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The Goode Life UK

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Prism 

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Honestly Tasty

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TofuTogether 

Boots own-brand cosmetics, personal care and household products are now Leaping Bunny approved. Cruelty Free International exclaim that this is the biggest range of Leaping Bunny approved products on the high street - including over 500 beauty, skincare, personal care and grooming products. Reports in June 2023 highlighted that Boots’ strong sales performance were driven by their own-brand product range - with their ‘Everyday’ essentials own-brand range seeing a 40% volume growth.&nbsp; Could this announcement be the catalyst for a wider adoption of Leaping Bunny approved products?&nbsp; Perhaps we are moving towards a time where Leaping Bunny approved products (or at least a proper cruelty-free certification) will be the norm, rather than the exception.&nbsp; Could having a high-quality cruelty-free certification become essential to compete, instead of being a USP? For more cruelty-free beauty content, check out our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/category/fashion-and-beauty" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">fashion &amp; beauty </a>section.

Boots storefront in a shopping centre with some people walking past it

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Boots is now Leaping Bunny approved

Art supplies have traditionally incorporated animal products for centuries. Combining oil paints with egg yolk has been found in the works of old master artists Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci during the Renaissance period when only a few art materials were used.&nbsp; Although more artists are searching for vegan-friendly materials, many go-to paints, inks, papers, and coloured pencils can still contain animal by-products, despite being labelled cruelty-free.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://instagram.com/winsorandnewton?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Winsor and Newton</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/dalerrowney1783?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Daler-Rowney</a>, and Daniel Smith are cruelty-free brands within the artist community, most of their ranges being labelled as vegan for easy shopping - just check which shades contain animal derivatives as the common non-vegan shades are black, dark blues, greys, and some warm-toned shades such as Raw Sienna and Raw Umber.&nbsp; Most of the top-quality Winsor and Newton Artists’ Oil range offers an array of vegan-friendly paints except for the shades Blue Black and Ivory Black. But watch out as none of their Artists’ quality Watercolour range is vegan as they contain ox gall, so opt for their other watercolour range - Cotman - where most of this range is listed as being vegan-friendly, apart from the shades Ivory Black, Raw Umber and Viridiun. If you are an avid watercolourist, <a href="https://instagram.com/dalerrowney1783?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Daniel Smith</a>, and <a href="https://instagram.com/qorwatercolors?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">QoR watercolours</a> are vegan-friendly, as they use synthetic binders.&nbsp;<h2>What animal byproducts are used within art mediums?</h2>Intense pigments can contain charred bones (PBk9) found in blacks, greys, and dark blues. Carmine, a red pigment, is derived from crushed cochineal beetles, which gives a vibrant colour and is used within dyes.&nbsp; Beeswax and animal fats can be used in crayons and pencils. Gelatine and ox gall are binding agents within paper, glue, ink, and watercolour paints. Shellac can be used within varnishes or Indian ink. Also, many animal hair fibres, such as sable, hog, mink, and rabbit, are used for paint brushes. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1711560461/Image_1_91_pic_2_61215f0599.png" alt="Woman in long-sleeved blouse painting">Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels<h2> </h2><h2>Which artist brands are fully vegan?</h2>The UK vegan-run brand <a href="https://instagram.com/culturehustle?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Culture Hustle</a>, created by the artist <a href="https://instagram.com/stuartsemple?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Stuart Semple</a>, produce vibrant powders to mix with water, acrylic medium or linseed oil and different types of acrylic paints. Their products are very opaque, lightfast, and archival; some are even scented. They also offer innovative newly released inks. Stuart famously created the ‘World’s pinkest pink’ and, after seven years in the making, curated the ‘blackest black’ paint known in the universe.&nbsp; Stuart Semple is obsessed with sharing unique art materials that elevate your work that has never been seen before by the human eye.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Copic</h2>A fully-vegan Japanese brand, <a href="https://instagram.com/copic_official?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Copic</a> produce every shade imaginable in fast-drying, transparent alcohol ink marker pens, that are well known for their excellent blending and building capabilities, vibrant colours and smooth finish - never compromising the fibres of the paper. The pens are refillable and come with replaceable nibs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Polina Bright</h2>A talented professional Australian watercolourist, <a href="https://instagram.com/polina.bright?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Polina Bright</a>, offers a cruelty-free alternative to natural hair watercolour brushes; they are well-balanced, comfortable to hold, and produce consistent results.&nbsp; These brushes are highly absorbent and can hold water just as well, if not better, than hair watercolour brushes. They allow for bold washes and enhanced control for precise fine details and come in various sizes to suit your needs.&nbsp;<h2>Vegan canvas and art papers</h2>To reduce the absorbency and porosity of hot or cold pressed stretched and prepared papers, canvases and art papers are traditionally treated with a gelatine size, extracted from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals; but now several papers are treated with synthetic size instead.&nbsp; In 1965, the German brand <a href="https://instagram.com/hahnemuehle_global?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Hahnemühle</a> became the first paper manufacturer to produce paper exclusively for vegan artists. They use rags (cotton fibres) or pulp for all their paper mediums.&nbsp;<h2>Sustainable canvas and frames</h2>Reusing and recycling unwanted plywood is the perfect material to cut down to size and use as a canvas board for oil and acrylic painters using the smooth side to paint upon.&nbsp; To prep a plywood board, firstly,&nbsp;use a paint wash and allow it to dry.&nbsp;Then, build upon the plywood with your paints.&nbsp;Oil and acrylic paints adhere well to wood, providing bright, saturated colours with a durable finish. Alternatively, thick white linens and cotton material can be stretched and nailed over a simple wooden frame creating the perfect canvas to paint on. Make your own frames with unwanted wood or find frames in charity or second-hand shops to upcycle at home.&nbsp;<h2>What to check for</h2>Investing in high-quality art supplies helps you create your best long-lasting pieces full of life and saves you money in the long term.&nbsp; More companies are making a change, developing eco-friendly and cruelty-free strategies to ensure their products are saleable to a broader market. The <a href="https://instagram.com/vegantrademark?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Vegan Trademark</a> (sunflower logo) certifies products are vegan, and the <a href="https://instagram.com/leapingbunnyprogram?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Leaping Bunny</a> logo certifies a product is cruelty-free. If you express yourself creatively through art mediums and crafts but are conscious about what may be hidden within art materials, you can contact a company directly to certify a paint, pastel pallet or paper is vegan-friendly. If you’re a creative, discover how your <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-your-creative-career-choices-contribute-to-vegan-activism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">career choices can contribute to vegan activism</a>, and follow these vegan activist Insta <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/art-as-activism-vegan-artists-to-follow-on-instagram" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">artists</a>!

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Dear Creatives, what’s in your art supplies? Ensure it stays vegan

Nicki Minaj has launched her own line of vegan sneakers - a collection in collaboration with urban luxury vegan sneaker and apparel brand, LØCI, called “NICKI MINAJ x LØCI.” The collection features 11 unique styles of unisex bio leather shoes. Each pair of NICKI MINAJ x LØCI kicks rocks a regal stamp on the tongue, paying homage to her reign as the Queen of Rap, and the British roots of LØCI. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1713094364/IMG_4255_1fc90fef1f.png" alt="Nicki Minaj x LØCI pair of vegan sneakers"> Emmanuel Eribo, LØCI Co-Founder &amp; CEO, wrote, “The 🛏️🪨 of any 🤝🏾 is that it’s 💯 real 💗… The 💭 of Nicki X LØCI took my 😚💨 away. But the reality 🤯🤯🤯.”&nbsp; 45 mins prior to launch on April 12th there were over 10,000 people waiting in the online queue to purchase a pair!&nbsp;According to Forbes, “[There was] a seismic 3,500% surge in website traffic for LØCI, leading to an immediate crash.”

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Nicki Minaj launches vegan sneaker collection with LØCI

If you’re a vegan-owned food brand ready to get into retailers and would jump at the chance to win a free place (worth £2,450 plus VAT) at <a href="https://veg-net.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">veg-net</a>, a day-long event where plant-based brands get 10 pre-arranged meetings with key retail buyers and experts to pitch your product, this is your opportunity. “Although veg-net is open to all plant-based brands, Vegan Business Tribe have one free place to award specifically to a food brand founded by vegans and run on vegan ethics as part of our partnership with the event. Your entry will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including Andy Shovel, founder of THIS; Joe Hill, founder of One Planet Pizza; and David Pannell, founder of Vegan Business Tribe,” says <a href="https://veganbusinesstribe.com/battle-of-the-brands/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">the competition’s web page</a>.&nbsp; Getting into your first retailer as a vegan food brand can be tricky. If you win the competition you’ll get to pitch to key retail buyers in the UK and Europe, which could supercharge your brand’s progress. The application deadline is 21st April, so don’t hang around!

“Battle of the Vegan Brands” promotional graphic with Andy Shovel of THIS, Joe Hill of One Planet Pizza and David Pannell of Vegan Business Tribe featured

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“Battle of the Vegan Brands” competition announced

Twentieth Century Fox/Everett/Rex Features

From Flipper to Free Willy, Beethoven to Babe, generations have grown up watching animal characters on screen. But behind the scenes, there is a darker reality that many viewers are unaware of: the exploitation and abuse of animals in the entertainment industry. According to the <a href="https://www.nhes.org/animals-in-film-and-televison/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">National Humane Education Society</a>, animals in film and television are often subjected to injury, death, stress, neglect, and deprivation of their natural needs and behaviours. They are obtained from various sources, such as wildlife traders, zoos, circuses, or breeders, and are trained using harsh methods such as electric shocks, whips, or food deprivation.&nbsp; Animals are forced to perform unnatural or <a href="https://www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/tv-and-film" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">dangerous acts</a>, such as jumping through fire, fighting with other animals, or being exposed to loud noises or explosions. They are confined in small cages or trailers, transported long distances, exposed to different climates and environments, and often discarded or killed when they are no longer useful or profitable. Animals are not props or commodities. They are sentient beings who deserve respect and compassion. They are not here for our entertainment. <h2>‘No Animals Were Harmed’ </h2>American Humane is an organisation with the authority to monitor the use of animals in American-produced film and television productions. However, their oversight is limited. They do not have the power to stop or prevent animal cruelty, but only to report it. They do not monitor all productions, but only those that request their presence and pay for their services, and do not access all scenes involving animals, only those filmed in the United States. In the past, it has been reported that their ‘<a href="https://sentientmedia.org/animals-in-entertainment/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">No Animals Were Harmed</a>’ label was used even when animals have <a href="https://aldf.org/article/animals-in-film-capitalizing-on-suffering/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">suffered</a>. A tiger used in Life of Pi almost drowned on set but still received a ‘No Animals Were Harmed’ award from American Humane. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1711556945/Image_1_90_pic_2_4f35823f0a.png" alt="Videographer holding a camera in a dark room">Kyle Loftus/Pexels <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Off-screen harm</h2>The use of animals in film and television also has negative impacts on animals off-screen. It can create false or misleading impressions of animals’ personalities, intelligence, emotions, and needs. It can encourage people to buy or adopt certain breeds or species of animals without considering their suitability. It can increase the demand for exotic or endangered animals as pets or trophies and contributes to the decline of wild animal populations and habitats. The 1996 live-action adaptation of 101 Dalmatians revolves around Cruella’s obsession with making a coat out of the fur of Dalmatian puppies.&nbsp;The film used real dogs for some scenes and caused a <a href="https://soapboxie.com/social-issues/The-Dalmatian-Syndrome-Part-2#:~:text=Within%20a%20year%20of%20the%20movie%27s%20release%2C%20these,Bay%2C%20Florida%2C%20had%20an%20alarming%20surge%20of%20762%25." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">surge</a> in demand for Dalmatian puppies as pets, which led to many of them being abandoned or mistreated by irresponsible owners. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">TV</h2>Sometimes watching TV feels like we’re living in a dystopian nightmare, as modern shows continue to abuse animals for entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since the show aired in 2002, I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!&nbsp;has received thousands of viewer complaints and heavy campaigning from animal charities and wildlife experts, including Chris Packham, for animal cruelty and mindless exploitation. Although, after much public outcry, it stopped the celebs from eating live creatures, it continues to feature and harm them.&nbsp;19,000 people supported the RSPCA’s Unhappy Campers: I'm a Celeb <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/imaceleb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">campaign</a> in November 2022, and the fight continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The RSPCA reiterates, “Since <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/imaceleb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">I'm a Celebrity</a> was first aired, animals have been dropped, thrown, handled roughly, crushed, chased, overcrowded, scared by contestants and prevented from escaping stressful experiences.”&nbsp;&nbsp; The RSPCA reiterates, “Since <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/imaceleb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">I'm a Celebrity</a> was first aired, animals have been dropped, thrown, handled roughly, crushed, chased, overcrowded, scared by contestants and prevented from escaping stressful experiences.” <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1711557667/Image_2_24_pic_3_ea7c43b326.png" alt="2023 I’m a Celebrity. . . Get Me Out of Here! Contestants">ITV <h2 class="ql-align-justify">CGI</h2>CGI and special effects have advanced significantly where photorealistic animals are created, proving there is no need to use animals for entertainment. CGI is not new and entered Hollywood in the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/how-cgi-has-taken-animals-out" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">1970s</a>, being used in productions such as Westworld and the early Star Wars films.&nbsp; Exotic animals have traditionally been exploited in cinema, whereby in the 1980s, there were around <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/how-cgi-has-taken-animals-out" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">ten exotic animal</a> companies in the Los Angeles area where studios procured animals for film. Now, due to the increase in CGI, there are two, and hopefully, this will become zero as more productions use technology to render animal characters.&nbsp; <a href="https://nofilmschool.com/cocaine-bear-cgi-bear-breakdown" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Cocaine Bear</a> used CGI bears, which not only stops the exploitation of bears but also allows more artistic autonomy when directing these characters. <a href="https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/his-dark-materials-armoured-bears-behind-the-scenes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">His Dark Materials</a> used CGI and puppetry to bring magnitude and choreography to their bear character.&nbsp; In a 2020 interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv8l8gHG6qQ&amp;t=150s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Still Watching Netflix</a>, Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page admitted that “a bunch of the horses in the series are fake.” The actors sat in carriages in a studio using greenscreens in the background, again, proving there is no need to use real animals. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1711558259/Image_3_4_pic_4_4a92389c80.png" alt="Cocaine Bear promotional film poster graphic"> <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Animals on social media</h2>Between 2020 and 2021, The <a href="https://www.smaccoalition.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);">Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition</a> (SMACC) documented 5480 individual links to videos containing animal cruelty content on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately, social media plays a part in the complicit exploitation of animals. If you engage with animal content, such as a video of a pet playing, the platform’s algorithms will likely feed you more animal content, which could result in animal cruelty videos disguised as animal rescue. There has been a growing trend of fake animal rescue content, including wild and exotic animals, whereby creatures are put into dangerous situations so that a rescue attempt can be captured.&nbsp; Additionally, content whereby animals are made to perform or are in captivity is common viewing, and due to the sprawling nature of social media, it is difficult to monitor and control.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; World Animal Protection urges users to help curb online cruelty with their <a href="https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/blogs/online-animal-cruelty" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);">five steps</a>, including reporting any concerns to <a href="https://www.smaccoalition.com/report-a-concern" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);">SMACC</a>, and not watching or sharing content.&nbsp; As consumers of entertainment media, we must be aware of the ethical issues involved in using animals for our amusement and question the sources and methods of obtaining and ‘training’ animals. At the very least, we can boycott productions that exploit or harm animals by not watching. Take to social media to voice our concerns and write complaints. We can support productions that use animatronics, CGI, or documentary footage of animals in their natural habitats.&nbsp; For vegan-approved entertainment, we recommend these <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/5-captivating-vegan-podcasts-worth-tuning-into" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">vegan podcasts</a> and binge-worthy, cruelty-free <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/too-good-to-miss-vegan-shows-to-binge-watch" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">vegan shows</a>!

Scene from Life of Pi where the protagonist is in a boat in the ocean with a Bengal tiger

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Are film, TV, and social media complicit in animal cruelty?

Heather Mills was recently painted for Portrait Artist of the Year. She says she can’t wait for the programme to air, and that it was an incredible experience and an honour!&nbsp; It’s quite a feat to be asked onto a programme which has featured the likes of Sir Lenny Henry and Sir Trevor McDonald. Just in case you aren’t aware, Heather is Owner of VBites Group - the pioneers of plant-based foods, among other things.&nbsp; Will you be watching the episode when it airs? (We certainly will.)

Heather Mills sitting on a chair being painted for Portrait Artist of the Year

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Heather Mills painted for Portrait Artist of the Year

Aardman Animations Limited 2024/Veg Power

The team at Veg Power, who are behind the “Eat Them to Defeat Them” campaign, have partnered with Aardman to get kids excited about eating more veg. Shaun the Sheep inspired materials have been created to elevate the Holiday Activities and&nbsp;Food (HAF) Programme, which is a holiday programme for children eligible for free school meals, attended by 730,000 kids.&nbsp; The resources are available to be used by HAF providers and there are take-home materials for the kids.&nbsp; “80% of our children are not eating enough vegetables, with a third eating less than one portion a day,” says Veg Power. Who could be better to encourage kids to eat more veg than the beloved Shaun the Sheep?

Shaun the Sheep ‘Eat The Rainbow’ campaign encouraging kids to eat more veg in partnership with Veg Power

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Shaun the Sheep encourages kids to eat their veg

johnandersonphoto/Getty Images via Canva Pro

As Dr. Michael Greger, Founder of NutritionFacts.org, points out: Veganism only states what you exclude from your diet, not what you include. So, eating a vegan diet does not inherently equate to eating an optimal diet for human health.&nbsp; The most respected proponents of a plant-based way of eating tend to champion a predominantly whole food, plant-based diet, rather than a vegan diet. A vegan diet is not a panacea. The quality of the diet determines its effect.&nbsp; <h2>What makes a vegan diet healthy or unhealthy?&nbsp;</h2>Plant-based index (PDI) is often used to measure this; there’s a healthy PDI and unhealthy PDI. According to Plant-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice: a healthy PDI emphasises ‘healthy plant foods’ such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, tea and coffee, and vegetable oils. It’s associated with a significant reduction in several diseases including major killers such as cancer and heart disease, as well as all-cause mortality.&nbsp; Those who follow a healthy PDI may find it easier to lose or maintain weight due to a high intake of low energy-density, high nutrient-density foods. Obesity increases the risk of morbidity and mortality, and as reducing weight by 5-10% in obese individuals confers a clinically meaningful reduction, this is no small thing. An unhealthy PDI emphasises ‘unhealthy plant foods’ such as fruit juice, refined grains, sweets and desserts, and sugar-sweetened beverages and limits ‘healthy plant foods.’ This way of eating is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and several diseases.&nbsp; An unhealthy plant-based diet isn’t generally considered to be much better than the ‘standard Western diet.’ <h2>Are there other diets which are as good as a healthy PDI?</h2>Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) are consistently shown to be good ways to eat for individual health; perhaps as good, or better than, a healthy plant-based diet, depending on what is being measured. A Mediterranean or DASH diet is almost certainly better for individual health than eating an unhealthy plant-based diet.&nbsp; <h2>Is plant-centric sufficient for optimal individual health?</h2>What do a vegan, Mediterranean, and DASH approach have in common? They are all plant-centric; sometimes all three approaches are defined as a plant-based diet. One unequivocal point is eating lots of plants is good for health. They’re higher in antioxidants on average than animal foods (which is important as chronic inflammation is implicated in diseases). Also, only plants contain fibre, which is essential for optimal health; it’s not feasible to get the 30g fibre RDA without plants.&nbsp; As Dr. Greger often states when discussing whether something is healthy: “Compared to what?” If you enjoyed this, check out our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/category/health-and-wellbeing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">health &amp; wellbeing</a> section for more content like this.

Close-up of vibrant blueberries and apples

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Is a vegan diet inherently and uniquely healthy?

I have been a vegan for over fourteen years, so I have been to countless vegan restaurants in that time, and I can honestly say that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahalosthlm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(78, 167, 46); background-color: transparent;">Maholo</a>, in Stockholm, is one of my favourites. It stands out in so many ways.&nbsp; Established in 2015, Maholo warmly proclaims, “All our food is made with a lot of love for the environment, the animals, and for our wonderful guests.” And I’d add, it’s a wonder of plant-based eating.&nbsp;<h2> </h2><h2>Great menu with a great vibe&nbsp;</h2>My favourite thing about the menu is its repertoire of colour and imagination. Everything looks so impressive and photogenic. I must have taken at least ten photos of every dish I ate.&nbsp; There’s an impressive variety of food and drink choices which are fresh, healthy, and exciting. From breakfast to desserts, there's something to suit your fancy. The inclusion of creative smoothie bowls shows the commitment to healthy eating at any time of the day.&nbsp;&nbsp; The restaurant has two sites in Stockholm, on opposite ends of the city, so that doubles the output of mouth-watering food! The atmosphere and the staff at Mahalo are welcoming and accommodating. My girlfriend and I loved every minute spent there; we visited three times over the getaway. Here’s everything we ate: <h2>Dreamy dinners&nbsp;</h2>On our first visit, we ordered ‘Peas &amp; Love,' a falafel dish with a cabbage salad and a tasty vegan Greek-style cheese. We split that with a juicy java bean burger, the ‘Burger Queen,’ with sweet potato fries and a chipotle mayo.&nbsp; We loved these fries so much that on our second visit we ordered the loaded version, which came with black beans, cashew parmesan and red onion; we had this with a ‘Hooked on a T**na Sandwich,’ a tasty, lemony, curried tuna alternative on toast - one of the best fish replacements I’ve tried. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1710071974/Image_1_18_b4eb04c9ce.png" alt="Loaded sweet potato fries and vegan tuna on toast with avocado and salad from Maholo, Stockholm.">Sean Barrs <h2>Delicious desserts</h2>The desserts did not let us down either. On our first visit, we had banana bread served with blueberry and blackberry compote and sweet cream.&nbsp; We tried the raw blueberry cheesecake the second time, and it rounded the meal off perfectly. The base was made of dates, which made it feel healthy (for a dessert!), yet it was still sweet enough to feel like a treat.&nbsp; <h2>Bountiful breakfast</h2>We returned the next morning for breakfast and ordered a mango smoothie bowl decorated with granola and more fresh fruit, a stack of pancakes with cream and raspberry sauce, and a croissant filled with cream and covered in strawberry sauce. Breakfast was all so delicious and paired perfectly with strong black coffee. Yes, it was as good as it sounds, and the photos don’t do it justice. We ate loads but felt good afterwards.&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1710072070/Image_2_6_9b97a46438.png" alt="Plate of vegan pancakes with fruit, cream, and raspberry sauce next to a smoothie bowl with granola and fresh fruit from Mahalo, Stockholm.">Sean Barrs <h2>Final thoughts&nbsp;</h2>I wanted to try everything Mahalo had to offer (as it’s my dream restaurant). Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to try one (or two!) of everything, but we did get to try a large portion of the menu. Everything we tried was fantastic, and I highly recommend this restaurant if you’re visiting Stockholm.&nbsp; If you want to find out more about Mahalo, you can do so by visiting <a href="https://mahalosthlm.se/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(78, 167, 46); background-color: transparent;">their website</a>. Stockholm was a great place to visit as a vegan, and if you’re looking for more vegan-friendly destinations here are some recommendations in <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/discovering-the-secrets-of-lisbon-as-a-vegan-tourist" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(78, 167, 46); background-color: transparent;">Lisbon</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/zurich-unveiled-an-unforgettable-72-hour-vegan-adventure" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(78, 167, 46); background-color: transparent;">Zurich</a>.

