Fortunately, there has been an upsurge in the creation of powerful documentaries that shed light on the significance of living a compassionate and eco-conscious life. There are health documentaries about how to prevent and reverse disease, movies about vegetarianism, films uncovering the horrors of animal farming, and filmmakers who take the audience underwater to an entirely new world. And the list grows with each passing year as documentary filmmakers dedicate themselves to spreading awareness about many world issues that would otherwise continue unseen.

Without further ado, here are the most compelling, enlightening, and life-altering vegan documentaries to explore. This list is based on years of experience and a deep passion for the subject matter. Many of these documentaries are readily available on platforms like Netflix, making it easier than ever to embark on your journey of discovery.

So, are you ready to broaden your horizons, tap into expert knowledge, become a more informed advocate for veganism, and unwind on the couch for an hour or two? If the answer is yes, then let’s dive right in! And remember, popcorn is entirely optional.

“The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice.” – Brian Herbert

The Game Changers Documentary (Netflix)

Think you need meat to bulk up and become a top performing athlete? Think again! Even if you’re not interested in building muscle or trying out a triathlon, this documentary will leave you with a massive dose of knowledge and inspiration.

Produced by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan, it’s a must-see. You’ll learn the science behind the protein myth and be blown away by the plant-based success of these world-renowned athletes in action.

You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment (Netflix)

This newly released groundbreaking Netflix documentary focuses on the health benefits of switching to a plant-based diet. It follows identical twins in a well-conducted study, having them adopt different lifestyles for 8 weeks to see how their diets impact health markers like visceral fat, cholesterol, risk of heart disease, and more.

What The Health Documentary (Netflix)

One of the best vegan documentaries for anyone interested in health and wellness. This movie will open your eyes to the collusion and corruption of government establishments concerning food, health and nutrition. Although at times amusing and entertaining, it’s still a serious and solid look at what is happening with our nation’s health.

Forks Over Knives

An inspiring, inside look at how “diseases of affluence” can be easily controlled and even reversed through diet alone. If you know anyone with Type II diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension, this film is for them. It may even save their life. Incredibly down-to-earth and practical, this movie will empower you to reclaim your health and will greatly influence your next grocery list! You’ll be rooting for Forks (for eating fresh, whole foods) over Knives (for performing open heart surgery) for sure!

Cowspiracy (Netflix)

Environmentalist Kip Anderson embarks on a mission to find answers and solutions to our world’s greatest environmental problems. He does an incredible job documenting the factory farming industry and how it is so destructive to our environment.

You’ll see interviews with the leaders of major environmental groups that largely ignore these issues and the well hidden reasons why. It’s one of the best movies revealing how detrimental factory farms are to the health of our world and to all those who live in it.

Seaspiracy (Netflix)

This groundbreaking documentary, produced by the same team from Cowspiracy, exposes the fishing industry and its damaging impact on our oceans. What starts with documenting the harm that humans do to marine species quickly evolves to uncovering the alarming global corruption, sustainability issues, and a scary path to environmental destruction. This eyeopening documentary exposes how the global industrial fishing industries are killing our oceans, out of sight.

Blackfish (Netflix)

A movie that delves into the complex and complicated issue concerning the behavior of killer whales, both in and out of captivity. Although killer whales are sometimes known to be gentle giants in the wild, they also have the capability to be quite vicious.

This documentary takes a deeper look into the performing whale, Tilikum, and the lives he has taken while captive. You’ll leave with a newfound respect for animal sanctuaries and disdain for theme parks (like SeaWorld) that use these majestic animals for entertainment and profit.

If creatures of the sea are as important to you as they are to us, make sure to learn more about the practices of shark finning and its impact on our oceans.

The Cove (Netflix)

A dolphin lover’s worst nightmare captured in real life, this important film is not for the faint of heart. This documentary expands its story to include a passionate plea for all people to help our oceans and sea creatures. An electrifying movie that will leave you breathless and also committed to making a difference for our precious ocean life.

Dominion

A dark, undercover Australian documentary that presents modern agricultural practices through the lens of drones, hidden and handheld cameras. Often considered the new Earthlings, the movie explores the horrible conditions that animals have to suffer through and questions the validity and morality concerning the dominion of humans over animals.

This film is a must watch—but bring a friend to hold and a box of tissues.

Earthlings

A heartbreaking and highly sensitive documentary for anyone who wants the honest truth about society’s treatment of animals. Although extremely painful to experience, it’s almost a necessary undertaking to absorb the fullest extent of an animal’s experience in the world at the present. If you are on the fence about becoming vegan, this movie narrated by Joaquin Phoenix will change your mind in minutes.

Vegucated

A simple, but satisfying movie that attempts to alter the appetites of three meat-and-cheese loving, native New Yorkers. This documentary follows these vegan hopefuls over a six week period and shares their progress, as well as their pitfalls. Entertaining and slightly educational, it’s well worth watching.

Sharkwater

The Winner of 22 International Awards, this electrifying movie narrated by Rob Stewart takes a deep dive into the shark filled waters of our oceans. This documentary explores the lives of sharks first hand, while also exposing the shark finning industry and the ruthless exploitation and corruption of the shark population. A must see for all sea creature loving humans.

Fat Sick & Nearly Dead

Joe Cross takes us on his 60 day juice-only journey to optimal health. This documentary is not only enormously inspiring, but also addicting to watch with its positive vibe and down-to-earth approach. You’ll find yourself yearning for your own fresh fruit juices and glowing health by the end of it.

The Ghosts In Our Machine

An illuminating photojournalistic journey into the lives of animals in all sectors of industry throughout the world. This compassionate vegan documentary follows JoAnn McArthur’s entire year of capturing the behind the scenes stories of several animals in all parts of the world. Through food, fashion, research and entertainment, you will experience what it might be like for an animal stuck in the machine of our modern world.

The Witness

A gripping and painful story of Eddie Lama, whose violent and difficult life growing up in Brooklyn, NY caused an epiphany concerning the plight of animals. Because of his own experiences with exploitation and trauma, he could much easily sympathize with the suffering of animals, who also have no one advocating on their behalf. An inspiring story of creative animal advocacy that will leave you motivated to take action.

Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home

An emotional, intense and groundbreaking documentary about farmers, farming life and the animals that they care for. This movie takes you behind the scenes of small farm owners and explores how various social, economical and psychological issues impact their everyday existence. An honest and candid look at the complex relationship between animals viewed as commodities, while also having an incredible loving bond with their caretakers at the same time.

The Smell Of Money

This documentary follows Elsie Herring and her community in eastern North Carolina, where they battle a powerful hog industry’s pollution and encroachment on their land. Through a nine-year legal fight, they strive for clean air, pure water, and freedom from the stench of pig waste. This powerful film underscores the strength of love for family and community against overwhelming odds, urging viewers to consider their food choices and join the fight for a better future.

Food, Inc.

Explore the hidden truths of the food industry and its impact on our health, the environment, and animal welfare in this 2008 documentary.

Eating Animals

Based on Jonathan Safran Foer’s bestselling book, this documentary investigates the ethical and environmental consequences of factory farming.

The True Cost

While not strictly vegan, this documentary explores the fashion industry’s impact on the environment and highlights the importance of sustainable, cruelty-free fashion choices.

Rotten

A docu-series that dives deep into the global food industry, examining issues like honey fraud, the avocado trade, and the challenges faced by small-scale farmers.

Eating You Alive

Renowned doctors and nutritionists discuss the profound health benefits of a plant-based diet in preventing and reversing chronic diseases.

The Last Pig

Follow the poignant journey of a pig farmer who confronts the emotional and ethical complexities of his profession as he transitions to a more compassionate way of life.

Eating Our Way to Extinction

Explore the interconnectedness of our food choices, climate change, and the future of our planet in this thought-provoking documentary.

7 Days Mini-Documentary

Finally, don’t miss our own mini-documentary about what 7 days of plant-based eating did for this man’s health. We guarantee you’ll be amazed. You can watch right now in just 15 minutes! 

A short and satisfying mini-documentary following one man’s seven-day journey from fast food to plant food. You’ll be amazed at how only one week of eating vegan can transform Raul’s entire lifestyle. And with just a few simple swaps, inexpensive ingredients, and friendly support. His blood pressure plummeted, his fear of diabetes diminished, and he felt better than he had in years. A must see for anyone looking for inspiration to take the plunge into a plant-based way of eating.

“It’s not the strongest of species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin

More Vegan Resources

If you’ve made your way through those documentaries and are wanting to dive into learning more about a vegan lifestyle, we have vegan guides on every topic! Here are some additional resources to start with:

• How to Go Vegan: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Living
• How to Answer Common Vegan Questions
• Why Vegan?
• Best Vegan Cookbooks
• Our popular “Is It Vegan?” series that answers common questions like “Is Sugar Vegan?” or “Is Soda Vegan?” and much more!

The post Top 25 Must-See Vegan Documentaries That Will Change You appeared first on World of Vegan.

Check out these 15 fun turkey facts that will not only entertain but also shed light on the unique and wonderful aspects of these feathered friends.

1. Diverse Species

Turkeys come in various species, with the two most common being the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and the domestic turkey. Each species has its own distinctive characteristics, from plumage color to habitat preferences. Wild turkeys, for example, are known for their impressive ability to adapt to different environments, ranging from forests to grasslands.

2. Social Butterflies

Turkeys are highly social creatures, forming flocks that can range from a few individuals to several dozen birds. These flocks serve as a protective network, with individuals watching out for each other and alerting the group to potential dangers.

3. Vocal Virtuosos

Turkeys are not shy when it comes to expressing themselves. They communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including the famous gobble. Male turkeys, called toms, use the gobble to attract females and establish their territory. Hens, on the other hand, produce a range of clucks and purrs to communicate with their chicks.

4. Turkeys Are Lifelong Learners

Turkeys are intelligent birds that showcase impressive problem-solving skills. They can learn from experience, remember locations of feeding sites, and even recognize specific individuals, both human and avian.

5. Incredible Speed

Despite their plump appearance, turkeys are surprisingly fast runners. Wild turkeys can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour on the ground and are adept at both short bursts of speed and sustained sprints, making them skilled escape artists from potential predators.

6. Maternal Dedication

Female turkeys are dedicated mothers. After laying a clutch of eggs, hens incubate them for about 28 days, fiercely protecting the nest from potential threats. Once the chicks hatch, the mother continues to care for and teach them survival skills, including what to eat and how to avoid predators.

7. Turkeys Can Fly

Contrary to popular belief, turkeys are not flightless birds. While domestic turkeys may not be strong fliers due to their breeding for meat production, wild turkeys are excellent flyers. They can cover long distances and roost in trees at night to avoid ground predators.

8. Turkey in American Culture

Turkeys hold a special place in American culture and history, having been introduced to Europeans by Native Americans. While the specific presence of turkeys at the first Thanksgiving is unclear, these birds have since become an integral part of the holiday’s imagery, symbolizing abundance and the spirit of gratitude in the diverse tapestry of American traditions. For a kinder Thanksgiving, might we suggestion this incredible mushroom Wellington or vegetarian stuffed acorn squash?

9. Global Explorers

Turkeys are not limited to North America; they have been introduced to other parts of the world as well. For example, European settlers brought turkeys back to Europe, where they became popular among aristocrats and eventually spread to various continents.

10. Turkey Time Travelers

Turkeys have been around for a long time, with fossil evidence suggesting their existence dates back over 10 million years. These resilient birds have survived changes in climate, predators, and human activities, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive

11. Turkey Tales in Mythology

Turkeys have also found their way into mythology and folklore. In Native American cultures, turkeys are often associated with abundance and are considered sacred. They feature in stories that highlight their importance in providing sustenance to communities

12. Snood Sophistication

Male turkeys have a unique fleshy protuberance called a snood that hangs down over their beaks. While it might look peculiar, the snood serves a purpose. It’s an indicator of the turkey’s mood—when a tom is excited or trying to attract a mate, the snood becomes engorged and takes on a vibrant color.

13. Wattle Wonders

Alongside the snood, turkeys also sport fleshy lobes of skin called wattles. These adornments, found around the turkey’s neck and head, play a role in regulating the bird’s body temperature. The more prominent the wattles, the healthier and more robust the turkey is perceived to be.

14. Conservation Challenges

Wild turkeys face various challenges in their natural habitat, including habitat loss, hunting, and predation. Conservation efforts have been crucial in restoring turkey populations, highlighting the importance of preserving their habitats and addressing threats to their well-being.

15. Masters of Color Change

Turkeys are more than just brown and white; they’re also masters of color change. The skin on a turkey’s head and neck can shift in hues from red to blue, depending on the bird’s mood and excitement levels. This vivid display adds another layer to the turkey’s already impressive repertoire, showcasing their ability to express themselves in living color.

A Thanksgiving Turkey’s Life

Curious what a Thanksgiving turkey’s life looks like? We encourage you to watch the above video.

Artist Sooyeon Jang and I have teamed up yet again to produce another illustrated “Draw My Life” video showcasing the heartbreaking life of a turkey in today’s world.

We’ve already tackled dairy cows, pigs, chickens, dogs in the South Korean dog meat trade, and now we’re pulling the curtains back on turkeys bound for Thanksgiving dinner tables across America. 

If you’re anything like me, you turn away when you see graphic undercover footage showing what’s happening behind the closed doors of factory farms. That’s exactly why Soo and I started making these videos. We wanted to find a way for people to see what’s happening to animals without having to watch the traumatizing real-life footage. We were able to do that through illustrated stories told from the perspective of the animal. 

Start A New Thanksgiving Tradition

There is no need for this cruelty and violence. Stand for a kinder world by keeping turkeys off your plate this Thanksgiving. There are so many delicious plant-based alternatives that don’t cause this needless suffering. You can find vegan turkey, an endless supply of vegan Thanksgiving recipes, and beyond here at World of Vegan and across the internet. 

Take The Vegan Thanksgiving Pledge

With a little thoughtfulness and creativity, you can enjoy a new kinder, happier, healthier Thanksgiving meal. And I hope you do! Check out our vegan Thanksgiving guide to get started. 

This Thanksgiving, let’s shift our perspective on turkeys from mere dinner fare to fascinating creatures with unique qualities. By embracing a compassionate approach and understanding the richness of their lives, we can celebrate the beauty of turkeys beyond the dinner table. Gobble gobble, not just for the feast, but for the awe-inspiring creatures that turkeys truly are!

