Call For Fabulous Vegan Crafters to Show Wares at The Seed in NYC

Bust Magazine is partnering up with The Seed to present a Vegan Craftacular.

The Craftacular art and craft fair will feature only 100% vegan and cruelty-free items handmade by select crafters across the U.S. It will take place during the two-day (June 16th and 17th) vegan conference in New York city known as The Seed: A Vegan Experience.

Along with the Craftacular, the conference will feature speeches by celebrivegans such as author Kathy Freston, triathelete Brendan Brazier and physician Joel Fuhrman. Conference attendees will also be able to sample vegan food and cruelty-free products.

Vegan artists and crafters still have time to apply to sell at the conference. The application is open to all craftspeople whose products are completely vegan, and Bust also encourages eco-friendly artisans to apply.

Interested artists must fill out an online application and submit a ten-dollar application fee by May 14th. If selected for the event, artists will have to pay a booth fee ($250 for 1 day or $400 for 2 days) by June 1st.

For artists friendly to animals and the environment, this could be a great opportunity. The same could be said for shoppers looking for fantastic vegan products. We think both groups needs to bookmark this event as one not to miss!

Alicia Silverstone Releases Organic Skin Care and Cosmetics Line

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Vegan and eco-friendly celebrity, Alicia Silverstone, is partnering with organic cosmetics company, Juice Beauty, on a line of skin care and make up products.

Silverstone was directly involved in developing the product line and she was happy to put her name on products that use only organic and vegan ingredients.

"This is who I am. This is not just something I'm slapping my name on. I would never align myself with something that I don't 100 percent believe in. I think people count on me for that, and I take pride in that"

Juice Beauty's CEO, Karen Behnke, said she was excited to work with Silverstone because she is someone who has effortless beauty and she is someone people can relate to.

Silverstone's skincare consists of chamomile cleanser and nourishing moisturizer. Her cosmetic line includes "purely kissable" lip color, "irresistible glow" facial highlighter (blush) and "simply flawless" pressed powder.

With the most expensive product coming in at only $36, we love the accessibility of this organic skincare and cosmetic line. We know that, with Silverstone involved, the products have to be made of quality ingredients and that no animals were harmed in testing or production.

The products also seem like they are perfect for ease of use. We especially like the facial highlighter (blush) because of it's easy application. You just push up the highlighter, apply it to cheeks and use your fingers to blend.

Though the collection is small, we definitely think there are a few must-have items for eco-minded fashionistas. Check out the full collection here.

Vegan Children's Book Stirs Controversy, Sparks Debate

It's been a crazy week for vegan author Ruby Roth.

Her children's book, "Vegan is Love, Having Heart and Taking Action", has stirred debate across the web and on television.
At issue is the pro-vegan message within the book and illustrations that some consider too graphic for children.

Some of the first criticism for the book came from L.A. Times columnist, Alexandra Le Tellier. In a column entitled "Babies Don't Want Vegan Mommies?" Le Tellier cited a theory by Swedish researchers that meat helped enhance the evolution of man. She also cited a cookbook author, Nina Planck, who claimed that vegan diets lack essential nutrients and vitamins for babies.

Miami New Times blogger Camille Lamb wrote a fabulous rebuttal to LeTellier's article that debunked the arguments against a vegan diet. She pointed out that, though meat may have been helpful in evolution, it is now making humans develop too quickly. She also took Planck to school as she pin-pointed her many false statements about the unhealthiness of a vegan diet.

To Le Tellier's credit, she responded with a more balanced follow-up column that shined light on both sides of the argument and highlighted some of the criticism her initial column received.

The debate didn't end there though. Meat advocates such as Sally Fallen Morell, president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, called Roth's book "extremely dangerous". Morell went on to say that a vegan child will not develop to his or her optimal potential, even though she provided no scientific evidence to support that statement.

