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Posts Tagged ‘vegan news’

Children’s Books Help Vegan Go Mainstream

Monday, August 30th, 2010 by MarinaHanes

“Don’t leave that table until you eat those Brussels sprouts!” It’s amazing how your mother can throw her voice into your kitchen, isn’t it?

While you might have vowed never to sound like your mother or father, it inevitably happens when you become a parent yourself – and it often that happens at the kitchen or dining room table! Like it or not, vegan or not, sometimes it’s challenging to convince your children to eat their veggies. Fortunately, there is a growing children’s book market that can help.

For parents who want to teach their children about what they’re eating (or not eating), and where it comes from, there are some adorable vegan and vegetarian books that will get you off on the right foot.  That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, A Book About Vegetarians, Vegans, and All Living Things by Ruby Roth is a new children’s book that features gorgeous artwork, and helps to gently teach young ones about the reasoning behind a vegan diet.

If you’re looking to educate your child on a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle in an age appropriate way, also check out Cows Are Vegetarians, A Book for Vegetarian Kids by Ann Bradley or Herb, the Vegetarian Dragon by Jules Brass. For older kids, a teen cookbook might be a good idea – or something along the lines of Vegetables Rock: A complete guide for the teenage vegetarian. For an extensive list of books compiled for vegetarian/vegan children and their parents, click here.  These types of books are helping to bring veganism and vegetarianism more into the mainstream.

Even if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian parent, you can use veg-friendly books to encourage your children to eat more fruits and vegetables, and it can give you a better sense of the ideology behind the lifestyle. Kathy Patalsky’s The Lunchbox Bunch collection includes Lunchbox Alphabet, The Wiggle Jiggle Book and On the Case: Super Senses, and they are full of fun, fruity, fiber-rich characters.

Check out more vegan news stories for this week:

True Blood Vampire’s Bite: Shows Strong Enough to Make You Go Vegan

Monday, August 23rd, 2010 by MarinaHanes

People spend an extraordinary amount of time in front of the television, and not surprisingly, the boob tube is influential. How is this affecting the vegan movement? Popular shows, like True Blood, suggest that it can help the cause.

According to the A.C. Nielson Co., the average American watches 28 hours of television every week. This means that by the time a person is 65 years old, he/she has spent nine years in front of a talking picture box!

When shows hit it big, like the provocative HBO series True Blood, they can have a real impact on people’s lives and the way they think. For example, True Blood is well known for its bone crushing moments and gruesome vampire attacks, and some viewers are having trouble eating their usual non-vegan meals while watching.

In the spirit of veganism, dedicated True Blood fan Andrea Chalupa has started a new Sunday ritual with her friends: enjoying the HBO series with homecooked Southern style vegan foods. The blood baths and violence on screen made her meat dishes not seem so appetizing. So Chalupa began Vegan Sundays in honor of Bill Compton, a True Blood “vampire gone veg” who prefers synthetic blood to killing humans. Vegan vampires? Interesting twist…but he’s not the only one. Another vegan vampire on the show is Amy played by Lizzy Caplan (although the fact that she is addicted to vampire blood has lots of vegans questioning the helpfulness of her role to the vegan cause).

Other than the couple vegan characters on True Blood, what on-screen vegetarians and vegans are viewers exposed to? There was Spock from the Star Trek series, Darlene Connor from Roseanne, Lisa from The Simpsons and Phoebe Buffay from Friends. However, veg-friendly individuals are horribly under-represented in mainstream media.

Instead of vegan vampires or Vulcan vegetarians, we need to see more ‘normal’ veg characters in movies and shows – and not always ones who are portrayed as flaky hippies. With television being as influential as it is, it would be a huge help to veganism if the lifestyle was portrayed as more ‘normal’ in the mainstream media.

Some more interesting news stories from this week:

Isaiah Mustafa, the Old Spice Guy: Are We Too Quick to Hand Out the Vegan Crown?

Monday, August 16th, 2010 by MarinaHanes

Ripped abdomen, good sense of humor, handsome face, vegan friendly…Isaiah Mustafa has been presented to the female population as ‘the man you want your man to be’. Since becoming the spokesperson for Old Spice Body Wash, Mustafa’s career has snowballed into appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and a possible upcoming movie role with Jennifer Aniston. Sure, the Old Spice commercials are entertaining – and Mustafa does have a way with the ladies. It’s very cool that he has dipped his toe into the world if veganism – BUT. Even though he has engaged in a 30-day vegan cleanse, it may do more harm than good to ‘claim’ him as a vegan role model and promote him that way.