Many thanks to Harvest Home Sanctuary, Animal Place, and Mercy for Animals, Meaningful Paws, and all of our Patreon supporters for supporting this turkey Draw My Life video. And an extra special thanks to Eddie Plotts who has been supporting our World of Vegan videos through Patreon for years. 

The post 15 Fun Facts About Turkeys appeared first on World of Vegan.

Vegan living and doing good in the world go hand in hand, and we hope this resource inspires you to get involved by donating time, skills, or money to these deserving causes.

Types of Vegan Nonprofits

Animal Advocacy and Activism: Many nonprofits are dedicated to advocating for animal rights and promoting vegan choices through activism and education. These organizations often organize protests, campaigns, and other events to raise awareness about animal welfare issues and promote a vegan lifestyle.

Environmental Organizations: Climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity are just some of the environmental issues that are exacerbated by animal agriculture. There are many nonprofits dedicated to addressing these issues and promoting vegan food as a way to reduce the environmental impact of food production.

Health Organizations: The Standard American Diet is a central cause of many of the most common and dire diseases that plague people in the United States. There are many nonprofits that focus on educating the public about the health benefits of a vegan diet and providing resources for transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle.

Food Justice Organizations: These nonprofits work to promote food justice by addressing issues such as food insecurity, food waste, exploitation of farm workers, and sustainable agriculture. Food justice is a social justice movement that recognizes that access to healthy and nutritious food is a fundamental right. Vegan food justice organizations advocate for a more equitable food system for all.

Intersectionality: While the vegan lifestyle is often associated with animal welfare, it is also important to recognize the intersectionality of social justice issues. Many organizations are dedicated to promoting vegan living as a way to address issues of racial and economic inequality, food insecurity, and other social justice issues.

Animal Sanctuaries and Rescues: These are organizations that provide a safe haven for rescued animals, many of whom have been victims of abuse and neglect. These sanctuaries not only provide care and rehabilitation for the animals, but also serve as education centers, raising awareness about animal welfare issues and promoting the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.

Vegan Nonprofit Organizations

Given the wide array of initiatives spread across the globe, simply choosing the right group can be overwhelming. These are just a few of our favorites making a difference today.

ALDF (Animal Legal Defense Fund)

Large corporations often find ways to bend laws to their whims, finding loopholes to hurt those who oppose them and get away with patently unethical practices. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is dedicated to fighting those rulings, using the legal system as it was intended, to protect animals and people in need.

Animal Equality

In order to end animal abuse, Animal Equality has spent years conducting undercover investigations, running campaigns, promoting legal advocacy, and implementing large-scale education programs in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and India. Farmed animals are at the forefront of these efforts given the incredible [negative] impact they have on all facets of life around the world.

Animal Outlook

Formerly known as Compassion Over Killing, this non-profit animal advocacy organization that works to expose animal cruelty through undercover investigations and promote a plant-based diet. These two initiatives work together as a means of reducing animal suffering and improving public health.

Beagle Freedom Project

The Beagle Freedom Project, founded by Shannon Keith, is a nonprofit dedicated to liberating and advocating for animals used in laboratory testing, with a particular focus on beagles. Their mission is rooted in the belief that every animal deserves the chance to experience freedom, love, and a life free from suffering.

By rescuing and rehabilitating these animals and tirelessly advocating for change within the scientific community, the Beagle Freedom Project stands as a beacon of hope and a powerful force for animal welfare, inspiring a more compassionate world for all sentient beings.

Factory Farming Awareness Coalition

The Factory Farming Awareness Coalition (FFAC) seeks to educate the public about the environmental, health, and ethical impacts of factory farming through in-person presentations, online resources, and community engagement. Choosing vegan is the ultimate solution towards making more informed choices about the food and advocating for policy change that supports more ethical and sustainable food production practices.

Farm Sanctuary

Where do farm animals go when they’re no longer profitable? Usually, they meet a gruesome end, but for the lucky few that are rescued from this horrific system, they can live out the peaceful lives they always deserved on a farmed animal sanctuary. Farm Sanctuary is a non-profit animal protection organization that works to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifelong care for farm animals in need, while also educating the public about the plight of these animals and advocating for better animal welfare policies.

FARM

Although based in New York, FARM conducts far-reaching programs, including MeatOut, Vegan Earth Day, World Day for Farmed Animals, and Compassionate Holidays that have worldwide impacts. As outspoken advocates for farmed animals, these activist won’t rest until animals are no longer exploited or used for food.

Food Empowerment Project

Every movement starts with a single step, which is why the Food Empowerment Project helps individuals make more informed choices to create overarching changes to the environment, animal welfare, and personal well-being. F.E.P. advocates for a vegan and plant-based diet, but it also focuses on the ethical and social issues surrounding food production and distribution, including workers’ rights, environmental sustainability, and access to healthy food in low-income communities.

Food Not Bombs

Born in the height of the counterculture movement, this grassroots organization operates through a decentralized network of autonomous local chapters, run entirely by volunteers, who collect perfectly good food that would otherwise be thrown away. The rescued foods are turned into nutritious, plant-based meals that are served to the public in public spaces, supporting the local community and preventing food waste.

The Good Food Institute

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 by Bruce Friedrich and a team of experts in food and technology. GFI focuses on supporting the development and advancement of plant-based and cell-based meat, eggs, and dairy products, which are more environmentally friendly and ethical than traditional animal-based foods.

GFI works with startups, investors, and major food companies to accelerate the growth of the plant-based and cell-based food industries, with the goal of making these products more accessible and affordable for everyone.

In addition to their work on food innovation, GFI also conducts research, education, and advocacy to promote the benefits of plant-based and cell-based foods. Through their work, GFI is helping to create a more sustainable and compassionate food system for the future.

The Humane League

The wide-reaching mission of The Humane League is right in it’s name, seeking to end animal abuse in favor of a more ethical way of life. No facet of is left unaddressed, working for systemic change in the policies for some of the world’s largest companies and influencing overarching legislation. Farm animals raised for food production are the primary focus of these efforts.

Mercy for Animals

Ending factory farms is the ultimate goal of Mercy For Animals, and they won’t rest until every feedlot is shut down. Striving to create a world without animal agriculture through policy change and personal empowerment, they’re working on improving the lives for creatures big and small, which ultimately helps humans thrive, too.

North American Vegetarian Society

One of the oldest American plant-based nonprofits still in operation, NAVS was founded in 1975 to support existing vegetarians and promote the lifestyle to the general public. They established World Vegetarian Day as a recognized celebration every October 1st, kicking off World Vegetarian Month overall. Having withstood the test of time, they’ve proven that a meatless diet is beneficial for health, animal welfare, and the planet itself.

One Step for Animals

One Step for Animals, founded by Matt Ball and driven by a team with over 150 years of combined animal advocacy experience, is dedicated to a singular mission: reducing animal suffering. Focusing on the often-overlooked suffering of birds, particularly broiler chickens, the organization addresses five critical facts highlighting the urgency of their cause.

By discouraging advocacy that might inadvertently lead individuals to replace red meat with chickens and promoting the simple message of “Stop eating chickens,” One Step for Animals offers a practical and psychologically sound approach to reducing animal suffering and creating lasting change.

PCRM

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting plant-based diets, preventing disease, and advocating for ethical scientific research. Founded in 1985, the organization consists of more than 12,000 physicians and other healthcare professionals who are committed to promoting preventative medicine and improving public health.

PETA

One of the most recognizable names in animal rights globally, PETA stands for “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.” Best known for their undercover investigations that bring to light shocking abuses in animal industries, as well as arresting public protests meant to grab headlines, it’s impossible to ignore the impact that PETA has had on vegan culture at large. There’s even a branch for children, known as PETA Kids, to start those aged 12 and under on a kinder path.

Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute

Founded in 2016 by Dr. Ted Barnett, the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Lifestyle Medicine, with a particular focus on promoting Whole-Food Plant-Based nutrition as the cornerstone of well-being and healthcare. Their initiatives include ACLM-accredited programs designed for the public, such as the “15 Day WFPB Jumpstart” and the “Lift Project,” alongside enriching cooking classes.

Additionally, the institute offers educational opportunities for medical professionals through events like the Lifestyle Medicine Grand Rounds, where challenging case studies are presented to a panel of Lifestyle Medicine experts. Together, these endeavors contribute to the enhancement of health, the transformation of healthcare systems, and the cultivation of a more compassionate community.

The Pollination Project

Seeking to lift up small business with big ideas, this compassionate organization provides seed funding, mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities for social change projects around the world. Its ultimate mission is to create a just, equitable, and sustainable world. A vegan lifestyle is the most powerful way to start that process, which is why it’s a plant-based nonprofit at its foundation.

Sea Shepherd

Horrific injustices that occur at sea are often overlooked, but Sea Shepherd is sworn to change all that. This marine conservation organization aims to protect and defend sea creatures and their habitats. They use direct action tactics to expose and confront illegal activities, such as illegal fishing and poaching, and work with governments and other organizations to enforce existing conservation laws and establish new ones.

Vegan Outreach

One of the most prominent vegan nonprofits in the United States, Vegan Outreach began as a small duo handing out fliers in protest of fashion shows featuring furs, circuses, rodeos, and other inherently cruel events. With the ultimate goal of ending violence and exploitation of animals, they now partner with do extensive community education to empower individuals to make more compassionate choices, help chefs to adopt plant-friendly menus, grocery stores to carry more vegan choices, and beyond.

The Vegan Society

Born in the United Kingdom in 1944, the Vegan Society has made some of the greatest strides forward of any vegan organization. They developed and oversee certification for products that meet their strict vegan standards, such as the absence of animal ingredients or animal testing, through their Vegan Trademark program.

Veganuary

Veganuary is a nonprofit organization that encourages people around the world to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January and beyond. Founded in the UK in 2014, Veganuary has grown to become a global movement, inspiring millions of people to adopt a plant-based lifestyle. The organization provides resources and support for those who are interested in going vegan, including recipes, meal plans, and shopping guides.

A Well Fed World

Hunger is a huge issue around the globe, despite the fact that we currently produce enough food to nourish the entire world, with plenty to spare. A Well Fed World is working to spread awareness surrounding our inefficient animal agriculture system, advocating for plant-based foods that would more efficiently use natural resources to solve this problem. These efforts also address climate change to prevent further destruction of the planet.

Farm Animal Sanctuaries

Farm animal sanctuaries are nonprofit organizations that provide a safe and loving home for rescued farm animals. Many of these animals have been victims of abuse, neglect, or the agricultural industry. Sanctuaries offer animals a chance to live out their lives free from harm and exploitation, and they also serve as educational centers to raise awareness about animal welfare issues.

Visitors can meet and interact with the animals, learn about their stories, and gain a better understanding of the impact of animal agriculture. Farm animal sanctuaries play an important role in promoting a vegan lifestyle and advocating for animal rights, as well as providing a space for healing and compassion.

Vegan-Friendly Nonprofits

Although not exclusively vegan, many charitable groups share similar values and incorporate vegan-friendly choices into their daily operations. These organizations include:

• Chilis on Wheels: Providing vegan meals and resources to communities in need.
• The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation: Planting fruit trees to create more local food sources.
• The Jane Goodall Institute: Protecting chimpanzees and their habitats.
• Food for Life Global: Alleviating world hunger through plant-based meals and education.
• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned baby elephants and rhinos.
• Earth Save: Addresses environmental issues through plant-based lifestyle choices.

Also, have you heard of the aBillion vegan app? They have donated over $2.5 million dollars to over 60 different vegan nonprofits including Farm Animal Sanctuaries, conservation organizations, and humanitarian efforts. If this sounds interesting to you, make sure to download this awesome app to your phone or tablet!

Did we miss your favorite nonprofit? Please share them in the comments below.

Ways to Get Involved in Your Community

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community and have fun while doing it? Look no further than your local (or national) nonprofit organizations! Here are some ways you can get involved and make a difference:

Get Your Volunteer Groove On: Nonprofits need all kinds of help to make their events, campaigns, and rescue work successful. Whether you’re great at fundraising, love to plan parties, or are a social media whiz, there’s a volunteer role that’s perfect for you! So roll up your sleeves and put your skills to use.

Give Generously: Donating to a nonprofit is like giving a high-five to the universe. It’s a surefire way to spread good vibes and support the causes you care about. Whether you can afford to give a little or a lot, every bit helps and makes a big impact.

Use Your Talents: Nonprofits need all sorts of talents, not just those related to fundraising or event planning. If you’re an artist, musician, photographer, registered dietitian, lawyer, doctor, programmer, writer, or have any other unique talents, consider offering your expertise to your favorite nonprofits.

Party with a Purpose: Nonprofits throw some of the most incredible parties around! From fundraising galas, vegan banquets, and VegFests, to animal sanctuary hoedowns, nonprofit events are a great way to have fun and support a good cause. 

Host a Fundraiser: If you’re passionate about a particular cause, consider hosting a fundraiser. Whether it’s a bake sale or a charity auction, there are many creative ways to raise money and awareness.

Go Undercover: Volunteering as an undercover investigator for an animal welfare nonprofit can be an extremely challenging but rewarding experience. As an undercover investigator, you would work to expose animal cruelty and illegal practices in the food industry, including factory farms and slaughterhouses. To become an undercover investigator, you would typically need to have a background in investigations, law enforcement, or a related field. You would also need to be willing to work undercover for extended periods of time, often in dangerous or stressful situations.

Spread the Love: Nonprofits are always looking for passionate people to help spread the word about their work. Whether you’re sharing posts on social media or telling your friends about an upcoming event, every little bit helps. So spread the love and get others excited about making a positive impact.

Be a Changemaker: Nonprofits are on the front lines of creating change. Whether advocating for policy changes, fighting for social justice, or promoting sustainable living, nonprofits need passionate people like you to join their cause.

Nonprofits are filled with wonderful people doing extraordinary things. So join the fun, get involved, find your tribe, and help create a brighter future for our world.

The post Vegan Nonprofits: Animal, Environmental, and Health Organizations appeared first on World of Vegan.

Well, we thought we should try to make things a little easier for you, so we put together this list of amazing vegan food blogs.

Now don’t get us wrong — it was extremely difficult to choose our top 30! But we thought that these voices covered a wide array of vegan voices and niches out there. We also chose blogs that met three crucial criteria (below).

If you get the itch to start your own food blog after reading this, check out our How to Start a Food Blog guide!

