Earth Day Phoenix 2013

It's Earth Day! One of my favorite days of the year. And today, I'm at Earth Day Phoenix with Cult of Kale and other friends, and we're handing out food samples, vegan information brochures, and smiles to all the attendees that come by our booth between 11am and 1:30pm. Come say hi!

[Maybe you were there? Thanks for stopping by!]

Here are the store-bought products we are sampling at our vegan info booth as well as tips for locating them.

Vegan Meats

Field Roast:

Mexican Chipotle Sausage (chorizo-like)

Italian Sausage

Smoked Apple Sage
Frankfurters
 

Found at Whole Foods, Luci's Healthy Marketplace, Phoenix Public Market, and New Frontiers Marketplace (Sedona & Flagstaff). Ask your local grocer to stock these!



Gardein:

Beefless Tips

Found at Whole Foods, Safeway, Bashas, Fry's Marketplace....and possibly others.

 

***

 

Non-dairy Milks

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze

Sweetened Chocolate Almond Milk

Sweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

Found at Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts, and possibly others.

 

 

Silk

Vanilla Soy Milk
Chocoloate Soy Milk

Found at Sprouts, Whole Foods, Frys Marketplace, Walmart, and many other grocers.

  

 

 

So Delicious

Vanilla Coconut Milk
Chocolate Coconut Milk (shelf stable)

Found at Sprouts, Whole Foods, and others.

 

Rice Dream

Horchata (shelf stable)

Found at Sprouts and Whole Foods.

The stores mentioned are not a comprehensive list of locations where these products are sold, just where I know they are. Check your local grocers, especially Fry's Marketplace, Whole Foods, Sprouts, etc. If you cannot find the products you are looking for at a grocer near you, ask them about ordering some in. The more requests they get, the more likely they carry those items.

If you are open to shopping online, you can also buy many of these products from Pangea, Food Fight Vegan Grocery, and Vegan Essentials.

***

Cookies

The cookies sampled were from the Whole Foods Bakery as supplied to them by Aphrodite Bakery according to the label. Whole Foods sells these cookies regularly, and they are quite delish!

If you'd like to make your own vegan chocolate chip cookies from scratch, here is the best recipe ever, from the Post Punk Kitchen and Isa Chandra Moskowitz. You should be familiar with all of the ingredients, except maybe tapioca flour and the almond milk, but that's not so strange nor hard to find. I get Bob's Red Mill Tapioca Flour from Sprouts and Whole Foods, but I know other grocer's carry it and other brands. Also, make sure you get the semi-sweet chocolate chips without any dairy (check the ingredients list).

Post Punk Kitchen's Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe


Thanks for your interest in veganism!  Feel free to browse the yellow-orange tool bar items at the top, they have the most information for new veg*ns. And please do not hesitate to leave your questions in the comments, tweet, post on facebook, or just plain email.

Voting Resources

Some voting tools for the upcoming elections:







Humane Voters of Arizona (HVA) is an all volunteer, non-partisan group that helps gather information on candidates running for office and their stances on animal rights and welfare issues. They select and support the candidates who care about animal protection for each election. Not only does HVA share their recommendations for humane candidates on their website, they also share each candidate's history and responses to their questionnaires.



The Arizona League of Conservation Voters (AZLCV) is a non-partisan organization that works to "mobilize voters, endorse and elect leaders, advocate on behalf of conservation measures, hold elected officials accountable and ensure a sustainable and high quality of life for all Arizonans."

The Sierra Club is a large grassroots organization that strives to "explore, enjoy, and protect the planet." They have an official voters guide that covers the U.S. and highlights the important races in each state, and listing their endorsements.

Fact Check [dot] Org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit "consumer advocate for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics." They monitor the accuracy of what is said by U.S. politicians in TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases. FactCheck.org is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

Project Vote Smart [dot] Org is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that provides "factual, unbiased information on candidates, officials, issues, and legislation."



Go forth and vote! And choose wisely.

Writing Opportunities- Green, Veg, Animals

I know there are at least a few of you out there who are writers, and if not writers exactly, you are passionate about getting the message out there about animal welfare, animal rights, the environment, and veganism. You have a story to share, or you'd like to be a regular contributor. I recently received a list of places that are looking for contributions for their periodicals, magazines, websites, etc. I thought I'd share some with you today.


