Vegan Eats

Here are a few resources out there on ethical veganism. There’s so many great resources out there for everyone, whether they be a long-time, brand new, or simply an aspiring vegetarian or vegan. While I may not agree with every idea in all of the following websites, each of them are helpful nonetheless and all have valuable content:

Vegan Freak Radio – The professors, Bob and Jenna Torres, offer intelligent and entertaining commentary on all things vegan. Combining sharp insight with cheeky humour, this podcast offers a sense of community for vegans/aspiring vegans living in a tremendously non-vegan world.

Compassionate Cooks – Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s foundation “is dedicated to empowering people to make informed food choices and to debunking myths about vegetarianism and animal rights.” They live up to this mission through all kinds of ways like cooking classes, articles, blogs, and some seriously enlightening podcasts (which I highly recommend checking out). Also, if you’re feeling hesitant about soy, don’t be. Click here for a collection of articles by respected professionals about the myths and truths of soy. Colleen has also put together some really helpful nutritional information in PDF and HTML formats.

The Vegan Society – Supporting the vegan lifestyle since 1944! The website for the original Vegan Society formed by the granddaddy of veganism, Donald Watson.

Earthlings – Great documentary on speciesism and institutionalized animal cruelty (watch the whole thing for free here). This movie brings you up close and personal with the animal exploitation industry and the nature of humans’ domination over both our planet and the other species which inhabit it. Gruesome and horrifying, I’ve heard one animal advocate call the movie “the best weapon we have right now.” While shocking people with the brutality of animal exploitation might not always be the best way to advocate for animals, I do suggest everyone watch this film and make the connection.

Animal Rights: The Abolition Approach – Professor Gary Francione is always outspoken and tremendously informative. Podcasts are thought-provoking. Fascinating commentary on what he calls our “moral schizophrenia;” our often confused methods of assigning varying degrees of moral consideration to certain animals and not to others.

Boston Vegan Association – Abolitionist advocacy group. They have a good, extensive FAQ section and a great vegan advocacy pamphlet (with plenty of citations!). Also, they have a wickedly thorough vegan resources page.

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine – From their website of this reputable organization: “a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.” Keeping a healthy body and mind, regardless of whether or not you’re vegan, is important. PCRM is a good resource on health and well-being and they have a wonderful fact sheet on vegan nutrition. Also, I suggest anyone further interested in vegan nutrition pick up ‘Becoming Vegan,’ by Vesanto Melina, MS, RD and Brenda Davis, RD.

Peaceful Prairie – A sanctuary operating as a safe haven for rescued farm animals. Vocal about advocating veganism and debunking myths on “free-range” eggs. Other sanctuaries include: Farm Sanctuary and Animal Place.

Jeffrey Masson – Professor and author of some great books on the emotional lives of animals. To read the intro to his latest book, ‘The Face on Your Plate’, click here. He also has some neat videos on there.

Here are some really helpful vegan ‘starter kits’ for anyone interested in making the dietary change to a delicious vegan lifestyle, but not quite sure where to start in the kitchen:

• TryVeg.com. Starter kit from the organization, Compassion Over Killing. A ton of info, nicely organized into ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ categories. Available in PDF format too. They also have a page here with tons of simple vegan recipes.

• Vegetarian Starter Kit from Mercy For Animals. Despite the title, this is a strictly vegan starter kit. A bunch of animal info and a lot of beautifully photoed recipes! Available in PDF format.

• Vegan Outreach’s guide. Pretty extensive and very beginner friendly. Lots of info on simple meal ideas, meat and dairy substitutes, recipes, FAQ, etc. Available in PDF.

• Vegan Campaign of the animal rights organization, In Defense of Animals. Lots of recipe samples for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as info on how to ‘veganize’ your own recipes.

• ‘Vegan Basics’ guide from Viva! USA. Great beginner guide: list of vegan-friendly grocery store food, animal ingredient glossary, meal/snack ideas, and some easy recipes. Available in PDF.

I love podcasts… like, a lot. Check out these and let me know of any other good ones!:
Animal Voices
Vegetarian Food for Thought
Gary Francione’s Abolitionist Approach Commentary
New Zealand Vegan
On Human-Nonhuman Relations
The Vegan News
Animal Emancipation: Animal Rights, Veganism, and Animal Solidarity
Animal Voices