Top Vegan Blog Picks Criteria

1. High Quality Recipes. The blogs have to have totally delicious and fool-proof recipes. It’s shocking how often recipes online don’t turn out. That’s why World of Vegan now has a team of recipe testers, and our recipes often go through several iterations before they’re published. We very much appreciate other blogs that go to those lengths as well.
2. Stunning Food Photography. We eat with our eyes first, so it was important to have stunning photography that has you drooling on your keyboard and makes you want to reach through the screen and grab the fork.
3. Consistent Content. There are thousands of food bloggers who used to create recipes but are no longer actively blogging. Consistent content is important in our ranking factors, and we looked for blogs that regularly release fresh content and update old content. We love to see the inspiring new creative dishes coming into our feed from the food bloggers we follow!

Ultimately, you’ll want to search for food blogs that resonate with your cooking style and preferences. For example, we at World of Vegan focus on fully-vegan comfort food recipes that seldom require specialty ingredients. We make sure our recipes are simple enough for anyone to make, regardless of prior cooking experience, and we keep them as simple as possible so they can easily be incorporated into everyday busy life. We especially love featuring veganized versions of classic recipes that are traditionally made with animal products.

If you’re someone who likes experimenting with bold new ingredients, like jackfruit or kombucha, or who has food allergies, you can always find blogs that cater to your needs. There are vegan blogs focused on every culture, cooking style, and diet. Whether you’re a healthy vegan, junk food vegan, gluten-free vegan, nut-free vegan, soy-free vegan, sugar-free vegan, oil-free vegan, raw vegan, paleo, keto vegan, low-fob vegan, whole food plant-based (wfpb), or anything else, you can find your tribe.

Without further ado, let’s check out our best vegan food blogs!

Best Vegan Food Blogs to Explore

Pick Up Limes

Content Type: Blog; Videos; App

Why We Love Them: Pick Up Limes, founded by nutritionist Sadia Badiei, is a popular food blog celebrated for its inventive plant-based recipes. With a focus on wholesome ingredients, each post combines visually stunning imagery with insightful nutritional commentary. The blog caters to a diverse audience, offering inspiration for both seasoned vegans and those exploring plant-based meals. Pick Up Limes is a go-to resource for delicious and health-conscious culinary experiences.

You’ll Like Them If:

• Love bright and wholesome food with a global focus
• Love helpful articles on nutrition and wellness

Plant-Based on a Budget

Content Type: Blog; Cookbooks; Meal Plans

Why We Love Them: Full disclaimer, Plant-Based on a Budget is run by our dear friend and overall awesome vegan, Toni Okamoto. But if you’re a vegan shopping on a super tight budget, Plant-Based on a Budget is the place to be. Toni’s recipes all feature ingredients that you could find at pretty much any grocery store for reasonable prices, especially if you buy in bulk, but pack the flavor and nutrition of dining on a much higher food budget.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You’re a vegan shopping on a tight food budget
• You’re looking for delicious but no-frills vegan recipes that vegans of any cooking skill level can make

Sweet Simple Vegan

Content Type: Blog; YouTube

Why We Love Them: Sweet Simple Vegan is as lovely as its name suggests — Jasmine and Chris work to create wholesome vegan recipes that would be accessible to people of virtually any cooking skill level, background, or food budget. In between their scrumptious recipes, Sweet Simple Vegan also features vegan lifestyle reviews and tips, from traveling in Aruba to holiday gift guides.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You want accessible vegan recipes that are chock-full of flavor
• You want a blog with a healthy mix of recipe and lifestyle information

From My Bowl

Content Type: Blog; YouTube

Why We Love Them: Even though From My Bowl is a relatively new blog in the online vegan community, she’s established herself as a reliable voice for vegans who want to follow a plant-based and cruelty-free diet that isn’t pricey or bland, but who also know the importance of treating yourself once in a while.

Aside from dishing out some lovely vegan recipes, many of my From My Bowl’s recipes cater to certain dietary needs, like being grain-free or gluten-free.  From My Bowl also occasionally features vegan lifestyle advice and reviews, such as food diaries from her travels and wellness tips as a vegan.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You want vegan food that doesn’t have an ingredient list a mile long, but doesn’t skimp on flavor, either
• You want a mix of vegan diet and lifestyle advice

Jessica in the Kitchen

Content Type: Blog; E-Book; YouTube

Why We Love Them: Jessica in the Kitchen is an inviting and flavorful food blog that centers around Jessica’s culinary adventures. With a passion for vegan cooking, Jessica shares a diverse array of recipes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients. The blog stands out for its emphasis on simplicity, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. Jessica’s warm and engaging writing style, coupled with vibrant food photography, creates an immersive experience for readers seeking delicious and health-conscious plant-based dishes.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You love vegan comfort food with clear process shots
• You love veganized classics like tacos, casseroles, and pasta

Make it Dairy-Free

Content Type: Blog; YouTube

Why We Love Them: Make It Dairy Free is a dynamic vegan blog that specializes in crafting delicious recipes without the use of dairy products. Founded by Larisha Andrew, the blog caters to individuals with dietary restrictions or those seeking plant-based alternatives to dairy. With a focus on simplicity and accessibility, Make It Dairy Free provides a wide range of creative and flavorful vegan recipes, from breakfast to dessert. The blog stands out for its user-friendly approach, offering practical tips and ingredient substitutions to make vegan cooking enjoyable and attainable for everyone.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You are looking for dairy-free recipes due to an allergy or dietary preference
• You are vegan and looking for warm, and comforting recipes

It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken

Content Type: Blog; YouTube; Cookbook

Why  We Love Them: Run by the oh-so bubbly and cheery Sam Turnbull, It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken is the place to be for no-fuss vegan recipes that are proof that straightforward recipes can be as delicious as the more complicated ones. Even better, It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken also features vegan recipes for plant-based folk who have additional dietary concerns, like avoiding oil or gluten.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You want vegan recipes with ingredients you recognize and can purchase at virtually any grocery store
• You want vegan recipe and lifestyle inspiration from someone who was initially “bummed” to go vegan

Nora Cooks

Content Type: Blog; E-Books

Why We Love Them: Nora Cooks is a standout vegan food blog known for its diverse and delicious plant-based recipes. Created by Nora Taylor, the blog offers a wealth of flavorful dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike. Nora’s recipes often focus on using simple, readily available ingredients to create meals that are both accessible and satisfying.

With a strong emphasis on comfort food and family-friendly dishes, Nora Cooks has become a go-to resource for those looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their daily lives. The blog’s visually appealing presentation and Nora’s passion for cruelty-free cooking make it a popular destination for anyone seeking delicious and wholesome vegan recipes.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You are craving vegan comfort food with straightforward ingredients and instructions
• You love luscious recipes, vegan cake recipes, and a huge archive of diverse recipes

The Banana Diaries

Content Type: Blog; YouTube; Cookbook

Why We Love Them: The Banana Diaries is a vibrant and health-conscious vegan blog founded by Britt. Known for its focus on plant-based recipes that are both delicious and nourishing, the blog caters to a wide audience interested in adopting a vegan lifestyle. The Banana Diaries distinguishes itself by featuring creative and often indulgent recipes with an emphasis on vegan baking.

Britt’s approachable style and commitment to sharing her personal journey towards a plant-based lifestyle make the blog relatable and inspiring. With a mix of sweet and savory offerings, The Banana Diaries is a great destination for those seeking inventive and wholesome vegan culinary inspiration.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You love vegan baking recipes
• Are looking for lots of great vegan baking tips and tricks

Hot for Food

Content Type: Blog; YouTube; Cookbook

Why We Love Them: Hot for Food has found the perfect medium for creating comfort foods that will constantly surprise your taste buds. From a white chocolate cranberry dessert casserole to golden beet pastrami reuben style sandwiches, Hot For Food is where you should go if you’re looking for spins on the classics — and some of the latest food trends, too!

You’ll Like It If:

• You’re fine cooking recipes that are time-intensive or long in terms of ingredients
• You are looking to make your vegan a little more “exciting”

Rainbow Plant Life

Content Type: Blog: Cookbook; YouTube

Why We Love Them: Rainbow Plant Life is a popular vegan blog created by Nisha Vora, known for its colorful and visually stunning plant-based recipes. Nisha’s blog stands out for its diverse range of dishes that not only prioritize flavor but also emphasize vibrant, whole-food ingredients. From nourishing bowls to decadent desserts, Rainbow Plant Life showcases a creative and inclusive approach to vegan cooking.

Nisha’s background as a lawyer turned chef adds a unique perspective to her content, providing readers with practical tips and insightful commentary on the joys of a plant-based lifestyle. With a commitment to both taste and aesthetics, Rainbow Plant Life has become a go-to source for those seeking delicious and visually appealing vegan recipes.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You love globally-inspired vegan recipes
• You are looking for a fun and engaging YouTube channel!

Edgy Veg

Content Type: Blog; YouTube; Cookbook

Why We Love Them:  There’s so much more to being vegan than smoothie bowls and Buddha bowls, and the Edgy Veg wants to introduce vegans and vegetarians to just some of the limitless options out there. From nostalgia-inducing recipes that will give you a sense of hygge (like this vegan butternut squash mac and cheese), Edgy Veg is a must-see for vegans looking to spice up their diet.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You’re looking to diversify your vegan palate with veganized classics and the latest must-tries (hello, vegan hotpot!)
• You don’t mind making recipes that can be a little time-consuming or long in terms of ingredients

Vegan Richa

Content Type: Blog; Cookbooks; YouTube

Why We Love Them: Vegan Richa is an influential and well-established vegan blog created by Richa Hingle. Renowned for its flavorful and globally inspired plant-based recipes, the blog has gained widespread popularity in the vegan community. Richa’s culinary expertise shines through in her diverse array of dishes, ranging from Indian classics to creative fusion recipes. What sets Vegan Richa apart is its emphasis on bold flavors, accessible ingredients, and detailed, user-friendly instructions.

Richa’s passion for vegan cooking is evident in her commitment to creating dishes that are not only delicious but also approachable for cooks of all levels. With an extensive recipe collection and a wealth of tips on vegan living, Vegan Richa is a go-to resource for those seeking a rich and varied plant-based culinary experience.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You are looking for solid South Asian dishes with approachable and simple instructions
• You are looking for great gluten-free recipes or recipes that can easily be adapted to be gluten-free

World of Vegan

Content Type: Blog; YouTube; Podcast; Cookbooks; Meal Plans

Why We Love It: Oh yes, we’re including ourselves on this list too, because SELF LOVE! When we started World of Vegan, we wanted to create a positive platform bustling with easy-to-make and insanely delicious recipes and lifestyle guides to make vegan living easy, delicious, and fun. We are so happy that with the help of brilliant contributors and our wonderful readers, we’ve expanded into a podcast, meal plans, a cookbook, and more!

Perhaps what we love the most about World of Vegan is that it’s for pretty much anyone who aspires to live a plant-based lifestyle, whether you’re going vegan for ethical or health reasons, or if you just want to dabble in it to mix up your week. Plus, World of Vegan’s recipes go through a rigorous testing process thanks to our team of recipe testers to ensure that the recipes you find here will come out great and be a big hit.

You’ll Like It If:

• You like tasty but simple recipes that rarely require specialty ingredients
• You’re looking for information about going vegan and vegan recipes that are useful for people of practically any budget or background
• You’re looking for a great resource to share with friends or family interested in trying vegan

Olives for Dinner

Content Type: Blog

Why We Love Them: Olives for Dinner is a distinctive vegan food blog created by Erin Wysocarski, renowned for its innovative and globally inspired, plant-based recipes. This blog sets itself apart by focusing on elevated and artfully presented dishes that challenge traditional perceptions of vegan cuisine. Erin’s culinary creativity is evident in her unique flavor combinations and use of diverse, often unexpected ingredients.

The blog often features vegan seafood and comfort food recipes, showcasing a commitment to exploring the rich and diverse world of plant-based cooking. With stunning photography and a dedication to culinary exploration, Olives for Dinner is a go-to destination for those seeking sophisticated and visually appealing vegan recipes.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You love vegan seafood recipes
• You love vegan comfort food and enjoy the process of cooking as much as you do eating

Rainbow in My Kitchen

Content Type: Blog

Why We Love Them: If you’re a vegan who likes to whip together vibrant and Pinterest-worthy creations, you’re going to adore Rainbow in My Kitchen.

Run by a couple in Croatia, Rainbow in My Kitchen features an ever-more delectable selection of vegan, gluten-free recipes that are stunningly colored and feature whole, unrefined, or minimally-processed ingredients. While many of these recipes do feature many specialty ingredients and maybe a little time-consuming to create, they would make for a great addition to your next dinner party or holiday.

You’ll Like Them If:

• Are looking for a little more time-intensive but gorgeous recipe to make
• Prefer gluten-free vegan recipes made from whole, unrefined, or minimally processed ingredients

The Simple Veganista

Content Type: Blog

Why We Love It: We love being vegan, but it’s not a diet that easily lends itself to affordability or time efficiency at first-glance. Julie at The Simple Veganista started her blog back in 2012 to show people that’s entirely possible to eat a nutritious vegan diet without all sorts of fancy do-dads or spending an arm and a leg. To borrow her quote: “Eating vegan is not about restrictions, it’s about creating new habits, healthy habits that encompass the world around us making it a better place for all.” The Simple Veganista’s recipes are vegan-friendly and are geared towards American cuisine, although she does post raw recipes from time to time.  

You’ll Like It If:

• You’re looking for American-style recipes
• You’re looking for advice on raising a vegan family

Olive Wood Vegan

Content Type: Blog; Cookbook; Classes

Why We Love Them: The Olive Wood Vegan blog has produce-driven recipes that are so homey yet so fancy! Created by Cordon Bleu–qualified chef Katie White, she focuses on seasonal, low-waste, and accessible ingredients that will wow your guests at your next dinner party.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You are looking for dinner party-worthy recipes that use plant-based, seasonal ingredients
• Have an interest in vegan, low-waste cooking

Vegan Yack Attack

Content Type: Blog; Cookbooks

Why We Love Them:  Vegan Yack Attack is one of the longest-running vegan food blogs out there, and with recipes like Air Fryer BBQ lentil meatballs and buffalo chickpea ranch pizza, it’s not hard to see why. Most of Vegan Yack Attack’s recipes lean towards American- and Southwestern-style dishes, but with hundreds of delicious recipes, there’s something for everyone on her website. Vegan Yack Attack’s recipes can have long ingredient lists and require some specialty ingredients, but they’re a must-see for vegans who know their way around a kitchen and who want meals that pack a flavorful punch.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You enjoy American-inspired and Southwestern-inspired recipes
• You’re comfortable cooking recipes that are a little more intensive or require specialty ingredients

Veggiekins

Content Type: Blog; Cookbook; YouTube

Why We Love Them: Veggiekins is a popular vegan blog created by Remy Morimoto Park. Known for its vibrant and health-conscious content, the blog offers a variety of plant-based recipes, wellness tips, and lifestyle inspiration. Remy’s approach focuses on creating delicious and nourishing dishes, often with a holistic view of well-being.

