Cruelty-Free: When Dining Out
Dining out in restaurants is one of the great joys of life. I love soaking up the new atmosphere, getting out with family and friends, and of course trying out new dishes — especially ones that present some of my favorites in exciting combinations that are new to me. However, when you have any kind of restrictions about food, dining out can be a source of anxiety. But, with just a few tricks up your sleeve, you can rid yourself of the unnecessary awkwardness.
First, if the restaurant is new to you, try looking online at the menu so that you’re prepared for what’s coming. If you don’t want to seem too fussy when you’re out with friends (or on a date!), you can even call ahead of time and speak with one of the staff. Let the person you’re speaking with know you’ll be in, and about your desire for a cruelty-free meal. Usually, he or she will offer suggestions, and the two of you can plan ahead about what you’ll be ordering.
Once I’m at a restaurant, if there’s nothing on the menu that works for me, I have a few techniques:
- I often ask the food server for suggestions: “What do you usually suggest for vegetarians here?” If need be, I can take it to the next level with a “please hold the cheese” or “please ask the chef to grill the veggies without butter.”
- If there’s something on the menu that sounds very appealing, minus one or two ingredients, I go menu-shopping. If I want to replace the goat cheese on a salad, I simply look around for something else to include that I know the restaurant has available because it’s listed as part of another dish. “Instead of the goat cheese, could you have the chef throw in some of those sautéed mushrooms that usually come with the (other dish on the menu)?”
- Look at the sides available. There’s a great restaurant in Tucson, Wildflower, where I always ask for a combination of sides. Usually, my husband and I will split a side of forbidden rice; then, I order two sides. I ask what the vegetable of the day is, which is usually one of my two choices. The last time we went to Wildflower for dinner, the side of the day was a wonderful medley of root vegetables. To complement that, I needed some greens — so I ordered a side of grilled asparagus.
Exploring new ethic cuisines that emphasize vegetarian and vegan dishes — Indian, Ethiopian, Malaysian, etc. — may open up whole new worlds for you, too. Italian food is always a safe bet, because there’s always a pasta marinara (meat-free tomato sauce) on the menu. If, by some chance, you find the one Italian place on the planet that doesn’t have marinara in the kitchen, just ask for some pasta tossed with a little olive oil and garlic… and some grilled vegetables if they are elsewhere on the menu. If you do an internet search for restaurants in your area (i.e., citysearch), you often can look up places by the “vegetarian” category. More often than not, the search results will include not only all-vegetarian establishments, but also those that have at least some vegetarian options available.
Finally, don’t be bashful about letting your family and friends know of your cruelty-free criterion, and suggest some places that would appeal to them and you. But even if your crowd insists on a steakhouse, with a little creativity and the willingness to ask for something off the menu, you’ll be able to have a dish that stays true to the cruelty-free you!
Bonus Tip!
If you’re living in Washington DC, Portland, Austin, or Baltimore, Compassion Over Killing has FREE vegetarian guides available for lucky you!
Cruelty-Free: Taking Action for Animals conference
at the Pro Bono Litigation Awards
This past weekend, I attended the Taking Action For Animals conference (TAFA) in Washington DC, hosted by the Humane Society of the United States. I attended for the first time last year, and this year my husband Seth came along, curious to experience first-hand what I was so excited about last July. The beauty of an event like this one is that it brings together animal advocates from all over the country, each of whom has his or her own particular focus when it comes to supporting animals. Last year, I met some truly extraordinary people, and it was great catching up with them again this summer. While
So many animal advocates!
my immediate circle of friends tends to be focused on animal law issues, I was able to connect at the conference with people who are extremely active on the issue of puppy mills, some who focus more on wildlife issues, some who concentrate on farm animals or marine mammals, some involved in law enforcement for companion animals or animal rescue, and a few who are teachers looking to spread compassion through their work with children in the classroom. When all of these people come together, you realize just how many people are out there who care about animal welfare, and how powerful the unified voice can be.