The Today Show even featured Roth's book in a segment on "Extreme Parenting". During the segment, they claimed that it is easier for vegan children to miss out on essential nutrients. They even referred to the diet as a trend even though, earlier in the segment, they cited the Acadamy of Nutrition and Dietetics saying that a vegan diet is healthy in all stages of the life cycle.

We find this debate troubling on a number of levels.

First, the anti-vegan arguments do not seem to be backed up by any hard, scientific facts. They seem more motivated by a personal bias against a vegan diet, as evidenced by the use of words like "extreme" and "dangerous". Many of the "experts" are, in fact, affiliated with the meat and dairy industry in some way. For instance, Planck sells cookbooks that claim that butter and lard are good for you and Morell works for a foundation that claims you can't be healthy unless you eat butter.

We also find it troubling that people are more obsessed with a vegan children's book than by what the children are actually eating in their school lunches. This book is not required reading for children, yet most children are given one option at school of starchy, sugary, overcooked mush for their lunches. If parents are so concerned about nutrition, shouldn't there be a huge uproar over the lack of nutrition in the actual food at school?

Finally, to reiterate, this book is NOT required reading for children. Even if it was, the last time we checked, your child could still opt out of reading certain books at the parents request. For parents who choose to raise their children as vegans, this book could be a helpful learning tool. For those who choose a more traditional diet, they can leave it on the shelf. It's simple freedom of choice.

As for Ms. Roth herself, we want to wish her the best of luck for her new book. With the amount of publicity it has already received, we think it will be a smashing success. Thank you controversy.

Double Bypass Burger at the Heart Attack Grill Claims Second Victim

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There isn't much about the Heart Attack Grill that we don't find utterly disgusting.

Whether it's the ridiculous skimpy nurse costumes of the servers or the blatant disregard for people's general health as witnessed by menu items like the triple bypass burger, the restaurant is a shining beacon of all things wrong with the food industry. Their only positive trait is their truth in advertising.

The Las Vegas restaurant revels in the fact that their menu items could hurt or even kill you. They market their food as a "taste worth dying for". They proudly boast about how their fries are made using "real lard".

Their cooks wear doctor outfits while their servers parade around in barely-there nurse uniforms. The patrons are even encouraged to wear hospital robes. It's enough to make anyone sick and, as it turns out, it actually did.

In slightly more than two months, two people have collapsed while eating a double bypass burger in the Heart Attack Grill. Averaging just under 10,000 calories, it's no wonder patrons struggle after consuming the massive burger. Even after two people collapsed in the restaurant, owner Jon Basso still doesn't see any problems with his marketing strategy.

"Unlike cigarettes, I have had warnings labels since Day 1 when we opened in 2005 telling people how bad our food is for you. I think that skirts any liability we might have."

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We find it troubling that Basso doesn't seem to care about the health of his clients. Sure, he warns them about the food, but the restaurant presents these warnings almost like a type of joke. It's not clear if people realize the real danger they are in.

On top of this, the restaurant allows people weighing over 350 pounds to eat for free. In this economy, how could overweight people pass up that kind of deal? Being that there is nothing even remotely healthy in the restaurant, they will only continue to contribute to their obesity. It's like giving a junky a needle and then saying you bear no responsibility because you warned him not to shoot up.

We realize that personal responsibility will ultimately dictate what you do or don't put in your mouth, but this tongue in cheek joking about a serious health crisis is nothing but revolting. How many people have to collapse before a business's conscience kicks in? Our guess for the Heart Attack Grill is that no amount of suffering will convince them to stop peddling their message of death by food. After all, they are making a killing.

Chris Brown Sells Pit Bull Puppies, Another Dumb Mistake

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Pop star Chris Brown, who is famous for beating up his girlfriend Rihanna and tearing up a Good Morning America set, is showing us his poor decision-making skills yet again.

Brown has created a website to sell the puppy offspring of his Pit Bulls Duke and Shadow. The eight puppies are available for $1000 each, just by clicking a Paypal button on his website. 