The blog also features aesthetically pleasing and carefully styled food photography, making it visually appealing for readers. Veggiekins has gained a following for its accessible and inclusive approach to veganism, making it a valuable resource for individuals interested in plant-based living.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You are looking for veggie, gluten-free, whole foods/plant-based, free of refined sugar and without added oil
• You are looking for smaller portioned meals with simple instructions and ingredients

Rainbow Nourishments

Content Type: Blog

Why We Love Them: Rainbow Nourishments is a vegan blog created by Anthea Cheng. Anthea is known for her vibrant and visually stunning plant-based recipes, often featuring colorful and nourishing ingredients. The blog showcases a variety of dishes, including desserts, breakfasts, and savory meals, all with a focus on creating a visually appealing and nutritionally balanced plate.

Anthea’s approach often involves incorporating a diverse range of plant foods, and her recipes may be influenced by various cuisines. The blog not only provides delicious recipes but also emphasizes the beauty of plant-based eating.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You are looking for simple vegan baking recipes with a twist
• You believe in the power of food to connect, and a way to be kind to yourself, others, and the environment

Sweet Potato Soul

Content Type: Blog; Cookbook; YouTube

Why We Love Them:

Sweet Potato Soul is a popular vegan blog and YouTube channel created by Jenné Claiborne. Known for its warm and inviting approach to plant-based living, the blog features a variety of delicious and soulful vegan recipes, with an emphasis on whole, plant-based foods. Jenné often incorporates her Southern roots into her cooking, infusing classic comfort food with a vegan twist.

The blog covers a wide range of recipes, including hearty main dishes, comforting soul food classics, and indulgent desserts. Jenné shares not only her love for plant-based cooking but also her journey towards a healthier lifestyle. With a focus on accessible ingredients and straightforward instructions, Sweet Potato Soul has become a go-to resource for those looking to explore and enjoy flavorful vegan cuisine.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You enjoy warm and inviting YouTube recipe videos
• Luscious vegan desserts and veganized comfort food classics

The Buddhist Chef

Content Type: Blog; YouTube; Cookbook

Why We Love Them: Run by a classically-trained chef, The Buddhist Chef offers vegan and cruelty-free recipes that are anything but boring.  With recipes ranging from vegan creme brulee to portobello steaks and sushi balls, The Buddhist Chef’s recipes are incredibly flavorful while also being surprisingly short in terms of ingredients.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You prefer vegan recipes that are insanely delicious but not too complicated to prepare
• You want vegan recipes that are practically guaranteed to be delicious (they were designed by a classically trained chef, after all)

BOSH

Content Type: Blog; YouTube; Cookbook

Why We Love Them: BOSH is incredibly transparent in its mission: they’re “here to help everyone eat more plants!” But at Bosh, you’re not going to find humble salads and quaint bowls of oats — you’re going to find recipes like PB&J French toast and bacon cheeseburger Hasselback potatoes that will have your stomach growling! Many of the recipes on BOSH can be a little long in terms of ingredients or cooking steps, but trust us, it’s all worth it!

You’ll Like Them If:

• You’re looking for innovative restaurant-quality vegan recipes to spice up your diet
• You want to spice up your meals with something a little more complicated but a heck of a lot more flavorful

Oh She Glows

Content Type: Blog; Cookbooks

Why We Love Them: Oh She Glows is one of the oldest vegan food blogs out there, and with good reasons — all of her recipes are so awesome! Oh She Glows focuses on plant-based recipes that are appealing to both vegans and the non-vegans they love, with many of the recipes excluding certain common allergens. If you’re someone who thinks that following a vegan diet is an insurmountable challenge,  you’ll find Angela’s story (and content!) immensely inspiring.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You want veganized versions of your favorite classic (often American-style) recipes
• You’re interested in recipes that would appeal to all members of your family as you transition to a vegan lifestyle

Fork & Beans

Content Type: Blog; Cookbook

Why We Love Them: If you have kids, or like playing with your food, you must check out Fork & Beans. Not only does she have the cutest recipe photos that you ever did see, but she also has many recipes that are designed to exclude certain allergens but are still kid-friendly in taste and design. Many of Fork & Bean’s recipes also feature a small craft component (like these Mayflower pudding cups) for some extra fun for your kiddos and of course some wonderful memories!

You’ll Like Them If:

• You want kid-friendly vegan recipes
• You want to create adorable vegan creations for children’s celebrations

Keepin’ It Kind

Content Type: Blog; Cookbook

Why We Love Them: Run by a former fromagier (and her husband) who, by her own admission, thought that she could never follow a vegan diet, Keepin’ It Kind is a fun blog dedicated to showing others that “kind food is the key to a kinder world.”

Keepin’ It Kind’s recipes run the gamut from American-style recipes like this vegan Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich to more international fare, like this bahn mi-less bahn mi bowl, but all recipes do show that you don’t have to deprive or bore yourself as a vegan. In fact, it can be quite fun!

You’ll Like Them If:

• You’re looking for a mix of American-inspired and international recipes
• You’re looking for advice and recipes from someone who loves being vegan, but once thought that she could never be a vegan

EhVegan

Content Type: Blog, Instagram

Why We Love Them: EhVegan is #InstagramGoals. Their recipe photos are so gorgeous they should be featured in magazines. In fact, they’ve been blowing up on Instagram because of their smoothie bowls that are 100% #BreakfastInspiration.

But EhVegan doesn’t offer you inspirational photos and recipes — their website also covers a vast spread of lifestyle topics, from travel in Hawaii to nutrition and product reviews.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You’re looking for both vegan lifestyle tips and recipes
• You prefer consuming content on Instagram

The Sexy Vegan

Content Type: Blog; YouTube; Podcast

Why We Love It: So many blogs out there feature veganized Italian staples, like pizza and stuffed shells. But The Sexy Vegan takes vegan Italian cooking to the next level with relatively uncomplicated recipes like green pea risotto and pan-fried semolina cakes that will make your taste buds sing. The Sexy Vegan also features some non-Italian recipes as well, like salted chocolate truffle vegan ice cream. So if you excuse us, we need some time to deliberate on which of The Sexy Vegan’s recipes we should make next!

You’ll Like It If:

• You’re looking for Italian-inspired recipes with reasonable-length ingredient lists
• You want recipes that would work well for a weekday dinner or a fancier affair for guests

Dora’s Table

Content Type: Blog; YouTube

Why We Love It:  I’m based in California, so I’ve pretty much had my share of heavenly Mexican food (especially of my fav, burritos).  But when I feel like making something homemade, Dora’s Table is my go-to — and definitely should be on your radar if you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine.  

Dora Stone of Dora’s Table has been able to strike the delicate balance between retaining the flavor and authenticity of dishes from around Mexico while also making them vegan-friendly and (mostly) healthy. From these vegan fish tacos inspired by the fish tacos of Baja California Norte to a pre-Colombian champurrado, Dora’s Table’s recipes offer a gastronomic tour of Mexico for vegans who are looking for traditional Mexican recipes.

You’ll Like It If:

• You enjoy Mexican cuisine
• You’re a vegan looking to sample authentic regional dishes from around the world

Tiff Loves Tofu

Content Type: Blog

Why We Love Them: Tiffany, the creator of Tiff Loves Tofu, has always believed that food is more than a source of nourishment – it is a reflection of the story we tell ourselves and the thread that weaves us all together. In early 2020, Tiffany decided to combine her passion for veganism, her cultural identity as an Asian-American, and her love for cooking into the form of a food blog and recipe videos.

Food is one of the most natural ways we can take care of ourselves and bond with other people, so it was instinctive for her to choose to begin sharing her experiences with an online audience. She has since dedicated her efforts to creating innovative and flavorful vegan Asian-inspired recipes for beginner-to-experienced home cooks.

You’ll Like Them If:

• You love simple, plant-based, Asian-inspired recipes
• You love finding veganized versions of Asian classics as well as comfort food classics

Raepublic

Content Type: Blog

Why We Love Them: Raepublic is created by Rae who has an MS in Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Her aim is to assist people who have experienced trauma to live a more holistic, well-balanced life through nutrition, plant-based eating, sustainable living, mindfulness, and movement. Choose from 30-minute, seasonal, gluten-free, raw, refined sugar-free, and more recipes designed to support a healthy lifestyle!

You’ll Like Them If:

• You are looking for super-healthy and nourishing dishes, broken down into helpful categories
• You love a food blog that’s clean, beautifully designed, and easy to navigate

What’s Your Favorite Vegan Blog?

This is only a tiny sampling of all the fantastic vegan blogs out there. Do you have a favorite we missed? Give them a shout-out in the comments below! While you’re waiting for more vegan blog posts, check out our Top 18 favorite vegan podcasts!

The post 30+ Best Vegan Food Blogs You Should Follow appeared first on World of Vegan.

Whether they’re from USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon, Doordash, Grubhub, or any other delivery service, these individuals work tirelessly to ensure our packages reach us during this bustling time of year.

In recent years, a heartwarming trend has gained momentum – the idea of creating holiday snack carts for delivery workers. This simple yet profoundly meaningful gesture allows us to express our appreciation, make them feel valued, and spread a little random act of kindness during the holiday season.

The Spirit of the Holidays

The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, compassion, and the spirit of giving. It’s a time when people come together to celebrate love, unity, and the joy of sharing.

By extending our gratitude to the hardworking delivery workers who ensure our gifts and parcels reach their destinations, we embrace the true spirit of the holidays. This tradition embodies the values of empathy, community, and thoughtfulness that define this time of year.

Here are a few reasons why this annual tradition is a beautiful idea:

Expressing Gratitude: The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude to the dedicated individuals who work diligently to deliver our packages. A small act of kindness can go a long way in brightening their day and reminding them that their efforts are appreciated.

Fostering a Sense of Community: Creating treat baskets encourages a sense of community and goodwill. It’s a wonderful way for neighbors and communities to unite, showing that we care for the people who work tirelessly to serve us.

Spreading Joy: A simple treat or snack can bring a smile to someone’s face. By leaving out snacks, drinks, or small gifts, we can spread an extra dose of holiday joy to those who deserve it.

Providing Vegan and Inclusive Options: In a world where dietary choices are diverse, including vegan snacks ensures that everyone can enjoy a little something special.

Printable Thank You Sign for Delivery Workers

With our printable thank you sign for delivery workers, it’s easy to set up and customize your own snack station to spread joy this season. Simply print it off, hang it on your snack cart. You can also attach it to a clipboard or cutting board and set it on a small table next to a snack basket.

Creating a Holiday Snack Cart (or Basket)

Choose a Convenient Location: Select a visible and easily accessible spot near your front door where you can place your treat basket or cart. Ensure that it won’t obstruct the delivery worker’s path.

Pick a Basket or Snack Cart: We used this this white snack cart on wheels, but you can use any cart, small shelves, or a basket set on a small table by your door.

Stock Up on Treats: Gather an array of snacks, sweets, fresh fruit, drinks, or small gifts. When selecting snacks, consider vegan options to ensure inclusivity.

Some great options include:

• vegan cookies
• packed baked goods
• dairy-free chocolates (or chocolate bark)
• vegan candy
• trail mix
• fresh fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, persimmons)
• small soy candles
• other small gift items
• envelopes with $5 – $10 gift cards or cash inside

Decorate Your Basket or Cart: Get creative with the presentation. Decorate your basket or cart with festive holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and a cheerful sign that warmly invites delivery workers to help themselves.

Attach a Thank You Sign: Secure this heartfelt thank you sign to your snack cart or basket. This note serves as a token of your appreciation, letting delivery workers know that these treats are for them as a symbol of gratitude. Without the sign, they may feel hesitant to take a treat.

If all of the items are vegan, be sure to add a “100% Vegan” note so your vegan visitors know they are considered and welcome to enjoy the treats!

Maintain Regular Stock: Make it a daily or weekly tradition to refill the basket or cart with fresh treats to ensure that every delivery worker gets a chance to enjoy a little something special.

How to Make Your Own Treat Bags

Creating custom treat bags adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness and personalization to the act of spreading holiday cheer to delivery workers. When you craft your own treat bags, it’s an opportunity to make a personal connection, even if you never meet the recipients face to face.

Crafting your own treat bags allows you to pay attention to the smallest details, from choosing ribbon colors to writing heartfelt thank you tags or notes. Overall, making treat bags adds an element of charm and thoughtfulness to your gesture of kindness. The effort and creativity you invest in each gift demonstrates your genuine care and appreciation.

These personalized tokens of appreciation can brighten the holiday season for both the recipients and the givers, leaving a lasting impact and a warm memory of kindness shared.

Gather Your Supplies

If you’re making your own treat bags, you’ll need small plastic treat bags, an assortment of vegan snacks, colorful ribbon or twine, and thank you tags.

Here’s what we used:

• Cellophane Treat Bags with Snowflakes
• Heart-Shaped Thank You Tags
• Vegan Soft Baked Cookies and Trail Mix from the brand Back to Nature

Assemble Your Snacks and Treats

If you’re making your own treat bags, carefully fill each bag with an assortment of treats. This could be vegan cookies, trail mix, or dairy-free chocolates.

Use ribbon or twine to attach a thank you tag to each bag to convey your appreciation in a more personal way. Tie a beautiful bow to secure it closed and make it extra festive.

Arrange these custom treat bags in your snack cart or basket, making them easily accessible for delivery workers to grab on their way.

If You’re a Parent—Involve Your Kids!

One of the most beautiful aspects of the holiday season is the opportunity it presents to teach our children the values of kindness, empathy, and giving back. Involving kids in the process of creating thoughtful gifts for delivery workers is an excellent way to impart these important life lessons.

Spread Kindness All Season Long

The holiday treat cart trend for delivery workers embodies the essence of the holiday season – kindness, appreciation, and sharing. By creating a welcoming display filled with vegan snacks and treats, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who tirelessly ensure our packages arrive on time during this festive season.

Let us unite as a community to show our gratitude and illuminate the holiday season for our delivery heroes. In doing so, we uphold the true spirit of the holidays and make it a time of joy, love, and generosity for all.