at the Letters to Pushkin table
In addition to attending the conference again, I was inspired this time around to bring Letters To Pushkin into the spotlight, with a table of its own in the Exhibit Hall. It was at this conference last year that Pushkin, our beagle who passed away in February 2009, quietly made his public debut… just a few Letters To Pushkin postcards — a picture of his distinguished profile — posted on the public bulletin board in the hotel lobby. At the time, my husband and I were just getting ready to publish the web site, a free site for those who are coping with the loss of a loved one. For me, LTP is about helping others, taking my own loss and trying to have some good
with HSUS's CEO, Wayne Pacelle
come out of it. Most of all, it’s a way of paying tribute to the huge spirit that came to me in a little beagle body, and who still inspires me each day. So many people who walked up to our table this past weekend were kind enough to share their own stories of the companion animals who have touched their lives. But my favorite remark, I admit, was made by a woman who exclaimed, “Peace to Pushkin!” The spirit we call Pushkin lives on.
Cruelty-Free: In the Workplace
For the last six weeks, I have had the amazing opportunity to work in a completely cruelty-free environment. Everyone is vegan, wears vegan, and works all day long on behalf of animals. A couple of weeks ago, when a co-worker and I got caught in the rain while walking to the metro, we shared a chuckle when I commented: “Another bright side to being in a vegan workplace: neither of us is wearing any leather that’s going to get ruined in the rain!”
To work in this kind of an environment is rare, I know. I wish everyone could have the experience, just to see how much it transforms the entire workday. (We also have three large dogs wandering around the office, which is an amazing presence.) However, in subtle ways, each of us can bring some cruelty-free into the office.
- Office Supplies
Simple little changes can make a difference. Do you have office supplies made by companies that use animal testing? Do a quick search on brands like Scotch and 3M and see what you find. Sometimes, buying cruelty-free alternatives means just buying a generic brand until the big names catch on. - Work Attire
You can go cruelty-free and look fantastic doing it! Invariably, every time I wear my Natalie Portman boots, someone compliments me on them. I can’t think of a better way to pique someone’s curiosity than to be the fashionista at the workplace; then, when they notice your boots, your briefcase, or your sweater, you can let them know who made it… and that no animals were harmed in the process. - Bathroom & Cleaning Products
At the yoga studio I own, Lyric Yoga and Wellness, I keep a cruelty-free hand soap in the studio’s bathroom (such as Kiss My Face), and under the sink are cleaning products that also are animal-friendly (Trader Joe’s, Ecover). If you don’t own the business, but the organization is small enough so that you can have a conversation with the person in charge of stocking up on this kind of stuff, try suggesting some of the more inexpensive cruelty-free alternatives. www.lyricyoga.com - Potluck Lunches
While your coworkers may not all be vegetarian, it’s not out of bounds to organize a veggie potluck for fun. If people want to participate they can… no pressure. Those who choose not to partake will see all the yummy food in the employee lounge, and I guarantee the next time around, many of them will decide they’d like to contribute a dish to the table. - Birthday Cakes/Cupcakes
Remember the Seinfeld episode when Elaine was getting irritated because it seemed like every day there was a birthday at the office? Well, there’s no need to worry so much about the waistline if you’re selecting a healthier version of the Happy-Birthday routine. Vegan cakes and cupcakes are just as delicious as those made with dairy products. So the next time your birthday rolls around, get adventurous and go for the vegan cupcakes – I promise you will not be disappointed! If someone else at the office puts in the birthday-cake orders, let him or her know your preference. There are many bakeries that are willing to make non-dairy cakes and cupcakes these days, and you’ll have everyone in the office talking about how they never thought a vegan cupcake or chocolate cake could taste so good. I ordered cupcakes from Sticky Fingers Bakery in DC for my birthday just a few weeks ago! - Photos of Fido and Fluffy
If you have pictures of family on your desk or posted up to the cubicle wall, please make sure to include pictures of your nonhuman family members. Not only will it add a little “warm and fuzzy” to your work day, but it also will let your coworkers know that you consider companion animals to be an important part of the family. - Happy Hour
A perfect way to wrap up the week is with a happy hour, of course! Why not find a happy hour location in your area that features some vegetarian or vegan hors d’oeuvres? And, if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can look up the cruelty-free status of your favorite happy hour drinks (including beer) at Barnivore. Cheers!