Brown claims that he is selling the pups because he wants to make sure that they go to good homes, yet he requires no background checks on any of the buyers. They can just click on a Paypal button and instantly purchase a puppy.

If Brown cared at all about the puppies, wouldn't he screen the buyers? And if he didn't have plans to keep the puppies, or know people who wanted them, why in the world didn't he get his dogs fixed?

We suggest that Brown spends a little time visiting his local shelter where he'll see plenty of wonderful pit bulls ready to endure a death sentence because of people like him who don't bother to spay or neuter their pets. Once again, this young man doesn't seem to understand the consequences of his actions and how his choices can negatively effect others.

This story is just sad and we hope that Brown will, at the very least, add a screening process to his pit bull sale. If he cares at all about those puppies, he'll make sure their owners have only the best intentions. Unfortunately, knowing his history with decision-making, we're not holding our breath that he'll make the right call here either.

Fashion Friday: Pippi Hepburn Vegan Bags

Pippi Hepburn's designs are inspired by her desire to be a "glamorous hippie". 

She designs gorgeous faux leather bags that have a vintage distressed look. Her bohemian designs are both lovely and utilitarian and work well as carry-all bags.

Each of Pippi Hepburn's handbags are handmade out of 100% vegan materials like faux suede and cotton.

We love Pippi Hepburn's designs because, even though they are handmade, they look like authentic vintage pieces. It's as if they've been hanging out in a SoHo consignment shop since the sixties, just waiting to be used again. 

It's so fantastic to know that these vintage-inspired bags are also completely vegan so we can get the boho look while still remaining cruelty-free. 

Want your own? Shop her online store, and also check out some of our favorite Pippi Hepburn designs below:

Sexy Beasts Compete to Become PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door

Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the sexiest of them all?

Well that's actually up to you to decide as PETA opens up voting for the finalists in their "Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door" contest.

Ten female and ten male finalists have been chosen from the mass amounts of arched-back and pouty-lipped images. As we noted in a previous post, these sexy photos can be hilarious, though the finalists aren't quite as funny as our initial favorites.

From what we could tell though, there are some general rules that might help you to get to the finalist stage in next year's contest.

Rule #1- Master the Head Tilt

Ashley demonstrating the power of a proficient head tilt.

Zachary shows us that head tilts work for guys too.

Rule #2 - Clothing is Optional

Ryan shows us that tighties don't have to be whitey.

Stephanie proves that you don't need clothes to accessorize.

Rule #3 - Everyone Loves a Cowboy Hat

Cynthia creates a story with her accessory choice. Is she a cowgirl or an outlaw?

Mitul is one tall glass of water in his cowboy duds. Yeehaw!

Rule #4 - When All Else Fails, Look Slightly Annoyed

John is tired of your meat consumption, it's annoying him.

Erika wishes you would just go away already. Geesh!

Rule #5 (Just for the guys) - Neckwear is a Must!

Faizel demonstrates the power of a colorful scarf.

Trevor shows how a bow tie can create a signature look.

Mark's black tie events are clothing optional.

There are currently 19 days left to vote for your favorite sexy vegetarian. We can't wait to see who gets crowned the king and queen of veggie hotness. Until then, happy voting everyone!

Photos via peta.org

Should Vegans Really Care About Eating Bugs?

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As vegans, we try our hardest to avoid any foods made with animal products and this includes insects, but should it?

During the recent fallout over Starbuck's use of cochineal extract (crushed bugs) as a food coloring in their strawberry Frapuccinos, many people became outraged over unwittingly drinking bugs. Some were upset over the "gross factor" but we believe the problem was mainly in the mislabeling of these products as vegan.

While we believe in transparency and are pleased that Starbucks has shifted to a new vegan dye, we have to wonder if bugs would really be that bad.

From an ethical standpoint, it's hard to argue against eating bugs if you have ever killed a bug in your house. Even the most empathetic people would usually opt for killing roaches instead of allowing a swarm to invade their living spaces. That said, many would also say that they would only kill bugs if absolutely necessary. It's not necessary to eat bugs, or is it?