 ‘Burger Queen’ (vegan burger, sweet potato fries and dip) from Maholo, Stockholm.

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Mahalo: Stockholm’s scrumptious vegan paradise

Vegan activism takes many forms from campaigns, marches, outreach, and public speaking, to making plant-based food for your non-vegan friends. To be vegan is to be active in striving for a world that does not exploit animals, and instead, acknowledges them as sentient beings, capable of thoughts, feelings, and emotions, just like us.&nbsp; Creative writing is a powerful tool that can shine a light on worldly issues. Vegan poetry can give a voice to the animals who cannot defend themselves and inspire others to do so. Highlighting this conscious disconnect from non-human animals, as well as providing hope for the future, vegan poetry is a powerful form of activism. We had the chance to interview some vegan poets and discuss the importance of activism through poetry. <h2>J. H. Dickinson</h2>J. H. Dickinson is an author, researcher, therapist, artist, and creative writing facilitator from Northumberland. Dickinson is an advocate for human and non-human animals as well as the planet. Her poetry explores ideas of post-humanist thinking to spark conversation about socially challenging subjects.&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1710071264/Image_1_17_06f2030852.png" alt="J. H. Dickinson (vegan poet) in a room inside"> Dickinson’s collection of poems “I, Animal: Examining the Animal-Human Divide” explores different themes, including hunting, reimagining, and hoping to expose and evolve from the current societal views on non-human animals. Dickinson’s poetry collection is a powerful piece of vegan activism, revealing the truth to the non-vegan about what these animals go through, and reinspiring the already-vegan.&nbsp; Julie was inspired to start writing vegan poetry in 2017 in response to the despair she felt after campaigning against the 2017/18 Taiji dolphin drive hunt, spending every night on social media to draw attention to the seasonal drives. She also campaigned to support Sea Shepherd. Julie found herself periodically scribbling away, in desperation to vent. The “Blue Cove” poem in the book was born from this process and experience.&nbsp; Julie explains how poetry is fit for purpose in tackling emotive and emotional ideas - connecting intimately with the reader and is a powerful medium for persuading and engaging.&nbsp; After seeing footage of a calf trying to get back through a fence to a group of heifers, Julie decided vegetarianism was no longer enough and went vegan. Other images of calves in a state of neglect, what Dickinson coined as the “sobering reality I could no longer avoid,” made her ditch dairy. As for activists, Dickinson was influenced by Jo-Anne McArthur (and her beautiful yet haunting photography), Melanie Joy, Priya Sawhney, Joaquin Phoenix, and going back to Tolstoy.&nbsp; Julie’s favourite poem in the collection is “From an old tin roof,” about a pigeon who lands on the poet’s roof with “Grey and white feathers, dehydrated, done.”&nbsp;&nbsp; “That little pigeon,” Julie says, “was as important to me as any living thing. . . because we all live and die. . . and there is something precious and vital about that.”&nbsp; We took a closer look at one of the poems in the collection: “Earthly Child.” I breathe deep green thoughts and move&nbsp;at a pace uncontrolled.I refuse to strip bare my home.To kill the creatures that walk, fly,swim and slither. My usual human self fallsaway, broken, changedby evident lack of capitalist consumption.&nbsp; I drift in silken rivulets of&nbsp;light,fractingthroughwater, surface,and deep bodied blue. I am earth and gravel and gritand bone of ancestor.I am history and pulseof memory,&nbsp;both humanand animal sentient.&nbsp; I connect and feel rooted,gnarly, and heavywith plant material.I sense, I infuseand touch lifewith a deeper resonance. Earthly infantile,&nbsp;they call me ‘child,’human sentimentalist,&nbsp;insane vegan. But I am falling,&nbsp;dreaming.&nbsp;Humming throng ofvibration.&nbsp; To my original heart-casaI return.I will guard, protect,&nbsp;sing a song of truthof sentient inhabitantsand earthly home.&nbsp; “Earthly Child” is one of the oldest in the collection. Julie wrote it during a walk near Hadrian’s Wall. “Earthly Child,” Julie explains, is about “being symbiotic with the planet, connected, compassionate, with child-like curiosity, senses afire and attuned to everything, becoming free and whole.” <h2>P. G. Holroyd&nbsp;</h2>P. G. Holroyd writes punchy, unapologetic, and to-the-point poetry. He states, “There is no excuse for animal abuse in this day and age.”&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1710071327/Image_2_5_ae423af6fb.png" alt="P. G. Holroyd (vegan poet) outside by the coast on a sunny day"> Holroyd started writing poetry in 2021 after protesting at Camp Beagle as puppies were being bred solely for experimentation. Holroyd’s poetry takes an active stance in exposing humanity for its awful treatment of animals. No animal is left out in Holroyd’s collection, as he tackles speciesism with a provocative voice “to make non-vegans think about their food and the way animals are treated.” With over 100 vegan/animal rights poems as well as 150 poems on other subjects, Holroyd is constantly writing, explaining, “More poems are still flooding my brain.” Holroyd shares how his written words read with conviction and have influenced other vegans to start writing their poetry; he has read his poetry at many events, including N.A.R.D in Bournemouth in 2022.&nbsp; Holroyd was not inspired by any activists to go vegan, and did his research after giving up most meat in 1985, stating how “4 years ago, something just clicked.” He states he was angry at himself for not realising the horrors of the meat, dairy, and egg industry sooner, and ponders that maybe some of that anger and passion fuels the poems he writes.&nbsp; Holroyd tries to make his poems almost songlike, with flow to them, “The V-Word” and “Humane Slaughter” are a couple of his favourites to read out loud.&nbsp; V-Land took a closer look at one of the poems, “Poultry Poetry,” in his collection GreenBeard's Vegan Verse: A Collection of 35 vegan and animal rights poems. Just a few weeks old and you have them for dinnerDoes that make you feel proud, do you feel like a winner?These helpless babies have just been bornAnd in just a few weeks their bodies are wornFattened so quickly they outgrow their legsUnable to stand, bred for meat, not for eggsThen turned into burgers and nuggets and thingsAnd you gorge on their bodies, their legs and their wings Chickens and turkeys and ducks and geeseYou suck on their bones, all covered in greaseTheir feed funnelled in as if fuelling a truckYou eat the same way ‘cause you don’t give a fuckTheir overstuffed bodies make them look fully grownTheir lives just begun, and to slaughter they’re thrownYou call it a feast and give thanks for your mealBut those lives weren’t given, the true word is a steal You say it’s up to you, what you eat is your choiceBut what would they choose if they had a voice?They’re sentient beings, they can feel, they can thinkAnd we reduce them to scraps to be washed down the sinkYou see them as something, not the someone they areSome inanimate object, like a bike or a carIf we could see through their eyes, do you know what we’d find?Monsters do exist in this world, and they’re called Mankind Holroyd explains how “Poultry Poetry” was written to highlight the fact that these birds are abused from day one, exposing humankind for their violence, and calling them monsters.&nbsp; This poem asks the reader to look through the eyes of the birds, and in doing so, simulates this world of enduring violence to make individuals think about the consequences of their consumption. “Poultry Poetry” is a strong piece of vegan activism with its questioning tone and profanity making it extremely provocative, especially when read out loud.&nbsp; Both collections are inspiring pieces of activism. Contrasting this ‘vegan voice,’ with the voice of society and giving the animals a voice, Dickinson and Holroyd shine a light on this societal disconnect and demand change towards a vegan world.&nbsp; Want to read more about vegan activism? Check out our interview with Earthling Ed who <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/ed-winters-shares-why-he-s-compelled-to-champion-vegan-activism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">shares why he’s compelled to champion vegan activism</a> and be inspired by <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/art-as-activism-vegan-artists-to-follow-on-instagram" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">five activist artists</a>.

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Activism through poetry: Giving a voice to the voiceless

If you are visiting Dublin you need to understand two very simple things: pub culture and brunch culture. The first one is easy: you go to a pub, order a few pints of Guinness and have a laugh with your mates. But brunch culture in Dublin means business and there is an endless selection to choose from, so here is our ultimate guide to help you find the best vegan brunch in Dublin.<h2> </h2><h2 class="ql-align-justify">Groundstate Coffee</h2><a href="http://www.instagram.com/groundstatecoffee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Groundstate Coffee</a> is a stone’s throw away from the <a href="https://instagram.com/homeofguinness?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Guinness Storehouse</a>. Their urban interiors, a well-thought-out mix of exposed brick, concrete, wood and lots of plants pair perfectly with the smell of single-origin coffee they roast in-house. We loved the tasty Smokey Tofu Sambo; the Sriracha Tofu Scramble sounds delicious too!<h2> </h2><h2 class="ql-align-justify">Two Pups Coffee</h2>You can find specialty coffee and seasonal food at <a href="http://www.instagram.com/two_pups_coffee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Two Pups Coffee</a> which is also in the heart of <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thelibertiesdublin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Liberties</a>. They source from local businesses that follow ethical and sustainable practices. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">SLICE</h2><a href="https://www.instagram.com/slicestoneybatter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">SLICE</a> is located in the neighbourhood of Stoneybatter, a quirky little fortress of cool, not too far from the city centre. We suggest you try their veganised pea and avocado rayu, veganised Hicks Pudding x Miso Mushrooms, or the soup of the day. And if you have a sweet tooth, they tend to have vegan treats too (such as the vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread pictured below). <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1710070968/Image_1_16_4963261a74.png" alt="Six slices of vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread on a wooden surface from SLICE, Dublin">SLICE <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Bibi’s Café</h2><a href="http://www.instagram.com/bibiscafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Bibi’s Café</a> is a tiny spot in Portobello with a limited offer for vegan options, but it is still worth the trip. You will love their cute interiors and if you’re lucky enough to be greeted by the sun, you can enjoy a lovely coffee out on their terrace. Try their tartine organic sourdough with homemade jam, their soup of the day or ask for a veganised smashed avocado. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">The Fumbally&nbsp;</h2>To complete our best vegan brunch hotspots in Dublin, visit <a href="https://thefumbally.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">The Fumbally</a>, a neighbourhood café in The Liberties.&nbsp; Their space has a wide open kitchen, mismatched furniture and a fresh produce market, offering some of the best vegan brunch options. The atmosphere is cosy and the sense of community is in the air. Their menu is healthy and made up of mostly local ingredients.&nbsp; The Fumbally offers a vegetarian menu that can be easily veganised: try their lentils, salads, and focaccia sandwiches. However, their main star is the Tuscan beans - a plate of cannellini and borlotti beans on sourdough bread with fermented cabbage and vegan parmesan; unarguably the best in town! And their wine shelves and sourdough stand are just the perfect addition to take home so make sure not to leave empty-handed. (The Fumbally is the only vegan eatery on our list which unfortunately appears to be closed on St Patrick’s Day; we kept it in as celebrations go on in the days leading up to St Patrick’s Day in Dublin.)&nbsp; If you’re planning to visit the atmospheric city of Dublin, good weather is not something the city can guarantee but good food… oh boy! If you dig this article, check out our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/category/travel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">travel</a> section for more content like this.

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Fuel up for St Patrick’s Day: Top spots for vegan brunch in Dublin

Veganism and plant-based culture are on the rise. Below are five books curated, ranked, and honestly reviewed to help get you started on your plant-based journey - and what better time than World Book Day? <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Should We All Be Vegan?: A primer for the 21st century&nbsp;</h2><a href="http://www.mollywatsonwriter.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Molly Watson</a> wrote this insightful book providing the truth about the conditions and consequences of intensive animal farming. Molly Watson, a San Francisco food writer and editor, has written various health-focused books and is passionate about ethical consumerism. This vegan book highlights animal cruelty beyond slaughter, describes physical distortions and genetic engineering, and grants true insight into the condition of animals within factories. If you aren't already aware of animal husbandry and farming, this book explains the revolution of animal culture and how it has affected its environment. The book also paints a picture of the positive effects of veganism within vegan fashion, vegan celebrities encouraging the lifestyle and musicians such as Morrissey. It’s on the lighter side of nonfiction, including many photographs and real-time references.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Becoming Vegan</h2>Published in 1984, was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brendadavisrd/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Brenda Davis,</a> a registered dietitian, plant-based pioneer and public speaker. This vegan book is valuable for someone who would like an overview of the benefits of following a vegan diet and lifestyle. Davis describes vegan ethics as a predetermined right within our “philosophers and spiritual leaders” already leading the way as they had emphasised compassion towards animals. This vegan book provides a thorough background on vegan and vegetarian history and serves as a definitive and expert guide. Becoming Vegan again describes accurate statistics on the poultry/dairy industry and fish welfare - it is not for the faint of heart or to be recommended as a beginner's guide to veganism.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">How To Go Vegan: The why, the how, and everything you need to make going vegan easy</h2>A short guide created by the founders of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/weareveganuary/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Veganuary</a>, the UK charity founded in 2014 by Jane Land and Matthew Glover. Veganuary is a charity with a global reach that encourages people around the world to go vegan for one month in January. This book answers all of the questions of how and why you should become vegan and offers a helping hand while transitioning. This book contains many vegan ambassadors who have shared their personal inspirational stories and the benefits of becoming vegan. How to Go Vegan describes the suffering of animals for meat, milk and eggs and provides a backstory to animal welfare standards in other countries such as the US, Switzerland, Sweden and Canada. How to Go Vegan is a great starter guide and even includes mini notes in case you desire a short read. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Why Veganism Matters: The Moral Value of Animals</h2>This book grants a philosophical outlook on veganism; written by <a href="https://www.abolitionistapproach.com/about/gary-l-francione/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Gary L. Francione</a>, a teacher of animal rights theory for over twenty-five years and founder of <a href="https://www.howdoigovegan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">HowDoIGoVegan.com</a>. This book poses social questions and compares and describes being vegan as the baseline for animal rights advocacy. He also highlights vital animal ethicists such as Peter Singer and Tom Regan. The book is heavy reading making many references to social constructs, protecting rights, and legal rights of animals.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Yes Ve-gan!: A blueprint for vegan living&nbsp;</h2>A book by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/selene.nelson/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Selene Nelson</a>, a British author, journalist and vegan activist. This influential starter guide is one of the best vegan books as an introduction to veganism which is easy to navigate and read. This book gives us a clear insight into environmental damage happening to our planet. Nelson also describes her own story creating a relatable and down-to-earth narrative for those who want to live a kinder and more sustainable life. This book ends on a positive note, urging readers to change to a vegan diet as it will cut greenhouse gasses and global acidification.&nbsp;&nbsp; If you liked learning about these 5 compelling vegan books, check out <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/the-greening-of-literature-perspectives-of-a-vegan-publisher" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">the greening of literature: perspectives of a vegan publisher</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/5-top-tips-for-self-publishing-a-vegan-book" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">5 top tips for self-publishing a book</a>.

Stack of colourful hardback books and an open book at the top of the stack, on a blue background

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Dive into plant-based culture with these 5 compelling vegan books


Five dog breeds are classified as banned in the UK: the Japanese Tosa (pictured above), Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Pit Bull Terrier, and as of January 1st 2024, XL Bullies. The ban on these breeds falls under Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), but what does Breed Specific Legislation mean?&nbsp; According to the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Dangerous Dogs Act 1991</a>, it is illegal to breed, sell, give away, or abandon a dog classed as a banned breed. It is also against the law to own a banned breed unless the owner has been granted an <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/endcruelty/changingthelaw/bsl#:~:text=The%20courts%20are%20now%20permitted,sets%20out%20the%20following%20conditions." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">exemption certificate</a>, has 3rd party liability insurance, neuters the dog, and adheres to keeping them muzzled and on a leash when out in public for the dog's lifetime. With strict rules in place for banned breeds, does Breed Specific Legislation serve its purpose in keeping the general public safe?&nbsp; According to many experts and organisations throughout the UK, the adamant response is that no, it does not. <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/bsl#:~:text=We%20are%20not%20alone%20in,and%20louder%20than%20ever%20before." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The RSPCA report</a>ed: “BSL fails to protect public safety and hasn’t achieved what it set out to do. Hospital admissions due to dog bites continue to rise year on year and tragic fatalities as a result of dog incidents have continued. [Between 1999-2019] the number of hospital admissions for the treatment of dog bites increased by 154%, despite the prohibition of certain types of dogs.” A troubling concern with the government's approach to tackling dog attacks, is that Breed Specific Legislation fails to address one of the leading causes of dangerous dog behaviour; irresponsible dog ownership. Dogs have specific needs, and when these needs aren’t met, just like a human, their mental state changes, often resulting in physical changes too. One of the most recent, relevant studies shows that <a href="https://www.injuryjournal.com/article/0020-1383(96)83411-5/fulltext" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">banned breeds are no more likely to bite than other breeds</a>.&nbsp; Furthermore, <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/297447/dog-bite-victims-occurances-in-england/#:~:text=There%20were%2021%2C918%20dog%20attacks,during%20the%20provided%20time%20period." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">dog attacks happen regularly across the country</a>, many of which are <a href="https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2023/two-people-charged-after-woman-died-following-dog-attack-in-netherton/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">not by banned breeds</a>. BSL targets specific breeds as a way of solving the problem, when the sobering reality is that <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2024/01/17/petrified-boy-face-ripped-off-christmas-eve-dog-attack-20127602/?ico=related-posts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">any dog can attack</a>, not just the breeds that the government have deemed to be a danger to the public.&nbsp; So what is the solution to the rising dog attacks in the UK? Experts are adamant that <a href="https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/academic-calls-for-licensing-to-address-aggressive-dogs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">responsible ownership is vital to reduce dog attacks</a>. Caring for a dog is a long-term commitment of ten to twenty years (breed dependant), and it is vital to understand what is involved before getting a dog of any breed. Before rehoming, rescuing, or buying a dog, potential dog owners need to ask these questions. •&nbsp;Can I <a href="https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/cost-owning-dog" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">afford</a> to feed, home, and care for a dog?•&nbsp;Can I provide a dog a <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/environment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">safe home</a> to live in?•&nbsp;Can I make time to properly <a href="https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/how-much-exercise-does-your-dog-need?psafe_param=1&amp;_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:1403862223%7Cagid:61029692051%7Ctid:dsa-383790862483%7Ccrid:269371529025%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:10107132369872979937%7Cdvc:c%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1006764&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAzoeuBhDqARIsAMdH14FaBQiOlAGfmLDu4IWgekXEM-rdpdnIBw0z-sOLCP0laJ4y28FRHSoaAu05EALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">exercise</a> a dog regularly as they require?•&nbsp;Can I make time to <a href="https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/training" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">train</a> and <a href="https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/how-to-play-with-your-dog?amp&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAzoeuBhDqARIsAMdH14EPqqtKp8KRCqyxYdsdHwS3KCCh-eIPvEQS4ucgK-rRPko1NUSih2YaAn5MEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">play</a> with a dog?•&nbsp;Am I physically and emotionally available to <a href="https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/make-your-dog-happy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">love and care</a> for a dog?&nbsp; If the answer is no to any of those questions, then a dog is not a suitable animal companion. The absence of any of the above is likely to contribute towards a frustrated, potentially anxious dog, which is <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/american-xl-bully-ban-exemption-dog-attacks-b2488530.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">often a contributing factor to dog attacks</a> in the UK. Another distressing concern with Breed Specific Legislation, is the <a href="https://www.bluecross.org.uk/our-campaign-to-end-breed-specific-legislation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">death rate to innocent dogs</a> that have not shown any signs of aggression. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1707943589/Image_1_88_pic_2_5cee80f483.png" alt="Pit Bull Terrier dog on some grass next to its chew toy">stacydubuc/Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">CC BY-SA 2.0</a> BSL uses a broad spectrum of measurements to identify whether a dog is within a banned breed ‘type,’ and many <a href="https://www.itv.com/news/2023-11-15/xl-bully-ban-leaves-owners-of-other-dog-types-fearing-for-their-pets-lives" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">dogs that meet these measurements are at risk of being seized and destroyed</a>, regardless of whether they are a banned breed or not.&nbsp; Any bull-breed-type dogs that find themselves in shelters and meet the government guideline measurements cannot legally be rehomed, so <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/dec/31/judicial-review-hearing-granted-xl-bully-ban" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">rescues are forced to euthanise them</a>, although many <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12914671/vets-refusing-destroy-xl-bully-ban.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">veterinary practices are refusing to put healthy dogs to sleep</a>. Animal Rights Activist <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thefitveganpsychic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Leigh-Catherine Salway</a> is one of many members of the <a href="http://www.instagram.com/save_o_bullys" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Save Our Bullies</a> movement experiencing this first hand: “We’ve been inundated by distraught owners who have had to choose between <a href="https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/rutland/news/xl-bully-eviction-ban/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">keeping their dogs or losing their home</a>, or struggling to pay the exemption fees because of the XL Bully ban. We need to <a href="https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/backyard-breeders-making-10k-per-29604932" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">ban backyard breeders</a> and invest in responsible ownership. BSL does nothing to protect the public and innocent dogs are dying all over the country because of it.” Many UK residents agree, with the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dontbanmelicenceme/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me</a> group campaigning to end BSL, calling for better education and licensing of dogs instead of a ban. Their <a href="https://www.licenceme.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">recent petition</a> gained over 600,000 signatures from the general public, and support from animal welfare and dog behavioural experts.&nbsp; Some countries have a ‘deed not breed’ approach preferring to use dog licensing and have reportedly fewer dog attacks than countries with Breed Specific Legislation. UK dog licences were scrapped in 1987, with the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 following shortly after. Yet this approach has seen a <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/297447/dog-bite-victims-occurances-in-england/#:~:text=There%20were%2021%2C918%20dog%20attacks,during%20the%20provided%20time%20period." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">significant rise in dog bites</a> since the legislation was brought in.&nbsp; The Dog Control Coalition, a group of accredited animal organisations including, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_blue_cross/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">The Blue Cross</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/battersea/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Battersea</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/britishvets/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">British Veterinary Association</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dogstrust/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Dogs Trust</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hoperescue/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Hope Rescue</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/teampdsa/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">PDSA</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/official_scottishspca/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Scottish SPCA</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thekennelclubuk/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">The Kennel Club</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uspcaofficial/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">USPCA</a> are united in their request to rethink BSL: “For 32 years, the Dangerous Dogs Act has focused on banning types of dog and yet has coincided with an increase in dog bites and the recent deaths show that this approach isn’t working. The UK Government must tackle the root issue by dealing with the unscrupulous breeders, who are putting profit before welfare, and the irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control.” If you have been affected by Breed Specific Legislation, you can seek advice from <a href="https://www.ddawatch.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The DDA Watch</a> or <a href="https://wheldonlaw.co.uk/dog-law-solicitors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Wheldon Law Dog Specialists</a>. If you’re unsure how to decide if a dog is the right companion animal for you, check out <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/international-animal-rights-day-peter-egan-s-call-for-compassion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Peter Egan’s Call For Compassion</a>, and we discuss the ethical <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/furry-friends-in-a-vegan-world-ethical-dilemmas-of-pet-ownership" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">dilemmas of pet ownership</a>.