Cruelty-Free: Reflections from the Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
My weeks here in Washington DC have been flying by! I’ve been making the most of my time — learning so much through the legal internship, taking lots of yoga classes, visiting some of my old haunts, and catching up with all my east-coast friends. Finally, I set aside time in the schedule to make it over to the National Mall.
My first time at the Lincoln Memorial is one of my earliest memories: a family trip to Washington DC when I was only four years old. I remember the stairs leading up to the statue seemed like they went on forever, waves in a sea of white. As I stood at the base of the statue of Lincoln in his chair, I was so small that, when I looked up, I couldn’t see Lincoln’s face; all I could see were the massive hands that stretched over the ends of the chair’s arms. And then, I remember how my perspective changed as my father took me in his arms and lifted me up and set me on his shoulders. In one sweeping motion, it all came together. I stared into the 
mammoth face.
Since that time, I have revisited the memorial many times and, at least in part, it’s because of this early memory that the Lincoln Memorial is extra special to me among all the monuments. I have walked up its steps countless times, with many people who have figured heavily in my own life through the years: layers of context that, taken together, have an added poignancy well beyond the significance of each instance. Since that first visit, of course I’ve also learned more about Lincoln as a man, and about his place in American history. I now read much more into the stoic expression on the statue’s face. And I’ve developed an appreciation for all that has transpired on the same steps I struggled to climb with my toddler legs and now leap up with my adult legs. Now, from the top of the steps, as I look over the Mall and towards the Washington Monument in the distance, I think of Marian Anderson, an African-American woman with the voice of an angel, singing on the steps in 1939 to a crowd of 75,000 people; the open-air concert came about because she was refused the opportunity to sing at Constitution Hall for an integrated audience. Each time I visit the memorial, I will always reflect on the milestones in our national history that it celebrates as much as it pays tribute to Mr. Lincoln himself: the end of slavery, the culmination of the civil rights movement, and other victories that have moved us towards equality and social justice. I cannot imagine living in a nation where there were humans in chains, forced to work plantations; where there were signs over doors that marked separate entrances for “whites” and “blacks”; and where it was acceptable to deny people jobs or services based on their race, sex, or sexual orientation. But those times did exist, and not all that long ago. What history proves to us over and over again is that change for the better is possible.
Here’s the hope: I realize that it’s just as possible when it comes to how our society treats animals. It’s just as appropriate for those working towards animal rights to hope and to dream… and to expect change. There will be a day when our children, or our children’s children, will hear about factory farms and canned hunt facilities and wonder how they ever could have existed. Unfathomable, they’ll think to themselves. If I’m lucky, I’ll have an opportunity in this lifetime to stand at the top of the Lincoln Memorial’s steps and once again consider all the peacemakers in this world — great leaders and ordinary citizens alike. And once again, I’ll be able to marvel at how far we’ve come.
Not far from the Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson stands in the middle of a rotunda that’s inscribed with many of his inspirational words. My personal favorite: “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”
Washington Monument
When it comes to how we treat animals — whether it’s in the small decisions we make each day like using products that do not test on animals, or the grand changes we can make through legislation — I believe we, as a society, are in the process of once again choosing a new coat. It’s precisely our ability to evolve that empowers us as individuals and as a whole. Lincoln and Jefferson thought so, too.
(photo credit: Seth Webster)
Cruelty-Free: Thank you, Aveda
I remember very well when I started using Aveda products: I was living in Austin, TX and wearing my hair very, very long then. Someone suggested using Aveda’s shampoo, saying that the natural, plant-based product would be easier on my hair than the harsh chemicals of other products — it would keep my very long (and very fine) hair healthy while minimizing any split ends and breakage. That was more than fifteen years ago, and Aveda’s Camomile Shampoo is still my fave. I’ve chopped my hair off more than once since the Austin days, and now I’m back to wearing it longer again, which is always when I seem to make the greatest efforts to be kind to my hair. In addition to shampoos and conditioners, there’s also the issue of color. After visiting Aveda shops for years to purchase my Camomile, I finally came around to making an appointment for highlights. And, just like any other girl when it comes to hair, I had an immediate sense of loyalty to my hair stylist/colorist at the Aveda salon. This loyalty has transferred to Aveda salons in multiple cities, as I’ve moved around.
