Proclamation officially endorsing a nationwide effort to promote kinder, climate-friendlier, and healthier foods. Compassion Over Killing worked with the Council on this initiative and applauds the County for taking this important step in promoting the many benefits of choosing more plant-based foods.
Our friends at Vegan Cuts have launched a new line of super cute necklaces featuring three different maple wood pendants – a rabbit, a lamb, and a fox. These necklaces aren’t just adorable and stylish — they also support Compassion Over Killing’s work to protect animals! How?
When you buy your necklace (necklaces) on Vegan Cuts, simply select Compassion Over Killing from the non-profit drop down menu and 10% of your purchase will be automatically donated to support our live-saving campaigns.