When it comes to the foods we choose to eat, you might think that vegans and meat-eaters don’t have all that much in common. A new eye-opening report by market research firm Mintel, however suggests otherwise.
Hot Off the Press: Fall 2013 Veg Guide to Los Angeles
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!”
TCBY Launches Dairy-Free Frozen Yogurt
As a growing number of Americans, especially today’s younger generations, are ditching dairy, the food industry is responding by serving up more plant-based options. Case in point: TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) just announced its partnership with Silk to introduce “the first ever national dairy-free, almondmilk-based frozen yogurt option.”
Germany’s Green Party Calls for a Weekly “Veggie Day”
When thinking about German cuisine, vegetables are not likely the first food that comes to mind. So considering its meat reputation that is laden with a wide range of sausage options, it might come as a surprise to learn that not only is there a thriving veg-friendly movement — more than 10,000 people attended last year’s Berlin VegFest — there is a new vegetarian eating initiative introduced as part of a political platform.
Meat and Dairy Responsible for Half of Trans Fats Consumed by Americans
We all know that trans fats are found in highly-processed, packaged foods, as well as fast-food fare. But did you know that half of Americans’ trans fats intake comes from animal products?
Vegan Leaders Join Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project
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.
Survey: Parents Want Schools to Lead Fight Against Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity has been increasing at an alarming rate over the past few years — it’s estimated that one in three adolescents are now obese or overweight. Interestingly, while the general public previously viewed obesity as a personal issue, it’s now widely considered to be a national one due to the associated health care costs that are continually rising.
Looking Back: My Five Years As an Animal Advocate
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.
Virtual Slaughterhouse: What It Feels Like to Be a Cow
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?