There are plenty of strong, muscular vegans like body builder Robert Cheeke and ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek who truly disprove the stereotype that vegans are weak and skinny. It’s natural for vegans to become excited when new potential vegan role models step into the spotlight, and Mustafa - a 6-foot-3 former football player - had promise. However, before handing over the vegan crown to every person who jumps on the bandwagon, it’s important that we do some digging to find out if he/she really is a qualified role model.

The Old Spice Guy Doesn’t Deserve the Vegan Crown

In an interview for the NY Daily News, Mustafa said, “Normally, I love steakhouses and burgers, but right now, I’m on a vegan diet for 30 days. For a month, I have to abide by five rules: No alcohol. No processed sugar. No gluten. No animal products or byproducts. No caffeine. I pretty much eat lentils and certain types of tofu. I can’t wait for this to be over.” In reality, the Old Spice guy is simply promoting the vegan diet as a cleansing method, not a compassionate lifestyle change.

Another issue that makes Mustafa a less-than-perfect role model for vegans is that his fame stems from his promotion of a Proctor & Gamble product. This company is notorious for testing on animals, and although P & G’s goal is “to ultimately eliminate all animal research” it still engages in this practice “as a last resort”. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been protesting P & G as far back as 1998. When someone is a dedicated vegan, they stay clear of all animal products in their diet, as well as in their life – and that includes products that are tested on animals.

Without a doubt, Mustafa has created a stir, and he has brought some attention to veganism. But he doesn’t deserve to be dubbed the next vegan king – not yet anyway!

Vegan News: The Vegan Express Lane

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 by MarinaHanes

Where are you headed this summer? If you’re venturing to a place where you have never traveled before, you might be wondering whether any vegan options will be available. It’s always a good idea to research your destination, and  you might find a pleasant surprise when it comes to restaurants and activities offering vegan options. Some of these recent news stories might provide some ideas…

Viva La Vegan

Looking for some high-quality downtime? Then check out this luxurious vegan cruise line. Maple Leaf Adventures, Sanctuary Retreats and A Taste of Health cruises are all designed with vegan in mind. Along with delicious vegetarian/vegan meals, you will also be able to enjoy yoga and Pilates classes, meditation sessions and relaxing massages. Viva La Vegan! Read more…

Illinois Veg Fest

Veg Fests are happening all over the nation, and this past week one was hosted by the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center in Naperville, Illinois. Along with music, demonstrations and speakers, there was a vegan food court fit for a king and even children’s programs. Read more…

105degrees Academy

A new cooking academy/restaurant in Oklahoma City is lowering temperatures in a good way. The 105degrees Academy focuses on raw cuisine and living cuisine – in other words, vegan foods. Its unique classes attract students from all across America; if you’re in town, stop in for a bite or visit chef Matthew Kenney to see how all of the foods are cooked no higher than 105 degrees. Read more…

Feeding Visiting Vegans

Even if you’re a non-vegan restaurant owner or a family member expecting a vegan relative, you should be able to feed the vegans who enter your life. When you’re not a vegan yourself, it can be a challenge. However, there are great resources to help you prepare meals for those visiting vegans. Read more…

Vegan Bakeries

In New York, vegan bakeries are popping up all over the place, and here is another one to add to the list: Champs Vegan Bakery. This place offers delectable baked goods such as cupcakes, scones, whoopie pies and gluten-free pignoli cookies. Read more…

7-Eleven Saver

Believe it or not, there are vegan foods at stores like the 7-Eleven. The stores may not be advertising it (and they may not be intentionally providing vegan foods), but they are still there. You definitely have to do some careful label reading, and they’re not the healthiest items you’ll ever eat, but they may be a savior to that grumbling stomach when you’re in a pinch on a road trip. Check out the top five vegan snacks. Read more…

Vegan News: Summer Promotions for your Vegan Business

Monday, August 2nd, 2010 by MarinaHanes

Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy getting outdoors and going on adventures…it’s also a great time for shopping or checking out a new restaurant. The summer months are ones that you, as a business owner, should be taking advantage of – people are travelling, shopping, or just out enjoying their own home cities, and looking to explore new places – and find fun, new things for themselves and their families to do. It’s an opportunity for your vegan business to promote itself (and attract new customers) with fun events, free samples, and interesting activities. Here are some vegan businesses that are taking advantage of summer with creative summer promotions. If you follow their lead, you can too.