As many of you are aware, I’m in Washington DC this summer for a legal internship, which means I get to revisit my old Aveda salon in the Georgetown neighborhood. A throwback to the graduate-school days! After my appointment at the salon this past week, I was thinking how Aveda got me on the cruelty-free track long before it became a main focus for me. And for that I have to say thank you, Aveda: l love that you keep my hair luminous; I like it even more that here’s been no animal testing or animal products involved.
Over the years, I also have enjoyed my visits to Aveda as opportunities to browse around and try other products that all seem to have “pampering” as their middle name. An Aveda salon is bound to be a treasure-trove of hair products, skincare products, cosmetics, essential oils, candles, body mists, and more. They also carry travel sizes of many of their products — which is a fantastic way to sample new things without spending megabucks before getting out the door!
Last week, my little treat to myself was a travel-sized tube of the “Foot Relief” cream to revitalize overstressed feet (a bargain-splurge, at only $7.50). Although I’m an urban girl at heart, my feet are getting a bit of a wake-up call this month, with all the walking around they’ve been asked to do since I landed in DC. I always say that walking feet (or tapping feet) are happy feet. My feet, however, might not totally agree… they’re a little sore and tired. They deserve some TLC. Actually, I’d tried for a reflexology appointment at the salon along with my hair appointment, but the person who does the reflexology massages is on vacation until August. Bummer.
Speaking of reflexology, many Aveda salons offer spa. Reflexology, full body or hot stone massages, and a variety of facials. The Elemental Nature facials restore balance to your skin with a wonderful blend of facial techniques and essential oil aromas… all customized according to your skin’s “nature.” Isn’t it nice to think about having an all-natural, cruelty-free facial rather than having a heap of chemicals slapped on your face?
And if aromatherapy is your thing, Aveda has two types of products that I love. First, they have the Chakra body mists. Each mist is based on a chakra, an energy center of the body — you might have heard about chakras in a yoga class. (Trivia: I have the symbol for the heart chakra, associated with compassion, tattooed on the back of my left shoulder.) This last visit, I misted myself with the scent for the throat chakra, associated with self-expression. I also like Aveda’s selection of essential oils, a sure-fire way to bring some of that salon serenity home with me. If you’re not a fan of using essential oils, soy candles are another Aveda treat-yourself.
With all these wonderful products, I think it would be impossible to leave an Aveda salon without feeling like a million bucks. The experience, like the products themselves, has a gentleness about it, a nurturing feeling. A brief stop into the store reminds me of the softness of life, and it can be just the little lift I need on a day when life is playing hardball with me. Most of all, Aveda is gentle on the animals we love. Without testing on animals, without using animal products, they have created a product line and a salon space that both say: we can be kind to the animals and to the planet while we are kind to ourselves.
Check out the Aveda web site for products and to find your local salon.
Cruelty-Free: My Visit to an Animal Sanctuary
On Sunday, three friends and I took a ride to Poolesville, Maryland, which is just a short drive from DC. Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit refuge for farm animals who have been rescued from abuse, neglect, or imminent slaughter. Started fourteen years ago by one amazing couple who live on the 400-acre sanctuary, it’s an idyllic setting where animals interact freely with each other. There are geese, goats, chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs, horses, mules, rabbits… and one wild groundhog with enough gumption to sneak inside the chicken house for some of their grub!
Chakras connected
Hal was the first animal I got to spend some one-on-one time with during my visit. He is one of two mules at the sanctuary, both subjected to horrible abuse before their rescue. (That he was so peaceful and trusting with me, a complete stranger, was especially moving, in light of what I know of his past.) I was instructed to groom him; and, I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first because… well, I’d never groomed a mule before. I wanted to do it right. I wanted him to like me. Thankfully, Hal was patient with me as I figured it out. I sang some blues to him as I worked the brush down his back and the sides of his body, which he seemed to enjoy. A few times, he took time out from his eating to lift his head and swing around to look at me, as if to reassure me and tell me to keep going. When I was done brushing him, I pet him for a while and, finally, I let my hand rest on his wisdom (“third eye”) chakra. Then I asked him if it would be all right if I touched my chakra to his chakra. He didn’t move, so I rested my own forehead on his and just looked into his eyes. Hal was completely still as we took several breaths, in stillness, together. “Can you feel my energy?” I asked him. I told him I could feel his. It was my beagle Pushkin who first showed me how to breathe with an animal… just be with an animal for a few moments, free of distractions. I have Pushkin to thank (yet again) for an incredible life lesson. And Hal, such a gentle soul, for giving me that time with him.