The post Spread Holiday Cheer with Snack Carts for Delivery Workers appeared first on World of Vegan.

Here are 8 compelling reasons why you should stick to clothing made from vegan fabrics and plant-derived materials and choose to knit with vegan yarn (or “acrylic yarn”), and why being vegan means letting wool stay on sweet and sensitive sheep.

Call us crazy, but we don’t want someone shaving our hair off without our permission because it would make them a nice coat or a pair of socks.

But when it comes to sheep, it’s not unreasonable to think that these fluffy-haired creatures could probably use a haircut every now and again. And why not put all that sheared wool to good use in sweaters, socks, hats, blankets, and beyond to keep us warm?

It’s making use of something that would otherwise go to waste, isn’t it?

Well, not quite.

Common Wool Assumptions

You may assume that:

• Sheep don’t have to be killed to shear their wool
• Sheep need haircuts, so we’re doing them a favor
• The shearing process is painless—like getting a haircut!
• We need wool to keep warm

You are not alone, as I at one time thought these things too. Sadly, as I learned more about the wool industry, I realized that all of these assumptions are way off base.

Sure, sheep don’t necessarily have to be killed in order for their wool to be trimmed. And the shearing process usually only takes a few minutes.

But just because the shearing process is relatively quick doesn’t mean that it’s a painless or untraumatic experience for the millions of sheep who are coarsely sheared each year for the sake of making clothing. And in almost all cases, the sheep used for wool are eventually sent to slaughter.

There are hundreds of reasons why people everywhere should abandon wool. We make it easy with our vegan knitting guide and article all about vegan yarn! But if you need some convincing, we’ve collected 8 of the most pressing that explain why wool isn’t as innocent as you think and why it no longer deserves a place in your closet.

Is Wool Vegan?

No, wool is not vegan. Since veganism is a lifestyle that aims to avoid all animal-derived products including food, clothing, and cosmetics as well as forms of entertainment and sport that use animals, and wool is an animal product, wool is inherently not vegan.

Vegan Wool Alternatives

Vegan wool can be made of a variety of materials including:

• Bamboo: Bamboo fiber is known for its softness and moisture-wicking properties, creating a wool-like texture that’s gentle on the skin.
• Cotton: Sourced from cotton plants, it’s soft, breathable, and biodegradable, making it a versatile and eco-friendly choice for vegan wool.
• Linen: Linen, made from flax fibers, is known for its breathability and natural luster, providing an animal-free alternative to wool.
• Hemp: Hemp fabric is durable, eco-friendly, and offers natural insulation, making it a valuable option for vegan wool enthusiasts.
• Rayon: Often derived from plant cellulose, rayon is a versatile vegan wool material that can imitate the texture and feel of traditional wool, offering a cruelty-free option for eco-conscious consumers.
• Nylon: Although not a plant-based material, nylon can be produced using recycled or sustainable practices, reducing its environmental impact and providing a vegan-friendly alternative.
• Nettle: Nettle fiber is made from the stalks of the stinging nettle plant. It produces a fine, silky yarn that can be used as a vegan wool substitute, offering a unique and sustainable choice.

Wool-Free Vegan Outerwear Brands

Wool can make its way into all sorts of products: from hats and blankets to women’s peacoats and men’s suits. Luckily, there are cruelty-free versions of all of these! These days, it’s easy to stay warm in ethically made clothing from conscious brands.

Some awesome vegan outerwear brands to look out for include:

• Brave Gentleman
• Save The Duck
• Toad & Co
• Wuxly
• Hoodlab
• Noize

We also put together a vegan wool socks guide to help your feet stay warm in the winter.

Of course, you can also find all sorts of “accidentally vegan” products that just so happen to be wool-free. Shopping at budget-friendly stores like Target make that particularly easy as animal-derived fabrics tend to be significantly more expensive. Just be sure to check the label on any products you buy!

8 Reasons Why Wool Isn’t Vegan

Let’s go further in depth about the major issues with the large-scale wool industry:

1. The Cruel Practice of Mulesing

Most of the world’s wool comes from Australia. In Australia, most commercially grown sheep undergo a painful process called mulesing. Mulesing is an extremely painful procedure in which chunks of skin around a sheep’s tail are roughly chopped off (without anesthetic, mind you).

This is done because the wool in this fluffy booty area can otherwise become dirtied and infested. Urine, feces, and dirt can build up and lead to a maggot infestation called flystrike. Flies are often attracted to this moist and dirty wool, leading them to hatch their eggs there. These eggs typically hatch within 24 hours, after which the maggots will feed on the sheep’s skin for up to three days, putting the sheep at high risk for death if their flystrike isn’t treated.

While this may sound like an attempt to save our sheep friends from an agonizing death, it seldom is. Mulesing is often performed without any painkillers, with research suggesting that the excruciating pain from mulesing can last up to 48 hours.

Mulesing is so cruel that in 2018 New Zealand banned it altogether. In New Zealand, you can now be persecuted as a convicted criminal for mulesing a sheep. You’ll be fined $5000 (if you’re an individual) and $25,000 (if you’re a corporation).

Nevertheless, mulesing is not an illegal practice throughout most of the world. If you’ve purchased wool items (which I’m sure we all have), it’s likely you’ve been unknowingly supporting this practice.

2. We Bred Sheep To Have Wrinkles

After reading about mulesing, you might think: well, yes it’s painful. But it’s preventing flystrike and other issues that can ultimately harm the sheep, so it sounds necessary. Causing one harm to prevent another kind-of evens out, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, we need to consider that this isn’t a problem inherent to sheep in their natural form. Today’s farmed sheep have been purposefully bred to have extremely wrinkly skin so that they’ll produce more wool than they ever would have without human intervention.

After all, extra wrinkly sheep = more wool = more money for producers.

On the surface, the wrinkly sheep we’ve created through selective breeding sound innocent enough—and extra-adorable!

But unfortunately, it is due in no small part to having this wrinkly skin that sheep are now forced to undergo mulesing in order to make them less susceptible to flystrike.

3. We Bred Sheep to Produce Wool Continually

Sheep existed independent of humans long before we came along and decided to domesticate and farm them. And before we intervened, sheep never got sheared…and guess what? They were doing just fine.

Take a look at wild sheep. You’ll notice that many periodically shed their wool. And no, they don’t overheat or have trouble moving around from excess wool. Those issues are human-caused problems that arose as a result of an agricultural industry acting without concern for the wellbeing of the animals.

But we’ve bred domesticated sheep to grow wool year-round, making it all but unavoidable that they will have to undergo the process of shearing multiple times in their lifetime.

4. Handled Without Care

It’s not uncommon for sheep shearers to be paid by the volume of wool they shear, not their hourly labor. This, in turn, can lead to shearers handling each sheep as quickly as possible, often with little to no regard for the sheep’s physical and emotional well-being.

While the details are quite gruesome, PETA’s landmark 2014 exposé showed how cruelly many sheep are treated by shearers, as did a 2018 report from a sheep shearer who worked in the United States and Australia.

Among other things, witnesses reported that sheep were tossed around and slammed onto hard floors. They had their heads and necks stepped on and received cuts on multiple parts of their body.

While the exposé is certainly unsettling, it is a wake-up call that many of us need that most commercially-available wool products are not cruelty-free or ethically-sourced.

5. Sheep Are Often Starved Prior to Shearing

According to an article by PETA, it’s not uncommon for sheep to not be given any food or water up to 24 hours before being sheared so that they’ll be more docile while being sheared.

Imagine how frightening it must be to undergo shearing as a defenseless animal. Now magnify that fear by knowing that you’re not physically or mentally strong enough to escape. You don’t have the energy to protect yourself. How would you feel?

6. Many Undergo Painful Castration & Tail Docking

When male sheep are just a few weeks old, it’s not uncommon for them to be castrated. This is done to avoid unplanned pregnancies and make the males less aggressive.

One popular means of castration involves putting a tight rubber band around the testicles. The blood supply will be cut off so that the testicles will eventually wither and fall off after a few weeks.

Sheep also often endure tail docking at a young age. This is commonly done using either a rubber ring or a hot iron blade. Both techniques are known to be painful, yet they are still commonly performed and considered to be an industry standard.

7. Females Undergo Painful Forced Insemination

As with other commercially-grown livestock, it’s not uncommon for female sheep to be artificially inseminated.

One method involves sticking a metal rod into a sheep’s abdomen so that the semen can be inserted into her uterus. Not only can this procedure be invasive and frightening, but it’s also often done without painkillers.

8. A Sheep’s Trip to Slaughter Is Horrendous

Unfortunately, many sheep are mistreated again in the days leading up to their deaths.

For example, each year thousands of sheep are crammed onto trucks for hours or days at a time or transported to overseas markets on multi-tiered ships. Oftentimes they aren’t given sufficient food and are exposed to unregulated conditions, leading many to die or fall ill before arriving at their final destination.

Is It Possible to Source Ethical Wool?

In theory if you had your own companion animal sheep and gave them a haircut as a part of their care, and used that hair to make yarn, it is theoretically possible to obtain cruelty-free wool. The issue is that unless you are raising, caring for, and shearing the sheep yourself, there is no way to know with certainty that wool was obtained in a truly humane way.

Furthermore, as soon as wool turns from sheep’s hair into a commodity sold for profit, the care and wellbeing of the sheep is no longer the only priority, and as with any good business, the goal is to reduce costs and that often comes at the expense of the animals involved. Whenever an animal product is sold for profit, especially on a large scale, it is likely not as “innocent” and “humane” as it appears to be on the store shelf.

Some vegans might say that there is no way to obtain wool without it being exploitative on some level. Others may say that wool repurposed from rescued sheep who are cared for as animal companions and never sent to slaughter at the end of their life fits within their identity of vegan. Wherever you fall on the spectrum is fine — there is no such thing as a “perfect vegan” and for complicated topics such as this, there are different schools of thought, and that’s okay!

But I image we can all agree that mainstream wool is not animal-friendly, nor vegan, for all of the reasons we’re about to share.

How To Help Sheep in the Wool Industry

We know that after reading this article you’re probably feeling a little bummed out. Or perhaps even angry that the wool industry can be so abusive to innocent animals. But we strongly encourage you to channel these feelings into something positive and constructive.

If you want to help, you can:

• Promise yourself that you won’t buy wool-containing products anymore and will choose cruelty-free options instead.
• If you love to knit, choose vegan yarn (check out our vegan knitting guide)
• Write a letter (or email) to your favorite brands asking them to replace the wool in their products with cruelty-free alternatives.
• Educate friends and family about why wool isn’t cruelty-free (you can share this article to start!)

Whatever you do, remember that you can cause great change in the world with your thoughts and actions, and there’s no better time to start than today.

Wool FAQs

Is acrylic yarn vegan?

Yes! Acrylic yarn is completely animal-free and is made of synthetic fibers.

Is cashmere vegan?

Since cashmere is obtained from goats, it is not vegan.

How can I make sure I’m buying vegan wool?

Be sure to check the tag of whichever item you’re interested in. Fibers such as acrylic, fleece, and rayon are all vegan! Other common words for wool are vicuna, tweed, Angora, mohair, and merino so make sure to steer clear of those.

The post Is Wool Vegan? Guide to Vegan Wool Alternatives appeared first on World of Vegan.

At its core, a vegan lifestyle seeks to avoid the exploitation and harm of animals. This means avoiding the consumption of animal-based meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived products such as honey. For many people, choosing to be vegan goes beyond dietary choices and extends to compassionate lifestyle considerations as well. This includes things like:

• Clothing and Accessories: leather-free shoes, belts, bags, wallets, etc.
• Bath, Body, and Beauty Products: cruelty-free makeup, skincare, deodorant, shampoo, lip balm, soap, etc.
• Home and Cleaning Products: cleaning sprays, toilet cleaners, etc.
• Art Supplies and Crafts: crayons, markers, play dough, etc.

But why do people choose to become vegan? While some people choose to be vegan for ethical reasons, others may be drawn to it for its environmental and health benefits, or for social justice reasons.

By choosing a plant-based diet, you have the power to change the world, one bite at a time. You can transform your health, the planet, and the lives of animals.

Ethical Considerations of Going Vegan

For many people, consuming animal products comes into conflict with their values and beliefs about animal welfare. Animal agriculture is often characterized by inhumane and cruel practices, including confinement, overcrowding, and the use of hormones and antibiotics. By choosing a plant-based diet, you’re actively supporting a more compassionate and humane food system that respects the inherent value of all animals.

The vegan lifestyle also aligns with principles of justice and equality. Many people find it difficult to reconcile the idea of animal welfare with the fact that billions of animals are raised and slaughtered every year for human consumption. This system disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, including low-income individuals and people of color. By embracing a vegan lifestyle, you’re supporting a more just and equitable food system that respects the rights of both humans and animals.

In addition, going vegan is rooted in the idea of non-violence. Many people believe that violence against animals is ethically wrong and that humans have a moral responsibility to protect the vulnerable and defenseless. Choosing a plant-based diet reflects a commitment to non-violence and compassion, promoting a world where all beings are treated with respect and dignity.

Ultimately, choosing vegan is about taking responsibility for one’s actions and the impact they have on the world. When you go vegan, you’re taking a stand for what you believe in and supporting a more ethical, sustainable, and compassionate food system.

With the growing awareness of animal welfare issues and the environmental impact of animal agriculture, more and more people are choosing to go vegan as a way to live in harmony with their values and create a better future for all.

Environmental Impact

In addition to ethical considerations, the environmental impact of animal agriculture is a major reason to go vegan. Animal agriculture is a resource-intensive industry that requires large amounts of land, water, and energy. According to the Worldwatch Institute, it takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, compared to just 25 gallons to produce a pound of wheat.

Additionally, animal agriculture is a major contributor to water pollution, as animal waste and chemicals from feed and fertilizer can enter waterways and contaminate drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified animal agriculture as a major source of water pollution in the United States.

By choosing a plant-based diet, individuals can reduce their water and land use, as well as their carbon footprint. According to a study by the University of Oxford, a vegan diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 73% compared to a meat-based diet.

Health Benefits of Going Vegan

Along with ethical and environmental considerations, a vegan diet can also offer a range of health benefits. Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Studies have shown that vegans tend to have lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure than non-vegans, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Doctors like Dr. Esselstyn have demonstrated the effectiveness of plant-based diets in reversing heart disease and improving overall health outcomes. Additionally, plant-based diets have been shown to be effective in managing and even reversing type 2 diabetes, as they are low in saturated fat and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates.