Eat What’s Good at a Farmer’s Market

Vegan University of Guelph student Emily Meko has launched a business called Eat What’s Good. By setting up shop at a local farmer’s market, she is helping people learn about healthy eating, and making people realize that a vegetarian and vegan diet isn’t just about eating veggies. Read more…

Lean on Your BBQ Skills

Some summer comfort foods are all about backyard grilling, so if you’re talented in making vegan BBQ, make sure people know. The Sage Cafe in Seattle is one well-known “vegetable-centric BBQ,” and was one of the only places mentioned in a recent blog challenge from Seattle Weekly looking for good vegan BBQs. Read more… If you know of great vegan BBQ spots – anywhere in North America – give them some love here!  Here are some examples from Chicago to get the conversation started!

Gardening is Healthy All Around

An 84-year-old Ed Alexander is a healthy vegan man with 59 years of marriage under his belt. To what does he attribute his excellent state of well-being? An organic backyard vegetable garden. Gardening can be a fun activity and more people should have one, so why not spread awareness and get involved in organic gardening (classes would be a great way to reach the masses)? Read more…

Vegan Margaritas (and a little bit of info), Anyone?

Relaxing on a patio with a drink is a nice way to enjoy a summer evening. At Angels & Kings, Vegan Drinks will be held every last Thursday of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm. Hosting a happy hour is an excellent way to reel in the work crowd (and their practice of turning down the music for half an hour to promote a little bit of vegan learning is a great way to promote the cause!). Read more…

Summer Giveaways

In addition to exciting events, another crowd pleaser is giveaways. Why not offer up a gift basket of some of your favorite products or top two vegan cookbooks? Read more…

Support the Local Community

Promoting isn’t just about making a splash. It’s also about quality and professionalism. A new vegan restaurant called Be Love Cafe in Baywood Park serves organic food prepared with locally grown crops and ingredients. With community potlucks to celebrate conscientious comsumption on the first Wednesday of every month, they bring the community together, and promote awareness. Showing your dedication to compassionate consumption is another way to reach consumers. Read more…

Vegan Celebrity

How can you drum up a group of potential consumers in a heartbeat? Find a vegan celebrity willing to host an event. Terry Walters, author of a vegan cookbook called Clean Food, hosted a book signing at Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market. Read more…

Collaborate with a Non-profit

Combining powers with a non-profit such as a farm animal sanctuary is a great way to spread awareness. Maybe you can assist by catering or sponsoring a non-profit’s event. Read more…


Vegan News: Incorporate Vegan Activism into Your Business

Monday, July 26th, 2010 by MarinaHanes

When you’re a passionate vegan, it’s natural for those personal morals and compassionate beliefs to coincide with your business agenda as well. Incorporating vegan activism into your business can be rewarding in more ways than one, because it can promote your company and fulfill you on a personal level. However, vegan activism doesn’t necessarily mean picketing and handing out fliers; it also lies in simple gestures. Check out these vegan news stories for ideas on how you can add activism into your business plan:

Encourage Others to Follow Suit

Recently, Def Leppard’s Phil Collen tied the knot with costume designer Helen Simmons, and guests were treated to a vegetarian spread. If you’re an event planner, why not introduce your clients to some vegan or vegetarian touches? Read more…

Make It Look Good

In any new business venture, appearances count for a lot. Whether your business is about vegan pamphleting, furniture, clothing, etc. it has to be aesthetically pleasing. Whether you are promoting activism or great vegan food, it is important that your message is clear. When it comes to great vegan food, The Daily Raw Cafe blog knows how to communicate…and please the eye. Read more…

Go to the Source

When drumming up momentum on the activist front, it’s always nice to have faithful support. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) ranked Worcester as the seventh best small city for vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Read more…

Offer a Fellow Veggie a Job

According to Earth Times, vegetarian and vegan job boards are growing with momentum. You can’t do business and activism without having partners in crime…do you need an assistant? Check out Vegan Mainstream’s Job Board…or Read more…

Develop an iPhone App

Everywhere you go you see people with their iPhones. With technological gadgets at an all time popularity high, developing an iPhone app of your own might be a great marketing strategy, and a way to promote the activism that is important to you. Read more…

Find a Personal/Business Life Balance

If you don’t have balance in your life, you can’t successfully add anything more to it. Find a happy medium with the help of a macrobiotic author. Read more…

Add a Unique Vegan Element

Oftentimes activism is simply about spreading the word and showing people that an alternative does exist. Plum Bistro recently announced a vegan happy hour. Read more…

Wield Your Power Proudly

Activists often provide the public with the hard, sad facts of any given cause, and this is power that shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, vegetarians and vegans are becoming a force to reckon with, so show your compassion and wear this power proudly. Read more…

 

Vegan News: Stepping up the Social!