Love!
After our time in the barn with the mules and horses, my friends and I ventured over to the area for the pigs. Often when I have a conversation about pigs and make a comment about how cute they are, people respond by saying that pigs are cute when they’re born but they quickly get pretty monstrous. It’s true — a pig gets enormous. But have you ever given a pig a belly rub? Oh. My. God. When you rub a pig’s belly (vigorously), he grunts with glee and will stretch his limbs and roll over… just to help you find the right spot. Truly, as adorable as a little baby! A pig may be huge, but he will absolutely melt your heart.
Lilliputian Sharon
Why visit a sanctuary rather than a zoo?
Although you can opt to take a tour, you also can volunteer to help out for a few hours or a day. My friends and I groomed horses and mules, spread hay, and picked up after pigs and cows, all the while mingling with the animals. Working together with my friends was so much fun. And raking up cow patties was FUN… even for this city girl! With the animals, my friends and I created a memory together that I know will last a lifetime.
At the same time, we were able to support a place that respects all animals and, in doing so, promotes a more compassionate world. While zoos may seem pretty harmless, many animals in zoos are miserable. You know how elephants sway from side to side? They don’t do that in the wild; it’s actually a very visible sign that something is wrong, that the elephants are unhappy and hurting. And what happens when zoo animals get older? Often they’re sold off to research labs or canned hunt facilities. Zoos will say they don’t do this; many are able to make this claim because they sell animals to a “middle man” who then disposes of the animals in these unspeakable ways. In contrast, at a sanctuary, animals are given the love and care they deserve, and a way to live out their lives without fear and pain. When you visit a sanctuary, it’s like visiting friends. Happy friends. Healthy friends. Friends who know they are loved.
Making a new friend
Spending a day at a sanctuary — whether it’s Poplar Spring or one closer to your own home — will fascinate you. It will give you a glimpse of humanity at its finest, and leave you at the end of the day feeling peaceful and hopeful. As it turns out, an animal sanctuary is quite the sanctuary for humans, too.
*Thanks to Kimberly Atkinson Kelly, Elise Traub, and Cailen LaBarge for sharing this great day with me, and for taking some wonderful photos.
Cruelty-Free: New 2U? Tofu, Tempeh, and Seitan
Getting beyond the mock meats available on the market these days, many people including myself have discovered just how fabulicious the following sources of protein can be. I never had tofu until I was in college; having grown up in an Italian-cookin’ home, there was something mysterious about tofu to me, if not downright scary. But I was rewarded for keeping an open mind and giving it a try. Now, tofu — as well as tempeh and seitan — are part of my family’s food universe, and as a result we’ve shared countless scrumptious cruelty-free meals together.
