Image Source: Pixaby It is finally the end of 2021, YES! Thank goodness! What a year we have all experienced, one filled with Zoonotic diseases, floods, forest fires, and more! And what better way to celebrate the end of 2021 and ring in the new year with the best plant-based New Year’s Eve dinner you’ve NEVER had. It is time to drop our old habits and start 2022 with the environment, health, and other animal species in mind. For this New Years Eve celebration, I have made a plant-based menu filled with rich and creamy, mushroom, umami, goodness. So be sure to check out what is in store for th ..read more

Image Source: Unsplash Christmas is that time of year where we just want to give to our loved ones, as well as those in need. Giving gifts makes us feel warm, fuzzy, and just human really. Of course, to give a gift means a product must be manufactured and likely shipped from a country far away. Not to mention the disposable wrapping paper, and all the decorations that go along with it. Does this mean we must stop giving for Christmas? Absolutely not, but we can choose more eco-friendly Christmas gifts to give our loved ones over this holiday season. Not only that, giving eco-friendly Christmas ..read more

Image Source: Pixaby As we approach the celebration of Christmas this December, it made me think a lot about our holiday traditions, and why we celebrate the way we do. Just like Thanksgiving, most feast on the flesh and bones of other sentient beings, to say, “thank you” and celebrate the birth of Christ. But, I often wondered why such a holiday surrounded by love and kindness would involve the annual killing of so many animals for our family gatherings. I sought to answer this question, and seek any connections between Christianity and veganism, and look deeper into what the Bible might real ..read more

Image source: The Social GOOD Posse Imagine if all the world’s plastic-based products could be replaced by biodegradable materials produced by a living organism. Even better, imagine if this organism could also consume all of our plastic waste that is destroying our environment and oceans. Well, the dream is real, and the secret is Fungi! In a previous post, I discussed why mushrooms are considered vegan, and how to use mushrooms as a meat alternative to reduce our environmental footprint. In this post, we answer the question: Can mushrooms replace plastic? and more importantly, is it scalable ..read more

Image source: Unsplash With a rise in global temperature, the need for change in our current food production system is evident. Companies that are producing meat in the lab are beginning to come to the forefront, removing the carbon footprint from traditionally farmed meat. Although plants have a much less carbon impact on the environment, commercial agriculture practices like tilling take a toll. Not to mention the inputs required to grow plants, including fertilizers and water. If we can grow animal flesh in the laboratory, then lab-grown plants should be possible. More importantly, can we g ..read more

Image source: Unsplash Mushrooms are a great staple for vegans and vegetarians, as they are a wonderful substitute for meat-based dishes. In my recent post, I discussed some vegan alternatives to our favourite holiday foods, which included the use of mushrooms to make vegan gravies. But, some have wondered if mushrooms really are vegan, given they aren’t plants and the substrates they are sometimes grown on. Although it seems logical to say “of course mushrooms are vegan!”, we have to take a deeper look. The one thing to first consider is why one is living a vegan lifestyle, is it to support t ..read more

Image source: Pixaby Thanksgiving in Canada is approaching, and opportunities to break away from the traditional Turkey dinner are widely available. Trying to live an eco-friendlier and humane lifestyle doesn’t need to be put on hold for thanksgiving traditions like these. In fact, this holiday should exemplify the attitudes and morals that it stands for. Thanksgiving is a holiday to be grateful for what we have, to be kind to others. Giving thanks to the world and those that occupy it shouldn’t be celebrated by taking the lives of others. It should also not impact the environment in such an e ..read more

Image source: Pexels There are many reasons to transition to an eco-friendlier and plant-based lifestyle. A reduced carbon footprint, and conserving our natural resources, are benefits to the environment that are the most obvious. But we must also consider the definition of “eco-friendly”, which literally means “earth-friendly”. Being earth-friendly means having consideration not just for the planet itself, but for all life that must call this place home. This post will dive deep into the individuals that really benefit from humans transitioning to a plant-based diet. I would like to share som ..read more

Image source: Pixaby In my vegan cheese taste test, I came across one brand, in particular, that is worth mentioning. If you haven’t already heard of Blue heron cheese, they are a small artisanal plant-based cheese shop in Vancouver. In terms of what to expect from their products? Sensational and unique flavours in a lovely little vegan wheel. As an advocate for local small and sustainable businesses, I dedicate this entire post to Blue Heron cheese. Instead of just detailing what I like about each of their products, I have decided to bring my wine expertise into the mix. You got it, I have do ..read more

Image source: Pixaby Switching to a plant-based diet can be difficult with products like dairy cheese around, something that most of us crave and grew up with. Who didn’t love mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches as a child? Unfortunately, dairy products bring more harm to the environment than good. As discussed in a previous post, the carbon footprint of animal agriculture and the dairy industry is enormous. As well, the living conditions and treatment the dairy cows endure are not acceptable. Thankfully there are some amazing companies creating plant-based products that will help us ..read more