Monday, July 19th, 2010 by MarinaHanes

Do you want to improve your business’ social reputation? Or maybe you wish to learn hot marketing tips for creating a social media buzz? Well, this week at Vegan Mainstream, we will have helpful vegan online information on how to hone your social butterfly skills. From social events to social networking, from social reputation to socializing – we’re going to be stepping up the social! To get you started, here are some vegan news articles demonstrating how businesses are handling the public:

A Vegan Gathering

This past week, vegan baking and wine tasting classes were held at the Fort Lauderdale and Plantation Whole Foods Markets. What better way to entice the public then vegan social events where customers can work with you and try your products? Read more…

Heat Things Up with Some Ethnic Flair

The easiest way to add kick to any vegan meal is to add some ethnic flavors. One new vegan found three cookbooks to be particularly helpful for creating delicious Thai food. Read more…

Create an Invasion Like the ‘The Eggplant People’

In West Coast grocery outlets, there is a new brand in town. “The Eggplant People” have been in the eggplant products industry for more than 25 years, and their dedication has helped them reach the frozen foods aisle. Take notice of their engaging press release. Read more…

Listen to Consumers

Recently, there has been debate over whether vegan food should be a choice in schools. A mom from Norfolk, Va. thinks it should be a choice and congratulates six area school districts. Read more…

Follow the Popular Crowd

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently released results of its survey to determine the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly cities in North America. Of course, Washington and Portland, Ore. made the cut. Read more…

Loosen Up with Some Wine

Encouraging any potential consumers, vegan and non-vegan alike, to come to your business for wine and vegan appetizers is a great way to connect with the locals. However, make sure you’re providing them with vegetarian or vegan wine. Read more…

Show Your Socially Responsible Side

Susan Nichole recently launched her fall handbag line, which is animal-friendly and earth-friendly. How is she getting her message out there? Well, social media outlets, of course. Read more…

Blog About It

A new blog called All Naturale offers reviews of healthy products and recipes, and it has been nominated for a 2010 Blogger’s Choice Award. Blogs are another way to get your message out there to consumers, and in this case, it might encourage non-vegans to try vegan foods. Read more…

Vegan News: What Is Trendy These Days?

Monday, July 12th, 2010 by MarinaHanes
Isn’t being vegan trendy enough? Nope. To make your vegan business stand out from the crowd, you have to do more than just rely on vegan—so stop resting on pretty (as Tyra Banks would say)! The fact that you’re selling vegan products or services will attract customers, but you can’t stop there. Here are some trendy vegan news moments that might stir your creativity. 
 
 
Hold a Mutually Beneficial Contest
The No Meat Zone is accepting vegan and vegetarian recipes…what will they give you in return? In exchange, the No Meat Zone will link to your vegan business website, Facebook, and/or Twitter account. Plus, one lucky winner every week will receive a gift! Now this is a great way to attract new customers. Read more… 
Sex It Up 
We all know that sex sells, so incorporate this into your company’s image or product. Why not enlist help from a celebrity? According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the sexiest vegetarians of 2010 are Olivia Wilde and Bob Harper…you definitely need to get their numbers. Read more…
Make Vegan Traditions

At religious and holiday events, meat can creep into the picture. Encourage new traditions, and show how the Fourth of July or Shabbat can be tastefully vegan. Read more… 

Host an Extravaganza 

Hosting a vegan event can be fun, and a way for you to get your vegan business name out there. El Biz will be having a Vegan Dining Odyssey on July 16 – if you’re around, consider attending, and take your notepad! Read more…

http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Fashion-with-Edge-Warrior-Princess-Bahar-Shahpar-Creates-Vegan-Heels-for-Summer-2010/21639.html

