It’s only a matter of time before we reach the tipping point. The end of the calendar year is always a time to reflect on where we’ve been and ponder where we are going. In thinking of the past year in plants, various developments make me think the days are numbered until a compassionate and sustainable lifestyle with a whole foods, plant-based diet is the norm.
Here are three highlights from the past year among the diverse range of plant-based progressions:
Cowspiracy
Although I’ve seen it twice in packed theaters and own the DVD I’m no less shocked by the truths this documentary brings to light. For example, the production of one pound of beef requires 2,500 gallons of water. One gallon of milk requires 1,000 gallons of water. 55% of the water consumed in the United States is for animal agriculture. The list goes on and on.
The film’s premise is simple enough. A conscientious guy (Kip Andersen) wants to do his part in minimizing the daily strain we put on the environment. He rides his bike, takes short showers and using energy-efficient light bulbs. Upon researching climate change further, he discovers the main culprit is something we rarely hear about that goes largely ignored by the organizations that are advocating for our environment. We are passengers on his often humorous pursuit to discover why the animal agriculture industry has gotten a pass time and again when it comes to environmental awareness and how we can have an impact.
Cowspiracy is an important film that will challenge both the veteran vegan and the devoted carnivore. It is the plant-powered film of 2014.
Native Foods
If you live in a city that doesn’t have a Native Foods yet, odds are you won’t have to wait too long. And be thankful for that. I’m lucky to live in an area (Denver, CO) that currently has 4 locations. In the past year stores have opened in cities such as Washington, DC and Portland, OR with plans to open around 200 more in coming years. Their menu is a diverse collection of macro bowls with kale, quinoa and assorted veggies, sandwiches and wraps that will satisfy you and your pre-vegan friends. A number of entrees (meatball sandwich or Oklahoma cheeseburger) are ideal for your friends that are testing the waters with the plant-powered lifestyle. Any visit will likely end with desserts that will cater to your sweet tooth without weighing you down. In addition, Native Foods offers holiday menus and we ordered one of their Thanksgiving Wellingtons this past November. This puff pastry layered with seitan, sweet potatoes, cranberries and kale accompanied by a mushroom & shallot gravy is a divine focus of any cruelty-free holiday meal. Be sure to enroll in their loyalty program that offers great specials and insider perks.
Cory Booker
The Senator from New Jersey has put a new and exciting public face to the vegan lifestyle. Whether treating his staff to lunch from Native Foods or shopping at MooShoes, his efforts at living his truth have been a social media hit on Twitter and Instagram. There is no denying the potential benefits of each public figure that adopts this lifestyle for any variety of reasons. Each of us begins recruiting our own tribe of pre-vegans when we feel and see the various benefits of this life-affirming way to thrive. With more enlightened and influential people like Mr. Booker we will reach that tipping point sooner than later.
What vegan events from 2014 stood out for you?
Cheers to a compassionate and plant-powered 2015!
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