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Breed Specific Legislation: Should certain dog breeds be banned?

A theatre company with purpose, <a href="https://www.patchplays.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Patch Plays</a>, recognised that there are many forms of vegan activism and chose the stage as a platform to make a difference. Their focus is on animal ethics and the environment and they state that “attending a night at the theatre might not seem like you’re saving the world, but Patch Plays hopes to platform important stories that can start a conversation and inspire a little positive change.” Their latest play, Blood On Your Hands, written by Grace Joy Howarth, was recently performed at the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/swkplay/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Southwark Playhouse</a>. V-Land UK had the privilege of also attending a shorter version of the show which they performed last year. At that time, it only featured the two main characters so it was rewarding to see how it has been developed with an extended cast and added depth. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1707942218/Image_1_87_pic_2_a7808d8831.png" alt="Blood On Your Hands play promotional graphic">Patch Plays It is the story of the forgotten victims of the meat industry and examines the human impact on some of those who work in slaughterhouses. Centred around a Ukrainian refugee and ex-veterinarian, Kostyantyn, it brings to life the harsh realities of working in such an environment. It also incorporates an animal rights angle so the audience is shown what it means to advocate for the non-human victims who end up at these abattoirs. The other protagonist is Dan, a young man trapped by poverty and lack of opportunity. Despite this, he is happy-go-lucky in nature. The humorous moments, encountered as they build their friendship, invoke a sense of unease given the context of their work setting. We see Kostyantyn and Dan navigating the day-to-day challenges life has thrown at them. With the support of flashbacks we learn more about their backstories and their extended relationships. Kostyantyn’s wife and children are back home in war-torn Ukraine, keen to join him for a better life. Dan struggles with his ex-girlfriend who has become an animal rights activist after learning about his experiences at the slaughterhouse. Adding further to the unease is a scene representing the kill floor. The horror is presented using plastic sheets, knives, blood, and body parts, to great effect. It is one of several moments in the play that really hits. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1707942459/Image_2_22_pic_3_a34c4766ac.png" alt="Scene from Blood On Your Hands play with a slaughterhouse worker and a women holding a placard"><a href="https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/250209141_115182194282780_5791298902826643229_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=5614bc&amp;_nc_ohc=3cBR67CTQuUAX9VzyxW&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&amp;oh=00_AfC7dB1E7CBqaI11_v9sbpcgarAOqzOIBA2YdcgQiJgcFg&amp;oe=64F5A35E" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Patch Plays</a> Overall, it is an emotional, thought-provoking ride. Whether vegan or not, you will leave the show with new perspectives and something with substance to discuss. Definitely one to see if the opportunity presents itself again.&nbsp; Follow Patch Plays on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/patchplaystheatre/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/patchplays2020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Facebook</a> to ensure you don’t miss out on future productions. Their previous plays include, <a href="https://www.patchplays.com/meat-cute-1/project-one-f5w4d-6ntmm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Meat Cute</a>, about a woman on a mission to veganise her Tinder dates that was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023. Theatre as a form of vegan activism was in full display during this particular play.&nbsp; They are without doubt a theatre company to keep an eye on and we look forward to whatever comes next. For more inspiration on different forms of vegan activism you might be interested in our articles detailing <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/unique-uk-animal-rights-activism-approaches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">unique activism approaches</a> or a listing of <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/5-vegan-artists-using-music-as-a-form-of-animal-rights-activism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">artists using music as a form of activism</a>.

Slaughterhouse worker (from Blood On Your Hands play) holding two knives above his head and looking upwards

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Theatre as a form of vegan activism: Blood On Your Hands play review

The UK’s leading vegan campaigning charity Viva! <a href="https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/commuters-shock-stunt-strings-up-9095908" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">made headlines</a> this week with its ‘<a href="https://are-you-an-animal-lover.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Are you an animal lover?</a>’ campaign. The controversial PR stunt was led by <a href="http://www.instagram.com/vivacharity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Viva!</a> Founder, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3QjJE6KKMU/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Juliet Gellatley</a>, and co-founder of plant-based food company THIS!, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3QVrGjo0HP/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Andy Shovel</a>, displaying dead animals on the back of a truck at iconic locations throughout London, asking the question: ‘Are you an animal lover?’ A pretend cat and dog hung from butcher's hooks labelled ‘pet’ whilst a real slaughtered pig hung beside them labelled ‘animal.’&nbsp; “This stunt serves as a reminder that the beef burger you order or the bacon sandwich you cook isn’t a faceless ingredient; the only distinction between a deceased pig and a deceased cat or dog is your perception,” Viva! Founder, Juliet Gellatley, said in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHEjkUSwIi8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">statement</a>. The UK is renowned for being a nation of animal lovers, with Brits sharing their homes with a diverse selection of animals. <a href="https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/pet-ownership-statistics-uk/#:~:text=Ten%20million%20or%2034%25%20of,8.2%20million)%20owning%20a%20cat." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Recent statistics show</a> that over 10 million UK households share their home with dogs, 8.2 million with cats, and another 1.5 million with birds and small mammals, and 49% of the British public consider their animal companion a part of the family. The definition of family can vary, but for the most part, a family member is someone we care for deeply and enjoy spending time with. Yet, whilst an estimated <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/308201/leading-ten-pets-ranked-by-population-size-in-the-united-kingdom/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">35 million animals across the UK</a> considered as loved and cherished family members and homed as pets, in stark contrast, there are over <a href="https://plantbasednews.org/culture/ethics/inside-uk-farming-industry-how-animals-killed-britain/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">1.2 billion land animals that we kill and consume as food</a>.&nbsp; Which gives pause to question; do people in the UK truly love animals, or do we only love our pets? <a href="https://twitter.com/Rob_Percival_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Rob Percival</a>, author of <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-meat-paradox-brilliantly-provocative-original-electrifying-bee-wilson-financial-times-rob-percival/4957577?ean=9780349144573" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Meat Paradox</a> theorises, "In every society, old and new, from the Arctic to the Amazon, East to West, animals are placed in categories. Some are 'food,’ others are 'not food,’ and the latter category often includes 'pets.’ Some scholars think this is a way of channelling our empathy. Killing 'food' animals can be disturbing, so we tactically withdraw moral concern from these species and focus that concern on our chosen category of 'non-food' animals. In our society, to give one example, this leads us to treat pigs and dogs very differently, despite their evident similarities in cognition and sentience." The ethical inconsistencies of routinely slaughtering and eating billions of animals whilst homing and bonding with others is certainly difficult to comprehend logically.&nbsp; After all, what is the difference between a dog and a pig, other than that we choose to love one, and to eat another? Dogs are incredibly loving companions and are welcomed family members amongst humans, and yet we mass breed, confine, and <a href="https://www.hsa.org.uk/faqs/general#n1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">slaughter over 10 million pigs in the UK</a> each year, when multiple studies have shown that pigs are incredibly affectionate, with an intelligence level higher than dogs, equal to that of a five-year-old child. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1707954491/IMG_3786_274140d24f.png" alt="Close-up of a small pig with mud on its face on grass">Brett Sayles/Pexels In the UK, <a href="https://www.hsa.org.uk/faqs/general#n1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">pigs are slaughtered at the age of four to seven months old</a>, either in groups by gas asphyxiation, or hoisted by their hind legs and bled out via the throat. This is deemed humane slaughter in the UK, and yet, if this was the method of killing dogs for human consumption, would we feel the same way?&nbsp; The very idea of eating puppies instead of pigs, is unfathomable to many, with the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12111167/Charity-urges-westerners-holidaying-China-avoid-Yulin-dog-meat-festival.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China widely petitioned and protested against</a>, but is what we do to pigs, cows, chickens, lambs, deer, pigeons, turkeys, ducks, pheasants, fish, and many other UK animals any different? If we love and cherish dogs, cats, and the many other creatures we share our homes with, why can’t that love be extended to all animals? Is the vegan concept of equality for all creatures from land, sea, or sky, so outrageous or extreme as some believe it to be?&nbsp; Sadly, for many people, the carnistic response is that it is.&nbsp; Carnism is the concept that it is natural, normal, necessary, and nice (known as the Four N’s) for humans to use and consume animals for the products we use daily, from flesh and organs for food, to skin and furs for clothing, etc.&nbsp; The term was popularised by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beyondcarnism/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Beyond Carnism</a>’s President <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniejoy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Melanie Joy</a> in her book <a href="https://carnism.org/book/why-we-love-dogs-eat-pigs-and-wear-cows/#:~:text=About%20the%20Book,never%20dream%20of%20eating%20others." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows</a>. This has led to much-needed discussions on why we harm some animal types whilst protecting others, and how this varies in different cultures.&nbsp; The discussion of carnism vs veganism highlights Western culture's somewhat hypocritical views on how other countries treat animals. Misleading advertising campaigns play a vital role in this; it is widely believed amongst animal lovers that the UK has outstanding animal welfare, when <a href="https://viva.org.uk/campaigns/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">multiple investigations</a> prove this to be untrue. Currently, <a href="https://www.ciwf.org.uk/factory-farming/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">two of every three animals are factory farmed in the UK</a>.&nbsp; The grim reality of life for farmed animals across our country has been documented thoroughly in recent years, with charities such as Viva! creating an award-winning exposé: <a href="https://viva.org.uk/animals/campaigns/hogwood/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">HogWood: A Modern Horror Story</a>; <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/ed-winters-shares-why-he-s-compelled-to-champion-vegan-activism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Ed Winter</a>’s sharing the hidden truth within UK farming in his (free to watch) documentary <a href="https://www.landofhopeandglory.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Land of Hope and Glory</a> and <a href="https://www.therealcolourofmilk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">MILK</a>; and Joey Carbstrong’s recently released <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pignorant-Joey-Carbstrong/dp/B0CV8HQ3QV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Pignorant</a> (available to watch free on Amazon Prime UK). So where does this leave animals?&nbsp; The back and forth between carnism and veganism is a debate that could continue for aeons. And for animals living within the agricultural world, time is short. Painfully so. It is a little-known fact that <a href="https://viva.org.uk/animals/slaughter-how-animals-are-killed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">most animals killed for food in the UK are slaughtered within their first year of life</a>. Some, in the first months, weeks, or in many cases, the first days.&nbsp; For further resources on animal-free nutrition see how to get B12 as a vegan, and if you’d like to try great-tasting vegan food, check out our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/category/food-and-drink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">food &amp; drink</a> section, we’re spoilt for choice!

Viva! ‘Are You An Animal Lover?’ campaign in London, England

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Exploring the controversial Viva! campaign: Are you an animal lover?

<a href="https://proverbskin.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Proverb</a>, a multi-award-winning sustainable skincare brand, founded by ex-Harlequins and England 7s rugby player <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sherriff-0120281a/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Luke Sherriff</a> and spa and skincare industry expert <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&amp;trkInfo=AQFXembMEherfwAAAY02oZ5QVsKSqCzp4EOkB2gDuMuz5ONvXqFth0jO4mC3W0I_DwobD1UGgxlTSEkrm9q1Y5-OD7nqgZSo_JkyNIpj5AaeM-amJKN4YkDQ6Vi3I8U_JymkoH0=&amp;original_referer=&amp;sessionRedirect=https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstie-sherriff-11659111/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Kirstie Sheriff</a>, is set to transform the wellness industry. The much-anticipated new partnership with <a href="https://www.kerzner.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Kerzner</a>’s newest hotel brand SIRO (which started February 5th), is a momentous achievement for Proverb, who will be at the heart of the prestigious fitness recovery hotel in Dubai.&nbsp; Desmond Cawley, SIRO One Za’abeel Hotel Manager, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “Proverb’s natural and organic products are created specifically for people who prioritise their health, physical performance, and the environment.” “<a href="https://www.sirohotels.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">SIRO</a> Hotels sees great synergy potential in our partnership and shared values as we strive to inspire the fitness and well-being community to unite in a global movement powered by like-minded individuals,” he continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proverb are intentional about using clean, natural, active clinically-proven ingredients in their products - harnessing Kirsty’s 20 years in cosmetic formulation. “60% of what you put on your skin can be absorbed,” says Proverb Founder, Luke Sherriff (pictured below), which helps to explain Proverb’s mantra: ‘Get Out What You Put In.’ “At our core is our desire to make you feel more awesome. . . With healthy skin, a healthy body, and a healthy mindset.” <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1707420206/Image_1_15_35f3f45f29.png" alt="Proverb Founder, Luke Sherriff, sitting in SIRO One Za’abeel Hotel "> Proverb is renowned for its commitment to eco-friendly practices and sport performance-led skincare, joining forces with SIRO to create the ultimate reset for health and fitness enthusiasts. Proverb's ethos aligns seamlessly with SIRO's vision to provide a world-leading fitness recovery hotel; SIRO ambassadors include AC Milan and Olympic Swimmer Adam Peaty. SIRO embodies the future of fitness and health. Their state-of-the-art facility integrates cutting-edge fitness amenities, bedrooms engineered for rest, alongside the Recovery Lab offering Proverb Skin Workout and Assisted Stretch treatments - making it a perfect match for Proverb's values. Luke reflects on growing a brand from the ground up: “SIRO is the perfect location for Proverb to showcase the last 6 years of our work. We’re looking forward to amplifying our mission in Dubai and shaping the future of fitness and wellness." This is the first time Proverb will have amenities in the hotel bedrooms and communal spaces - aiding guests' experience and recovery with their signature wild mint and eucalyptus scent. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1707420259/Image_2_4_44c912f4e2.png" alt="Proverb’s bathroom amenities within SIRO One Za’abeel Hotel in Dubai"> Will Greenwood, Rugby World Cup Winner and ex-teammate, expressed his respect: “Having been there at the launch of Proverb, it is great to see how far Luke and Kirstie have come. Excited to see where their latest partnership with SIRO, focused on delivering world-class fitness and recovery, can take them." You don’t need to go to Dubai to experience Proverb. Head to <a href="https://proverbskin.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Proverb’s website</a> to experience hotel-standard products for your home. If you do fancy a trip to Dubai, check out our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-travel-dubai-offers-sun-sea-sand-and-vegan-food-aplenty" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">vegan travel guide to Dubai</a>.

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Proverb partners with SIRO: Redefining recovery and wellness in UAE

When Zurich comes to mind, vegan food isn't typically the first association. How could the epicentre of Switzerland's cheese culture accommodate a vegan lifestyle? Just peruse its marketing, adorned with images of ‘happy cows’ (not to be confused with <a href="https://www.happycow.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Happy Cow</a>) basking in the sun.&nbsp; It surprised us that Zurich is one of Switzerland's most vegan-friendly cities. The vegan movement is not only thriving but flourishing in this Swiss metropolis. From the breathtaking sights to the mouthwatering bites, here's your guide to exploring Zurich the vegan way.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Morning vibes at Roots</h2>At the top of our list is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rootsandfriends/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Roots and Friends</a>, a completely vegan fast-casual spot dishing out nutrient-dense bowls, toasts, and more. It can sometimes be difficult while travelling to meet your suggested intake of fruits and vegetables; however, Roots makes that super easy.&nbsp;With several locations around Zurich, views of the Limmat River, and the possibility of breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it would be mighty hard not to check out this place at least once during your visit. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Explore the Old Town</h2>After a delightful breakfast, lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of Old Town. Cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and quirky boutiques make it a charming maze. Don't forget to check out the local markets for some vegan Swiss chocolate - yes, it exists, and it's heavenly! <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Lunch with a view at Hiltl</h2>According to Guinness World Records, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hiltl/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Haus Hiltl</a> was the first vegetarian restaurant in the world. The restaurant, named after its founder, Ambrosius Hiltl, has been serving plant-based goodness since 1898. With an impressive self-service veggie and vegan buffet that seems to go on for miles, you can choose whichever plant-based dishes you fancy, while enjoying panoramic views of the city from their rooftop terrace. (The price is calculated by the final weight of your plate.) <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705741615/Image_1_86_pic_2_0e47403367.png" alt="Vegan burger from Haus Hiltl in Zurich, Switzerland (300 words)">Haus Hiltl <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Afternoon in Zurich West</h2>Beyond food, Zurich West is a must for its lively street art scene and trendy boutiques. For a bird's eye view, hit up the <a href="https://www.freitag.ch/en/store/freitag-flagship-store-zuerich" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Freitag Tower</a> - the city at sunset is a sight to behold. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Dinner delights at Marktküche</h2>As the sun sets, make your way to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marktkueche/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Marktküche</a>, a gem for vegan gastronomy. The ever-changing menu reflects seasonal delights, ensuring a fresh and delightful experience. Choose from a 4-8 course menu prepared by young chef Tobias Hoesli, who is cooking each dish in a modern and creative way. Pair it with some local Swiss wine for the ultimate experience. It is perhaps the most luxurious vegan restaurant in Zurich. However, it was also named Michelin’s best price-to-quality ratio restaurant in 2021. The lentil and veggie curry we ate was just to die for. Zurich, you had us at the first curry-infused bite. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Nightcap at Frau Gerolds Garten</h2>Wrap up your day at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fraugeroldsgarten/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Frau Gerolds Garten</a>, an urban oasis with a vibrant nightlife. Sip on innovative vegan cocktails and mingle with locals. The atmosphere is electric, making it the perfect spot to swap stories from your day and unwind. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Day 2: Breakfast at Wild Bowls</h2>The brunch game at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildbowls/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Wild Bowls</a> is insanely strong. Choose from No-tella Banana Toast or one of their acai bowls like the Winter Bowl with Pumpkin Chia-pudding or Snickers Protein Bowl.&nbsp; They also have Caramel Apple Pancakes and a Burrito Scramble filled with tofu, kale, spinach, beans, walnut-chorizo, sweet potatoes, and salsa ranchera, which is an absolute game-changer. We also went for the pumpkin spiced latte, because it's never too late in the year to celebrate pumpkin season. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705742491/Image_2_21_pic_3_115aa029cc.png" alt="A variety of vegan food bowls from Wild Bowls, Zurich, Switzerland (275 more words)">Wild Bowls <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Boat tour on Lake Zurich with Veganitas to-go</h2>In the afternoon, treat yourself to a boat tour on Lake Zurich,&nbsp;where the mountains play peek-a-boo, creating a backdrop straight out of a postcard.&nbsp; Do yourself a favour and grab a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/veganitaspitas/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Veganitas</a> pita to-go for your boat day; choose from marinated tempeh, planted.chicken, and many more delicious options. On top of that, they make bread daily, so you can get that just-out-of-the-oven feel every time. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Art gallery meets vegan café</h2>Now, let's talk about the sweet side of Zurich - and we don't mean just the Swiss chocolate. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lumawestbau/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">LUMA Westbau</a>, an artistic sanctuary doubling as a vegan café, stole a piece of our hearts (and stomachs). Indulge in their heavenly chocolate cake - you won't believe it's dairy-free! <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Nightlife at Helsinki Club</h2>For a taste of Zurich's nightlife, head to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/helsinkiklub/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Helsinki Club</a>. This trendy spot hosts themed parties and events. Indulge in the exquisite flavours of vegan cocktails and dance the night away - it's the perfect end to your second day in Zurich. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Day 3: Swiss nature retreat</h2>Escape the city buzz on your final day. Take a short train ride to <a href="https://switzerland-tour.com/destinations/the-rhine-falls" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Rhine Falls</a>, Europe's largest waterfall. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a picnic with vegan treats while marvelling at the natural beauty.&nbsp;&nbsp; Make sure to stop by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/devideli.goettlichvegan/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Devi Deli Göttlich Vegan</a> before you head off to Rhine Falls. This is the only vegan market in Zurich with an assortment of vegan food, Swiss chocolates, truffles, caramels, and house-made desserts. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705742865/Image_3_2_pic_4_0a972178e2.png" alt="Rhine Falls, Switzerland">Kabelleger/<a href="https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SBB_RABe_514_DTZ_Rheinfall.jpg#mw-jump-to-license" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">David Gublercr</a>/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED</a> <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Final farewell at The Sacred</h2>For a late midday refuel, head to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sacred_and_vegelateria/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Sacred</a>. Their extensive buffet will leave you spoiled for choice, the unique collection of drinks and desserts puts this restaurant on another level.&nbsp; Their Vegelato, made from real organic strawberries or raspberries and sweetened with organic dates and pear syrup, is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. And if you’re a fan of mango or chocolate, you’ll definitely want to try those flavours - they’re some of Zurich's best vegan gelato options!&nbsp; If you are looking for another epic 72-hour adventure, check out why <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/best-way-to-spend-72-hours-as-a-vegan-in-manchester" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Manchester</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/exploring-medellin-s-plant-based-paradise-a-jam-packed-72-hours" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Medellín</a> are at the top of our list!