- Tofu
Probably the best known, most mainstream of the veggie protein triumvirate. Many Asian restaurants will offer dishes with tofu as an alternative to chicken or beef. Tofu, which originated in China is a bean curd that’s made from soybeans; it’s low in calories, low in fat, and – more good news! – high in iron. (So much for the fallacy that giving up meat will make someone anemic.) Tofu pieces can have a soft consistency or a firm consistency. For home, you can add tofu to a variety of dishes. Because it has little taste of its own, it tends to pick up the flavors and spices of whatever you mix with it. I usually buy firm tofu, toss it up with some vegetables, and serve over some kind of grain, like basmati or brown rice. Roasted tofu squares can be a great addition to salads, too! Check out this recipe for Tofu Tacos. - Tempeh
Tempeh originated in Indonesia. Like tofu, it’s made from soybeans; unlike tofu, it’s made with the whole bean, which makes it higher in protein, fiber, and vitamins. The texture is also quite different from tofu. I use the organic tempeh made by Lightlife, which comes in a few varieties: three grain, wild rice, flax, garden veggie. My tempeh fave: Spicy tempeh rolls — the cruelty-free answer to sushi rolls. You can find the recipe in the Veganomicon cookbook. If you’ve never made your own rolls before, it’s really not as complicated as you might think. The spicy tempeh rolls recipe is quick, easy, and fun to prepare! - Seitan
This is the heartiest of the three, made from wheat-gluten. It’s look and texture is the most like meat — chewy. I like it cubed (try the West Soy brand, available at Whole Foods), and I usually will sauté it in a tablespoon of olive oil and fresh garlic before tossing it with vegetables in a stir-fry, or with pasta and vegetables (gotta get in my greens!). Because it has a more substantial consistency compared to tofu and tempeh, I think, out of the three of them, it holds up the best with pasta; but seitan and pasta is definitely a “heavier” meal, so save for evenings when everyone is pretty hungry. Check out some great recipes using seitan on tryveg.com. Also, the popular Tofurky deli slices (for lunchtime sandwiches) are seitan-based.
Cruelty-Free: Mock Meats
If you’re giving up meat, why not give it up altogether? Why go for the fake chicken, beef, or sausage? I admit that before my husband decided to go vegetarian, I didn’t make much use of the mock-meats available. I’ve always been so into vegetables and fruits that I didn’t feel the need. But for others, like my husband Seth, the decision to go meat-free was all about not wanting to participate in the cruelty to animals — not that he didn’t like the way a filet mignon tastes. So, for some, using the mock meats can make the choice to go cruelty-free an easier one. My husband made a terrific stir-fry a couple of weeks ago using green beans, asparagus, roasted red and green peppers, and onions… and mock chicken. He’s recently discovered Trader Joe’s “Chicken-less Strips” (also, their “Beef-less” strips). It’s wonderful to see him so enthusiastic about cooking. A few days after the stir-fry success, he used Trader Joe’s “Sausage-less” sausage by adding it to whole-wheat pasta, which he then mixed with a light creamy sauce made with soy milk. Added bonus: a whole “sausage” has only 140 calories and 7 grams of fat. Check out Seth’s new “10-Minute Vegan” clip on You Tube.
By exploring these mock meats, I’ve discovered that I too enjoy these ingredients from time to time. Here are some of the best options I’ve found:
Chicken
- Gardein: This is the best chicken substitute I’ve ever tasted, a blend of soy, wheat, vegetables and grains. I’ve had it in strips, and I’ve had it served at a banquet, cutlet-style with a simple sauce. It’s good enough so you don’t need to drown it in something to make it tasty and edible! There’s a small café near where I’m working this summer that makes a wonderful sandwich: Gardein chicken and roasted peppers with non-dairy mozzarella on foccacia bread (I have them substitute the cheese with sautéed mushrooms). It’s so convincing, you might think for a moment you’re eating a regular chicken sandwich!
- Chipotle: Many Chipotle locations are now offering a mock chicken. Check it out the next time you feel like having a burrito. If your local Chipotle hasn’t caught on yet, ask them to start offering the mock-chicken “garden blend” option.
- Morningstar Farms: Sesame Chik’n; Sweet and Sour Chik’n. These frozen options are good to keep in your kitchen, especially for days when time is tight and you need something quick.
Beef
- Trader Joe’s Beef-Less Strips: Easy to warm up and add to stir-frys and pasta dishes.
Pork
- Smart Bacon by Lightlife: Fake bacon that works well for a vegan BLT, or alongside some pancakes or waffles (so easy to make non-dairy!), or cut into pieces as part of an awesome spinach salad.
- Morningstar Farms: Their veggie bacon uses egg whites, so vegans will want to use another brand. However, Morningstar has made great strides to reduce the eggs they use overall, and the site specifies what is vegan (no animal ingredients at all) versus vegetarian. Try the BBQ Riblets.