ECORAZZI
http://www.ecorazzi.com/jobs/
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Ecorazzi is looking for daily and weekend writers.
We’re looking for people with a healthy combination of pop culture experience/obsession and passion for topics like humanitarian issues, healthy eating, the environment, charity, science, animal rights, and other pertinent issues. Good grammar, experience with WordPress, editing images (very important), and ninja-like skills in digging up leads are all big pluses.

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VEG NEWS
http://www.vegnews.com/web/pages/page.do?pageId=13
---
VegNews welcomes freelance inquiries and is open to a variety of subjects relating to vegetarianism. Covers personal essays, business profiles, food features, personal stories on going vegetarian, restaurant reviews, vacations, book reviews and exposes. Tends to pay only for feature-length pieces, but pays up to 35 cents/word.

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ANIMAL SHELTERING
http://www.animalsheltering.org/magazine/
---
Animal Sheltering is for everyone who cares about the animals in their community: from humane society directors and city animal control managers to kennel staff, volunteers, and private individuals working as activists, breed rescuers, wildlife rehabbers, veterinarians, and more. Half the writers are new to the magazine.
Query or manuscript accepted - asm@humanesociety.org

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KIND NEWS
http://www.humanesociety.org/parents_educators/classroom/frequently_asked_questions_kind_news.html
---
Kind News reveals the beauty and wonder of the animals who share our world while also exploring the challenges they face. Through profiles of amazing kids, features about rescued animals, pet care tips, and how-tos on helping backyard wildlife, Kind News encourages youth to coexist humanely with animals, celebrate the human-animal bond, and become active in efforts to protect animals. Please send emails to youth@humanesociety.org or write us at Kind News/Publications Department, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20037.

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ALL ANIMALS MAGAZINE
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/magazines/2011/11-12
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Our award-winning bimonthly magazine, All Animals is packed with stories about The HSUS and the humane movement, including profiles of people on the front lines, tips for pet owners and wildlife watchers, heartwarming tales of rescue and rehab, actions you can take, and more. (HSUS - Humane Society of the US)

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I EAT GRASS (dot) COM
http://ieatgrass.com/2012/02/ieatgrass-is-looking-for-interns
---
The vegan food and culture blog is looking for an blog/copy editing intern, plus a social media intern and recipe writer/tester intern.

Blog/Copy Editing Intern: Duties will include creating, writing and editing posts about food, culture and current events for our blog and newsletter. Candidates will also be responsible for feature interviews and weekly columns. Commitment: 15 hours per week.

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VEGAN MAINSTREAM
http://www.veganmainstream.com/blogger-application
---
We are looking for talented writers who understand the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle, and who can write professionally with unique perspective about this lifestyle. Experience in marketing, blogging, entrepreneurship, HR, legal, finance or other professional functions are a plus. We are looking for individuals who can do feature interviews, provide recommendations, advice, editorial analysis and commentary on the latest challenges and opportunities facing vegan professionals and the larger vegan/vegetarian community.

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HAPPYCOW (dot) NET
http://www.happycow.net/blog/?page_id=1031
---
The Veggie Blog is designed to be a community supported feature where quality articles on veg*nism and related topics of interest may be shared. There’s no regular commitment, so you may post as much or as little as you like. Ideally, we’d like for you to write about restaurants or vegan topics relevant to your area. Articles should be educational or entertaining, relevant to vegetarian/vegans (if including recipes- plant based only), and non-commercial in nature.

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VEGAN SOAPBOX
http://www.vegansoapbox.com/want-to-write-for-vegan-soapbox
---
We are always looking for new vegan voices that will engage, educate, and inspire readers. Are you a vegan? Do you write? Would you like to submit a guest post? These are the kinds of articles that we’re looking for:

• Your story: how you went vegan and/or why you are vegan
• News and commentary from a vegan perspective
• Interview with an animal activist, vegan writer, or vegan chef
• Useful information for newbie vegans
• Activism ideas for animal lovers and advocates
• Original vegan recipes or veganized version of nonvegan recipes
• Lists (ten vegan lunches, five vegan cookbooks for singles…)
• Inspirational animal rescue stories

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THIS DISH IS VEG http://www.thisdishisvegetarian.com/2010/08/write-for-this-dish-is-veg-as-guest.html
---
This Dish is Veg is looking for:

·        GUEST WRITERS/RECIPES — Guest writers share personal posts and/or recipes on TDIV from time to time.