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Zurich unveiled: An unforgettable 72-hour vegan adventure

In the pursuit of convenience, ultra-processed foods have stealthily become a staple in our diets. These products, often high in calories and low in nutrients, are designed to be shelf-stable and hyper-palatable, making them an attractive option for busy lifestyles. However, their rise comes with significant health, societal, and environmental costs. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Understanding processed vs. ultra-processed</h2>Most foods we consume are processed to some degree, such as canned, cooked, or frozen goods, and not all processed foods are unhealthy. Ultra-processed foods contain industrial formulations made from food substances or synthetic compounds, often devoid of whole-food ingredients.&nbsp; The <a href="https://regulatory.mxns.com/en/ultra-processed-foods-nova-classification" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">NOVA classification</a> system sorts foods into four groups based on processing levels. Ultra-processed foods fall into group 4, characterised by extensive processing and minimal nutritional value. Common examples include sugary cereals, fast food, and packaged snacks, but some products marketed as healthy can be misleading.&nbsp; An apple or carrot doesn’t need a label to tell you it’s healthy, but often, as consumers, we trust marketing that tells us a product is nutritious. However, it’s always worth checking the ingredients. Associate Professor Gyorgy Scrinis of Food Politics and Policy at the University of Melbourne, Australia‬, points out, "If you see a very long ingredients list with lots of chemical-sounding names, that's probably a good indication it almost definitely is an <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2019-06-19/ultraprocessed-food-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-avoid-it/11216306" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">ultra-processed food</a>." Examples of ingredients you may want to limit or avoid include hydrogenated or interesterified oils, hydrolysed proteins, maltodextrin, inverted sugar and high fructose corn syrup, additives such as dyes and other colours, colour stabilisers, flavours, flavour enhancers, non-sugar sweeteners, firming, bulking and anti-bulking, de-foaming, anti-caking and glazing agents, emulsifiers, sequestrants and humectants… the list goes on…&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Veganism and ultra-processed foods</h2>Processed vegan foods, such as plant-based burgers, tofu products, and non-dairy milk alternatives, have played a pivotal role in expanding vegan culinary options and making veganism more accessible to a broader audience; however, vegan growth has resulted in some companies capitalising on producing ultra-processed products. But are they all bad? Although highly-processed vegan alternatives <a href="https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-avoid-ultra-processed-foods-when-youre-vegan#:~:text=Often%2C%20vegan%20or%20vegetarian%20meat%20alternatives%20or%20ready,and%20other%20additives%20to%20provide%20flavour%20or%20texture." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">contain less saturated fat</a> than animal-based products, they may contain more sugar, salt and other additives than whole foods. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705661993/Image_1_85_pic_2_1f1a101662.png" alt="Four grilled vegan sausages on a griddle pan.">LikeMeat/Unsplash <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Health implications</h2>The consumption of ultra-processed foods is <a href="https://scientificdiet.org/2023/06/ultra-processed-foods-linked-to-increased-death-risk-in-middle-aged-adults/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">linked to</a> obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These foods’ high-calorie content and lack of essential nutrients contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. Added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives may lead to inflammation and insulin resistance. Emerging <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/from-addiction-to-recovery/202312/we-are-what-we-eat-ultra-processed-foods-and-mental-health#:~:text=Ultra-processed%20foods%20are%20a%20dietary%20staple%2C%20but%20research,clients%27%20wellness%20plans%20for%20a%20more%20comprehensive%20approach." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">research</a> suggests ultra-processed foods can lead to cognitive decline, brain fog, anxiety and depression. Additionally, Harvard <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/ultra-processed-foods-appear-to-cause-overeating-and-weight-gain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">controlled trials</a> found participants eating ultra-processed food ate more calories “compared with when they ate unprocessed foods, and they gained more weight on the ultra-processed diet”. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Societal impact</h2>The prevalence of ultra-processed foods reflects deeper societal challenges. <a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2018/poverty-increases-risk-of-non-communicable-diseases-in-lower-income-countries#:~:text=Poverty%20increases%20the%20risk%20of%20death%20and%20disability,risk%20of%20falling%20into%20poverty%20in%20these%20countries." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Studies show</a> that low-income communities are disproportionately affected, as these foods are often marketed as convenient and affordable options. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Cultural erosion: The loss of culinary heritage</h2>Ultra-processed foods contribute to socioeconomic disparities, and the immense push and reliance contribute to the erosion of cultural traditions. Traditional foodways, passed down through generations and deeply embedded in the cultural identity of communities worldwide, are often rich in whole, unprocessed foods that embody the culinary legacy of a people. The encroachment of ultra-processed foods into these communities disrupts these time-honoured traditions, leading to a loss of cultural diversity and a homogenisation of our food landscape. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Making healthier choices</h2>It’s great there are more vegan choices; however, eating too many ultra-processed foods can harm our health, society, and planet. Here are some ways to make healthier choices:&nbsp;&nbsp; • Cook more meals at home: This is the best way to control the ingredients in your food and avoid ultra-processed options. • Read food labels carefully: Pay attention to the ingredients list and avoid foods that contain a lot of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.&nbsp; • Choose whole, unprocessed foods: Whenever possible, choose whole, unprocessed foods over processed options. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and legumes. • Limit your intake of sugary drinks: Sugary drinks are a significant source of added sugars in the diet. Replace them with water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee. • Be mindful of marketing: Be aware of how ultra-processed foods are marketed to you and avoid being influenced by misleading claims or attractive packaging. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705662524/Image_2_20_pic_3_5520687040.png" alt="Vegan burger with whole food toppings.">Dervyn Mackey/Unsplash <h2 class="ql-align-justify">What if you are time-poor?&nbsp;</h2>Most people lead busy lives; often, cooking is another chore we don’t have the time or energy for. There are many hacks to increase efficiency, like batch cooking - even easier is putting ingredients into a slow cooker and leaving it to cook while you attend to other things. But sometimes, even that is not convenient.&nbsp; Luckily, companies are making healthy, convenient food, such as <a href="https://planthood.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Planthood</a>, which delivers quick and easy meal kits, or plant-based meals by <a href="https://bolfoods.com/pages/our-story" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Bol</a>, to name a couple.&nbsp; For more on thriving as a vegan, check out our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/essential-nutrient-guide-how-to-thrive-in-veganuary-and-beyond" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">essential nutrient guide</a>, and what are the <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/benefits-of-tofu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">benefits of tofu</a>?

Chips covered with tomato ketchup being held up by forks on a yellow background.

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Is it healthy if it says it’s healthy? Decoding ultra-processed foods

BIOVIT is the UK’s leading expert in plant-derived nutrients for food. They have developed the first clinically tested organic, plant-derived multi-nutrient blends to replace synthetic multi-nutrients in food manufacturing, and are conducting groundbreaking research on plant-derived vs synthetic nutrients, which could impact food labelling, dietary advice, and the sustainability of food production. Synthetic nutrients, consumed by over 80% of the population, may not be as effective as natural counterparts. To tackle this, BIOVIT plans to conduct clinical tests and launch the BIOVIT Blend of 12 essential nutrients.. BIOVIT blends are produced entirely of organic plant extracts, are batch-tested and standardised for nutritional content, in collaboration with leading health experts.&nbsp; We spoke with Ky Wright, the CEO and the founder of BIOVIT, about his path to BIOVIT, the lack of accountability in food labelling regulations, and synthetic vs natural vitamins and minerals. V-Land UK (V-L): Hi Ky. We’d love to know more about your journey into veganism.&nbsp; Ky Wright (KW): So, the first proper business I set up was an ice cream business with a friend when we were seventeen, which we ran in the summer holidays. After we finished university, we did it full time, and it became a frozen yoghurt business called ‘Lick,’ we had a shop in Brighton and went into retail. At that time, I was a vegetarian, but I wasn’t vegan. I was brought up on a vegetarian diet, and meat didn’t massively appeal to me. When I was working at the frozen yoghurt business, there was a moment when something clicked, and I stopped eating dairy and sugar; it became uncomfortable marketing unethical, unhealthy foods, and six months after this switch, I decided I had to stop. At the same time, I was interested in meal replacements because they were first emerging. With meal replacements, I loved how logical and rational they were, as if our bodies work like machines. You just have to figure out what the machine needs, what the fuel is, and then put the fuel in. It is quite comforting in the sense that you can break it down. However, the massive flaw with meal replacements, which took me quite a while to fully understand, is that they are made from synthetic vitamins. All the existing meal replacement products are just synthetic vitamins and minerals, with some protein and typically artificial flavouring and sweeteners. But synthetic vitamins and minerals don’t necessarily work as well. Most people don’t know this, including myself, until trying to make an organic meal replacement. Then I learned through organic certification companies that you can’t use synthetic vitamins and minerals. I realised there was such a thing as a synthetic vitamin or mineral. Once you start to unpick them to discover what they are, they're typically made of petrochemicals. They are similar, but not identical, except for vitamin C (ascorbic acid). So molecularly, they are similar but not identical. The synthetic ones are missing all the synergistic enzymes and cofactors, which your body needs for proper metabolism. So, during that phase of running the dairy food business, I got really interested in nutrition and thought about food more deeply in terms of health and its effect on consciousness. At that time, I was super interested in neuroscience and almost started a new degree in it. I was so interested in it and was self-educating myself through reading textbooks and other things. I learned how incredibly similar the conscious experience must be for different animals. You realise that we are not so different from animals. You can only really consume meat and dairy if you think humans and animals are fundamentally different. Or that our experiences aren't comparable, which, you know, it doesn't take much consideration to realise that's ridiculous. There is a lack of unity, which is at the core of the problem with the human condition: a lack of oneness and harmony. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705140992/Image_1_84_pic_2_9355f3dab7.png" alt="Image 1 (84) pic 2.PNG"> V-L: With vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, how is it that they can be considered unsuitable for vegans? KW: Certain ones are derived from animal sources. Vitamin D, for example, tends to be derived from sheep’s wool. Often, with synthetic vitamins and minerals, there’s no way of knowing they’re in a food product. Food labelling regulations say that you’re meant to make it clear, but practically nobody does that, and what you don’t have to show on food labelling is what the source material of the synthetic vitamin and mineral is; in some cases, it might be derived from a cow’s brain.&nbsp; Even with food products claiming there is ‘natural flavouring,’ such as strawberry flavour, it could be made of any substance.&nbsp; V-L: BIOVIT describes synthetic vitamins in our food as ‘the biggest food conspiracy yet,’ as in some cases they are ineffective and could even be harmful to health. How do companies get away with not stating the truth about what is in their products? KW: There's a distinct lack of accountability in the world of nutrition because it's so hard to establish causality. It's difficult to pinpoint and definitively attribute health outcomes, such as cancer, to a specific synthetic nutrient due to the diverse range of foods consumed and the multitude of influencing factors. When you do nutritional studies like we do, you do your best in the study design to quieten down the noise of all the uncontrollable variables, but obviously, you'll never do that perfectly.&nbsp; This issue goes across the whole food industry spectrum, such as the tax laws in zero-ratings: in a nutrition shake, you pay VAT, but not on a milkshake or a snack bar with seeds in.&nbsp; At every level, governments have set rules that make junk food cheaper than healthy food, while investing money to solve the food problem.&nbsp;V-L: Your research and clinical development with BIOVIT will enable organic products to be fortified. Why is this such a big deal, and why couldn’t they be fortified until now? KW: When looking at how food companies fortify food, such as plant-based milk, meal replacements, or Marmite with vitamin B12, they all use synthetic vitamins and minerals, which companies are meant to declare, but they don't, so there's no real way for the consumer to know that synthetic vitamins are in there. Organic certification prevents the use of synthetic vitamins and minerals. So, now you have organic food companies that make organic products that consumers trust. There are no additives, minimum artificial fertilisers, etc. But those food companies can’t make the sorts of foods that you can make if you can fortify them, like meal replacements. So, BIOVIT exists to enable organic food fortification because it’s a useful, smart thing to do. Going back to the original idea of the meal replacement, if you’re on a plant-based diet and you want to get all your iron from food, you might not have the time or opportunity to do that because it’s a large amount. The BIOVIT blend would help solve that problem, as organic food companies can fortify naturally. It also means that companies using synthetics can switch to nutrients that tend to work better. It works to encourage companies currently using synthetics to be clean, and organic food companies to make new product lines that they couldn’t make before. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705141057/Image_2_19_pic_3_da8a669fce.png" alt="Image 2 (19) pic 3.PNG"> V-L: What can you expect the impact of BIOVIT to be on the food industry and food certifications?&nbsp; KW: As a business-to-business company, we operate to convince food manufacturers to switch from synthetic to plant-based nutrients, providing access to their consumers to reach a large scale quickly.&nbsp; This time next year, after we've done the first pilot study, instead of me just saying our nutrients are more bioavailable and more effective, I'll be able to qualify and quantify the effect on a population level.&nbsp; Whether that's getting rid of nutrient deficiencies like tiredness, memory loss, or a range of micronutrient deficiencies, which people quite often mistake these symptoms for ageing, it may be that after a period of switching to natural nutrients, people will feel better. If you’re eating healthier, you can act more intelligently, think more clearly, and raise your consciousness. The symptoms of nutrition deficiencies can prevent you from operating at your optimum. So, the macro effect would be to increase the general health of the species on the planet. V-L: With a topic as big as this and research that is based on the health of the public and everyday foods we eat, how will you publicise this and market your findings? KW: I think it's really hopeful. For example, we recently did a survey with Viper, an independent surveying company. We looked at five of the biggest food products on the market. We asked 500 consumers if they expected the nutrients in those products to be synthetic or natural, and 77%, on average, thought they were natural; also 90% of the people, would rather have natural nutrients. So, it shows people want them; all that is needed is more awareness. Synthetic vitamins have only been around for 87 years. They've only really been around for one generation. There’s growing evidence that some may not be effective or healthy. I would imagine there will be a threshold that will be breached when it breaks into the public consciousness.&nbsp;With marketing, while we’re a small, new company, we can do our marketing through research and create solid, credible data that, hopefully, media companies can find interesting to share. V-L: How does BIOVIT fit into retailers’ markets and what’s already out there? KW: We’re not the first company to make organic or plant-derived nutrients, but we are the first to develop and test them clinically. There are existing suppliers out there. In my previous business, as a customer trying to buy from those suppliers, there were major problems, which I think is why plant-derived nutrients aren't mainstream. There's a lack of precision, scalability, reliability, and a lack of evidence.&nbsp;For corporate customers, which are the ones you really need if you want to break into the mainstream, as the current suppliers of plant-derived nutrients fall at those hurdles, it’s not currently an option for them; we’re fixing these problems with the £500k government funding we’ve received for our research project.&nbsp;V-L: Where can we find out more about BIOVIT and what’s upcoming with your research? KW: Our website is <a href="http://biovit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">biovit.com</a>, where you can sign up for our newsletter. That’s the best way to get the most up-to-date information about what’s coming out of the research. Next year, we will start a UK government petition around food labelling to clarify whether products have synthetic or natural nutrients in them yet. Thank you to Ky and BIOVIT for all you are doing to showcase the benefits of natural, organic, plant-based nutrients and expose the truth about what’s in our everyday foods. If you are interested in learning about how nutrition in a plant-based diet could aid your well-being, check out <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/exploring-the-power-of-plant-based-with-nutritionist-callum-weir" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">exploring the power of plant-based nutrition with nutritionist Callum Weir</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/can-a-plant-based-diet-help-prevent-and-treat-type-2-diabetes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">can a plant-based diet help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes?</a>

Ky Wright, BIOVIT Founder in a greenhouse

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Not all nutrients are created equal: BIOVIT’s Ky Wright explains

It's time for another city break and this time we're heading north to explore Leeds. Leeds is one of the biggest cities in the UK and popular for its shopping, culture and close proximity to nature reserves and country retreats. Follow this handy travel guide to enjoy the best activities and vegan food that Leeds has to offer. <h2>Best way to spend your day</h2><a href="https://instagram.com/eatyourgreensleeds?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Eat Your Greens</a>, greengrocers by day and restaurant by night, is a ten-minute walk from Leeds train station, their menu which changes regularly always includes vegan options. They’re open for brunch 12-2 pm Wednesday to Friday and 12-3 pm on Saturdays (if you fancy dinner instead they also serve it 5-9 pm Tuesday-Saturday). <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705139917/Image_1_83_pic_2_1841b69986.png" alt="Crown Prince Squash from Eat Your Greens, Leeds.">Eat Your Greens Wherever we roam, if we find a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bundobust/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Bundobust</a> we'll be sure to stop; Leeds is also home to an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/indiantiffinroom/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Indian Tiffin Room</a> restaurant, both serve Indian street food, have a large amount of vegan options and are a 5-10 minute walk from the shops. For lunch on the go try <a href="https://www.instagram.com/humpithummus/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Humpit</a>, a hummus and pita bar in <a href="https://www.leedscornexchange.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Corn Exchange</a>. Back in the day The Corn Exchange was the one-stop shop for alternative clothing, music, accessories, posters, tattoos, piercings and more. Nowadays the Victorian building is home to lots of trendier shops, check out a list <a href="https://www.leedscornexchange.co.uk/shops" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">here</a>.&nbsp; Now that you're fuelled up and ready for the day, we'd recommend checking out the shops. <a href="https://trinityleeds.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Trinity Leeds</a> is a shopping centre just a two-minute walk from Leeds train station, boasting hundreds of shops, you’ll find more than 120 national and international brands under one iconic roof. You’ll also find more than 40 coffee shops, bars and restaurants including <a href="https://instagram.com/thealchemistuk?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Alchemist</a>, Wagamama, Nando's, and YO! Sushi which all have vegan options.&nbsp; To shop in beautiful surroundings visit the <a href="https://www.victorialeeds.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Victoria Quarter</a>, built between 1898 and 1904, the arcades are celebrated for their mosaics and marble, as well as Britain's largest stained glass roof covering. Head to <a href="https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/family-friendly-days-out/leeds-kirkgate-market/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Kirkgate Market</a> for everything from fresh food, flowers, jewellery, clothing and fabrics to hair and nail salons and so much more, including <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fat_annies/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Fat Annie's</a>, choose from delicious vegan breakfast, burgers, hotdogs, loaded fries, and shakes. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705140108/Image_2_18_pic_3_024ac61799.png" alt="Vegan burger from Fat Annie’s, Leeds.">Fat Annie’s Take in some culture at one of Leeds' museums. <a href="https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture/leeds-city-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Leeds City Museum</a> is a ten-minute walk from the shops and train station and shops, learn more about Leeds and its history in their six galleries, find out what's on here. <a href="https://royalarmouries.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Royal Armouries</a> is a 15-minute walk from the city centre, they have five galleries dedicated to how arms and armour have shaped society, art, and culture throughout history. Their Interpretation Team runs live combat demonstrations to show you how they were used. Back in the city centre <a href="https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-art-gallery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Leeds Art Gallery</a> hold a significant collection of modern and contemporary British art, find out more about their events and exhibitions here. If you prefer the great outdoors we'd recommend a trip to <a href="https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstall-abbey/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Kirkstall Abbey</a>. Hop on a bus from Leeds bus station (the 508 bus which takes 35 minutes) to visit the ruined Cistercian monastery, set in a public park. Walk around the grounds of the 12th-century abbey with views of the River Aire and woodland trails to enjoy along your way. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1705140265/Image_3_1_pic_4_4d79463cf5.png" alt="Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds.">Paul Marshall/Unsplash A visit to Leeds wouldn't be complete without visiting <a href="https://www.instagram.com/donersummer/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Doner Summer</a>, who serve some of our favourite vegan junk food, their Buttermylk Fried Chick’n is second to none! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cantinaleeds/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Cantina Leeds</a> in the city centre is the perfect spot for all-vegan dinner and drinks, serving burger meals, loaded fries, sides, and of course desserts. You can also order some of the best vegan food in Leeds straight to your hotel, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/friendsoffoodco/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Friends Of Food</a> serve delicious burgers, fries, fish n chips and more for you to collect or have delivered via Deliveroo. <h2>Time for some nightlife!&nbsp;</h2>It's 5 o'clock somewhere right? Whether you're planning a night on the tiles or you fancy a quick drink we've got you covered. Leeds' LGBTQIA+ nightlife is thriving; head to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/queenscourtleeds/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Queens Court</a>, the biggest gay club in Leeds, to check out their themed nights and enjoy cocktails with some of the city's best drinks deals. See a show at <a href="https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Leeds Grand Theatre</a> or head to <a href="https://thelightleeds.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Light</a> on The Headrow where you'll find a <a href="https://www.myvue.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Vue Cinema</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/junkyardgolfclub/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Junkyard Golf</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/escapehuntuk/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Escape Hunt</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/roxylanesuk/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Roxy Lanes</a> bowling. If you enjoyed our Leeds travel guide, you'll love <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/best-way-to-spend-72-hours-as-a-vegan-in-manchester" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">best way to spend 72 hours as a vegan in Manchester</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/edinburgh-and-glasgow-s-best-vegan-food" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Edinburgh and Glasgow's best vegan food</a>.

