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Veg Fests Around the World

Marina Hanes — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:33:00 GMT

Check out these upcoming Veg Fests:

Portland: VegFest - September 18-19

D.C.: VegFest - September 11

Toronto: 26th annual Vegetarian Food Fair - September 10-12

San Francisco, CA: 11th Annual SF World Veg Festival Weekend 2010 - October 2-3

Chicago: VeganMania - October 9

Woodland Hills, CA: Healthy Lifestyle Expo - October 15-17

Phuket, Thailand: Phuket Vegetarian Festival - October 8-16

Adelaide, Australia: Vegan Festival - October 31

Lone Star Vegetarian Chili Cook-off (November)

World Vegan Day - November 1

Paris, France: Vegan Day 2010 - November 28

Big News: My Children's Book Has Launched

Marina Hanes — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:21:00 GMT

Okay, I have some big news! Irecently launched my first self-published children's book, and I would greatly appreciate all of your support in helping to spread the word. Below is more information about Ling Ling: The Kitten Who Changed Her Ways. It's available today on CreateSpace for $10.95: https://www.createspace.com/3460652!

Ling Ling

The Kitten Who Changed Her Ways

Authored by Marina C. Hanes
Illustrated by Ethan T. Bowman

"Once there was a young kitten...and she loved to capture flying creatures..."So begins the tale of an innocent kitten named Ling Ling who meets up with a wise fairy.

Every day,Ling Ling hunts in the garden for bugs and adds more flying insects to her collection. This made her happy, but after she meets Brucie, Ling Ling realizes that something else will make her and all of the bugs feel more fulfilled.

This sweet story is a parable for readers of all ages, and it emphasizes the basic gifts that we can give all living things: respect, freedom and compassion.

Again, my sincerest thanks for your participation and support.

Marina

Fourth of July: Summer Pet Safety Reminder

Marina Hanes — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:26:00 GMT

As the weather starts to warm up, you will probably have more people over to hang out and enjoy in summer holidays such as Easter and the Fourth of July. However, if you have pets, it’s important that you keep them calm and ensure that they don’t lash out at your guests out of fear. For example, the crashes, booms, crackles and screams that result from many Fourth of July celebrations can either thrill or scare your pet. If you’re planning to have any summertime gathering with friends, it’s important to keep the safety of your pets and guests in mind.

When you have strictly indoor pets, you don’t want to take the chance of them getting outside. So it’s best to keep them in the basement or closed off room where there is sufficient ventilation and some room to eat, drink water, potty and play. Checking on them every hour or two can ensure that they feel safe and are not fighting with each other, if you have multiple pets.

An aggressive dog or untrained puppy should probably be kept in a gated room or kennel, because you don’t want a guest to get bit or hurt in any way. Try to make the area as comfortable as possible with toys and blankets. If people wish to visit your dog, make sure you allow one person at a time so you don’t cause more anxiety. Letting your pet socialize from a safe distance might help their behavior improve too. Also, treats and praise can be helpful tools as well as retaining a sense of peace and calmness.

If you plan on letting your pets roam wherever they please, especially if you have a fenced-in yard, you should let guests know ahead of time that you have pets. Also, if you want to discourage guests giving your dog or cat people food, post up flyers near the food and doors. Or create a plate of holiday treats especially for your pet that guests can dole out.

Following these tips will prevent accidents and help your pets and guests enjoy themselves.

Are Bioengineered Eucalyptus Trees the Future Forests?

Marina Hanes — Thu, 13 May 2010 20:59:00 GMT

I have always felt a close connection with trees...maybe it's because my grandfather was a forester, who knows? Regardless of how my love of trees and forests developed, I really identify with them, and I think it's so important for humanity to preserve the remaining natural forests that we have left.

While perusing the news boards, I found a trial experiment is being conducted with eucalyptus trees. Apparently, the batch of trees that are being planted are genetically modified to withstand cold conditions. If the experiment is successful, these types of trees will be used for the paper industry and even biofuels. While this may be a sustainable alternative to investigate and research, what are the environmental repercussions?