      ·      NEWS WRITERS — News writers choose from TDIV provided news tips and press releases.
      ·        OPINION WRITERS — Opinion writers are willing to share their highly-opinionated views on a variety of topics covered on TDIV.
      ·        Q&A WRITERS — Q&A writers answer incoming questions from readers.
      ·        OTHER — If you would like to join the team but don't fit into one of the above categories, drop us a line and tell us what interests you.

Vegan Bake Sale- TODAY!

VEGAN BAKE SALE
Saturday, April 14th 11am-6pm

Baked Goods  (Gluten-Free options) ** Raffles ** Handmade Vegan Soaps 

This is going to be pure sweet tooth satisfaction! Local artists, bakers and individuals are donating their time and goodies to make this one amazing bake sale! Help us help the planet, feel free to bring your own take home container.

RAIN OR SHINE
All proceeds go to Autism Speaks

Please Bring Cash!
Location: Strawberry Hedgehog Headquarters
526 W. Mariposa St.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
http://strawberryhedgehog.com

Life Gets In the Way

Nami's Biscuits and Gravy, served on Sundays...DELISH!

This isn't a personal blog, so I have been avoiding talking about why the posting has been so sporadic and missing lately.  But I wanted to let you know that I'm sorry and I know it's been a bit of a bummer. The fact is there has been quite a lot of family trauma and drama over the past few months, on top of constant overtime at the day job and schoolwork. I'm afraid it has just been too much for me, and the blog has suffered a bit as a result.

/Whinefest/ I didn't even get to participate in most of Terry Hope Romero's recipe testing for her global vegan cookbook as I had planned.(Sorry, Terry!) And I also won't be at this year's Earth Day Phoenix 2012 event handing out vegan samples as I had planned. Both are huge disappointments for me. I am, however, hoping to contribute to the vegan bake sale next month! And I'm thinking that I'll be able to get this blog back up and running shortly.

I have a couple local restaurant reviews coming soon, so look for those. And April 1st is my veganiversary. 6 years, baby! If you have ideas on how I should celebrate, let me know!

Great American Meatout 2012

From the Meatout.org Website:

"Meatout is the world's largest grassroots diet education campaign. On (or around) March 20, thousands of caring people in all 50 U.S. states and two dozen other countries encourage their friends, families, and communities to "kick the meat habit” and explore a wholesome, compassionate diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The 2012 goal of Meatout is to distribute free vegan food samples to 30,000 people!"

Are you participating?


Highlights from the 2011 Meatout Campaign.

Charity Vegan Bakesale- Coming Soon!

VEGAN BAKE SALE
Saturday, April 14th       11am-6pm

Baked Goods ** Raffles **  Handmade Vegan Soaps

This is going to be pure sweet tooth satisfaction! Local artists, bakersm and individuals are donating their time and goodies to make this one amazing bake sale! Help us help the planet, feel free to bring your own take home container.

RAIN OR SHINE
All proceeds go to Autism Speaks

Please Bring Cash!
Location: Strawberry Hedgehog Headquarters
526 W. Mariposa St.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
http://strawberryhedgehog.com

Fashion Friday: John Bartlett's Tiny Tim Fashions

Vegansaurus recently posted a cute little raglan pullover featuring Tiny Tim, John Bartlett's late tripod pitbull. It's a simple design found on all of his products. All of the shirts look soo comfy! Here are a few of the winter wear items, starting with Bartlett's take on a traditional winter sweater, plus a couple other goodies. Some proceeds go to the Tiny Tim Rescue Fund, a non profit dedicated to raising and distributing funds for dog rescue groups who pull animals directly from high-kill shelters. He is having a Black Friday sale, so check that out while you're visiting.

Four Vegetarian/Vegan Food Festivals

If you are like me, you haven't made it to any vegetarian/vegan food festivals yet. For one thing, we don't have one here in Arizona and attending one means a road trip. But luckily, Jasmin Singer of Our Hen House and VegNews Correspondent visits four vegetarian food festivals and gives us a taste of each.

The four: New York Vegetarian Food Festival in NYC; Mad City Vegan Fest in Madison, Wisconsin; Maine Vegetarian Food Festival in Portland, Maine; and NOLA Veggie Fest in New Orleans.

Hug a Vegetarian Day! Coming September 30th...

Vida Vegan Con

This past weekend was the first annual Vida Vegan Con in Portland, Oregon. "...A professionally run, annual conference designed to celebrate, explore, and fine-tune the practice—and ever-growing community—of vegan bloggers." I didn't even hear about it til recently, and so I didn't even get a chance to think about going. Maybe next year. I am dying to visit Portland.