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Vegan guide for a top-notch trip to Leeds

Even if you’ve always followed a standard Western diet, you have probably heard of both the vegan and keto diet. Though these two diets are touted as being a healthier way to eat, what are the similarities and differences when you look at keto vs vegan? What can you eat as a vegan? What can you eat on a keto diet? Are they similar? Take a look at how these diets differ and where they overlap. <h2>Differences</h2>Veganism is a lifestyle not a diet. Keto advocates may argue that keto is also a lifestyle rather than a diet. But, there’s a larger all-encompassing belief system behind veganism. To make this article easier to read, the terms vegan diet and keto diet will be used to describe the typical eating patterns of these two lifestyles. It only takes a general overview of both diets to see how they differ. Veganism excludes all animal products and focuses on a fully plant-based diet. This means that vegans don’t eat meat, seafood, dairy, eggs or honey. So what can you eat as a vegan? Vegans can eat anything that hasn’t derived from an animal. Things like fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. While veganism is about more than what you eat, it’s often the biggest part of making the change to a vegan lifestyle. Many vegans are health-focused but you don’t have to be. A lot of people following a vegan diet are doing it solely for the animals and therefore still enjoy vegan junk food and more processed products. Veganism argues that things like meat and dairy shouldn’t be eaten on moral and ethical grounds and to a lesser extent because they aren’t part of a natural human diet due to physiological differences with natural carnivores and omnivores, from the way human teeth are formed to the human digestive system. Keto, on the other hand, is solely health-focused and what someone on this diet can eat differs from veganism quite a bit.&nbsp; What can you eat on a keto diet? Firstly, the keto diet is based on the idea of severely limiting your carbohydrate intake (often below 50g per day). This is said to put your body into a state of <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24003-ketosis#:~:text=from%20Cleveland%20Clinic-,Ketosis%20is%20a%20metabolic%20state%20that%20occurs%20when%20your%20body,energy%20and%20treating%20chronic%20illness." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">ketosis</a>, where your body uses fat as its main source for energy rather than carbohydrates. A keto diet also excludes processed foods and foods high in sugar or carbohydrates. This naturally means no fast food or things like beer but also often excludes other foods often seen as part of a healthy diet, like bananas and sweet potatoes. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1704456781/Image_1_82_pic_2_e1e8bac51f.png" alt="Coconut halves next to a glass bottle of milk">Tijana Drndarski/Unsplash <h2>Similarities</h2>Despite their differences, the keto and vegan diet overlap quite a bit. They both focus on the elimination of certain products from one’s diet and eating more of what that diet deems should be eaten (although keto is clearer on the ‘should’ than veganism).&nbsp; Many of these restrictions are found in both diets. For example, both diets exclude dairy milk for different reasons and both focus on eating more <a href="https://www.healthyhabithhi.com/blog/wholefood-vs-processed#:~:text=Whole%20foods%20are%20generally%20characterized,%2C%20meat%2C%20fish%20and%20eggs." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">whole foods</a>. Perhaps the biggest similarity though, is the individual’s approach to each diet. Both keto dieters and vegans are often seen as very passionate about the diets they follow and are often thought of as wanting to ‘convert’ others to that way of living. <h2>Which is better?</h2>Everyone has different lifestyle and health circumstances and though both diets argue that they are the way people should be eating, it can vary from person to person. Interestingly a <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/can-a-plant-based-diet-help-prevent-and-treat-type-2-diabetes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">whole food plant-based diet</a> or <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-low-carb-ketogenic-diets#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">keto diet</a> can both help regulate blood sugar. They each have their considerations, like the requirement for a B12 supplement in a vegan diet and the well known <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-keto-flu-2018101815052" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">keto flu</a> experience by many keto dieters. Where veganism trumps keto though, is with its <a href="https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/why-go-vegan/environment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">environmental</a> and <a href="https://www.animalaid.org.uk/veganism/why-veganism/going-vegan-animals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">animal welfare</a> benefits. Going vegan is the best diet for reducing carbon emissions and reducing animal suffering whereas keto is similar to any other omnivorous diet. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1704456938/Image_2_17_pic_3_9ac21f7502.png" alt="Variety of types of nuts on a wooden table">Marta Branco/Pexels <h2>Best of both worlds?</h2>For those interested in following a vegan keto diet, there are tons of resources online for following this very specific way of eating, including this <a href="https://www.ruled.me/comprehensive-guide-vegan-ketogenic-diet/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">comprehensive guide to the vegan ketogenic diet</a>. It may be the perfect answer for you if you like the idea of both, or could be a great way for you to try either and see what works for you. A vegan and keto diet have varying similarities and differences but where they both meet is in a focus on the individual living a healthier lifestyle and thinking about what goes in their body more and this can only be a positive. Interested in the health side of veganism? Take a look at our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/category/health-and-wellbeing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">health &amp; wellbeing</a> section.

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Keto vs vegan: Similarities and differences

UK startup, Greenwood Foods is celebrating the sale of its 1 millionth <a href="https://www.instagram.com/soakdoats?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">SOAK’d OATS</a> Gut Friendly Oat Bars - just four months after the range launched in September 2023. The bars are currently on sale from the company’s website <a href="https://www.soakdoats.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">soakdoats.com</a> and launched earlier this month in all 29 UK Costco stores as well as Costco stores in Sweden and Iceland. “1 million is always an exciting number. But to reach this sales landmark so quickly after the launch is something I’m incredibly proud of the team for achieving,” said Founder Damien Gray. “The sales volume and velocity are exciting, but it’s customers’ incredible response to the two flavours that is driving the performance and interest in our new brand,” Gray continued. “That’s why we’ve chosen to support an extensive sampling campaign with Costco in January so that more people can get to taste our new deliciously chewy Oat Bars”. Gray and his team at Greenwood Foods had oat bar flavours in development for almost 18 months. He explained that the product development process has been meticulous. He pushed the Development Chefs to their limits, ultimately insisting on no less than 49 prototype variants to finally perfect the flavours and textures that are driving the rapid sales. Two flavours of SOAK’d OATS Gut Friendly Oat Bars are currently on sale: Apple &amp; Raisin with Cinnamon (42g) and Peanut Butter &amp; Banana (42g). Both are 100% plant-based, high in fibre, gluten free and approved by the Vegan Society. They contain only natural ingredients and no added preservatives, colours or emulsifiers. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1704474814/IMG_3338_e5ffaaae72.png" alt="Three SOAK’d OATS Gut Friendly Oat Bars being held up by three hands">SOAK’d OATS “We set out to transform snacking,” stated Gray, a former Asda Buyer. “We were frustrated by the lack of nutritious snack options and by the unhealthy ingredients and preservatives in too many of the plant-based options. I wanted to change all that and make healthier snacking available to everyone.”&nbsp; Greenwood Foods has taken an inclusive approach, so while it has proudly gained Vegan Society approval for its bars, it insists they are for everyone; its research with 286 UK consumers via the Attest platform confirmed that 59.4% of UK adults were trying to include more plant-based foods and that delicious flavours was their #1 priority for away-from-home snacking. Lauryn Davey, Welsh Athlete, shared her opinion: “As a trainee doctor and athlete, life demands a blend of nourishment and convenience. SOAK’d OATS Bars are a game-changer for me as they are healthy and tasty”. We love that SOAK’d OATS only use natural ingredients; here’s to many millions more sold!

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SOAK’d OATS launches in Costco and sells landmark 1 millionth bar

After the indulgences and hedonism of festivities, many embark on New Year’s resolutions: gratitude journalling, Dry January, and, once again, dusting off those neglected jogging bottoms and enrolling in gym memberships. One resolution shown to be having a lasting impact is <a href="https://veganuary.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Veganuary</a>. Since it launched in 2014, more than 1.3 million people from 192 countries have signed up for the challenge. “Thousands more took part unofficially - via social media, work teams, and friendship groups” - but for surveying and reporting, Veganuary refers to people&nbsp;who signed up to the website and received tailor-made support packages. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">What is Veganuary?</h2>Veganuary is a non-profit organisation founded by Matthew Glover and Jane Land (pictured below), which encourages and supports people worldwide to try veganism in January; aiming to create a vegan world where food production does not harm animals, the environment, or human health.&nbsp; Asking people to try a month of veganism makes the task less daunting; it provides a great opportunity to experience how easy it is to swap animal products for plant-based ones, all within a supportive community. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1704455447/Image_1_81_pic2_f59e617cdb.png" alt="Founders of Veganuary, Michael Glover and Jane Land, crouching outside next to a dog.">Veganuary <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Growing and growing</h2>Each year, there is an increase in people signing up for Veganuary: 2015 saw 12,800 people take part, which leapt to 250,310 in 2019, and astoundingly more than 700,000 officially signed up in <a href="https://veganuary.com/veganuary-2023-breaks-all-records/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">2023</a>.&nbsp; One reason for the growth of Veganuary is the increasing awareness of the benefits of a plant-based diet, both for individuals and the planet.&nbsp; Many people who try Veganuary report feeling healthier, happier, and more energetic. They also discover new and delicious foods, recipes, and products that make vegan eating easy and enjoyable.&nbsp; Another reason for the growth of Veganuary is the influence of celebrities, media, and social movements that promote veganism as a positive and ethical choice.&nbsp; Veganuary has many ambassadors who share their stories and inspire others to join, such as Joaquin Phoenix, Billie Eilish, DeAndre Jordan, Laura Clery, Alicia Silverstone, Evanna Lynch, and many <a href="https://veganuary.com/about/ambassadors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">more</a>. Veganuary also features in thousands of media stories every year, reaching millions of people with its message. It is part of a larger movement for social justice, animal rights, and environmental protection that attracts people who want to make a difference. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1704455757/Image_2_16_pic_3_71217a9c7a.png" alt="Veganuary Ambassador, Evanna Lynch, wearing a t-shirt with the Veganuary logo on.">Veganuary <h2 class="ql-align-justify">But does Veganuary have lasting results?&nbsp;</h2>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36073024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">study</a> in 2022 examined how supermarket intervention during Veganuary affected sales of plant-based and meat products: • Plant-based products were made more visible, accessible, affordable and available, resulting in significantly increased plant-based sales (57%) during the intervention for Veganuary.&nbsp; • Plant-based product sales decreased post-intervention but remained 15% higher than pre-intervention.&nbsp; • Additionally, the study found an increase in plant-based sales was greatest at superstores in ‘below-average affluence areas’. Cambridge University <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373933010_The_effects_of_Veganuary_on_meal_choices_in_workplace_cafeterias_an_interrupted_time_series_analysis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">investigated</a> how Veganuary influenced the sales of plant-based meals in workplace cafeterias from 2019 to 2022 and found that Veganuary increased the sales of vegan and vegetarian meals, and “the effects of the 2020 and 2021 campaigns were still present - at approximately one-third of their initial magnitude - one year following the campaigns”. Not only does Veganuary support participants throughout the challenge, but they also invite people to take part in surveys after the event to gain insights.&nbsp; Results from a six-month follow-up <a href="https://veganuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Veganuary-2023-6-month-survey.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">survey</a> of Veganuary 2023 participants (6,967 responded) show the long-lasting effects of the one-month pledge, including:&nbsp; • 28% are still eating a fully vegan diet.&nbsp;• 36% are eating at least 75% less meat and other animal products than pre-Veganuary.• 16% are eating at least 50% less meat and other animal products than pre-Veganuary.• 96% of those who are not fully vegan said they’re likely to try a vegan diet again. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1704455955/Image_3_pic_4_327487028c.png" alt="Veganuary’s ‘Vote for Veggies’ 2024 Veganuary campaign">Veganuary <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Ripple effect</h2>Veganuary has a ripple effect on the food industry, creating a demand for more vegan options in shops and restaurants. Every year, hundreds of new vegan products and menus are launched for Veganuary and beyond, making it easier for consumers to find and enjoy plant-based foods.&nbsp; Veganuary is growing because it allows people to try something new, improve their health, protect the environment, and save animals. It also has lasting results because it helps people change their habits, influences the food market, and contributes to a global movement for a better world.&nbsp; If you want to take part or want to help support friends and family, colleagues and neighbours, sign up and share the <a href="https://veganuary.com/try-vegan/?d=IG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">link</a>.&nbsp; Why stop at January? Find out how every month can be <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/sign-up-to-veganuary-every-month-can-be-veganuary-month" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Veganuary</a>. Also we sat down with Veganuary co-founder <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/in-conversation-with-matthew-glover-investing-in-a-vegan-future" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Matthew Glover</a> to discuss investing in a vegan future.

Piglet next to text which reads, “Try vegan this month. . .  Veganuary.”

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Why is Veganuary participation growing? Are the results enduring?

Would you like to change your lifestyle to a more cruelty-free and ethical one but are unsure where to start, or what to look out for? If so, here is our beginner’s guide to veganism, which includes: meat and dairy alternatives, cruelty-free cleaning and cosmetics, vegan clothing and how to spot an accidentally vegan find. <h2>Don’t compromise on taste with these vegan meat alternatives</h2>So many vegan brands are launching incredible like-for-like meat alternatives that are becoming more mainstream and easier to purchase in supermarkets.&nbsp; Popular brands such as THIS, Oumph! and Squeaky Bean to name a few, are replicating common fridge staples such as <a href="https://this.co/products/streaky-bacon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">streaky bacon</a>, <a href="https://this.co/products-frozen/sausages/?gclid=CjwKCAjwp6CkBhB_EiwAlQVyxfy6IxGuimbz4Ow77jr7VapCd-ZJAxfir85vB6pOKDjiau4MVAS7YhoCk1sQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">succulent sausages</a> and <a href="https://www.squeakybean.co.uk/#FILTER" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">ready-to-eat cold-cut meats</a> - creating a fuss-free home cooking experience for every mealtime. Replicating the taste and texture of barbecued pork style cuts, Doner kebab strips, thick juicy burgers and more - filled with protein, <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-to-get-b12-as-a-vegan-why-is-it-essential" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">B12</a> and iron, so you won’t miss out on a thing. <h2>The vegan egg</h2>In December 2020, Crackd released the long-awaited cold-pressed vegan liquid egg that mimics both the white and the yolk of an egg! A versatile vegan egg that you can scramble, create hearty filled omelettes and bake light, moist fluffy cakes and <a href="https://www.crackd.com/recipes/yorkshire-puddings" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Yorkshire puddings</a> with. In June of this year, Crackd partnered up with THIS and Applewood to release their <a href="https://www.crackd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">ready-made quiches in 2 classic flavours at Tesco</a>. <h2>Dairy alternatives</h2>The dairy alternative industry has come a long way. Soy milk, the original dairy alternative milk, hit the market in the mid-1980s. Since then, we have many plant milks to choose from on supermarket shelves such as oat, rice and coconut. Recently Oatly released their <a href="https://www.oatly.com/en-gb/stuff-we-make/oat-drinks/oat-drink-barista-edition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Oat Drink Barista Edition</a>, which is the perfect milk for hot drinks as it’s specifically made to not curdle with boiling water. Creating creamy coffees as well as being great for baking, cooking and being enjoyed straight from the carton. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1691682941/Image_1_62_pic_1_de6175f411.png" alt="A variety of plant-based milks in bottles and their constituent ingredients laid out next to them ">Mizina/Getty Images <h2>How can I tell if a product is vegan?</h2>An easy way to spot a vegan product is to look for the <a href="https://www.vegansociety.com/the-vegan-trademark" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Vegan Trademark</a> on the packaging. An absence of the Vegan Trademark doesn’t mean the product isn’t suitable for vegans, it just doesn’t have the official accreditation. Under current laws, products <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/can-those-with-allergies-to-animal-products-eat-vegan-food-safely" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">can be labelled ‘vegan’ and still have traces of animal products in them</a>. <h2>What are accidentally vegan products?</h2>There are many <a href="https://thegoodnessproject.co.uk/blog/accidentally-vegan-food" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">accidentally vegan convenience foods</a> on the shelves; some popular finds are Marmite, Oreo cookies, and a decent amount of Walkers crisps. Some things to look out for on the ingredients list include <a href="https://www.frifran.com/the-10-e-numbers-and-additives-that-are-never-vegan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">gelatine, flavourings, vitamin D and some E numbers</a>.&nbsp; <h2>Where can I find vegan cosmetics, cleaning products and clothing?</h2>Supermarkets and drug stores such as <a href="https://www.marksandspencer.com/c/food-to-order/adventures-in-food/spring-cleaning-at-home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Marks and Spencer</a>, <a href="https://magazine.co-operativefood.co.uk/2018/03/22/cleaning-is-caring/content.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Co-op</a> and <a href="https://www.superdrug.com/dgfs/vegan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Superdrug</a> have their own affordable line of cruelty-free and vegan products. Just look for the <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/leaping-bunny-logo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Leaping Bunny</a> which is easily visible and the vegan label on the packaging. <a href="https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/shop-vegan-clothing-compassionate-shopping-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Cruelty-free fashion</a> is being popularised in high street stores and by high-end designers alike - opting for materials such as polyester, acrylic and polyurethane (PU) instead of animal wool and leathers. A recent revelation currently sweeping the world of fashion are the vegan leathers that can be made from <a href="https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-fashion/sustainable-fabrics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">innovative and sustainable materials</a>. <a href="https://veganleatherco.com/pages/about-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Vegan Leather Co.</a> are home to luxury leather goods using natural materials like pineapple leaves and cactus leather that put animal skins to shame. In 2011 animal lovers everywhere rejoiced as the iconic brand Dr. Martens launched its <a href="https://www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/vegan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">hard-wearing vegan line</a>: releasing their sought-after boots, sandals and satchels in classic black and their famous cherry red vegan leather. Many reviews stated that the vegan leather doesn’t crease as deep as the animal equivalent and after five years of wearing, it is still going strong; proving that cruelty-free textiles are just as good, if not better! Vegans have got to eat! So, if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to save <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/5-vegan-chocolate-bar-brands-to-add-to-your-shopping-list" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">5 vegan chocolate bar brands to add to your shopping list</a> and for something a little different, check out <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/7-unusual-vegan-milk-alternatives-worth-trying" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">7 unusual vegan milk alternatives worth trying</a>.

Smiling woman in a red top holding a red pepper in one hand and a glass bowl of vegetables in the other one on a blue background

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The beginner’s guide to veganism

The past year has simply flown by. As we approach this new year, many of us embrace the opportunity to dive headfirst into Veganuary 2024. This lifestyle choice sparks countless discussions and enquiries from various communities - some driven by curiosity, and others not so much.&nbsp; The central theme of these conversations revolves around essential nutrients, the building blocks our bodies require to function optimally. Questions like, "Where do you get your protein?" or "Can you obtain B12 from plants?" and the classic "Without calcium, will our bones crumble to dust?". The good news is that these concerns are largely based on myths. In fact, not only can we survive on a completely plant-based diet, but we can thrive.&nbsp; There are a few key macro and micronutrients that we may need to be more mindful of to ensure our bodies are well-nourished, such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, B12, and iodine. However, they are readily available from plant sources, making it simple to meet our dietary requirements. We’ll explore these nutrients, demystifying common misconceptions and providing you with the knowledge you need to succeed in your plant-based journey. <h2>“Where do you get your protein?”</h2>While concerns about protein intake have significantly diminished in recent years, it's always worth revisiting this essential nutrient. Proteins are composed of 20 amino acids. We need to obtain nine from our diets - these nine are called essential amino acids.&nbsp; Protein is fundamental to our overall well-being. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our skin, bones, hair, muscles, organs, tissue repair, and a myriad of other bodily functions.&nbsp; You might have come across the terms ‘complete protein’ and ‘incomplete protein’. A complete protein contains adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids, while an incomplete protein is lower in one or more of these amino acids. It's important to note that when we say ‘incomplete protein’, we don't mean that something is entirely missing. Rather, the term signifies that a certain food contains varying quantities of amino acids and has a unique nutrient profile.&nbsp; So, while some plant-based foods may be lower in certain amino acids than others - beans tend to be lower in methionine and whole grains and nuts lower in lysine - they can compensate with larger mineral profiles.&nbsp; The beauty of a plant-based diet is that you can easily mix and match foods, just as you do in your everyday meals. This practice unknowingly helps you create complete proteins.&nbsp; Importantly, your body doesn't differentiate between amino acids sourced from plants or animals; it simply requires them. If one meal is lower in protein than the previous one, your body can combine proteins to minimise waste and ensure you receive the amino acids you need for optimal health. However, it may be prudent for vegans to have slightly more than non-vegans partly due to amino acid profiles and reduced digestibility. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1702215430/Image_1_13_137e36dc4f.png" alt="Man flexing his muscles in his arms and back">Nigel Msipa/Unsplash <h2>The true source of omega-3</h2>Omega-3 is associated with fish; however, this is not its true origin. Fish aren't the creators of omega-3. Fish acquire their omega-3 by feasting on algae. There are a few different types: • DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): This omega-3 is primarily found in ocean-based foods like seaweed and algae. • EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): Another form of omega-3, EPA, can be found in various seafood sources, including marine life. • ALA (alpha-linolenic acid): This omega-3 is in foods like chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts. ALA can convert to EPA and DHA within your body (although converts inefficiently to DHA, especially in men). Plant-based sources of omega-3 provide a safe and abundant alternative to the potential hazards associated with fish consumption. You can reap the benefits of omega-3 without worrying about toxins or mercury; as Dr. Greger says: “Cut out the middle fish!” Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial in maintaining healthy eyes and supporting vision. These nutrients are known to boost brain function, aiding memory and cognitive abilities, and contribute to heart health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.&nbsp; Pregnant women can benefit from omega-3 for fetal brain and eye development while regulating metabolism. These fatty acids may provide relief from menstrual discomfort and pain. <h2>Calcium: “Got Milk?”</h2>When it comes to calcium, people immediately think of cow’s milk. Calcium is abundant in a wide variety of plant-based foods that give milk a run for its money. The bioavailability of dairy products is around 30%, whereas dark leafy greens and others have around 50%, allowing more calcium per gram we consume. Calcium is a mineral that's crucial for all living beings, it's abundant in our bodies, particularly in our bones and muscles - helping them grow strong in your youth and stay sturdy as you age. It also plays other various roles in our body functions. If you don't have enough, you could get muscle cramps, spasms, brittle nails and have trouble swallowing.&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1702215438/Image_2_2_396c50622a.png" alt="Rainbow chard growing in soil ">Markus Spiske/Unsplash <h2>Iron: To heme, or not to heme, that is the question</h2>Iron is a cornerstone of optimal health, but, you don't need to rely on meat for your iron intake. Iron comes in two main forms: heme iron, found in animal products, and non-heme iron, prevalent in plant-based sources. Heme iron is more readily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron, and vegans may have lower iron stores. However, this doesn't translate into high rates of anaemia among plant-based eaters. Studies have revealed that having a "normal or lower" iron level isn’t necessarily suboptimal. Maintaining iron stores within this range could have benefits, and it may contribute to improved insulin function and lower risks of heart disease and cancer.&nbsp; Iron doesn't have to be a major concern for those following a plant-based diet. By maintaining a varied, well-rounded diet, you can meet your iron needs without supplementation. To optimise your iron intake, remember to spread out your iron intake and divide it into multiple smaller portions throughout the day. The body absorbs iron more efficiently when it's consumed in smaller doses. Pair iron-rich foods (such as legumes, beans, nuts and seeds) with vitamin C, as this simple hack can increase iron absorption by as much as five times, and avoid coffee and tea one hour before and after eating iron-rich foods, as these drinks contain tannins which interfere with iron absorption. But why is iron such a big deal? Iron is behind the creation of red blood cells, crucial for haemoglobin production, the nutrient responsible for transporting oxygen in your bloodstream. Without adequate haemoglobin, you may face anaemia, fatigue, and oxygen deprivation. The significance of iron extends further. It plays a pivotal role in mitosis, the process that enables your cells to divide and function correctly, which is essential to overall cell health. Additionally, iron supports cognitive function, enhancing mental sharpness, quicker learning, and sustained alertness.﻿ <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1702215441/Image_3_4f060b9e4a.png" alt="Variety of raw beans and legumes">Shelley Pauls/Unsplash <h2>The origins and importance of B12</h2>B12 does not reside in the animal kingdom, yet beneath our feet within the soil, B12 synthesis is undertaken by soil-dwelling bacteria, which rely on mineral-rich soil, specifically cobalt.&nbsp; Unfortunately, industrialisation, chemical treatments, and fertilisers can strip soils of cobalt, rendering them incapable of naturally producing B12. This has led to the necessity of B12 supplementation for many humans and animals. When people consume animals, the B12 is essentially recycled from their diet to ours, much like the flow of nutrients within ecosystems. B12 deficiency is not exclusive to those following meat-free diets; it's a global concern, approximately <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/#en9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">40% of the Western population</a> have low or marginal levels of B12. This vital nutrient, called cobalamin, provides a wide range of benefits, including energy conversion, skin and hair care, heart and brain health, digestive support, DNA synthesis, and nourishment of the nervous system. A deficiency in B12 can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and even cognitive difficulties. The good news is that B12 can be obtained through supplementation and fortified foods like cereals, spreads, and plant-based milk. If your garden soil is mineral-rich, it might harbour some B12-producing bacteria. <h2>Iodine</h2>Iodine, a trace mineral, is of great importance for our overall health. Iodine is crucial in regulating thyroid hormones, impacting temperature, energy levels, and overall well-being. It's especially vital during pregnancy for both maternal and fetal health. Modern food practices have depleted fruits and vegetables of their iodine content, much like B12, and while in some countries a requirement is to add iodine to bakery goods, the UK doesn’t implement this. Sea vegetables, particularly seaweed, reign supreme in iodine, offering up to 232 mcg per serving (certain seaweeds may be best avoided or limited due to the very high and varying concentrations, such as kelp).&nbsp; While seaweed's taste may not appeal to everyone, supplements derived from seaweed and algae are readily available and budget-friendly.&nbsp;﻿ <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1702215429/Image_4_8cdb4631b2.png" alt="Kelp exposed at low tide on a rocky shoreline of Southwest Scotland">Ben Wicks/Unsplash Embracing a vegan lifestyle is not only attainable but also immensely rewarding. The key nutrients discussed here - protein, omega-3, iron, calcium, B12, and iodine - are all readily available from plant-based sources, and the latter three can be partially obtained from many fortified plant-based milks. By understanding and optimising your intake of these essential nutrients, you can thrive on a plant-based diet while enjoying the numerous health benefits it offers.&nbsp; Whether you're new to plant-based living or a seasoned pro, this knowledge equips you to make informed choices that support your health and well-being.&nbsp; Remember, with the right nutrition, you can flourish on your plant-based journey and contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world. Here's to a healthy and vibrant 2024 filled with delicious plant-based goodness! For a deeper dive into some essential vegan nutrients, check out the <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/5-best-vegan-omega-3-sources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">5 best vegan omega 3 sources</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-to-get-b12-as-a-vegan-why-is-it-essential" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">how to get B12 as a vegan: why is it essential?</a>&nbsp;

