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!”
Starting this week, 3,000 egg-laying hens will be given a second chance at life. It will be their first opportunity to feel grass under their feet, the sun on their backs, and the ability to walk around and fully stretch their wings out beyond the confines of a tiny and overcrowded wire battery cage.
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.
It’s been just over a year since The Vegg was launched, and this versatile plant-based egg yolk replacer has taken the market by storm. Consumers everywhere — from the US to Switzerland to Australia — are using it to whip up amazing vegan creations including omelets, crepes, hollandaise sauce, quiche and so much more. What makes The Vegg so unique is that it looks, smells, and even tastes like egg yolk – but without all the cruelty, which is good news for hens! Plus, every time you buy The Vegg, 10% of sales are donated to Compassion Over Killing.
If you’re familiar with the terms “wall balls, WODs, boxes and snatches,” you’ve likely heard of or participated in Crossfit. A high-intensity workout that is quickly acquiring a loyal community of followers, Crossfit is taking the fitness world–and ESPN by storm. Crossfitters workout together at a “box,” perform a Workout of the Day (WOD), and many choose to follow the program’s encouraged diet: Paleo. However, a growing number of people within the Crossfit community are choosing to forgo the Paleo diet to opt for healthier plant-based options. That’s exactly the type of approach to nutrition that Crossfitter and coach Ed Bauer wants his clients to follow.