A vegan diet can also help with weight management, as plant-based foods tend to be lower in calories and higher in fiber than animal products. According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, individuals following a vegan diet lost an average of 4.3 kg over 18 weeks, compared to an average of 3.2 kg for those following a control diet.

There are many doctors and health experts who advocate for a plant-based diet as a way to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic disease. One of the most well-known is Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a cardiologist who has been at the forefront of research into the relationship between diet and heart health. Dr. Esselstyn has demonstrated that a whole-food, plant-based diet can not only prevent heart disease, but can even reverse it in some cases.

Other doctors and health experts who promote a plant-based diet include Dr. Michael Greger, author of the book “How Not to Die,” and Dr. Dean Ornish, a physician and researcher who has conducted extensive studies on the health benefits of plant-based diets.

Social Justice Issues

Finally, some individuals choose to go vegan for social justice reasons.

The production and consumption of animal products can have significant social justice implications. In many countries, animal agriculture is associated with exploitative labor practices, including low wages, long working hours, and unsafe working conditions. In some cases, workers may also be subjected to physical and emotional abuse.

Furthermore, animal agriculture is often associated with land grabs and displacement of indigenous communities. The expansion of animal agriculture can lead to the destruction of local ecosystems and the displacement of communities that rely on those ecosystems for their livelihoods.

By choosing a vegan diet, individuals can support social justice initiatives that prioritize fair labor practices and land use, as well as support local and sustainable food systems.

Here Are 15 Specific Reasons to Choose Vegan

1. Reduce your carbon footprint

Animal agriculture is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for more emissions than the entire transportation sector. By going vegan, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.

2. Save water

Producing animal products requires significantly more water than producing plant-based foods. For example, it takes approximately 660 gallons of water to produce a single hamburger, compared to just 200 gallons for a soy burger.

3. Lower your risk of chronic diseases

Research shows that a plant-based diet can lower your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. This is because plant-based foods are typically lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber and other nutrients.

4. Prevent animal cruelty

By choosing a vegan lifestyle, you’re actively taking a stand against animal cruelty. Animal agriculture involves the exploitation and mistreatment of billions of animals every year, and by abstaining from animal products, you’re refusing to support this industry.

5. Support food justice

Factory farming is often associated with exploitative labor practices, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. By supporting plant-based foods, you’re helping to promote food justice and support ethical and sustainable farming practices.

6. Help conserve biodiversity

Animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, habitat loss, and biodiversity loss. By choosing plant-based foods, you’re supporting a more sustainable and ethical food system that helps conserve the earth’s precious natural resources.

7. Reduce food waste

Approximately one-third of all food produced in the world is wasted, and animal products are among the most frequently wasted foods. By choosing plant-based foods, you’re reducing food waste and helping to ensure that resources are used more efficiently.

8. Improve your digestion

A plant-based diet is often higher in fiber, which can help improve your digestion and prevent constipation. Additionally, many plant-based foods contain beneficial probiotics and enzymes that can promote a healthy gut microbiome.

9. Lower your grocery bill

Plant-based foods can be significantly cheaper than animal products, especially when you purchase in-season and locally-grown produce. This means that by going vegan, you may be able to save money on your grocery bill. One great resource for figuring out what to shop for when going vegan is our Vegan Grocery List guide, which provides a comprehensive list of vegan-friendly items to help you plan your shopping trips.

10. Support global food security

With a growing population and limited resources, food security is becoming an increasingly important issue. By choosing plant-based foods, you’re helping to support a more sustainable and equitable food system that can better address global food security challenges.

11. Combat antibiotic resistance

The overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health threat. By reducing your consumption of animal products, you’re helping to combat antibiotic resistance and promote more responsible antibiotic use.

12. Reduce water pollution

Animal waste from factory farms can contaminate waterways and contribute to water pollution, posing a threat to both human and animal health. By choosing plant-based foods, you’re helping to reduce water pollution and promote a more sustainable and clean environment.

13. Save animals from extinction

The production of animal products often leads to habitat destruction and the loss of biodiversity, which can put many animal species at risk of extinction. By choosing plant-based foods, you’re helping to support a more sustainable and ethical food system that helps conserve wildlife and protect endangered species.

14. Promote healthy aging

Studies show that a plant-based diet can promote healthy aging and improve cognitive function. This is because plant-based foods are often rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help protect against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

15. Support ethical farming practices

By going vegan, you’re supporting ethical farming practices that prioritize animal welfare and the environment. This includes supporting small, independent farmers who prioritize sustainable and humane farming methods over industrial-scale animal agriculture.

Making the Transition to Veganism

If you’re interested in going vegan, there are plenty of resources available to help make the transition easier. One of the best ways to get started is by incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. This can include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

There are also many plant-based alternatives to traditional animal products, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, and plant-based milks, cheeses, and meats. These alternatives can make it easier to enjoy your favorite foods without relying on animal products.

It’s important to note that going vegan doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Many people find it helpful to start by reducing their consumption of animal products, and gradually transitioning to a fully plant-based diet over time. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s important to find a method that works best for you.

Tips for Going Vegan

If you are considering going vegan, be sure to visit our How to Go Vegan Guide. To get you started, here are just a few quick tips and strategies that can help make the transition smoother and more successful.

Educate Yourself

Before making the transition to a vegan lifestyle, it is important to educate yourself about the ethical, environmental, and health implications of animal agriculture and the benefits of a vegan diet. This can help strengthen your commitment to vegan living and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions about your food choices.

A great way to start is by:

• watching these fantastic vegan documentaries
• reading these plant-based diet books
• listening to podcasts like the Plant-Powered People Podcast
• getting some vegan cookbooks

Plan your Meals

One of the keys to success on a vegan diet is planning ahead. Take the time to plan out your meals and snacks for the week, making sure to include a variety of nutrient-dense plant-based foods. This can help ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs and avoid feeling deprived or hungry.

If you’re meal planning on a budget, our Plant-Based on a Budget Meal Plans can help you save money while eating delicious healthful vegan meals.

Find Vegan Versions of Your Favorite Foods

There are many vegan substitutes available for traditional animal-based products, including plant-based milks, cheeses, and meats.

Discover your favorite vegan yogurt, dairy-free ice cream, butter, coffee creamer, burgers, hot dogs, and other essentials. Experiment with different brands and products to find those that you enjoy and incorporate them into your meals.

Focus on Whole Foods

While vegan substitutes can be helpful, it is important to focus on whole, nutrient-dense plant-based foods as the foundation of your diet. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Connect with Others

Going vegan can feel isolating at times, especially if your friends and family are not supportive of your decision. Connecting with other vegans through online communities, vegan festivals and events, animal sanctuaries, plant-based restaurants near you, or local meetups can provide a sense of community and support.

The Time Is Now

There are many reasons to consider going vegan, from ethical and environmental considerations to health and social justice benefits. By adopting a plant-based lifestyle, individuals can reduce their impact on the environment, improve their health, and support fair labor practices and local food systems.

If you’re considering going vegan, take the time to do your research, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others who have made the transition. By working together, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and compassionate world for all.

The post Why Vegan? Exploring the Many Benefits of a Plant-Based Lifestyle appeared first on World of Vegan.

Crafted from a symphony of ingredients ranging from rice to tofu to the lesser-known konjac root, plant-based shrimp are tailored to recreate the taste and texture of their marine counterpart. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a curious omnivore, or someone with an insatiable appetite for culinary exploration, this guide promises to help you navigate the sea of options.

Do you ever yearn for the day where you devour a huge tray of vegan shrimp with cocktail sauce, sitting poolside without a care in the world? Yes, you say? Great! While we can’t guarantee that you’ll get to enjoy these delicious vegetarian shrimp recipes by a pool on a sunny day, we can help make at least one part of that scenario a reality.

But first, why are so many people turning toward plant-based shrimp options?

What’s Wrong With Shrimp?

For many, the sizzling aroma and succulent bite of shrimp evoke fond memories of beach vacations or gourmet dinners. However, there’s a hidden side to the shrimp industry that is worth considering, especially for those seeking to align their dietary choices with ethical and environmental values.

Environmental Concerns

Destructive Farming: Over 50% of the shrimp consumed worldwide is farmed, and the methods used can be ecologically damaging. Mangroves, which are vital coastal ecosystems, are often cleared to make way for shrimp ponds. These ecosystems act as buffers from storms, nurseries for young marine life, and carbon sinks.

Bycatch: Wild-caught shrimp often utilize trawling, where vast nets drag along the ocean floor, unintentionally capturing and killing various marine species in the process. For every pound of shrimp caught, multiple pounds of other marine life, including juvenile fish, marine sea turtles, seahorses, and sea birds may be discarded.

Human Rights Issues in the Shrimp Industry

Some shrimp industries, particularly in certain regions of Southeast Asia, have been linked to egregious human rights abuses. These include slavery, child labor, and other exploitative labor practices. Workers can face severe abuse, dangerous working conditions, and very low pay.

Human Health Risks

Antibiotics & Chemicals: In some shrimp farms, especially in countries with lax regulations, the use of antibiotics, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals is common. These can end up in the shrimp we consume and contribute to antibiotic resistance in humans.

Contaminants: Wild-caught shrimp can contain pollutants and contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which can affect human health.

Animal Welfare

Like all animals, shrimp are sentient beings that can feel pain. Industrial farming and fishing practices subject them to stress, crowding, disease, and cruel harvesting methods.

Today, many plant-based and cell-based alternatives to shrimp are emerging in the market. These vegan shrimp options are not only cruelty-free but also come without the environmental baggage and health concerns associated with traditional shrimp.

Remember, the best way to make an informed choice is to stay educated. By understanding the broader implications of our food choices, we can better align our actions with our values and pave the way for a more compassionate and sustainable world.

What Is Vegan Shrimp Made Out Of?

But if they’re not made from shrimp, what are these plant-based shrimp alternatives made from? Well, there can be many options for making animal-free shrimp!

Common vegan shrimp ingredients include:

• Rice
• Potato
• Konjac (a root vegetable native to parts of Asia)
• Mushrooms
• Seaweed Extract

Best Vegan Shrimp Brands

We understand that it may be daunting to try and replicate the taste and texture of shrimp all on your own! If store-bought is more your thing, then we’ve got you covered! Every year, it seems there is a new product for vegan shrimp on the market. Don’t live close by to a store with many vegan seafood options? Luckily many of these can be ordered online!

Vegan Zeastar

Meet the new kid on the block! Plant-based shrimp products used to look like they were made in the 70s and packaged in some hippie’s garage. Until now. Vegan Zeaster came along to make vegan seafood cool. Modern. Trendy. The packaging is gorgeous and playful, enticing many more people to give this more sustainable and friendly option a try.

All Vegetarian Inc. Meatless Shrimp

This brand has been making vegan meat substitutes since 1994. Their plant-based shrimp can be ordered online from there website, several vegan online shops, and you can also find it in select stores. They also make popular vegan drumsticks, vegan bacon, vegan turkey roast, and even vegan tuna.

Their shrimp ingredients include: Water, Modified Starch, Sunflower Oil, Glucomannan, Pea Extract, Sea Salt, Seaweed Extract, and Brown Sugar. That’s it!

BeLeaf Plant-Based Shrimp

This healthy 7-ingredient shrimp looks just like the real thing. But it’s made from plants, including the konjac root! The ingredients are so simple it’s almost hard to believe: konjac powder, vegetable gum, vegetable root starch, paprika, brown sugar, sea salt, plant based vegan seasoning.

Plant Based Seafood Co. Mind Blown Shrimp

Another modern spin on plant-based shrimp comes from the Plant Based Seafood Co. Their Mind Blown shrimp comes in both “dusted shrimp” and “coconut shrimp.” The coconut shrimp has actual coconut shreds for an extra element of crispy texture.

Their shrimp comes ready to fry, bake, or even air fry. It makes a great addition to your stir fry, pasta, tacos, and salads.

The ingredients in their shrimp include: konjac powder, vegetable gum, vegetable root starch, paprika, brown sugar, sea salt, plant based vegan seasoning. Hey wait — isn’t that the same as the BeLeaf shrimp? Yup, identical. We noticed the same thing.

This comes with a coconut topping, however, which is made with: Water, Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend (Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Pea Fiber, Tapioca Starch, Xantham Gum), Unrefined Coconut Sugar, Grainless and Aluminum-Free Baking Powder

Sophie’s Kitchen Plant-Based Breaded Shrimp

Sophie’s Kitchen has been around for ages serving up vegan seafood products way before it was cool. Their branding and shrimp has gotten a facelift though, with a modernizing touch. Their soy-free, gluten-free, and non-gmo breaded shrimp is made with:

Water, rice flakes (from brown rice), canola oil, potato starch, konjac powder, pea starch, fenugreek, organic agave nectar, sea salt, alginate (from seaweed), paprika, white pepper, turmeric, calcium hydroxide.

Lily’s Vegan Pantry Vegetarian Shrimp Balls and Rolls

This unique brand offers vegan shrimp balls, shrimp rolls, shrimp dumplings, and more. If you live in New York City, Lily’s Vegan Pantry is worth checking out. But if you live elsewhere, they also ship nationally!

Loving Hut Fish-Free Shrimp

This product may be hard to find, but if you’re a fan of the Loving Hut restaurant chain, they did at one point sell their vegan shrimp!

New Wave Foods Soy-Free Veggie Shrimp

This innovative brand is developing a new wave of seafood — including shrimp! Soon to be available at restaurants!

Best Vegan Shrimp Recipes

Crispy Panko Shrimp Made With King Oyster Mushrooms

The lovely duo at Olives for Dinner has created what we think looks like the most delicious and most realistic shrimp—from king oyster mushrooms! It’s almost hard to believe these are made from plants. Serve this up with your favorite tartar or bang bang sauce and listen for the glorious “crunch” as you bite into these savory nuggets.

Coconut Shrimp

What’s tasty and crunchy and good all over? Why, this vegan coconut shrimp from health my lifestyle! Made from ingredients such as vital wheat gluten, tofu, miso, and coconut shreds, all you need is some time and an air fryer to form this vegan shrimp!

“Honey” Garlic Shrimp

The not-so-secret ingredient to this vegan shrimp recipe by Very Vegan Val? Shrimp of the woods mushrooms! Some caution is to be taken when identifying these funky fungi but once you’re in the clear, you’ll love the sweet and savory flavors of this dish. And don’t worry, this recipe uses vegan honey!