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Essential nutrient guide: How to thrive in Veganuary and beyond 

Veganism is more than just eating plant-based foods. Animals are also exploited in the beauty and makeup industry. However, there are many cruelty-free and vegan beauty brands, such as <a href="https://lizardbeauty.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Lizard Beauty</a>, a fully vegan and cruelty-free eyelash brand with sustainable packaging.&nbsp; The entrepreneur behind Lizard Beauty, Zii Lizard, is a Thai-Vietnamese-English trans woman. The brand is inclusive of all genders and identities. We had the opportunity to interview Zii to find out more about Lizard Beauty and the story behind it. V-Land UK (V-L): What inspired you to create Lizard Beauty? Zii Lizard (ZL): I started it because I love makeup, especially eyelashes. I wanted to provide people with eyelashes that are vegan and cruelty-free because many eyelashes out there are made by harming animals, like testing on them or using their fur. Can you believe that more than half of the eyelashes people buy are made from animal fur?&nbsp; It's not right to hurt animals for the sake of beauty. Who wants to look gorgeous while contributing to animal cruelty, right? I created Lizard Beauty to educate people about this issue and offer them makeup and eyelash options that are kind to animals. I believe you can enhance your beauty without causing harm to animals, and I want to spread that message to everyone. Plus, let's face it, not everyone knows about the awesomeness of veganism! That's why, through our social channels, we're spreading the word, sharing information, and helping everyone make glamorous, compassionate choices for their beauty products. Together, we'll show the world how to be stunning and kind at the same time! V-L: Which people inspire you in the makeup and vegan worlds? ZL: When it comes to the makeup and vegan realms, two powerhouses truly inspire me. First, the dazzling <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nikitadragun/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Nikita Dragun</a>, who has taken the makeup industry by storm and continues to captivate us all with her incredible talent and unapologetic authenticity. She's a true queen! And then there's the fabulous <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nisamanee_nutt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Nisamanee Lertvorapong</a>, a Thai trans woman who embodies strength and success like no other. These incredible influencers inspire me to dream big and achieve greatness in my own journey. V-L: Do you see any parallels between being a vegan and being a trans woman? ZL: Oh let me tell you how my journey as a trans woman aligns beautifully with a person's choice to go vegan. Just as I always knew deep within myself that I was a girl, a superstar, I made the bold decision to fully embrace my true identity and let my fabulousness shine.&nbsp; Trust me, it wasn't always easy. It demanded immense strength and resilience, just like those people who choose veganism. Making informed choices about what we put on our plates challenges societal norms and expectations. But you know what? Both paths empower us to be our authentic, fabulous selves, regardless of what others think. It's about embracing our true beauty and strutting with confidence!﻿ <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1702217619/Image_1_14_83c0c1ec4d.png" alt="Zii Lizard doing a catwalk in a black dress "> V-L: Are there any challenges you have faced as a trans woman in the makeup industry? ZL: Being a trans woman in the beauty and eyelash industry hasn't always been a walk in the park. Unfortunately, social media can be a breeding ground for bullies and negative comments, especially when it comes to my fabulous sexuality. But guess what? I refuse to let their negativity dim my sparkle! I draw strength from the hurdles I've overcome in life and focus on the love and support of those who truly matter. V-L: Lizard Beauty is all about inclusivity of all genders and identities, how important is it to have this message embedded in your brand's values? ZL: Well Lizard Lovers, inclusivity is everything to me! Through my personal experiences, where I've faced exclusion and negativity in the past, I realised just how powerful and resilient I am. It shocked me when I realised how strong I had become through these past challenges.&nbsp; I firmly believe that everyone deserves the freedom to express their true selves and embrace their unique beauty. That's why Lizard Beauty is all about empowering others and encouraging them to break free from societal norms. Let's celebrate individuality, no matter who you are or what anyone else thinks! V-L: Can you spill the beauty tea about your favourite Lizard Beauty product? ZL: Oh wow, this is tough for me. I'm obsessed with our <a href="https://lizardbeauty.com/collections/individual-lash-collection-premium-cluster-vegan-lashes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Individual Lash Clusters</a>. They are an absolute dream to apply, and the best part? You can completely customise your lash style and length, giving you a one-of-a-kind, personalised look. Trust me, these lashes will have you batting your fabulously long lashes like a goddess! <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1702217629/Image_2_3_3ec87d275b.png" alt="Lizard Beauty false vegan eyelashes">Lizard Beauty V-L: What does the future hold for yourself and Lizard Beauty?&nbsp; ZL: Well. . . the future is a shimmering mystery, but one thing's for sure, both myself and Lizard Beauty are ready to conquer it all! While I can't predict every layer of glitter and glam that awaits us, I can assure you that I'm working tirelessly behind the scenes to take Lizard Beauty to new heights.&nbsp; As a trans woman model, my opportunities continue to expand, with exciting collaborations coming my way. I'm very open to collaborating with all kinds of people in beauty, fashion, photography, and film. And who knows, I might even venture into other artistic realms and sprinkle some more breathtaking artwork into the mix. My ultimate goal? To inspire and uplift others while blossoming both personally and professionally. Get ready, because we're just getting started! We’re more than ready! We wish Zii and Lizard Beauty all the best for the future. Want to find out more about all-vegan cosmetics? Check out our top recommendations for <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-and-cruelty-free-makeup-for-your-travel-bag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">vegan and cruelty-free makeup for your travel bag</a>, and why not make a luxury vegan <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-body-scrub-how-to-make-vegan-body-scrub-at-homepresent-articles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">body scrub</a> with our sumptuous recipes?

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Beauty without cruelty: Zii Lizard on vegan lashes and inclusivity

December 10th is a special day for animal lovers across the globe as we celebrate International Animals Rights Day: an awareness day highlighting the importance of animal rights and advocating for the ethical and humane treatment of animals.&nbsp; We were thrilled at the opportunity to sit down and celebrate International Animal Rights Day with British actor and animal rights activist <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterEgan6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Peter Egan</a>.&nbsp; Peter is an English television and film actor most recognised for his long-standing role in Downton Abbey, where he refused to be filmed with animal products on his plate during filming, and more recently, acting alongside fellow animal rights activist Ricky Gervais in the popular Netflix series After Life. Outside of the acting world, Peter has worked tirelessly behind the scenes as an ambassador for multiple foundations and charities, to bring about change for non-human species.&nbsp; Peter is an ambassador for the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/animalsasia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Animals Asia Foundation</a>, a charity that works to end cruelty to animals in Asia, and a proud patron of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alldogsmatter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">All Dogs Matter</a>, <a href="https://www.chaldonanimalsanctuary.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Chaldon Animal Sanctuary</a> and the science-based campaign <a href="https://www.forlifeonearth.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">For Life On Earth</a> (FLOE), which fights against animal testing in the field of human medical research, to name a few. Peter shares the highs and lows of utilising his platform as a public figure to advocate for animal rights. V-Land UK (V-L): What began your journey into animal rights activism? Peter Egan (PE): My late wife, Myra, and I started rescuing dogs over thirty years ago. Our journey through dogs introduced us to all other species on the planet. Dogs are wonderful companion animals, yet so badly treated in so many countries, including the UK. They're carelessly abandoned, they’re used for fights… I suppose we should be grateful that we don't use them as livestock as people do in many other countries.&nbsp; My journey started with one dog in particular, a border collie spaniel that we rescued in 1999. He was a tiny little dog, he had a black coat and a white bib. He looked like he was wearing a dinner jacket, so I called him DJ. He was my gatekeeper.&nbsp; DJ seemed to me to have a wonderful ability to communicate. Whenever I came home, he was waiting there for me by the door, and I would talk to him, and he listened. He also tilted his head to the side as if to say, ‘Yes, I'm agreeing with what you're saying.’ He was a remarkable communicator, my gatekeeper into a broad sentience, and a dimensioned compassion.&nbsp; Through the journey with dogs, I discovered their mistreatment all over the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, where they are used for food. That made me start looking into intensive animal agriculture.&nbsp; I watched a documentary called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthlingsfilm/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Earthlings</a> about fourteen years ago, which is devastating, and produces all of the horror that you encounter in animals that are slaughtered for food. After I watched it, I couldn't speak for hours; I decided I would never eat animal products again.&nbsp; That was a major door opener for me because I could understand how arbitrarily we harm animals, particularly when one is producing them for food. V-L: What has been the most challenging aspect of animal rights activism for you? PE: The most challenging part of being an animal rights activist is making people understand that they abuse animals without knowing it, on every level.&nbsp; Take horse racing, for example. I don't understand how anyone who loves animals can love horse racing. People say the horses love it, but if you were to say to a horse, “Would you prefer to run the Grand National or be in a field with your friends?” They'd all say, “I'd prefer to be in a field with my friends”.&nbsp; There is an accepted norm that you break an animal's spirit for fun. Horse racing would be an example as far as that's concerned, along with using elephants for entertainment, or any wild animal for entertainment.&nbsp; The difficulty is trying to throw a net over the continuing abuse that we impose on all species on our planet and saying to someone, “Don't you recognise that as abuse? Don't you recognise that you are being cruel? That you're supporting cruelty if you pay for a donkey ride, or if you pay to go to a zoo, where a zoo is only a prison for wildlife?” People say zoos have great conservation, and I'm sure there are vulnerable species that may have survived because of zoos, but then they will only live in zoos because they won't live in the wild. They're no longer wild animals. And so to me, the major problem is making people understand what animal advocacy is. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1702126066/Image_1_12_64730ac571.png" alt="Peter Egan smiling and patting a cow"> V-L: Have you experienced this in the other countries you’ve visited? PE: I've been to many different countries and experienced this first-hand. I'm attached to so many different charities and observed the cruelty that exists in those countries, like Vietnam, China and Indonesia.&nbsp; In Indonesia, I was at what they call an extreme market, where every species you could think of was being brutalised because people like it so fresh. I was talking to a dog meat trader who had dogs in cages that he was hooking out of the cages, and then stunning and blow torching alive.&nbsp; “Would you eat the dog on your lap?” I said to him through a translator. “No, if I want to eat a dog,” he said, “I'll eat one from the cages.” “What’s the difference?” I enquired. “This is my pet,” he replied, “the dogs in the cage are dog meat.” The cognitive dissonance exposed in that situation is precisely the same if, say, someone who has a dog, has lamb, chicken, or turkey for their lunch.&nbsp; V-L: Do you feel your platform as an actor helps with animal rights activism? PE: Yes, I have a terrific platform and a shop window in which to share my commitment and my beliefs. And I'm delighted to say that it has enabled me to get a rather large following of people who care the same way as I do. I'm very uplifted by that. It's one of the great gifts about being relatively successful. I've just become a patron for the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_turgwe_hippo_trust/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Turgwe Hippo Trust</a>, which a remarkable woman runs called Karen Paolillo. She and her husband, Jean-Roger in Zimbabwe, have been providing a sanctuary for hippopotamuses for the last thirty years; I’m so impressed with the work that she's doing. Earlier this year, I visited South Africa and went to a rhinoceros orphanage. It was the first time I'd been to Africa, the first time I'd been in the wild. To see so many amazing wild animals existing peacefully in their habitat was breathtaking and inspiring to me, and touched my heart deeply.&nbsp; Whether it be a beetle or a whale, I believe that every species has its own sentience, and its own language, and its own means of communication, and is of such value to our wonderful planet. We must find a way of living constructively and productively with our wildlife. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1702126060/Image_2_1_cfbc0a17b9.png" alt="Peter Egan"> V-L: What have been the most rewarding aspects of animal rights activism for you? PE: I am extremely lucky to be passionate about what I'm passionate about. I think commitment, discipline, and passion are all things that you have to work at, but in doing so, they become the greatest gift to your life, because they create an energy and a desire to achieve things that lots of people of my age may well have abandoned.&nbsp; I am inspired by the people I observe who do the most thankless work in animal rights. They work so hard and they never give up.&nbsp; Sharing the message has been the most rewarding thing. Many people write to me and say, “When you first started going on about veganism, I thought, ‘Oh, God, here we go again.’ Then I tried it and found I liked it; I felt better and healthier following a plant-based lifestyle.” I get lovely responses thanking me for that, which I appreciate because I came to veganism very late in my life.&nbsp; I'm 77, and I probably started in full force about 12 years ago. I'd been a flexitarian, for want of a better word, up until my mid-60s. People say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I’m living proof that you can. I feel better than I've ever felt. V-L: What are three things people can do to help animals on International Animal Rights Day… or any day? PE: Firstly, if you choose to have a companion animal in your life, think about it carefully. Research and understand why you want one. And if you answer, “I think having a dog will help me change my life”, then you are getting it for the wrong reason.&nbsp; But if you research and then think, “I can offer this animal something and understand this animal more, and I think I will gain something remarkable from it.” I can assure anyone who thinks in that way that it’ll be true. They will get remarkable rewards by looking at their companion animal and trying to understand them, trying to understand their needs, not trying to dominate them or break their spirit, but encouraging its spirit to emerge.&nbsp; Understand why you want to have a companion animal in your life. Understand that you're making a decision for life, and not just for as long as it's entertaining to you, or for as long as it isn't a burden. Secondly, tap into your compassion, then allow that to grow, and look at other animals in the same way as you would look at your dog, cat, or animal you adore that occupies your life.&nbsp; Look at other animals of any kind and see that they have precisely the same needs as your companion animal and would relate to you in precisely the same way your puppy relates to you. I think that would then lead you to examine whether you should be selective about who, and what, you choose to eat.&nbsp; Thirdly, having opened that door, I would encourage anyone to walk into the room that is marked animal welfare or animal rights.&nbsp; Then, try to understand that every other species on this planet has precisely the same rights as we do, as human animals. And that is a right to live a life free from fear, free from coercion, and free from abuse.&nbsp; We couldn’t agree more. For more animal rights inspiration, check out <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-your-creative-career-choices-contribute-to-vegan-activism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">creative career choices as activism</a>, <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/art-as-activism-vegan-artists-to-follow-on-instagram" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">art as activism</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/ed-winters-shares-why-he-s-compelled-to-champion-vegan-activism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Ed Winter’s interview on why he champions vegan activism</a>.&nbsp; Wishing you a very happy International Animal Rights Day from everyone here at V-Land UK.

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International Animal Rights Day: Peter Egan's call for compassion

As Christmas approaches, the anticipation of fun festivities can take precedence over the reality of the environmental impact of the season.&nbsp; However, it's crucial to consider climate impact during this time of year. According to <a href="https://www.gwp.co.uk/guides/christmas-packaging-facts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">GWP Group</a>, the Christmas period sees a 30% increase in produced and discarded waste in the UK, particularly in food waste, compared to the rest of the year.&nbsp; There must be a radical shift in our consumer habits and how we manage waste, plastic, food, wrapping gifts, and international shipping. Let's find eco-friendly ways to keep the Christmas spirit alive!&nbsp; <h2>To tree or not to tree?</h2>There is a debate on whether a real or artificial Christmas tree is best for the environment - it does depend on which tree, whether you’ll reuse it and how it will be disposed of.&nbsp; According to <a href="https://www.carbontrust.com/news-and-insights/news/the-carbon-trusts-tips-for-a-more-sustainable-christmas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">The Carbon Trust</a>, “An artificial tree used over multiple years (7-20 times depending on the weight and different materials in the tree) is better for the environment than buying a new, commercially grown tree every year.” If you have a real tree with its roots still attached, rather than giving it to landfill, replant your Christmas tree or compost it, as a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the government’s effort to plant more trees. If you’re buying a real tree, it’s important that it is certified by the <a href="https://fsc.org/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)</a>. When decorating your tree, use LED lights, as they use less energy, last longer and look just as good. With decorations, save yourself money by upgrading old decorations or crafting your own using spare material around the house.&nbsp; <h2>Resist the urge to splurge</h2>We all want to spoil our loved ones and show appreciation for the year that has passed, but shocking statistics from <a href="https://www.gwp.co.uk/guides/christmas-packaging-facts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">GWP Group</a> tell us, “Each year, the UK spends £700 million on unwanted Christmas gifts. Consumers throw away approximately £42 million of unwanted presents each year (most end up in landfill). Of all purchases made in the UK for Christmas, only 1% will still be used six months after the big day.” Combat this by buying consciously and selectively. A good way to reduce waste is suggesting you take part in Secret Santa with your friends and family. By buying one gift each, you will have more money to spend on something they’re more likely to want, rather than small, throw-away gifts. You could even suggest only buying second-hand or charity shop items.&nbsp; Consider alternatives to the traditional retail experience when deciding what gifts to buy. Support your local artisans by purchasing one-of-a-kind locally crafted items, which are frequently available at local makers markets, and&nbsp;they prioritise&nbsp;the use of sustainable materials and practises: whether handmade jewellery, textiles, or home décor, markets and independent shops are full of hidden treasures that promote sustainable living. Material gifts aren’t everything! Gift an experience: booking someone a theatre trip, gig, or weekend away is a touching and exciting gift to offer. Another idea is vouchers or gift cards, which reduce waste by ensuring your recipient gets exactly what they want. Or, donate to charities, wildlife sanctuaries, or animal sanctuaries to help protect our wildlife, the environment, and human health for future generations. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1701520146/Image_1_80_pic_2_f0216937c9.png" alt="Lucie Liz/Pexels">Lucie Liz/Pexels <h2>Wrap with zero waste</h2>The typical wrapping paper on the high street is not sustainable because it is made of low-quality fibres dyed and covered in plastic and glitter, making it impossible to recycle. It's a serious problem because millions use this paper every Christmas. To combat this, consider reusing fabric wrap, recycled wrapping paper, gift bags from previous birthdays and Christmases, or furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that is an eco-friendly, creative alternative for gift-giving. You could even use newspapers, magazines, coloured paper or cards to recycle and keep the eco-friendly gift-giving going. <h2>Save a turkey, have tofurky</h2>We know very well, and as <a href="https://unfccc.int/news/we-need-to-talk-about-meat#:~:text=As%20that%20report's%20lead%20researcher,land%20use%20and%20water%20use." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">researchers tell us</a>, “A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth.” Fortunately, when it comes to <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-christmas-dinner-ideas-that-everyone-can-enjoy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">vegan Christmas options</a>, the advances are astounding. UK supermarkets such as Aldi, Tesco and Asda boast brilliant ranges such as 'Plant Chef' and ‘OMV!’, which offer fantastic vegan Wellingtons, ‘No-Turkey’ Crown Roasts and vegan puds. Whether cooking or buying ready-made, it’s worth trying something new and meat-free. It’s important not to waste food when cooking, as overbuying and overcooking during this period is so common, especially when you have big families.&nbsp; Work out portions when you’re catering to avoid throwing away food. Another tip is to freeze leftovers to buy some time before eating them. If you do have leftovers to throw away, be sure to use your correct recycling bins. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1701520334/Image_2_15_pic_3_92dc5a03ec.png" alt="Family celebrating Christmas sitting around a table while holding burning sparklers">Nicole Michalou/Pexels <h2>Ditch the fads</h2>With Christmas comes the party season, so we are often roped into finding something new to wear to suit the festive theme.&nbsp; A 2019 Hubbub study predicted that UK shoppers would spend £2.4 billion on party outfits for the Christmas party season that year, and many of these items would be worn fewer than three times. According to the <a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/un-alliance-sustainable-fashion-addresses-damage-fast-fashion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)</a>, the fashion industry accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions. Don’t be swayed into purchasing clothes for one-time use. Focus on what you already have, swapping with friends or buying second-hand clothes as an alternative.&nbsp;&nbsp; <h2>Have a very merry Christmas!</h2>Be mindful of the commercial nature of Christmas and focus on making a meaningful impact on those you love with gifts that last, packaging that recycles, and a tasty vegan dinner that pleases the entire family.&nbsp; You may want some tips for making the <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-christmas-dinner-ideas-that-everyone-can-enjoy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">perfect vegan Christmas dinner</a> or our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/5-types-of-family-members-that-a-vegan-can-face-at-christmas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Christmas survival guide for vegans</a>.