Pump Up the Vegan   

Vegan clothing and shoes can be hot to trot, but the industry needs more. Eco fashion designer Bahar Shahpar has designed vegan shoes for the summer of 2010 that are to die for. This is proof that vegan does not always equal granola. Read more…

Include Non-Vegans

It’s inconsiderate to forget non-vegans…they can be part of your market too. Remember, not all non-vegans are hard-core carnivores, which is why vegan burgers and other foods reminiscent of real meat create a comfort zone and a way to ease people looking for a healthier, kinder lifestyle into the vegan world. Read more…

Promote Good Health

A vegetarian and vegan diet has many healthy attributes. One Newport couple is a prime example of how organic gardening and a meat-free diet can create a happy and healthy life. Read more…

Spread Your Wings 

You might have initially opened up your vegan business in your hometown, which might have been the perfect place for you to start. However, consider whether it’s time to spread your wings and open up a shop in another location, like Cafe Gratitude is doing. Read more…

Vegan News: Vegan Happenings in a City Near You

Monday, July 5th, 2010 by MarinaHanes

When you become vegan or you consider starting a vegan business, it’s natural to wonder: how vegan is my city? If you don’t have many vegan restaurants, stores, etc. around, this could be your opportunity to be a trail blazer. However, the vegan community is a tight knit group, and it’s great to have some support to help live and promoted this compassionate way of life.

West Palm Beach, Florida

Fortunately, for the vegan crowd in Palm Beach County, there has been an increase in vegan and vegetarian restaurants. One resident has noticed that people are becoming health conscious, and there is a range of lifestyles including flexitarians in the area. Read more…

Saginaw, Michigan

Vegan baker Kerry Pastein debuted her baked good and snacks at the Downtown Saginaw Farmers’ Market. She has turned this compassionate way of living into her livelihood. Read more…

Anchorage, Alaska

The North Pole seems like a cold and desolate place, which makes you wonder if a vegan could survive here. Although it’s not the easiest location to become vegan, there are options including a Himalayan restaurant. Read more…

Brooklyn, New York

Of course, the Big Apple is bound to have vegan options, but who knew they would have Vegan Hip-Hop and Fashion Jam all rolled into one event? Read more…

United Kingdom

A Dearham businesswoman has taken veganism on the rode with her new cooking adventure. If you live in Cumbria, this personal chef is definitely within your reach. Read more…

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The next time you visit Philly, check out the various eateries that accommodate vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free eaters. Restaurants you should check out include the Blue Sage Vegetarian Grille, Horizons, Mi Lah Vegetarian and others. Read more…

Chicago, Illinois

A noteworthy business called Pick Me Up Cafe is a trendy place full of vegan and non-vegan options. It’s more of a gourmet diner with an artsy feel. Read more…

Vegan News: Outing Common Vegan Stereotypes

Monday, June 28th, 2010 by MarinaHanes

When you’re becoming vegan, there are all sorts of stereotypes and misconceptions that come with this lifestyle change. Some people think vegans are weak or that it’s impossible to get enough protein without meat. Here are some vegan news stories that put these notions to rest:

Vegan on the Road

Yes, it’s possible to continue your vegan diet while traveling. Although you might have to plan ahead, there are options available if you do your research. Read more…

Non-Dairy Desserts are Scrumptious

Without dairy or eggs, it’s fair to think that desserts wouldn’t taste as delicious. However, this is far from the truth and a new book by Claire Gosse proves that this is a misconception. Read more…

Vegan Fashions Can Be Trendy

Giving up fur and leather isn’t the end to your sense of style. There are plenty of vegan-friendly clothing companies out there that will keep your look up to date. Read more…

Compassion Leads to Happiness

Of course, vegans are passionate people with strong opinions, but this doesn’t make all of them raging protesters who can’t tolerate meat eaters. Adventist Joseph Nally says vegans are happy people. Read more…

Vegans Pack Energy & Strength

Scott Jurek is the ultimate role model for vegan marathon runners. So how do these runners maintain their endurance and power? Read more…

Happy Hour Can Be Vegan

Some alcoholic beverages aren’t vegan. Fortunately, the Angels & Kings Bar has vegan drinks and a regular happy hour. Read more…

Yummy Foods from Around the World

A vegan diet might be strict, but it includes dishes from various cultures. If you like Indian, Mexican, Italian, Polish, etc. types of foods, there are traditional vegan meals, or at least vegan alternatives. Read more…