Special note about “sausage”:
As an Italian-American, many of the foods grew up with had sausage in them. So finding the best sausage alternative has been a priority – for my own satisfaction, but also for the benefit of my Italian relatives. Trader Joe’s “sausage-less” is great for everyday cooking, but I think the sausages made by Field Roast are simply the best. The “sausages” come in Apple Sage, Italian, and Mexican Chipotle. My faves: Italian sausage sliced up with roasted green peppers and onions on a multi-grain roll — a nice vegan version of an old Italian family classic. Also delicioso, chunky slices of the Italian Field Roast sausages with green peppers and onions and sliced potatoes, all baked together in the oven. A favorite, quick dinner!
Shrimp
I haven’t tried the mock-shrimp yet, though I’ve seen it in many restaurants, especially Asian restaurants that cater to a vegetarian crowd. This could be a terrific alternative for those of you who are allergic to shellfish or are getting particularly concerned about all the pollutants in the water where the shrimp are coming from. Whatever your motivation for giving mock-shrimp a try, it will be a victory for the cruelty-free team! If you try it, let me know what you think!
What about substitutes other than mock meats?
Check back tomorrow for the lowdown on tofu, tempeh, and seitan.
Cruelty-Free: A Day at the Animal Rights National Conference
Reporting today from the Animal Rights National Conference in Alexandria, Virginia! I’m here today to help out the Compassion Over Killing team, handing out literature and also some simply divine brownies and cookies from the DC vegan bakery Sticky Fingers. The Exhibit Room is packed with cruelty-free goodies — everything from baked goods and vegan dogfood… to cosmetics and fashion… to informative literature and DVDs from various animal rights organizations.
A new find today is NYC-based Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, an all-vegan line of air-brush makeup. Their “lip tar” is a semi-matte hybrid of lipstick and lip gloss, and comes in a stunning rainbow of mixable primaries. I talked with a conference attendee earlier who was wearing an electric-blue lip gloss, specifically to confirm that it was, indeed, OCC’s shade called RX. More my style: OCC’s “Something” (pale blue) and “Dangerous” (grey) nail polishes. Thanks to make-up artist and founder David Klasfeld for sending me home with such pretty colors!
Another new find: Calico Dragon. Handbag designer Candy Brown has created a line of canvas/cotton tote bags with striking silk-screens. Images of animals are coupled with slogans that, on their own, have a bit of a bite. My personal fave is the large tote with the silkscreen of an elephant: “Whips and Chains Belong in the Bedroom, Not at the Circus.” So sexy and feisty — I love it! Extra props: a portion of profits is donated to animal charities.
My treat-yourself of the day: the “Vaute” coat in ultra-vibrant blue (the color totally makes this coat!) by Vaute Couture, proceeds of which go to Farm Sanctuary. Founder Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart was on hand to share her designs with us. Her coats are solely from vegan, eco-conscious materials and produced in her hometown of Chicago. Vaute has been featured in several magazines and on Oprah.com, and worn by plenty of celebs. According to Leanne, actresses Ginnifer Goodwin and Zooey Deschanel have the same blue coat in their closets. Another CoK volunteer purchased a black jacket that has the added flair of vintage buttons. The clothing line, now entering its second season, is expanding to include men’s coats — truly classic designs, with modern touches. Also from Vaute: organic hand-dyed dresses, upcycled windbreakers, and soy-yarn hats and scarves.
Beyond the shopping extravaganza, there are events going on all weekend here at the Hilton. Senator Dennis Kucinich opened the conference with a special address; there are screenings of the films The Cove, Skin Trade, and Bold Native; and, throughout the days, there are sessions on a range of topics. For example, the session Challenging Language and Labels. Still saying you’re the “owner” of your companion animal? Try switching out the O word for “guardian” and see how, in a subtle but powerful way, doing so can change how you and other people view your relationship with Fido or Whiskers. It’s amazing how one word can make such a difference, by conveying that our nonhuman family members have something greater than mere “property” status. Also, I attended a session this afternoon, Enacting Protective Laws, which focused on how to forge coalitions and deal with legislators. This talk was a good prep for Monday, when I’ll be participating in “Lobby Day” at the Capitol. I’ve scheduled appointments at the offices of Senator John McCain (my state senator) and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (my representative). There, I’ll be meeting with staff members and letting them know about animal-related issues that are important to me, such as a newly proposed bill that could put an end to animal “crush” videos (HR 5566).