Close-up of Christmas decorations hanging on Christmas tree

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Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Here's how to celebrate sustainably 


The Retreat Animal Rescue &amp; Sanctuary in Kent, is home to over 1,250 animals, and has saved 20,000 animals over the last thirty years.&nbsp; The sanctuary has a strong community vibe, whereby people come together to volunteer their time and skills to look after non-human animals.&nbsp; <h2>The Retreat’s residents</h2><a href="https://www.retreatanimalrescue.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Retreat</a> has a diverse range of rescue animals, from cats and dogs, peacocks and donkeys, to ex-race horses and ex-riding school ponies, The Retreat does not discriminate, supporting domestic, wild and farm animals. The site feels like a little vegan paradise, with volunteers caring for the animals and creating a welcoming community space with an emphasis on love and compassion. The Retreat states&nbsp;that they “are pressing for a more enlightened world where humans remember their dignity and show compassion and love to all others, regardless of sex, race, age, gender, disability or species.” On visiting, volunteers will happily take the time to tell you each animal's story, and how they came to be in the sanctuary. You can get up close and personal with some of the animals, too, if you book one of the tours. One of the success stories from The Retreat is about a dog called Ranger who was found close to death, starved and chained to an old pallet. This poor boy had just been forgotten about. Thankfully Ranger was rescued and now lives with other dogs and a very loving family. Residents who have disabilities or are elderly are given extra care by the staff and volunteers, which is heartwarming, as many of these animals would not have been allowed to live in other settings.&nbsp; <h2><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1700304834/Image_1_79_pic_2_bc695b7f84.png" alt="AT: Chicken from The Retreat Animal Rescue"></h2>Sean Barrs <h2>Events</h2>The sanctuary hosts an annual fundraiser festival, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildkindhearts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Wild Kind Hearts Campout</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildkindhearts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">.</a> The 2023 version of the event was a great success, with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mobiusloopmusic/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Mobius Loop</a> providing the stage and headlining the weekend. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear speeches from activists and representatives from several organisations and backgrounds.&nbsp; There are also markets and special fundraising events run throughout the year by other Sanctuary supporters.&nbsp; If you want to keep up to date with information about these events, you can do so by following their social media pages, which you should also do to see all the cute animal photos! <h2>Ways to support&nbsp;</h2>There are many ways to support an animal sanctuary like The Retreat, such as visiting and spending money in the (amazing) onsite vegan café and shops - you can also stay in one of the onsite lodges to spend even more time at the sanctuary. Other ways to support include attending the events, promoting The Retreat on social media, and donating. Donations are always welcome; this does not necessarily have to be money. It could be items for the sanctuary to sell in their thrift store or even bedding, food or toys for the many residents. Plus, the sanctuary has several different volunteering roles you can apply for. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1700304972/Image_2_14_pic_3_5691fa2537.png" alt="Welcome sign for The Retreat Animal Rescue in Kent">Sean Barrs <h2>Find out more</h2>If you’re interested in learning more about The Retreat, you can check out their <a href="https://www.retreatanimalrescue.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">website</a> and read their full story. Or you could go one step further and buy <a href="https://instagram.com/billythompson.theretreat?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Billy Thompson</a>’s book, <a href="https://www.retreatanimalrescue.org.uk/earth-boy-book-by-billy-thompson" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Earth Boy</a>. He founded the sanctuary and shares his inspiring journey inside. Not only do sanctuaries help animals, but they also <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-sanctuaries-affirm-a-vegan-life" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">affirm a vegan lifestyle</a>, and have you heard about these <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/animal-sanctuaries-to-support-across-the-uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">animal sanctuaries</a> across the UK?

Close-up of a cow at The Retreat Animal Rescue  with some horses and trees behind it

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The Retreat Animal Rescue: A sanctuary of compassion


The UK was once rich in biodiversity, from insects and amphibians to herbivores and omnivores, and once upon a time, home to a multitude of carnivores too. From wild bears to wolves and lynxes, our country had an impressive selection of predators roaming the land. Sadly, the UK is no longer home to such creatures, and many carnivores that remain are endangered.&nbsp;The largest surviving terrestrial carnivores in the UK are badgers, but they too face a great threat. Just like the larger deceased predators, these smaller, yet equally wondrous creatures, face a threat that species across the globe struggle to cope with daily - living alongside humans.&nbsp;Badgers have lived in our country since the ice age and are a keystone species; their presence helps keep other animals and insects in balance, and they provide a multitude of environmental benefits, from regenerating soil health through foraging to dispersing seeds and helping maintain healthy ecosystems.&nbsp; Badgers are often tarnished with the misplaced presumption of being dirty, but the iconic badger opts to eat outside of their setts in order to keep their living space clean, and they even build their own latrines! They can also make great neighbours, such as lovable internet sensations <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrlumpyandfriends/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Mr Lumpy &amp; Friends</a>.&nbsp;UK badgers were given protected status in 1992 due to excessive poaching and badger baiting, but things took a detrimental turn once again for the species in 2013 when the government initiated a badger cull.&nbsp; The government recently published its <a href="https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/29/state-of-nature/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">State of Nature Report</a>, and the findings concluded with stark clarity: nature in the UK is suffering, with <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/state-of-nature-report" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">1 in 6 species threatened with extinction</a>. And those that aren’t, face severe struggles due to extreme habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. UK badgers face the additional threat of being legally persecuted by humans, as part of the ongoing badger cull. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1700304126/Image_1_78_pic_2_e302e04360.png" alt="Badger peering over a mound in a forest">Hans Veth/Unsplash In the past ten years, <a href="https://www.badgertrust.org.uk/cull" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">over 210,000 badgers</a> have lost their lives since the UK badger cull began, which was proposed to reduce the spread of bovine tuberculosis in cows reared for human consumption. Bovine TB has been documented as one of the biggest challenges that cattle farmers face, with over 330,000 cows having been culled due to the disease. ﻿It is worth noting that the disease is curable with a 6- to 12-month course of antibiotics, although this is deemed financially unviable within the industry. Any cows that present symptoms of the disease are slaughtered, often with others within the herd, to prevent any potential spread.&nbsp; The disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Bovis, which badgers have been known to carry, however, <a href="https://www.badgertrust.org.uk/post/badgers-not-a-key-source-of-bovine-tb-latest-released-study-shows#:~:text=The%20Badger%20Trust%20has%20today,but%20rather%20a%20spillover%20host." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">data suggests</a> that badgers are not the primary cause of bovine TB in cows. Current <a href="http://badgertrust.org.uk/badger-cull-facts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">scientific evidence</a> outlines that culling badgers is likely ineffective in fighting the disease, and could risk worsening the issue. We sat down with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dominic_dyer1970/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Dominic Dyer</a>, ex-CEO of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/badgertrust/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Badgers Trust</a> and author of the critically acclaimed novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Badgered-Death-People-Politics-Badger/dp/0993040756" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Badgered to Death</a>, to hear his thoughts on the cull, and potential solutions to protect both cows and badgers from further persecution. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1700304242/Image_2_13_pic_3_f276ef5958.png" alt="Dominic Dyer speaking into a mic and holding up his book, Badgered to Death">Dominic Dyer ﻿V-Land UK (V-L): What are your thoughts on the UK badger cull? Dominic Dyer (DD): I’ve fought the badger cull for over ten years. We said from the beginning that it wouldn’t be effective, as the major problem of bovine TB is cattle-to-cattle spread, so killing badgers, who are not primarily spreading the disease, isn’t the answer. Over 210,000 badgers have been killed since 2013, and the vast majority of those animals did not have TB. The badgers are often killed by a controlled shooting method, which is extremely cruel, it can take them five minutes to die, wounded from blood loss and organ failure.&nbsp; We haven’t seen any evidence to show that removing those large numbers of badgers is actually lowering bovine TB in and around the cull zones (which now go from Cornwall up to Cumbria).&nbsp; Ultimately, the answer long term would be to vaccinate cattle from the disease rather than kill badgers, but this is something that the government has repeatedly delayed. V-L: If badgers aren’t the primary cause of bovine TB, could the living conditions of cows be contributing towards the disease, and would alternative measures be more successful than the cull? DD: Certainly - <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/badger-cull-covid-animal-rights-b1846851.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">I wrote an article on this last year</a>. We can learn a lot from Covid when it comes to bovine TB in cattle.&nbsp; Ultimately, this disease is spread within animals in close proximity to each other, and in damp conditions, just as TB is spread between humans in similar conditions.&nbsp; We have cows that are kept in large numbers, crammed into sheds for six months of the year, which spreads the disease, and they’re then moved around the country for fattening and cattle markets, and again are then spreading that disease.&nbsp; We need to tackle how herds are housed and maintained, and implement a better testing system.&nbsp; At the moment, we use a skin test based on 1930s technology that, in many cases, can miss cows that are infected. So even if a farmer is led to believe a herd is TB-free, there could be infected cows that then get moved elsewhere and further the spread of disease. This is a constant problem that we find.&nbsp; New techniques are coming through which are based on scientific methods, but they aren’t being given to farmers as an easily accessible tool to use in tackling the disease, and they are expensive. So that definitely needs to be dealt with. V-L: What are your thoughts on people lowering their consumption of beef and dairy products, to lower the number of cows within the system, as a realistic long-term solution to bovine TB? DD: That’s a much bigger issue. Ultimately, intensive livestock farming is cruel, and unsustainable from an environmental perspective. We get a huge amount of slurry going into our rivers, we hear a lot about water companies and sewage in the media, but farm slurry is equally as bad, it’s a terrible problem and it’s getting worse.&nbsp; And it’s very dirty from a disease prevention situation. We know that bovine TB spreads, and it’s another problem we face within the farming sector, such as avian flu within the food supply chain. The more we intensify the production of poultry or cattle, the more dangerous zoonotic diseases can spread from animals to humans.&nbsp; TB was a major problem in the 1930s before we began pasteurising milk and putting safety procedures into slaughterhouses, a lot of people got very sick, and many people died. In time, we’ve reduced that problem massively within the human population, but we’re still taking it out on wildlife as a risk factor.&nbsp; Yes, we do need to change our farming system, but that’s a big picture that needs to change not just in Britain, but around the world. But as ever in human nature, we probably won’t take action until we’ve got no alternative. V-L: You clearly have a passion for wildlife which is great to see. What are the environmental benefits of badgers that often go unnoticed? DD: There are many benefits to badgers, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/backshall.steve/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Steve Backshall</a> did a brilliant two-part series: Badgers: Their Secret World, <a href="https://www.channel5.com/show/badgers-their-secret-world/season-1/episode-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">available to watch</a> now; he’s got a passion for them too.&nbsp; We get such a demonisation of these animals which leads to persecution, but they are our largest surviving carnivore and they’re amazing to see in the wild. Most of us only ever see them dead by the side of the road, so this programme is great viewing to gain an insight into badgers' lives. They’re amazing diggers, they move the earth to dig their setts, to dig latrines and when they’re foraging for food, and as they do, they move the ecosystem which benefits woodland, grasslands, and other areas that they live in.&nbsp; Just by existing they help keep in balance other predatory animals such as stotes, weasels, and rats, which otherwise would spread and feed on ground-nesting birds for example, so the badgers’ presence alone keeps British wildlife as we know it in balance.&nbsp; We remove badgers at our peril; yet we are removing large numbers of them through the cull, in places where they’ve lived since the ice age. We don’t know what the long-term impact of that would be, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. But we do have hope. We have hope too! And thankfully, there are many ways people can help, from <a href="https://www.badgertrust.org.uk/you" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">getting involved with The Badger Trust</a>, supporting a local <a href="https://www.huntsabs.org.uk/hunt-saboteurs-fight-the-brutal-badger-cull/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">HSA Group</a> or simply allowing badgers to roam freely if you are lucky enough to have a sett close by. Perhaps in time, the beloved British badger will be a cherished national treasure once more. To help more nature on your doorstep, check out <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/is-it-time-to-ditch-artificial-lawns-and-let-gardens-rewild" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">how to rewild your garden</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/save-the-earth-the-biodiversity-crisis-nobody-is-talking-about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">the biodiversity crisis nobody is talking about</a>.

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Are badgers the primary cause of bovine TB in the UK?

Animal Advocacy Careers (AAC) are career advisors specialising in advertising jobs that benefit animals. The website has an international <a href="https://www.animaladvocacycareers.org/job-board" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">job board</a> that is updated weekly, and it highlights the positions that are typically quite hard to fill.&nbsp; The initiative was launched in 2019 through the Charity Entrepreneurship&nbsp;Incubation Program, with the purpose of matching people to roles that help animals the most. <h2>The mission behind AAC</h2>If advocates can dedicate their working lives to the animal advocacy movement, rather than just their free time, they can benefit the movement far more effectively. Advocates can attain jobs that allow them to maximise their positive contribution to the movement. “AAC is <a href="https://www.animaladvocacycareers.org/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">not just an organisation</a>, it's a community of people united by a shared goal, determined to change the world for animals through our work.” Their focus is on networking, and putting employers in touch with skilled and experienced candidates who can bring their expertise to organisations that work towards helping animals.&nbsp; Since the initiative was launched, the advisors have helped over a hundred people change careers, thousands of dollars have been raised, and thousands of people have interacted with their online resources.&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1699697261/Image_1_77_pic_2_31db992855.png" alt="Close-up of a brown cow’s eye and face with the words ‘give your career a deeper meaning’ spelled out over it.">Animal Advocacy Careers <h2>Success stories&nbsp;</h2>Susanna Feder, Philanthropy Manager&nbsp;-&nbsp;Animal Equality UK, spent decades working in sales and managing accounts for big media companies like the BBC. One day, she came across AAC's Recruitment Specialist on LinkedIn. With their encouragement, she applied for a fundraising role at Animal Equality. Even though she hadn't planned on it, Susanna saw that her experience and values matched the role perfectly. Thanks to AAC's guidance, she stepped into a new role that aligned with her beliefs. Susanna's story teaches us that unexpected connections can lead to amazing opportunities. AAC helped her find a meaningful way to use her skills and make a positive impact. This is but one example, and there are many equally as encouraging listed on their <a href="https://www.animaladvocacycareers.org/success-stories" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">success stories wall</a>, highlighting this initiative does work, and it places skilled candidates in jobs where they can make a difference. <h2>Resources available&nbsp;</h2>The website has several resources available to help both candidates and employers. These include an online course, a job board, and a guide to effective animal advocacy. The resources are designed to equip candidates with knowledge about the importance of working in advocacy, and to highlight the skills they need to succeed.&nbsp; The website also offers career advice through showcasing <a href="https://www.animaladvocacycareers.org/skills-profiles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">skill profiles</a>. These are in fundraising, management, technical research, politics and growing the movement in countries where animal advocacy is small or relatively new. These are high-impact career choices that allow an individual to maximise their impact. In addition to this, <a href="https://www.animaladvocacycareers.org/animal-volunteer-opportunities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">volunteer opportunities</a> are highlighted to help those interested in such roles gain experience and expertise.&nbsp; The team has also compiled a comprehensive list of <a href="https://www.animaladvocacycareers.org/resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">resources</a> to provide as much help and support as possible. These include career planning strategies, ways to maintain motivation in the face of job rejection and information designed to help you make informed career decisions. Overall, it is a fantastic list for those seeking work in this space. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1699702089/getry_c7e2d7aa65.png" alt="Lamb with ‘Animal Advocacy Careers’ graphic over the top of it">Animal Advocacy Careers﻿ <h2>Where to start</h2>If you’re interested in a career in animal advocacy, the best place to start is with ACC’s <a href="https://www.animaladvocacycareers.org/course" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">free online course</a>. It is designed to introduce you to the topic and guide you through available options.&nbsp; To learn more about AAC, check out their <a href="https://www.animaladvocacycareers.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">website</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/animaladvocacycareers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-advocacy-careers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">LinkedIn</a> to receive all their updates.&nbsp; For more inspiration, we speak with <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/ed-winters-shares-why-he-s-compelled-to-champion-vegan-activism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Ed Winters</a>, on championing vegan activism, and know your vegan employment rights under the <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegans-are-people-too-equality-act-2010-and-vegan-rights-at-work" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Equality Act</a>.

Chicken with ‘Animal Advocacy Careers’ graphic over the top of it

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Animal Advocacy Careers: Helping you help the animals 

Christmas in the Big Apple, where joyous people fill the streets, bright twinkling lights adorn every corner, and snow blankets the city's tall trees; it's like a page torn from a storybook.&nbsp; While New York City may be famous for its iconic skyline and bustling streets, during the festive season it transforms into a winter wonderland. This city comes alive with the holiday spirit, and its vegan food scene is nothing short of magical. From uptown Manhattan all the way to downtown, we are spilling the cocoa beans on a vegan's dream come true. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Upper West Side to Times Square&nbsp;</h2>You didn't think we would come all this way and not try to find some vegan eggnog, did you? We made it our mission to find it, and low and behold, we did at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blossom.nyc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Blossom on Columbus</a>! We got the wild mushroom pizza and the grilled cheese and soup to keep us warm (although we think the three drinks each did the trick).&nbsp; After your meal, stroll over to Central Park. Some places to visit include <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tavernonthegreen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Tavern on the Green</a>, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and ice skating at the famous <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wollmanrinknyc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Wollman Rink</a>.&nbsp; Then, mosey down to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rockefellercenter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Rockefeller Center</a> and make sure to check out Saks 5th Ave. light show! It starts at around 5 pm and does the full light show every 10-15 minutes.&nbsp; Keep making your way down the city until you reach Times Square because you don't go to New York without a visit to Times Square. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/moxytimessquare/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Moxy Times Square</a> has a secret pink-tinted wonderland on its backyard terrace. It's as if Barbie redecorated the North Pole! <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Midtown Manhattan&nbsp;</h2>For a quick and delicious lunch, head over to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beyondsushinyc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Beyond Sushi</a>. Their innovative vegan sushi rolls are a hit among younger generations, and their dumplings are flavourful pockets of joy. Don't forget to try their fried chick'n bao buns, which are out of this world good. Go during weekdays from 11:30 - 3 pm to catch their lunch specials.&nbsp; And after your lunch, head over to <a href="https://instagram.com/bryantparknyc?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Bryant Park</a>, just a stone's throw away. It turns into a whimsical market with ice skating,&nbsp;shopping, and holiday treats galore. Go and grab some "Bean-to-bar &amp; transparently sourced" vegan chocolate from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raakachocolate/?hl=en#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Raaka Chocolate</a>, and be ready to indulge in some laughter as you watch people not so gracefully fall on the ice rink.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">NoMad NY</h2>A one-minute walk from the iconic Christmas igloos at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/230fifthrooftop/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">230 Fifth Rooftop</a> with a dazzling view of the Empire State Building, you can find the best Bang Bang Broccoli you've ever tasted! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/plantaqueen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Planta Queen</a> offers an elegant dinner experience in a beautiful, lounge-esque setting. We had the Unagi Eggplant Nigiri and the Torched &amp; Pressed (avocado with miso truffle glaze), and we couldn't have been happier.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eatalynewyorkcity/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Eataly</a> is right next door, and upstairs, you can find their rooftop restaurant, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/serrabybirreria/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">SERRA by Birreria</a>, both offering a much-appreciated festive atmosphere. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1699696488/Image_1_76_pic_2_9edeaa09e6.png" alt=" Lit-up Christmas igloos at 230 Fifth Rooftop in New York City at night time with a lit-up New York cityscape in the background">Jessie Childs <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Union Square&nbsp;</h2>Dive into <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peacefoodnyc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Peacefood</a>’s menu with a cup of mint hot chocolate and a freshly made cookie - it's a match made in holiday heaven. This cosy spot is perfect for unwinding and refuelling before setting off again on a holiday adventure.&nbsp; Right outside of Peacefood, you'll find the <a href="http://www.usqholiday.nyc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Union Square Holiday Market</a>, with over 160 vendors, which is considered one of the best holiday markets in the United States! Just another short walk away, you will find <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rolfsny/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Rolfs</a> where you can immerse yourself in a Christmas fairy tale as you sip on festive cocktails. It’s as if the Grinch's bag of stolen decorations exploded here, but in the best possible way! Be sure to make a reservation in advance.&nbsp; (If you are looking for more Christmas-themed bars and restaurants, you may also want to check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilliesvictorian/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Lillie’s Victorian Establishment</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oscarwildenyc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Oscar Wilde</a>). <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1699696606/Image_2_12_pic_3_6e93a9ea4c.png" alt="Rolfs in New York City at Christmas">Jessie Childs <h2 class="ql-align-justify">West Village&nbsp;</h2>In the heart of the West Village, you have one of our favourite restaurants in New York City: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/spicymoonnyc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Spicy Moon</a>. Their vegan wontons in chilli oil are legendary, and their classic dan dan noodles and kung pao style vegetables will surely make your taste buds sing some carols.&nbsp; The artsy IFC Center right next door hosts one of our favourite holiday traditions every year - a big screen showing of <a href="https://www.ifccenter.com/films/its-a-wonderful-life/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">It's a Wonderful Life</a>; because you can't help but wonder if George Bailey actually does end up having a wonderful life. We may or may not be crying just thinking about it. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">East Village&nbsp;</h2>Craving Mexican? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jajajamexicana/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Jajaja Mexicana</a> in the East Village is your go-to spot for vegan tacos, nachos, and spectacular margaritas. Don't let the name fool you, their food is anything but laughable. Not only is this place amazing, but it is also located right next to two places that are not to be missed.&nbsp; First up is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/orchardgrocer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Orchard Grocer</a>, an all-vegan deli serving up delicious sandwiches along with loads of vegan treats to take with you back to your hotel. The next place is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/riverdelnyc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Riverdel - The Original Vegan Cheese Monger</a>, which, as you probably guessed, has vegan cheeses! Another treat to take back with you.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Brooklyn, NY&nbsp;</h2>Spend a day in Brooklyn, take our word for it. It has so much to offer this holiday season, such as the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bkflea/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Brooklyn Flea Winter Market</a> and <a href="https://secretnyc.co/brooklyn-borough-hall-holiday-market/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market</a>, brimming with unique, handmade gifts. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/termsofendearmentbk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Terms of Endearment</a> is smack dab in the middle of the fun. Here, you can find an ample variety of breakfast sandwiches and pastries.&nbsp; And if you have spent any time living in New York, you know that a real New Yorker loves their B.E.C (bacon, egg and cheese), and Terms of Endearment lets you live out that fantasy, vegan style. Other noteworthy Brooklyn vegan delights close by would be <a href="https://www.instagram.com/modernlovebrooklyn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Modern Love</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seitanshelper/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Seitans Helper</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/screamerspizzeria/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Screamers Pizzeria</a>.&nbsp; If you're looking for more vegan-friendly places to travel to this winter, check out why <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-travel-is-winter-the-best-time-to-visit-prague" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Prague</a> is the place to be, or if you’re having friends and family over, enjoy some <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-christmas-dinner-ideas-that-everyone-can-enjoy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Christmas dinner ideas</a> everyone can enjoy.