Approximately 300 acres are being used for this trial study, but shouldn't we be studying this on a smaller scale first? According to some critics, natural characteristics of this tree such as the fact that it drinks up lots of water are just some potential issues.

For more information about these bioengineered trees, read more here.

Pet Insurance: Is It Worth the Cost?

Marina Hanes — Wed, 12 May 2010 04:21:00 GMT

Insurance isn’t easy to come by these days, because it can be so expensive. Plus, there’s not much of an incentive to buy it. Why make monthly payments on the off chance that something bad might happen when you can go to a clinic that allows sliding scale payment? However, insuring yourself and your family is the responsible thing to do, and it’s important so you can get preventative healthcare and not just treatment when something goes wrong. Pet insurance works the same way.

Your pet can’t tell you when its tummy feels funny or if it’s experiencing a burning sensation every time it urinates, which is why preventative care for pets is so important. Pure breds can have even more health issues, which can become costly. My friend’s bulldog had so many staph infections and eye issues, and unfortunately, I think the dog will always have health problems. Being able to make those annual veterinary appointments is beneficial, because it can save you money in the long run.

Unexpected events are not fun, but they are a learning experience. In an effort to increase awareness about these unexpected pet events, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) has created the Hambone Award. This is the first national award of its kind, and it’s awarded to a pet who experienced one of these unexpected events and made a full recovery as well as received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses.

Obviously, you need to thoroughly read the pet insurance’s policy and determine if it’s the right plan for you. Oh, and there’s that budget issue too. You want to be able to keep paying your mortgage or rent. You and kitty do need a roof over your head.

Faces in the Vegan Field

Marina Hanes — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:06:00 GMT

Interested in getting to know the faces of veganism? Then visit Vegan Mainstream where I've been posting some feature interviews on vegan professionals.

Lubomir Stoyanov

Gary Francione

Sarah Kramer

Dylan Mandel

Filter Water on the Go with the TapGuard

Marina Hanes — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:16:00 GMT

As you’re running out the door in the morning, do you grab a bottled water or a reusable water bottle? While choosing bottled water may seem more convenient and safer than your tap water, think again. Regulations on bottled water vary, because the U.S. Pharmacopeia standards for purified and sterile water do not apply to carbonated, seltzer, sparkling, soda or tonic waters. So even though you’re drinking bottled water, you still need to be aware of where it came from and who certified the water’s quality. Instead of paying for potentially impure water, you can use a simple gadget that fits into your reusable water bottle, which filters out those bad tasting chemicals.

Guyot Designs created the TapGuard, which can serve as an alternative to bottled water. All you have to do is run the carbon pouch under water for one minute, slide it into the TapGuard, place the unit into your water bottle and drink clean, fresh water throughout the day. John Steed who is in charge of the environmental programs and logistics at Guyot Designs says, “[The TapGuard] is a pretty easy step for people to take if they want to be green.”

The TapGuard comes in three different colors: Tahoe Blue, Tangerine and Black. The unit comes with two replacement carbon filters, which is enough to filter 200 liters of water. The carbon is made in the U.S., and it is derived from charred coconut husks from the Philippines, which are heated up to over 1,000 degrees. The heat creates an oxygen deficient area, and tiny holes emerge on the carbon, which attract negative ions. Steed says, “[the carbon] is activated so something happens chemically and it reacts with chlorine to absorb the smell.”

On average, you will need to replace a 100-liter carbon cartridge every two to three months. The TapGuard removes 95 percent of chlorine, which is commonly used by water treatment plants. In addition, the unit also filters out iodine and other organic chemicals. So when you’re traveling in airports, heading to the gym or rushing to work, you can take your refillable water bottle with TapGuard along with you.

Using the TapGuard can save you money, but it can also save the environment from being polluted with more plastic and carbon dioxide. Steed says, “We try to make the packaging as minimal as possible.” This is done with 100 percent post-consumer recycled cardstock and soy-based inks. An added plus is that you can even send the product back to the company to be recycled, because Steed says, “our products are made in a way that’s easy to strip down.”