Oyster Mushroom Shrimp (& Po’Boy Sandwich)

This recipe for a vegan shrimp is made from marvelous mushrooms—king oyster mushrooms! They are magical, aren’t they? This shrimp also goes beautifully in this vegan Po’ Boy recipe that will make all of your other sandwiches jealous! This vegan shrimp recipe calls for breadcrumbs and seasonings to get it nice and crunchy. Just add some sauce, lettuce, and tomato onto a roll and you’ll be in vegan food heaven!

How to Serve Up Plant-Based Shrimp?

Plant-based shrimp can make a fun addition to your existing vegan meals as well as a snack or meal of it’s own. Here are a few ways you can dish it up!

• A vegan salad topping
• Add to pasta dishes (it’s delicious with this creamy fettuccini alfredo)
• In a sandwich (think beyond the classic vegan Po’ boy)
• Make vegetarian shrimp cocktail
• Breaded shrimp served with tartar sauce
• On a skewer with veggies like red bell peppers and zucchini
• Chop and mix into a vegan jambalaya

There truly are plenty of vegan fish in the sea and we hope this guide has inspired you to give vegetarian shrimp options a try! Feel free to let us know some of your favorite plant-based seafood recipes or brands in the comments below.

More Vegan Seafood Resources

• Vegan Seafood Guide
• Vegan DHA
• Seafood’s Dark Secret
• Vegan Tuna Fish Goes Mainstream
• What a Fish Knows

Photos by our vegan food blog contributors, shared with permission. Cover photo by Erin and Jeff Wysocarski.

The post Top 12 Vegan Shrimp Brands and Recipes appeared first on World of Vegan.

Raising little sprouts who thrive on a plant-based diet can be a leafy, nutrient-rich adventure with its unique set of challenges and opportunities for growth. In this guide to vegan parenting, we’ll provide you with the essential tips, wisdom, and abundant resources needed to cultivate your child’s kind nature and love for plants and animals.

Rooting the Basics: Understanding Plant-Based Living for Kids

For many people, raising children on a plant-based path means making choices that prioritize their health, the environment, and animal welfare. Explaining the essence of plant-powered living to your children is like planting seeds of compassion, health, and environmental consciousness. Water these seeds with age-appropriate explanations, nourishing children’s books with themes of kindness and compassion, and kid-friendly documentaries and videos that showcase the wonders of our green Earth.

Fertilizing with Balanced Nutrition

Plant-based diets can offer numerous health benefits for kids. They are rich in essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, which support healthy growth and development. Additionally, plant-based diets tend to be lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, reducing the risk of childhood obesity and related health issues.

By fostering a love for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains early on, plant-based diets can instill lifelong healthy eating habits in children.

As with all children, ensuring your little sapling gets all the necessary nutrients on a plant-based diet is crucial. Focus on a variety of plant-based foods, including:

• Protein: Beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and nuts.
• Calcium: Fortified plant-based milk, leafy greens like kale and broccoli.
• Vitamin B12: Fortified foods or supplements.
• Iron: Legumes, whole grains, and iron-fortified cereals.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
• Vitamin D: Sunshine and fortified foods.

Consult a healthcare professional or plant-based registered dietitian to see if your child needs any specific supplements, such as vitamin B12 or vitamin D. Regular check-ups help you monitor their growth and ensure they’re flourishing. Some parents choose to seek out a plant-based pediatrician or vegan doctor since they will likely have more knowledge about plant-based diets for kids.

Harvesting Healthy Kids Meals and Meal Planning

Cultivate well-balanced meals and snacks that cater to your child’s nutritional needs. Make it a delightful garden-to-plate experience by involving them in meal preparation. Create rainbow-inspired, plant-powered dishes to make dining a vibrant and joyous affair.

Cultivating Culinary Love with Kid-Friendly Recipes

Plant the seeds of culinary curiosity in your young ones by exploring plant-based recipes that tickle their taste buds. Dive into the world of veggie-loaded pasta, smoothie bowls, and homemade veggie burgers. Encourage them to be adventurous eaters and cultivate a palate that loves diversity.

Lunchbox Farming: Preparing Plant-Powered School Lunches

When tending to school lunches, pick ripe, plant-based options like hummus and veggie wraps, fruit orchards, trail mix forests, and dairy-free yogurt gardens. Inform the school about your child’s dietary preferences and any allergies, ensuring they get the right harvest during lunchtime.

Weathering Social Situations and Birthday Parties

Parenting in a plant-powered way may require you to navigate social situations as skillfully as a seasoned gardener. Educate friends, family, and school staff about your child’s dietary choices to prevent any weeds of misunderstanding from taking root. Keep a bountiful supply of plant-based snacks ready for social gatherings, ensuring your child blooms without feeling wilted.

Birthday parties can present a unique challenge for vegan kids, since cake is often central to the celebration. To tackle this issue, consider reaching out to the party host in advance, bringing your own vegan cupcake for your child, or giving your child a piece of the cake without making a big deal about it. There is no one right or wrong way to handle these challenging situations, and remember that perfection is not the goal, especially if it fosters resentment in your kids. Raising kind kids is the goal.

Many bakeries now offer vegan cake and cupcake options, ensuring your child doesn’t miss out on the sweet joys of celebration while staying true to their plant-powered values. This thoughtful approach not only fosters understanding but also helps your child feel included and celebrated in various social settings, even when the menu isn’t typically vegan.

Cultivating Patience and Support

Finally, be patient as your child’s plant-powered journey unfolds. They might encounter thorny challenges or curious critters (questions) from their peers. Be there to prune away the thorns and offer the sunlight of guidance and reassurance. Let them know that their choice to embrace this plant-powered path is a radiant one.

Empowering Autonomy

As your child grows, give them the pruning shears of responsibility when it comes to their food choices. Teach them to read labels and identify plant-powered options. This not only fosters self-sufficiency but also ensures they make informed choices even when you’re not around to tend to their plate.

Leading by Plant-Based Example

Children tend to mimic their parents. Be the sunflower that radiates positivity and inspires your child to embrace the plant-powered lifestyle. Share your journey, experiences, and the reasons behind your choice to cultivate this path.

Fostering Community and Connections

Join parenting communities or online gardens where you can connect with other families who share your love for plant-powered living. These communities offer valuable support, helpful advice, and a sense of belonging in the vast garden of parenting.

Celebrating Holidays and Special Occasions

Celebrate holidays with plant-powered fervor by crafting plant-based versions of traditional dishes. Show your child that festive meals can be both delicious and ethical, planting the seeds of values and culinary creativity.

Resources for Parents and Young Shoots

Explore a lush garden of educational resources and books that promote plant-powered living for kids. World of Vegan has a growing collection of resources for both kids and vegan parents.

• Vegan Kids & Parenting Resources
• Vegan Children’s Books
• Snack Ideas
• Vegan Kids Recipes
• Free Coloring Pages
• Vegan Art Supplies
• Gift Guide

Teaching the Roots of Food: Gardening Adventures with Your Child

Beyond the dinner plate, plant-based parenting offers a unique opportunity to connect your child with the very source of their food. Teaching kids where food comes from can be an enlightening and enriching experience. Here’s how you can cultivate this connection.

Exploring the Garden: One of the best ways to educate your child about the source of their food is by starting a family garden. Gardening not only provides hands-on learning but also allows your child to witness the miracle of seeds turning into vibrant, nutritious plants. Together, choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs to grow in your backyard or even in pots on a sunny windowsill.

Planting Seeds of Knowledge: Involve your child in every step of the gardening process. Let them sow seeds, water the plants, and watch them grow. Explain the role of sunlight, soil, and water in nurturing the plants. As they see the fruits of their labor, they’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the food they consume.

Harvesting and Preparing: When your homegrown produce is ready for harvest, involve your child in the picking process. This hands-on experience allows them to connect the dots between the garden and the kitchen. Together, create simple, delicious meals using the freshly harvested ingredients, turning the garden into a classroom for culinary exploration.

Learning About Seasons: Gardening also teaches kids about the seasons and the natural cycles of growth and harvest. They’ll learn that different crops thrive in different seasons, fostering an understanding of the local food system and the importance of eating with the seasons.

Respecting Nature: Gardening offers an excellent opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment in your child. Discuss the importance of organic and sustainable gardening practices, emphasizing the role of composting, conserving water, and reducing waste.

By engaging in gardening adventures and growing food together, you not only teach your child about the origins of their food but also impart valuable life skills and a sense of responsibility towards the planet. This connection to the earth can help shape their dietary choices and foster a deep appreciation for the plant-powered lifestyle from an early age.

Find Joy in Plant-Powered Parenting

Parenting on a plant-powered path is an enchanting journey that nurtures compassion, health, and sustainability. By following these tips and cultivating your knowledge of plant-based nutrition, you’ll provide your child with fertile ground to flourish on this green path.

Remember, just like a garden, plant-powered parenting is an ever-evolving landscape, and your support and guidance are the sunshine and rain that help your child bloom into a thriving, compassionate individual.

The post Vegan Parenting: A Comprehensive Guide to Raising Kind Kids appeared first on World of Vegan.

Constantly in awe of their beauty and efficiency, I watched every minute I could to understand the mysterious ocean world and these ancient fish. But as I sat by the television, I realized that sharks were, and are, in danger of extinction. And because of that, so are all beings on this planet.

Sharks aren’t defined by the shark attacks often shown during Shark Week these days. They’re so much more than something to fear. Sharks are apex predators, but they aren’t separate from us. Sharks are beings who feel, and they’re a part of the vital ocean ecosystem that keeps the planet healthy. And even though they’ve managed to be here for over 400 million years, humans have become their apex predator in the last several decades.

In 2020, a study found that 77% of large shark and ray species are threatened with extinction. Sharks are overfished, and one practice that threatens millions of years of shark existence is shark finning.

Shark Finning is Threatening The Very Existence of Sharks.

“If the ocean dies, we die.”

– Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

What is Shark Finning?

If this subject is new to you, let’s start with a shark finning definition. Shark fin is widely considered a delicacy in Asia and other parts of the world. Once served to royals, rising income levels have led to increased demand. Shark finning is the practice of cutting off a shark’s fins and throwing the animal back into the ocean while they’re still alive, where they suffocate, die of blood loss, or are eaten by other sea animals.

In order to “breathe,” sharks need to swim so water will flow through their gills and provide oxygen. But without fins, sharks sink to the bottom of the ocean, unable to swim, unable to escape predators, and unable to breathe.

Shark finning impacts sharks of every species—from hammerheads to great white sharks—a fin is a fin. Sadly many shark species are now listed as endangered or vulnerable, at risk of extinction.

Shark Finning Statistics

• Shark finning kills approximately one hundred million sharks per year.
• Some shark populations have decreased by 60-70% because of human shark fisheries.
• Out of 31 species of sharks and rays, three-quarters of them are now threatened with extinction.
• Even though over 100 species of sharks are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, less than half have global protection through trade restrictions.

How Many Sharks do Humans Kill a Year

Every year, humans are responsible for the loss of millions of sharks due to various activities, including shark finning, bycatch in fishing operations, and habitat destruction. The exact number of sharks killed annually can vary, but estimates suggest that around 100 million sharks are killed in our oceans each year.

The international shark finning industry is highly unregulated, and many countries don’t even have limits on how many sharks can be caught. They are suffering without many protections. And for what?

Why Do People Take Shark’s Fins?

While sharks are caught as bycatch for human fisheries, sharks are primarily killed for shark fin soup.

Regarded as a delicacy for hundreds of years, the high demand for shark fin soup hasn’t shown much slowing over the years, giving fisheries even more incentive to continue the practice of shark finning. And the commercial fishing technique used to catch sharks does not discriminate, often catching sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with any size, age, or species of shark.

How Much Do Shark Fins Cost?

A single shark fin can sell for hundreds—and even in some cases thousands—of dollars. A single bowl of shark fin soup can cost between $50 and $100.

We Need Sharks To Survive and Thrive

The cruelty of this practice can be compared to the human exploitation of animals in the U.S. and other countries. Much like dehorning dairy cows or clipping chick’s beaks and leaving them to suffer for production and consumption of food. Land animal agriculture has its own set of ecosystem and biodiversity impacts, and shark finning is no different.

As populations of sharks sharply decline, the population of shark’s prey increases. Why is this a problem? Because the ocean is a delicate ecosystem that needs balance. Sharks grow slowly and have low reproductive rates, making it difficult to replace the population taken for shark fins. When their prey starts to eliminate other species, the species diversity of the ocean declines, and vegetation is overconsumed.

We need apex predators, like sharks, to uphold the complex ocean ecosystem and maintain its rich diversity and life.

How Do We Protect Sharks from Shark Finning?

Sharks are feared by many because of their portrayal in movies and television, but on average, sharks kill less than ten humans per year. Meanwhile, humans kill over 100,000,000 sharks per year. That’s over 11,000 sharks per hour and two to three sharks per second.

The effort to protect sharks from shark finning and ultimately extinction has been years in the making but is largely disconnected. Every country with a coast is responsible for its fishing restrictions, and many countries have not banned the cruel practice.

In the U.S., only 12 states have banned shark finning. In 2000, the U.S. passed the Shark Finning Prohibition Act, which made it illegal to pass through U.S. waters with shark fins that did not have a corresponding shark body. Unfortunately, this act has a loophole, not requiring fisheries to bring sharks ashore with fins attached. The enforcement has been challenging, but it was just a Band-Aid to the more significant issue of killing sharks. In 2010, the government passed the Shark Conservation Act, making the practice illegal but ultimately driving up demand and moving it to international markets.

A comprehensive, nationwide ban on shark finning is still desperately needed if we’re to make sure the U.S. isn’t driving the demand for slaughtering sharks around the world. At the end of 2019, the House of Representatives passed the HR.737, The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2019. This bill would make it illegal for anyone to possess, buy, or sell any product containing shark fins.

How Can We End Shark Finning?

Ending shark finning is a complex challenge that requires a combination of legislative measures, international cooperation, public awareness, and sustainable alternatives. Here are some steps that can be taken to help end shark finning:

Legislation and Regulation:

• Implement and strengthen strict laws and regulations that ban the practice of shark finning, along with strong penalties for violations.
• Enforce the ban through effective monitoring, surveillance, and prosecution of illegal fishing activities.
• Close loopholes that allow for the transport and trade of shark fins through international waters and ports.

International Cooperation:

• Encourage international collaboration among countries to collectively combat shark finning and trade.
• Advocate for the inclusion of sharks in international conservation agreements and treaties, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs).