People skating at Bryant Park Ice Rink in New York City at Christmas

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A merry vegan Christmas in New York: Celebrate the holidays

A tick which can cause an allergy to certain meats and potentially other animal products? On the face of it, it may sound like a dream for those who want meat consumption to fall globally.&nbsp; “‘Alpha-gal’ is short for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. It’s a type of carbohydrate found in the muscles of mammals. <a href="https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/fact-sheet/alpha-gal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Alpha-gal allergy</a> starts when you are bitten by a tick which carries the alpha-gal molecule in its saliva.” As with all allergies, <a href="https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Alpha-gal-Allergy-Factsheet-V5-1.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">symptoms and reactions</a> can vary, from some people not knowing they have the allergy, to extreme reactions, such as anaphylaxis; so, we wouldn’t want to wish this on anybody, even if it could curtail meat consumption. There are a <a href="https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/fact-sheet/alpha-gal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">variety of products</a> those with alpha-gal allergy need to avoid including all meat and offal from mammals. They may need to avoid certain other animal products such as gelatine and dairy products and perhaps certain medications.&nbsp; According to Anaphylaxis UK, the only known plant food that contains alpha-gal is carrageenan, so some people may need to avoid this. So far, <a href="https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(15)00076-7/fulltext" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">research</a> suggests that this allergy is predominantly caused by the Lone Star tick. A recent <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66333478" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">BBC article</a> reports that “US scientists have traced alpha-gal to saliva from the lone star tick… [which] is mostly found in southern and eastern parts of the US. But experts warn that their range is expanding due to climate change.” A report by <a href="https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/fact-sheet/alpha-gal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Anaphylaxis UK</a>, highlights that there are other types of ticks that are causing this allergy in different places globally. However, <a href="https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/fact-sheet/alpha-gal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">not all species</a> of ticks cause the allergy.&nbsp; Luckily, alpha-gal allergy isn’t affecting many people in the UK. However, for our friends across the pond (and other areas of the world, such as certain rural areas in <a href="https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/fact-sheet/tick-bites-and-allergic-reactions-to-red-meat/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">South Africa</a>), <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0727-emerging-tick-bites.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">it’s a growing problem</a>.&nbsp; The report also highlights that if you love spending lots of time outside in wooded areas, you may want to take some extra precautions such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and checking your skin for ticks when you get home.&nbsp; If you suspect an alpha-gal allergy, consult your GP. They can refer you to a specialised allergy clinic, if necessary, and you can find more information available through the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (<a href="https://www.bsaci.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">BSACI</a>). For more allergy-related content check out our article which <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/can-those-with-allergies-to-animal-products-eat-vegan-food-safely" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">explores the ‘loophole’ around vegan labelling</a> and what this means for those with allergies to animal products.

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Could ticks turn people vegan? The alpha-gal allergy mystery

<a href="https://www.thegoodelifeuk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">The Goode Life UK</a> provide a home to animals with disabilities, older animals, or those with additional needs.&nbsp; This family-run, self-funded, non-profit animal sanctuary based in Yorkshire, works tirelessly to offer the best possible care to rescue hens, cats, and dogs. Their compassion for saving vulnerable animals is truly inspiring.&nbsp; We speak to owner Lexy Goode about where it started, fostering from abroad, and tips for those looking to get involved with animal rescue or sanctuary work. V-Land UK (V-L): Hi Lexy. Thank you so much for speaking to us today. We’d love to know where this started and understand the sanctuary's background.&nbsp; Lexy Goode (LG): We’ve always had rescue animals, and it started with one cat. She lived to be 20 years old and had all sorts of medical issues, including fighting diabetes twice. She needed a lot of care at the end, and then we had other cats we would take on that were older. I was volunteering at an animal sanctuary in Norfolk and ended up in the cattery, bringing cats home who were being rehomed and who were elderly or in pairs.&nbsp; We always take elderly cats; we thought, why don’t we take the ones who have disabilities or special needs? It was never a plan, but it was a natural thing that happened.&nbsp; Around six years ago, we started rescuing chickens as well as cats - and Benny. Benny is our senior dog with three legs from Romania with acute PTSD trauma who now has a wheelchair.&nbsp; He’s like our mascot because everywhere we go, everyone stops and wants to chat to find out what's wrong'. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1698488546/Image_1_75_pic2_2cc57d4954.png" alt="Disabled dog with a wheelchair next to a ‘disabled badge holders only’ sign">Lexy Goode V-L: Are there any heartwarming success stories of animals saved through your efforts? LG: There’s the story of Bobo, one of our cats from Greece. She was quite happily living in a colony and fed by the locals. She had kittens that the locals had found homes for, and they all lived harmoniously together.&nbsp; Then, one day she went missing and days later, someone found her under a car in a horrendous state, crying and she was rushed to the vet.&nbsp; On inspection and X-ray, they found she was riddled with pellet bullets, her back leg was so damaged it had to be amputated, and her other leg didn’t work. No one knows exactly what happened, but she had gone from being a super friendly cat to a terrified cat.&nbsp; She was taken on board by a charity called Miracles Mission and that’s where we found her.&nbsp; She came over to live with us and stayed in a corner for about a year, terrified when you went near her, unable to walk properly with her one remaining back leg dragging behind her.&nbsp; Three years on, she’s like a different cat. Her back leg works now, and she can push back up on it.&nbsp; We’re in contact with a guy who used to feed her regularly in Greece. He contacted me and was shocked that she now looks like the cat she used to be.&nbsp; All our animals have been transformed, but Bobo’s story was so sad. For her to have all that trauma, to see her now being open and happy is lovely. V-L: We noticed that you have rescue animals from around the world. How do you find and rescue these animals? LG: From my experience in a cattery and knowing people who do similar work, the conditions in sanctuaries are good, but nothing is as good as a home.&nbsp; With animals abroad, you have the problem of stray animals being everywhere and people dumping animals once they have finished breeding them or if they have disabilities. People don’t see them in the same way we do over here.&nbsp; On the other hand, a lot of the rescuers who do good over there may not have the capability or capacity to look after them, so some of the time it can create a hoarding situation, which is not beneficial to the animal. It’s a huge problem; if the animals aren’t taken off their hands, how can they take in more animals? With regards to finding them, I don’t have to find them; they find me.&nbsp; I’m contacted all the time to help share contact information on cats who are looking for a home, which is incredibly frustrating as we don’t have any more space here.&nbsp; We're looking to get a network of trusted foster carers so animals can come over here with a view to give them a forever home. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1698488638/Image_2_11_pic3_08ed04a1a0.png" alt="Lexy Goode (owner of The Goode Life UK) holding a quizzical-looking cat">Lexy Goode ﻿V-L: Can you share any advice or insights for those interested in starting their own animal sanctuaries or getting involved in animal rescue work? LG: I would say start small, play to your strengths, and start with an animal you had experience with growing up, such as cats, dogs, or rabbits.&nbsp; For us, when we rescued chickens six years ago, we learnt so much in such a short period of time. Research so you know what to do in an emergency to patch up the little things and find a good vet.&nbsp; Quality over quantity is so important. I could have more cats here, but I would be worsening the quality of life of those already here.&nbsp; Please take the animals that no one wants. It is easy to rehome cute kittens, but it’s much harder with animals who are older or with disabilities, so try to look past that. Think about what you can give the animal, not what the animal can give you.&nbsp; Please adopt rather than buy. There are so many animals out there who need a home. V-L: How has veganism impacted the way you run your sanctuary? LG: We believe, like any vegans, not to differentiate between species. People are used to companion animals like dogs and cats, but we would not differentiate.&nbsp; If we had the space, we would take in animals on a needs basis, rather than a species basis, whether they’re a donkey, sheep, pig, rabbit, etc. If I have the set up and can offer the animal the best quality of life, I will take it in. It makes no difference to me.&nbsp; Being vegan for eight years opens your heart to see other species more compassionately than you would have before. It’s about what you can do for the animal, not the other way around.&nbsp; V-L: How can people best support you and your work at the sanctuary? LG: The best way is through a monthly donation. Monthly donations support us with budgeting for food and medical bills. Donating is welcome by PayPal or bank transfer; you can sponsor an animal or involve your business in a corporate sponsorship.&nbsp; If you sponsor one of the animals, you get a personalised video from them every month and updates on them. If you are not on Facebook or Instagram, we can write emails from your animal with photos.&nbsp; We have <a href="https://veganfried.co/collections/the-goode-life-uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Christmas cards, calendars and jumpers</a> that you can find through the merchandise section of our website, which are supplied by a company called Vegan Fried.&nbsp; We want to move and grow, so we are looking for a larger space in North Yorkshire that is suitable for animals.&nbsp; Thank you for speaking to us and for the amazing work you do.&nbsp; Find out more about The Goode Life UK and support in any way you can by visiting their <a href="https://www.thegoodelifeuk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">website</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegoodelifeuk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegoodelifeuk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodeLifeUK/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Facebook</a>. Check out more brilliant work other <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/animal-sanctuaries-to-support-across-the-uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">sanctuaries in the UK</a><a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/animal-sanctuaries-to-support-across-the-uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a>are doing to save animals, and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-sanctuaries-affirm-a-vegan-life" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">how sanctuaries affirm a vegan life</a>.

Lexy Goode (owner of The Goode Life UK) smiling and holding a cat

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Saving vulnerable animals: The Goode Life UK story


When we first stepped foot in Medellín, Colombia, for our 72-hour adventure, we did have reservations about our ability to enjoy the city's food as a vegan traveller, Colombia isn't known for its cuisine, unlike many other countries in its region, nor is it known for a vibrant vegan scene.&nbsp; Were we going to struggle to find plant-based options? Were we going to miss out on eating out, only to sit with a bowl of chips or a salad? Luckily, our worries were completely unnecessary.&nbsp; Medellín surprised us in every possible way by not only offering incredible plant-centric cuisines, a host of incredible adventures, and a rich tapestry of culture but also demonstrating that Colombia's vegan community is rapidly growing.&nbsp; <h2>Our journey begins: Day one</h2>We started by visiting Communa 13, once one of the most dangerous districts in Colombia, known to some as the murder capital; however, it’s now a vibrant hub for art and culture.&nbsp; The streets are covered in murals showing stories of transformation and resilience; being so beautifully illustrated, the murals provide a friendly and lively atmosphere. We joined a local walking tour to learn about the neighbourhood’s troubled history. We learnt that no matter how dire the situation, there’s always hope that it can be improved and revived. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1697363702/Image_1_74_pic_2_fb414432fb.png" alt="Street art mural in Communa 13 in Medellín, Colombia">Callum Weir Before heading to grab a bite to eat, we found ourselves on a concrete football pitch surrounded by a group of exceptionally talented six- to nine-year-olds, whose skills left us in awe. This was more than just a game for them, this was a way of life.&nbsp; This little community they have created revolves around their love for football. Playing against these children was a very humbling experience as they seemed undefeatable, effortlessly weaving the ball with joy. We did admit defeat before heading to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lentejaexpress/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Lenteja Express</a> in the district of Poblado.&nbsp; The vegan ceviche was fresh and zesty. The mushroom-based dish was delightful and a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious cruelty-free twist on ceviche (formally a traditional seafood dish). <h2>Our explorations continue: Day two</h2>On our second day in Medellín, we found ourselves immersed in the El Poblado district, an area pulsating with both energy and culture.&nbsp; Our day began with a visit to Parque Lleras, an iconic square that encapsulates the essence of this lively neighbourhood offering quaint and colourful cafés. We treated ourselves to oat milk lattes to start our day of exploring the captivating art installations, until our curiosity led us to a bustling local market, a gold mine full of fresh produce that exceeded any of our expectations, boasting an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables some of which were entirely new to us.&nbsp; The Colombians were more than eager to introduce us to this colourful array of food, allowing us to sample exotic fruits before buying, such as starfruit which stood out with its remarkable blend of sweetness and tanginess, much like sour candy. After, our appetites led us to a little eatery <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vegan.and_veggie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Vegan &amp; Veggie</a>, a name that was short and sweet but did what it said on the tin, offering an array of plant-based delights, including a beautifully crafted buddha bowl brimming with the freshest vegetables, alongside tacos, which were nothing short of a taste explosion that put anything we could have created to shame. Around the corner was <a href="https://instagram.com/gringotuesdays?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Gringo Tuesdays</a>, a concept that brings travellers and locals together for a unique night in the form of a language and culture exchange. Every Tuesday, people from all walks of life sit down together and let down their cultural barriers, allowing each other to learn from one another, build on their language skills, and immerse themselves in the vibrant Colombian scene. A great place to create memories and friendships while ending the night with music and dance with the warm hospitality that Colombia provides. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1697363817/Image_2_10_pic_3_157e1837cd.png" alt="Gringo Tuesdays sign, an event to bring people together in Medellín, Colombia">Callum Weir <h2>Our travels come to a close: Day three</h2>Our third day unfolded as we took a stroll through nature with a visit to the botanical gardens. The diverse plant life and soothing ambience was perfect for some mid-morning yoga, stretching our bodies while taking a break from the bustling city, and swapping the commotion of the busy streets with the symphony of birds singing and the soothing sounds of the flowing water.&nbsp; From there we took a cable car to Arvi Park, which overlooked the breathtaking views of the Andes, leaving us in awe. We explored the park’s hiking trails and landscapes that connected us to Colombia’s natural beauty. In the evening, we decided to nourish our bodies at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vegstation/?utm_medium=copy_link" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Veg Station</a>, a restaurant that offered an authentic taste of Colombia with an abundance of traditional dishes turned plant-based. The feast of arepas, plantain chips, and hearty bean stews took our taste buds on a rollercoaster ride of taste fusions between sweet and savoury, amongst a satisfying mixture of textures. Feeling content we worked the meal off by rollerblading on the city's empty highways. With the roads being closed off to traffic, we glided through, taking in the panoramic views of the city skyline lit up with a variety of different shades and colours with visions of the surrounding mountains that cradled Medellín. It felt like a sensation of freedom and the evening breeze stroked our faces creating an unforgettable memory. Medellín’s not the only city that’s a plant-based paradise, far from it; take a trip to <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/fall-in-love-with-the-copenhagen-vegan-scene" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Copenhagen</a>, <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/discovering-the-secrets-of-lisbon-as-a-vegan-tourist" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Lisbon</a>, or <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-to-eat-vegan-in-barcelona-7-sensational-spots-worth-trying" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Barcelona</a>.

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Exploring Medellín’s plant-based paradise: A jam-packed 72 hours

Pet ownership is a decision that many individuals grapple with, especially when considering their commitment to a vegan lifestyle. While the companionship and joy that pets bring into our lives are undeniable, it's essential for vegans to carefully examine the ethical implications of keeping animals as pets. In this article, we'll explore some of the implications of pet ownership via a vegan lens. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Animals need rescuing</h2>Many domestic animals have been abandoned and need loving homes, with approximately <a href="https://petkeen.com/animal-homelessness-statistics-uk/#3_Approximately_250000_animals_go_to_rescues_every_year" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">250,000 animals</a> going to rescue centres yearly and 1.1 million cats and dogs living on the streets.&nbsp; Pets can be rescued from shelters, streets, or abusive situations and given a loving home where they are cared for and protected. By adopting a pet, vegans can save an animal's life and reduce the demand for breeding and selling animals. <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Companionship and appreciation for compassion</h2>Pets can provide companionship, emotional support, and happiness to their human guardians. They can also help reduce stress, loneliness, and depression. <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/having-a-dog-can-help-your-heart--literally" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Studies</a> have shown that having a pet can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of heart disease. Nurturing a pet can reconnect us with the natural world and foster a deeper appreciation for animals' unique qualities, and caring for a pet offers an opportunity to educate others about veganism, animal welfare, and compassionate living.&nbsp; The University of Albany’s study on pets and the correlation with vegetarianism showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/vegetarianism-pet-ownership-are-related-in-this-surprising-way-according-to-a-new-study-8859922" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">having a pet</a> increases humans' empathy toward animals. Through intimate experiences with pets, many people become&nbsp;vegetarian or vegan, as they can draw parallels between their beloved pets and the farmed animals they previously consumed. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1697362783/Image_1_73_pic_2_c9f087938c.png" alt="Woman in white long sleeve top petting a white and orange cat on a bed">cottonbro studio/Pexels <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Pet diets&nbsp;</h2>Some pets can be fed a vegan diet if it is nutritionally balanced and appropriate for their species. According to some <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/oct/20/vegan-pet-food-as-healthy-for-cats-and-dogs-as-meat-says-veterinary-professor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">research</a>, a vegan diet may be fine for dogs; however, it is important to note that plant-based meals still need added nutrients and should be carefully formulated with additional synthetic nutrients. There is insufficient evidence to prove that cats can have a vegan diet, as they are <a href="https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/food-and-weight/can-cats-be-vegan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">obligate carnivores</a>. There are many vegan pet food brands available on the market, as well as homemade recipes that can meet the dietary needs of pets. Some vegans argue that feeding their pets a vegan diet is more ethical than animal products from factory farms and slaughterhouses.&nbsp; There are also herbivorous pets (including rabbits, guinea pigs, and tortoises) that will be happy just eating plants. However, it is important to note that each animal has its own specific dietary needs, and it is important to do further research before choosing to get any of these pets.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Exotic ‘pets’</h2>There are growing concerns about people keeping <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/concerns" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">exotic pets</a> as they have specific needs and challenges and shouldn’t be kept in household environments or cages, especially when they are not native to the UK. Unfortunately, the last two decades have seen a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/dec/05/meet-the-exotic-pet-detectives-is-there-a-skunk-iguana-or-wild-cat-in-your-street" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">60% increase</a> in exotic pets in the UK, according to the wildlife charity <a href="https://www.bornfree.org.uk/take-action" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Born Free Foundation</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exotic pets are not domesticated and are plucked from their natural environment and sold to whoever may desire them. These include birds, tropical fish, reptiles, and amphibians. These creatures are kept in small habitats and given an artificial environment. While most would agree that keeping exotic animals such as birds and reptiles in small cages is not okay, many need rehoming, so if abandoned creatures that cannot be released back into the wild need rescuing, then it would make sense to adopt them and provide a safe home.&nbsp; Unfortunately, releasing exotic pets into the wild is generally not a good solution. Non-native species may not survive in our countryside and are illegal to release or allow to escape. These animals could also be an invasive species risk to our native wildlife.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Exploitation</h2>Domestic pets are animals bred and manipulated by humans for their own purposes. Some vegans argue that keeping pets is a form of exploitation and oppression that violates the rights and autonomy of animals. Although canines were the earliest domesticated animals, whereby selective breeding started somewhere “between 15,000 and 30,000 years ago”, ethicists argue that the human-dog relationship constitutes a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.584037/full" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">moral dilemma</a>, as the relationship oscillates between two extremes, ‘pampered’ and ‘enslaved’.&nbsp; Pets depend on their human guardians for food and water, shelter and medical care. They have no choice or control over their lives. Some vegans contend that keeping pets is a form of slavery and domination that deprives animals of their dignity and freedom. Pets have their own needs, preferences, and instincts, which might conflict with human control over their lives. Veganism strives to honour animals' autonomy and natural behaviours. Pets may suffer from health problems, injuries, or diseases caused or aggravated by unnatural living conditions. They may also face abuse, neglect, abandonment, or euthanasia. Some vegans claim that keeping pets is a source of harm and suffering for animals that outweigh any benefits they may receive. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1697362915/Image_2_9_pic_3_6de670e71f.png" alt="Man in red shirt hugging his happy golden retriever ">Eric Ward/Unsplash <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Unscrupulous and unnecessary breeding&nbsp;</h2>The breeding of pets contributes to overpopulation and perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary suffering, particularly if homes are not readily available. Additionally, unscrupulous breeders care about profits and not the care of the animals. Breeders will even harm animals to make them more appealing. For example, there have been reports of breeders following social media trends and <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59491179" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">mutilating dogs</a> by cutting their ears for cosmetic purposes.&nbsp; <h2 class="ql-align-justify">Ecological concerns</h2>Pet ownership can have a significant environmental footprint, from the resources required to feed and care for them to the waste they produce. This may conflict with the eco-conscious values of many vegans.&nbsp; Some vegans assert that keeping pets is a threat to biodiversity and ecology that harms both animals and humans as pets may harm other animals, either directly or indirectly, by hunting, killing, or competing with them for resources. Pet ownership can be seen as destructive consumerism, as pets can “emit twice the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/opinion/pets-uk-ownership-cats-dogs-carbon-environmental-impact-b1249610.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">carbon emissions</a><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/opinion/pets-uk-ownership-cats-dogs-carbon-environmental-impact-b1249610.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">&nbsp;</a>of our homes’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/electricity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">electricity</a>&nbsp;and kill up to 200 million wild prey in the UK annually”. There are ways to be an eco-friendlier pet owner. <a href="https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-be-eco-friendly-pet-owner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Wildlife Trusts</a> recommends taking small steps, such as walking to a nearby park instead of driving to the dog park or putting a bell on your cat’s collar, decreasing the chances of them catching wildlife.&nbsp; Many arguments exist for and against having pets from a vegan perspective. There is no definitive answer or consensus on this issue, as vegans may have different opinions, values, and experiences. It is also worth reiterating that many animals need loving homes as they remain in shelters, and to help decrease the market for breeders, most will agree, it is better to rescue animals rather than purchase pets. Adopting animals from shelters or rescue organisations can save lives.&nbsp; Find out how animal <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-sanctuaries-affirm-a-vegan-life" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">sanctuaries</a> save animals while affirming the importance of veganism, and find out how we can help vegan students <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-education-how-to-help-vegan-students-thrive-at-school" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">thrive at school</a>.