Guyot Designs have created many innovative products to make your life convenient and eco-friendly. The collapsible Squishy Bowls, which can be used for hot and cold foods, make an excellent companion to the TapGuard, especially if you have plans to go camping or hiking this summer.

How Can You Help with the BP Oil Spill?

Marina Hanes — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:52:00 GMT

The recent BP oil spill is becoming larger by the day, but emergency volunteer efforts are underway to reduce the damage from this environmental disaster. But how can you help?

It's predicted that the oil slick will move down to Florida and affect its shorelines, which is devastating because May is hatching season for birds, turtles and other species. Also, the Florida Keys are home to North America's only living barrier reef, so preventative efforts are important.

If you would like to volunteer your time, there are several places looking for willing individuals. Also, if you leave in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama or Louisiana, you can keep a watch on the shoreline and advise your local wildlife distress hotlines of injured or oiled birds. See VolunteerFlorida.org for Florida contact info.

Also, you can send or drop off needed supplies to the Florida Wild Mammal Association (FWMA). An item they are most in need of is Dawn detergent, but they have a list on their website of other supplies too.

Book Review: Becoming Raw - The Essential Guide to Raw Vegan Diets

Marina Hanes — Mon, 03 May 2010 23:59:27 GMT

Vegetables are an important part of a well-balanced meal. However, cooking these foods can minimize the phytochemical benefits. Some of the many benefits include but are not limited to cancer prevention, inflammation reduction, cardiovascular system protection and immune system enhancement. It’s truly amazing what the world of raw fruits and vegetables can offer your body.

Eating a raw diet can ensure that these phytochemicals and other nutrients stay within in the plant when you consume it. Not only is eating a raw foods a healthy option for your body, but you can also incorporate your vegan ethics into this diet as well. Becoming Raw: The Essential Guide to Raw Vegan Diets is a thorough yet easily digestible manual on the advantages of a raw food diet and how you to easily make this transition.

Synopsis

The authors have compiled credible and factual information to provide a basic guide on why raw foods are advantageous and how this raw food movement has evolved over the years. In addition to discussing raw foods, there are also sections dedicated to educating readers on the basics of carbohydrates, good and bad fats, vitamins, bone health and food safety.

Style and Presentation

While this book is chalk full of facts, figures and case studies, it’s presented in a clear and organized manner, which makes this medical information easier to digest. The headings, subheadings, bullet points and tables offer a plethora of knowledge to help you understand what makes up a healthy diet so you can live an energetic and illness-free life.

There are several recipes for salads, soups, desserts and other meals in the back of the book. The one below shows how simple it is to make a dairy-free milk at home. This sunflower hemp milk will nourish your body with 6 grams of protein and various vitamins and even 1.4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.

Sunflower Hemp Milk

Makes 4 to 5 cups (1 to 1.25 L)

3 to 4 cups (750 ml to 1 L) water
½ cup (125 ml) sunflower seeds, soaked in 1 cup (250 ml) water for 4-12 hours, drained, and rinsed
¼ cup (60 ml) hempseeds
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch salt (optional)
1 ripe banana

Put 1 cup (250 ml) of the water and all of the sunflower seeds, hempseeds, vanilla extract, and optional salt in a blender. Process on high speed until thick and creamy. Add the remaining 2 to 3 cups of water and the banana. Process until smooth. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Serve cold. Sunflower-Hemp Milk does not keep well, so it is best to make just what you can use within 24 hours.

Variation: For longer storage, replace the banana with 3 pitted dates or 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of maple syrup or other sweetener, and use 3 cups (750 ml) of water. Process as directed. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Take Away Points

Transitioning to a vegan diet is already positive for your health, and it’s possible to obtain a balanced diet and healthy weight without eating animal products. However, by going a step further and choosing to eat raw foods, you’re increasing your nutrient intake as well as preserving the natural benefits that are often cooked out of vegetables and fruits.