Transparency and Traceability:

• Promote transparency in the seafood supply chain by requiring accurate labeling of products to indicate whether shark fin is present.
• Implement traceability systems to track the origin of shark fins, helping to identify and prevent illegally sourced fins from entering the market.

Consumer Awareness:

• Raise public awareness about the negative impacts of shark finning on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the health of shark populations.
• Educate consumers about sustainable seafood choices and the consequences of consuming products derived from threatened or endangered species.

Alternative Livelihoods:

• Support communities that rely on shark fishing as a source of income by providing them with alternative livelihoods, such as ecotourism, sustainable fishing practices, or other marine-related activities.

Scientific Research:

• Conduct research on shark populations, their ecological roles, and the impacts of shark finning on marine ecosystems to strengthen the case for conservation efforts.

Incentives for Conservation:

• Establish incentives for responsible fishing practices that prioritize the conservation of shark populations and their habitats.
• Reward fishermen and businesses that adopt sustainable practices and avoid engaging in shark finning.

Collaboration with Businesses:

• Encourage businesses, restaurants, and retailers to commit to not serving or selling products containing shark fins, thus reducing the demand for shark fins in the market.

Advocacy and Lobbying:

• Support and participate in advocacy efforts led by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and conservation groups working to end shark finning.

Political Will:

• Encourage political leaders to prioritize the protection of sharks and marine biodiversity through policy initiatives and commitments.

Ending shark finning requires a multi-faceted approach that involves cooperation at local, national, and international levels. By combining these strategies, it’s possible to mitigate the negative impacts of shark finning and work towards the conservation of these important marine species.

Take Action to Protect Sharks from Shark Finning

While we eagerly wait for legislation to pass to protect sharks, there are ways to help protect these majestic animals right now.

• Pledge to say no to shark fin soup
• Spread awareness about shark finning by sharing this article
• Watch Stella the Shark’s story and share the video with your friends and family
• Leave seafood off your plate (visit our vegan seafood guide for support)

Awareness is critical to driving action for shark conservation and ending this cruel practice. Sharks need our help to survive, and we need their help to keep the oceans full of diversity and life. Together we can make a difference for sharks everywhere.

Shark Finning “Draw My Life” Video

Investigative footage and undercover videos are powerful tools for exposing cruel practices that are otherwise hidden far from civilization or behind closed doors. However, many people turn away from these videos, unable to watch because the content is too graphic.

In this new illustrated short film, we’re taking viewers under the ocean waves to shine an investigative flashlight on one of the most devastating practices happening today: shark finning. This “Draw My Life” video shows what shark finning is like without graphic footage.

This ‘Draw My Life’ video tells the story of an independent hammerhead shark named Stella who adventures through life in the ocean, until she swims under a shark finning vessel and things go tragically wrong.

Related Articles

• Seafood’s Dark Secret: Killing Turtles, Whales, and Other Marine Mammals
• Is Fish Healthy?
• What A Fish Knows: An Interview With Dr. Jonathan Balcombe
• Vegan Tuna Fish Goes Mainstream
• Guide to Vegan DHA

The post Shark Finning Kills 11,000 Sharks Per Hour and Threatens Our Oceans appeared first on World of Vegan.

Contrary to common belief, cows possess intelligence, social bonds, problem-solving skills, and intricate memories. Their emotional lives parallel those of our cherished pets. But behind the scenes, the truth about the dairy industry emerges.

Dismantling the Myth of “Magical Milk Machines”

From childhood, we’re indoctrinated with the notion that cows are miraculous milk generators deserving of our efforts. The advertising narrative paints a picture of “Happy Cows” frolicking in lush pastures, perpetuating this facade. But it’s time to delve deeper and uncover the real story behind milk—the cornerstone of dairy products.

Within the dairy realm, two narratives intertwine: the plight of the mothers and that of their offspring. Let’s begin with the mothers.

A Cycle of Exploitation—From Artificial Insemination to Slaughter

Female cows, like humans and other mammals, produce milk to nurture their young. However, the commercial dairy sector strips cows of this natural experience of pregnancy and motherhood.

Artificial insemination serves as a harsh introduction to the dairy industry’s cycle of exploitation. Unlike the natural way to get pregnant, female cows within commercial dairy farms are subjected to an intrusive process that blatantly violates their reproductive system. This practice involves the manual insertion of semen into the cows, sometimes referred to in the industry as the “rape rack.” Such a term not only underscores the grim reality but also highlights the utter disregard for the natural order.

This invasive procedure forces cows into a perpetual cycle of pregnancies, denying them the right to choose their mates or control their reproductive destinies.

As sentient beings capable of forming social bonds and experiencing emotional depth, cows endure this violation amidst an environment that prioritizes profit over their inherent rights. The stark juxtaposition between this practice and their natural instincts emphasizes the profound ethical concerns that underpin the entire dairy industry.

Mother-Calf Separation to Increase Milk Profits

Just like human mothers, a female cow has a nine-month gestation period. And after giving birth, calves typically nurse from their mothers for 6 months or longer.

But in the dairy industry, once her calf is born, she’ll experience a mere day or two of companionship—sometime less—before her calf is forcefully separated from her to prevent the loss of even a drop of valuable milk, which would cut into the profits of the dairy industry. This is the last time the mother will see her baby.

Like most moms, cows have powerful maternal instincts and are extremely distressed when their babies are taken away from them. Their anguished bellows can be heard for up to a mile away. Some cows are so distraught that they will even stop eating.

You have to ask—is a bite of cheese really worth severing the bond between a baby and his mother?

Not So Magical Milk Machines

Post-separation, the mother cows are subjected to mechanical milking—a stark contrast to the nostalgic image of a farmer hand-milking a cow.

As soon as her baby is taken away, the mother will be hooked up to a milking machine to take the milk that her body made for her calf. In natural circumstances, nursing cows produces just 12 to 15 pounds of milk each day and calves nurse all day long.

But in the majority of today’s dairy operations, a mother cow will produce a staggering 50 pounds of milk daily. The pressure of her painfully loaded udder will only be relieved by mechanical milking twice a day, which often leads to mastitis and other excruciatingly painful conditions.

Excessive Milking and Premature Slaughter

Dairy cows undergo mechanical milking two to three times daily, forced to produce an unnatural tenfold increase in milk volume. As time progresses, milk production wanes, initiating a vicious cycle of repeated artificial impregnation, bereavement, and mechanical milking.

This cycle persists yearly until these cows meet a grim fate—slaughtered as adolescents, their natural lifespan of 25 to 30 years cut short. Their bodies, devoid of milk-production utility, are often processed into meat products, most likely burgers.

The Fate of Motherless Calves

Shifting focus to the offspring, USDA statistics reveal that 97 percent of calves are separated from their mothers within the first 12 hours of birth.

Female calves, like their mothers, confront a bleak fate. Denied maternal nourishment, they are confined in solitary and often cramped pens, where they have no way to find comfort or nurse from their mother. Replacing mother’s milk with a formula, they endure this existence for 6-8 months, foregoing a natural upbringing characterized by play, bonding, and freedom.

Once fertile, the cycle of forced impregnation, grief, mechanical milking, and eventual slaughter begins anew.

Male Calves: Disposable Lives

Keep in mind that 50 percent of the babies born will be male, and a male calf has little financial value to the dairy industry because he’ll never produce milk. In most situations he’ll either be kept and raised for beef, slaughtered immediately for cheap veal, or sent to a torturous facility to become higher priced veal.

On a veal farm the baby calf will be confined in a small space in which he can barely move and fed an iron-poor diet until he becomes severely anemic. His muscles will atrophy, and at just a few months of age, he’ll be slaughtered. His tender, pale flesh will be sold as veal.

The veal industry is widely condemned for its cruelty, yet its roots intertwine deeply with the dairy sector. The undeniable link between these industries exposes the extent of their intertwined suffering.

What About Organic, Grass-Fed, Human, Local, & Family Farms?

You may be surprised to learn that these marketing buzzwords you might see on meat, dairy, and egg labels don’t guarantee better lives for the animals. The mechanics remain the same, including the unavoidable separation of baby from mother, painful surgical mutilations without anesthetic, factory-style milking, and premature slaughter.

These terms, designed to attract compassionate consumers, fail to dismantle the core mechanisms of exploitation.

Is Cow’s Milk Worth the Cost?

Considering the immense suffering, is the fleeting gustatory pleasure of cow’s milk truly worth it? The array of delicious, plant-based alternatives renders this question obsolete. Opting for both taste and compassion aligns with our evolving food landscape.

Today’s food system leaves a trail of devastation not only within our bodies but also within the lives of countless animals. It’s imperative to champion kindness and sustainability by embracing plant-based alternatives.

Choosing Compassion at the Grocery Store

Our grocery choices equate to votes for the world we desire. While personal, these choices transcend the individual, impacting the lives of others. Opting for animal-based dairy entails contributing to a continuum of suffering, regardless of slight variations between factory-farmed and family-farmed practices.

But today a beautiful bright world of plant-based dairy options exist, and most are also better for human health and the sustainability of our planet.

Awareness fuels change. Acknowledging one’s past contributions to cruelty ignites a journey toward more humane choices. Armed with knowledge, we navigate a path of greater compassion, for when we know better, we can genuinely do better.

Have You Ever Met a Cow?

Despite the fact that almost all of us grew up drinking milk, few of us have ever met a real live cow.

Farm sanctuaries around the world offer a heartwarming haven where individuals can intimately connect with cows and various other animals, unearthing a world starkly different from the industrialized farming landscape. These sanctuaries provide a unique opportunity to witness the intrinsic beauty of cows’ emotional lives as they forge relationships, display intelligence, and express their unique personalities.

By interacting with these animals in a compassionate setting, visitors gain a profound understanding of their individuality and the innate desire for care and companionship. Through guided interactions and educational programs, farm sanctuaries foster empathy and awareness, inspiring a new generation to embrace cruelty-free choices and advocate for the welfare of animals everywhere.

A Cow’s Life in the Dairy Industry (Illustrated Video)

The post The Dark Reality Behind Dairy and Cow’s Milk Production appeared first on World of Vegan.

How to Use This Coloring Page

Whether you’re a parent or just looking for a relaxing activity for yourself, we hope this coloring page provides some joy. You can use it for:

• at-home learning for kids
• a weekend or after-school activity
• home schooling
• sensory play
• adult mindfulness activity

Coloring Reduces Stress

You’ve probably heard about this new trend of adults coloring to reduce their stress and anxiety levels. It only makes sense that this is applicable to children also. But, how?

The prolonged action of coloring induces a state very similar to the one induced by meditation. It helps us quiet some of those thoughts that are always rushing through our minds. In other words, it helps us be in the here-and-now instead of thinking about the past or the future which is not an easy feat.

The amazing success of adult coloring books like “The Secret Garden” is only a reflection of how much we are craving to ground ourselves to the “now” and stop stressing about our to-do lists and all the “what ifs.” That’s why this printable coloring sheet is so valuable for our little ones—we have the opportunity to give them tools that they will forever value.

Teaching Kindness & Empathy Through Play

Kindness and empathy come naturally to small children but that doesn’t mean we don’t have to cultivate it. We certainly do!

Small kids are intuitively loving and caring toward animals but they also have trouble processing their (sometimes) intense emotions. Giving them the chance to slow down while appreciating the beauty of farmed animals and quieting down their busy little minds is a true gift.

Plus, it will give you a moment to sit back and relax while your kiddo is occupied. A parenting win-win!

This gorgeous coloring page was created by talented artist, Bailie Waters, and is the perfect “semi” quiet activity to do on a rainy day—or 30 minutes before going to sleep to help them manage that energy surge before bed. (Moms, I know you know which one I’m talking about!). Give it a try and let us know how it goes!

Eat More Plants Coloring Page

Protect Our Planet Coloring Page

Make Earth Day every day with this free printable coloring page that celebrates animals and all life on Planet Earth.

“You’re My Favorite Herbivore” Dinosaur Coloring Page

Celebrate the original herbivores with this dinosaur-themed coloring page. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or just for showing love to your favorite plant-eater!

Holiday Woodland Animals Coloring Page

Get in the winter holiday spirit with this cozy winter animal scene! This is a perfect DIY holiday card for Christmas, Hanukkah, and beyond.

More Free Vegan Coloring Pages

We love providing free resources for vegan parents and vegan kids, and will continue releasing new printable coloring pages over time! Here are the other that are currently available for download:

• Vegan Zentangle Coloring Page
• Fruit Coloring Page (With Hidden Objects)

If you have any ideas for vegan artwork or topics you’d like to see us cover in our future coloring pages, please leave your ideas in the comment box below!

Color Indoors or Outdoors

When the weather permits it, we can take the chance to enjoy this activity while being outdoors in our garden or balcony. Coloring outdoors can be even more relaxing as you accompany it with bird songs and fresh air breeze. Give it a try and take your little ones to your garden, balcony, window sill or a small lawn patch in front of your apartment building while filling in the page with those beautiful bright colors!

Vegan Coloring & Art Tools

Many colored pencils, markers, paint, and crayons are vegan by default (or “accidentally vegan”). But if you’d prefer to get your art tools from vegan-conscious brands, there are some pretty cool ones coming to life! And we have several guides to help you find the best options.

• Vegan Art Supplies Guide
• Are Crayons Vegan (and Best Vegan Brands)
• Are Markers Vegan? (and Best Vegan Marker Brands)
• Vegan Yarn (most yarn is not vegan, so here’s a great place to turn for yarn-based art projects and activities)
• DIY Salt Dough Ornaments (Easy Christmas Craft Activity)

Engage Your Kids in Mindful Conversation

Another great opportunity this beautiful coloring activity gives us is the chance to engage in a conversation with our kids about animals and what they mean to us. As they color the ridges we can start asking them simple questions like:

• “What’s your favorite animal?”
• “Do you think all animals should be able to be free outdoors?”
• “Do you know cow mamas love their babies just like I love you?”

This simple conversation starter is a great way to make what could be a very inwards activity, be a lovely exchange of opinions while also giving them an opportunity to reason with their own thoughts.

Working on being more mindful doesn’t have to be an isolated activity, it can easily be done collectively.

Don’t Miss Our Other Kids Activity Resources!

• Earth Day Coloring Page
• Kids Activity Book & Printable Maze
• Vegan Children’s Books Guide
• DIY Vegan Summer Camp for Kids
• Fun Pasta Fundraising
• My Toddler Won’t Eat Veggies—Help!

The post Printable Vegan Coloring Page—A Mindfulness Activity for Kids! appeared first on World of Vegan.