Our fifth annual US VegWeek wrapped up on Sunday, and it was a resounding success!
The weeklong celebration highlighting the many benefits and flavors of vegetarian eating included more than 3,500 people from coast to coast taking our 7-Day VegPledge, 140 restaurant specials offered in 21 states, 150 events held in 33 states, and more media coverage than ever before.
Move over saturated fat and cholesterol; there are two new health culprits in town that are linked to raising heart disease risk. Last month, news circulated widely about one of these culprits when research revealed how consumption of l-carnitine, found abundantly in red meat as well as in dairy, fish and chicken, plays a significant role in the development of heart disease.
In addition, just last week, a new study revealed that through a similar process, lecithin, found in eggs, also raises heart disease risk.
Today marks the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day, a day intended to encourage individuals to take meaningful actions in their everyday lives that, collectively, contribute to preserving the planet. But in the words of late Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson who founded Earth Day, “Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.”
The Songkran Festival, also known as Thai New Year, is celebrated from April 13 – 16, and it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in delicious Thai cuisine — 100% veganized, of course. While these recipes would traditionally include fish sauce, meat, or chicken stock, they can be easily made without an animal ingredients while maintaining the authentic flavors. For example, in Tom Kha, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You’ll still get all the essential aromas and flavors because the key ingredients are lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime.
For over 40 years, Earth Day—celebrated on April 22—has been inspiring people to take steps to help the environment. Did you know that perhaps the single most important action each of us can take to protect the planet is simply to choose meat-free foods?
Earth Day offers the perfect opportunity to empower others to fight global warming and animal abuse with our forks, and COK’s popular Eating Sustainably brochure is a great way to share this important message.
Newly updated for 2013, this trifold brochure is packed with information (citations included) about the negative environmental impacts of animal agriculture while also highlighting the global calls to action from the United Nations to shift towards a more plant-based diet.
Who doesn’t love a good vegan grilled cheese sandwich? That’s why we’re putting a compassionate spin on this food holiday, making it National (Vegan) Grilled Cheese Day. And to celebrate, we’re sharing our award-winning gourmet vegan grilled cheese recipe!
Last year, COK competed in the 10th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational (GCI) at the Pasadena Rose Bowl–and we took home the trophy for 3rd place in the professional chef category!
The fifth annual US VegWeek kicks off in less than 2 weeks! This nationwide event, which begins on Earth Day (April 22), offers a fun and supportive way to explore the many flavors and benefits of vegetarian eating.
Thousands of people–including scores of lawmakers–have already agreed to take our 7-day pledge, and it’s not too to sign up! Are you up the for challenge?
Last month, I had the opportunity to live out a vegan dream: touring the Field Roast product factory in Seattle, Washington! It was an honor to see where some of my favorite meatless meat products were made especially since the company is very supportive of Compassion Over Killing. They’re a long-time sponsor of our annual DC VegFest event in the nation’s capital, and they’re also one of the Platinum Sponsors of our US VegWeek campaign (kicking off on April 22) – Be sure to check out Field Roast’s facebook page during US VegWeek for daily updates!
With the growing popularity of vegan eating (it’s even been confirmed by Google!), it’s no wonder that vegetarian festivals are on the rise nationwide, and across the globe. From Seattle, Wash. to Tampa, Fla. to Berlin, Germany, VegFests are a fun way to discover the many benefits, flavors, and joys of choosing animal-friendly foods.