In order to help you on your vegan raw food journey, there are several meal plans as well as discussions about food myths including the misconception that raw sprouts contain pathogenic bacteria. Learning how to take better care of yourself does require your time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end to do your homework so you live a better and longer life.

Author's Disclaimer

Please note: The author received a free copy of Becoming Raw: The Essential Guide to Raw Vegan Diets from Book Publishing Co. in order to develop the content contained within this review. Also, permission from the publisher was received to reprint up to two recipes.

The Veggie Way of Life

Marina Hanes — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:37:00 GMT

Vegan Happenings: Use the News to Improve Your Business

Marina Hanes — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:00:00 GMT

There are so many vegan news articles every week, and I peruse through many of them to write the vegan weekly news articles for Vegan Mainstream. What I've come to realize is that many of the vegan-related happenings that occur every week can help vegan businesses thrive. The more you know about your target audience, the more successful your advertising and marketing will be, right?

Well, the batch of articles that caught my eye last week, focused on the idea of education--educating individuals on the vegan lifestyle. Read through my summary of the top ten vegan online moments that show how important education is when you're trying to make a vegan business stand out.

River Monsters: The Alligator Gar

Marina Hanes — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:00:00 GMT

For some reason, I've always been interested in river fish that patrol the murky depths of lakes. When I was younger, my family would enjoy weekends out on the boat, so there was always a lot of water skiing, tubing and jet skiing to be had. However, I would always get slightly nervous when the tube flung me off into the water, because I would have to wait until the boat turned around to pick me up.

Why did I get so nervous?

Because I had an irrational fear that a sturgeon or other peculiar sea creature would come and get me! I know it's a silly idea, but a "sea monster" in particular known as the alligator gar has been blamed for some human attacks. Is this fish really that dangerous? Or is the alligator gar simply misunderstood? Check out this video from Discovery's "River Monsters" where a guy actually swims with these creatures.

See the World in Sustainable Eyeglasses

Marina Hanes — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:59:00 GMT

The world is a beautiful place, but if you have a hard time seeing, you can't enjoy the intricate details of the world around you. Your sight is important, and some of us need a little help in this area. So the next time you go in for a checkup, consider updating to more sustainable eyeglasses.

The Amy Sacks Takeh Glasses from Eyeglasses.com are made from bamboo, which is an eco-friendly material that is actually lighter than plastic. This frame comes in dark moss or brown, and because they are made from bamboo, they are hypo-allergenic and they will also retain their shape over time. These glasses just go to show that green eye wear canlook fashionable. Remember, even if you don't wear prescription lenses, you can at least purchase more sustainable sunglasses.

There are so many earth friendly eye wear designers and frames available, and the best thing is that the selection is right at your fingertips!

Camera Guy Almost Loses Camera to Octopus

Marina Hanes — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:01:00 GMT

I happened to come across this video taken by a diver who almost lost his camera to an octopus. The camera definitely got a ride of its life! Then the camera guy followed the octopus and returned the favor by taking it for a ride too! Check it out.

What Makes Meat Eaters Different from People Who Sponsor Illegal Dog Fighting?

Marina Hanes — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:41:00 GMT

Here is a riddle...what makes meat eaters different from people who sponsor illegal dog fighting?

According to Gary Francione who is a professor of law, there isn't a difference. In an editorial for the Philadelphia Daily News titled "We're All Michael Vick," Francione delves into the similarities between people who sponsor dog fighting and people who eat meat. It's a fascinating article that I think everyone should take the time to read, regardless of whether you're vegetarian, vegan or a proud carnivore.

While we might find it appalling that people enjoy illegal dog fights and even profit from them, it's doesn't repulse some of us that our society kills unimaginable numbers of cows, pigs, chickens, etc. for us to eat every year. In both scenarios, animals lives are taken for our enjoyment. When this information is broken down so simply, it gives you a whole other perspective on humanity's connection with animals and how dysfunctional it is.