Anyway, if you went and you want to share your experience, feel free to post it in the comments or share a link to your flicker photos, blog recaps, or youtube snippets.

If you want to hear more about the event...someone put together a Google reader bundle, and The Vegan Backpacker pulled together a list of the vegan blogger attendees and you can check out their individual reports. And lastly, a link to the Facebook group, Vida Vegan Con Bloggers.

Fashion Friday: Green New American Vegetarian Restaurant

Sorry about the pic, it's from my phone and not the best quality. Also, this week's Fashion Friday only has one item for your consideration, but it's an awesome one!

Green New American Vegetarian Tee

Advertise for local fave, Green, everywhere you go with this shirt featuring their logo. I love Green, no doubt about it, and I like their logo, but sometimes I wonder how that logo connects to Green. No matter, I'd wear the shirt proudly anyway!

Shirts are $10 at the restaurant.

Rumor has it the new Phoenix Green and Nami locations will be open in about a month. Looking forward to it!

Fashion Friday- ASPCA

I found this first shirt online and I just loved it. And suddenly I was planning an entire Fashion Friday around the cool cat and dog advocacy of the ASPCA. They have some great shirts, as evidenced below. There are often cat and dog versions, as well as mens' and womens' styles and sizes, for each message.

Will Fight For Animals

Don't Believe the Bull...Adopt a Pit

Speaking Up for Those Who Can't

I Love My Shelter Cat

There's No Excuse for Animal Abuse

Bonus:

Will Fight for Animals

(Some shirts are available in unisex, men's, women's, juniors, plus sizes, and children's sizes. I only display one shirt as a representative of the style. Please see the websites for available size and style/color options.)



Fashion Friday: Kale

I adore these 'Only Kale Can Save Us Now' t-shirts and bags from Herbivore Clothing. In fact, they are the inspiration for this post. Once I saw them, I knew I had to do a Fashion Friday post on kale.

And some more kale-inspired goodies.

Eat Kale Not Cow [Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary]

Eat More Kale [Eat More Kale [dot] Com]

Silver Kale Pendant [Distinque Etsy]

Kale is the New Beef [Dr. Fuhrman]

(I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the message on this one, but I can't really explain why I think the message isn't perfect. But maybe that's just me.)

Kale [Candle Cafe]

(You can buy these at the Candle Cafe, and possibly order them by phone. Hopefully, they will be available via the online store in the near future.)

I Heart Kale Pendant [Julep115 Etsy/ (aka Christy Robinson Designs)]

(Some shirts are available in unisex, men's, women's, juniors, plus sizes, and children's sizes. I only display one shirt as a representative of the style. Please see the websites for available size and style/color options.)

Farm Sanctuary, Jason Schwartzman, Babycakes

A short film/PSA from Plate to Planet a Farm Sanctuary project, voiced by vegetarian Jason Schwartzman (whom I love in HBO's Bored to Death. And I've got Scott Pilgrim waiting patiently on my DVR.)



Jason Schwartzman is reportedly a huge fan of vegan bakery Babycakes. Babycakes has two locations, NYC and LA. But never fear, the rest of us can enjoy Babycakes DIY goodies with their two cookbooks. I have yet to try the recipes, but that donut is looking pretty irresistible. Jason is featured in the first cookbook.

And because some days I miss The OC. Hahha. Jason was the drummer for Phantom Planet.

Bonus: Jason Schwartzman's musical nomme de plume, Coconut Records. I like this song...back-up singing from Zooey Deschanel.

More from Earth Day Phoenix 2011



At the vegan info booth, we also had some vegan luxury handmade, eco-friendly soap samples from Strawberry Hedgehog.



Strawberry Hedgehog Pistachio Rosewater
I wish I could smell this through the computer!

I've been using soaps from Strawberry Hedgehog for months and I love them. In fact, I recently ran out and had to resort to a traditional soap bar which left my skin feeling slimey and coated with leftover soap. Ick. And it didn't smell nearly as nice as the Strawberry Hedgehog soaps do. I highly recommend these products.



You can find Strawberry Hedgehog products online, or locally in several fine establishments including Whole Foods, Inside the Bungalow, and ecocentricity. If you buy online today, be sure to check out the Earth Day Specials!

 

Also, a special thank you to Sapphic Graphics for providing us with the display art announcing our vegan intentions to the Earth Day Phoenix attendees. The design was simple and beautiful, with great colors.

Just plain awesome.