Your state legislators would love to hear from you, too — you don’t have to be in Washington DC to lend your voice to the animals! You can visit legislators’ local offices. Or, email messages and phone calls to local representatives are quick and easy to make… five minutes out of your day, max. Just let them know that you’re a constituent and you care about having laws in place that will help protect animals. For contact information, use the Find Your Elected Officials search on the Humane Society of the United States’ web site.
Cruelty-Free: On the Go! Bars, nutritious and delicious
There’s on the go, and then there’s on the go. Sometimes even a super-quick meal is not do-able. If you’re chasing the clock and running to the metro, have back-to-back meetings straight through the day, a meal bar is a good thing to have handy. I also like having meal bars when I am traveling: they’re great to have in flight, or so that I’m not at the mercy of airport food (some airports are much better than others) when I have a layover. Also, when I’m jumping time zones, a bar is a great way to have something to eat because my body, before it’s had time to adjust, wants something… even when it’s almost midnight where I’ve landed.
- Green Tea Bar by SEN CHA
I love pears and it’s a fantastic recent find for me to have found it in a bar. The Delicate Pear bar has a combination of pears, dates, and plums (plus almonds, black sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and brown rice syrup – yum!). The use of the green tea has it’s own allure, a promise of energy that sounds especially good when I’m having a middle of the afternoon slump and I need a little something crunchy and sweet (but not too sweet) to see me through until dinner time. The claim is that one bar equals three cups of green tea. Hmmmm….
Flavors to try: Delicate Pear and Lively Lemongrass - Lara Bar
The Lara bar was my introduction to raw foods. Although the trend seems have peaked out, some of the raw food options are worth holding onto… and this is one of them. I love the cashew bar. Not low in calorie or low-fat, this is definitely a meal replacement rather than a snack, but also a good way to treat yourself when you’re working so hard that you don’t have time for a sit-down meal.
Flavors to try: tropical fruit tart, cashew cookie, banana bread (and many more!) - Macrobar
This is an up-and-coming bar that I had the opportunity to sample, thanks to working at an organization that promotes vegan eating as a way to end cruelty to animals in agriculture. Keep your eyes peeled for this one at the grocery store. The almond butter with carob is an instant hit with me!
Flavors to try: almond butter with carob; sesame berry; tahini date - Clif Bar
Clif Bars use all-natural, organic ingredients… and they’re easy to find, often even at small, local stores and pharmacies.
Flavors to try: carrot cake, black cherry almond - Luna
A sister to the Clif Bar, created by and for women, with fewer calories plus vitamins and minerals geared for our needs.
Flavors to try: Chai tea, Blueberry Bliss. My fellow legal intern, Lisa Winebarger, highly recommends the S’Mores flavor. - Prana Bars:
Admittedly, a fun part of blogging about this stuff is doing some research from time to time. Although I usually already have my favorites, I will often browse around the aisles looking for a new find to share with you. So last week when I was at Whole Foods doing my shopping, I came across the Prana bar. Of course, since I also own a yoga studio, I was immediately attracted by the name: “prana” means breath, life-giving force. These bars are organic, soy free, dairy free, gluten free, no sugar added, 75% raw… and, I’m happy to report, freakin’ delicious.
Flavors to try: apricot pumpkin, coconut acai. Another shopper who was standing next to me in the aisle swears by the apple pie flavor, said it was the best of all of them; allergic to apples, I leave that one for you to try on your own. - 18 Rabbits: I discovered this bar in an airport– eureka! Look for the ones that are clearly marked as both wheat-free and dairy-free. Created in San Francisco, these organic treats were inspired by childhood memories of bunnies around the yard and mom’s granola.
Flavor’s to try: Nibble A Sultana (apricots and raisins), Haute Diggity Date (organic dates and golden raisins)
Are you a chocolate-bar lover? Check out Go Max Go Foods for chocolate bars that are dairy-free. I split a Bucaneer chocolate bar with my coworker Christine yesterday. “Chocolate nougat with a rice-milk chocolatey coating” — fluffy and sweet and perfect for the next time you have a hankering.