Seduce Me: Green Porno Series Spin Off

Marina Hanes — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 03:48:00 GMT

Did you happen to catch the "Green Porno"series with the delightful Isabella Rossellini? Well, if you didn't see these entertaining shows, which depicted the reproductive habits of marine animals, you definitely should check out the spin off series called "Seduce Me."

This new Sundance original series creatively illustrates the courting and mating rituals of common creatures such as ducks, garden snakes and even bed bugs.

Squirrel Defends His Buddy Against Scavenging Crows

Marina Hanes — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:07:00 GMT

I have black and brown squirrels in my backyard, and I love to watch them climbing the trees and munching on nuts. One day I saw two of them rolling around in the grass and having a good old time. My dogs and cats especially enjoy watching them from the window, and sometimes the squirrels even come up to the back sliding glass door and hang out on the patio.

I came across this video of a squirrel who is obviously protecting his dead buddy from scavenging crows. Although squirrels are mischievous rodents, they definitely have some cognitive functioning that I wasn't even aware of. It's sad that this squirrel lost his friend, and it makes me want to be even more cautious while driving to prevent road kill.

Mother's Day: Give the Gift of Spring

Marina Hanes — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:48:59 GMT

Mother's Day is just around the corner...Sunday, May 9 to be exact. So what surprises do you have in store for your mom? Well, if you don't have any ideas yet, you can give her the gift of spring.

Although a bundle of beautiful, fresh flowers will already put you in the running for being her favorite child, you can go a step further and give her just what the gardener ordered. Mothers Day flower sets that include useful items such as gardening supplies or unique reusable vases will definitely be appreciated. This is a great present, especially if your mom already spends most of her time in the backyard improving the landscape and garden.

Now all you have left to do is mark your calendar so you can be there for when she is pleasantly surprised by your thoughtful gift.

Tips for Promoting and Marketing Your Vegan Business

Marina Hanes — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Figuring out the best way to market and promote your vegan business can be challenging. So where do you start? Well, first you're going to want to research your target audience and find out what peaks their interest. Once you know what type of people your business will be attracting, you will be able to develop a strategic marketing plan, which will engage a variety of individuals.

If you're developing a blog for your business, it's beneficial to establish a niche. This will help you focus your blog posts so you can get certain types of people's attention. Maybe your business wants to target vegan parents or vegan teens. Then you need to work hard to provide interesting information for one of these groups.

Or you might want to focus on males who are becoming vegan, which are now known as hegans. By doing some online research, you can find out quite a bit about this type of vegan, which can help you develop targeted advertisements and promotions.

Another option is to rev up your business by adding more vegan options. For example, if you're a vegan restaurant or cafe, consider adding more vegan dessert options to your consumers. Although it's great to have a reliable and consistent product line, it does intrigue customers when you have something new to offer.

There are so many different ways to improve your vegan business, and even if you're not a vegan business, you can still attract the vegan crowd. For more vegan marketing tips, check out Vegan Mainstream .

Green Happenings in the Mile High City

Marina Hanes — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:40:00 GMT

The Mile High City has the best of both worlds: a peaceful calming view of the mountains and bustling city full of excitement and opportunity. So what could make this location even better? Well, there are so many types of green action and initiative taking place to make this area more eco-friendly.

If you ever visit Denver, be sure to check out their sustainable transportation options such as the hybrid taxis. Even its airport has made efforts to go green. So wherever you decide to visit in the Mile High City, you will have peace of mind knowing that you're not polluting the breathtaking mountain air.

In an effort to spur some creative ingenuity, the Green Tech Open is taking place and accepting clean technology ideas from small businesses. Maybe your innovative idea will be the next best thing! Early bird registration ends in two days so check out the competition rules and eligibility.

At Dorchester Park , the community garden is well on its way to doing some good for the area. The food harvested from this garden will be donated to a local soup kitchen and youth shelter. Volunteers heading this project can't wait to start digging in the soil and growing vegetables.

Check out more eco-action going on in Denver at EcoLocalizer .