We are currently experiencing a global food shortage which will only worsen with global warming. Bugs provide a plentiful, sustainable source of protein and nutrients. Compared to traditional food sources, they are inexpensive, abundant and extremely nutritious. Though bugs are not everyone's answer to the food shortage, their increased use could help to provide greater supply of food and less production and consumption of traditional meats.

Aside from food shortage, bugs are also a byproduct of shifting to a more organic food supply. Foods that are grown outside will innately contain some bugs. In fact, the FDA allows food to be sold with up to 250 insect parts in some products. You can find bugs in mushrooms, peanut butter, spinach and many other organic and processed foods. So even though we may not want to eat bugs, we probably already do.

While eating bugs is still not vegan, it may be a healthy exception to make now and then. It's ultimately up to each individual to gauge his or her comfort level with this food both ethically and aesthetically. We do feel however that insects as a food source are worth a second look. Just try not to get too grossed out while you are looking.

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Five Reasons to Go Vegan or Semi-Vegan for Earth Day

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Happy Earth Day! It's the one day of the year we take to honor the planet that keeps us living and thriving.

To us, every day should be earth day because we have to do all we can to make sure we take care of the planet that takes care of us.

In this spirit, we wanted to suggest some ways in which going vegan can help sustain the earth and its inhabitants. Even if you're not ready to take the vegan plunge, a partial vegan diet can also be a good step in helping our planet and our animal friends.

5. Go Vegan to Increase the Food Supply 

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Though many in the U.S. and Europe may not feel it, the world is currently experiencing a food shortage. In the midst of this shortage, we still use a large part of our grain for meat production. In fact, it takes 16 pounds of grain or corn in order to produce only one pound of meat. By feeding that grain and corn to animals instead of using it ourselves, we lose 93% of those available resources. Those resources could directly feed starving humans if not being used for meat production.

4. Go Vegan to Show Compassion to Our Animal Friends

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Limiting your meat and animal product intake is one way fight against the cruel culture of factory farms. Due to the high demand for meat, factory farms treat living creatures as inanimate products. They stuff them full of  corn meal, limit their movement and keep them in filthy and crowded conditions. The dairy cows are constantly impregnated and never allowed to see their calves. The calves are taken away and used for veal as the dairy cow is pumped non-stop as her utters sink to the ground from unnatural use. People can often excuse this cruelty because they do not directly see it. Every purchase of animal products contributes to this cruel culture of animal torture and abuse though. If you can even limit your animal product purchases, you are making a step toward fighting this behavior.

3. Go Vegan to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance

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Recently researchers at John's Hopkins and Arizona State University found traces of a banned class of antibiotics called flouroquinolones in chicken. These substances were banned because their use in meat production could result in humans developing an antibiotic resistance which would render antibiotic useless to us. Though most farmers, including the chicken farmers in the study, claim they don't use antibiotics, there is evidence to suggest that they still do. Usually farmers use antibiotics because of the unsanitary and horrible conditions in which the animals are kept. Because animals can so easily develop life-threatening infections in these conditions, antibiotics are used to keep the animals healthy enough to eat and get ready for slaughter.

2. Go Vegan to Stay Healthy

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The same study that found evidence of antibiotics in chicken, also found evidence of acetaminophin, antihistamines, antidepressants, arsenic and caffeine in chicken. Substances like these are given to animals to keep them alive and alert enough to eat as much as possible. Though its not clear how much of this is passed on to meat eaters, it is sobering to think about the possible health effects. Meat is also harmful aside from the use of these substances. In fact a 28-year Harvard study found that a daily consumption of red meat increased a person's likelihood of death by 13%. In keeping ourselves healthy, we put less of a strain on our medical resources, allowing those resources to go to people who really need them.

1. Go Vegan to Limit Global Warming

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Think S.U.V.'s are the only culprit in global warming? Think again. In fact, livestock farming contributes to 18% of the world's greenhouse gas problems. If you've ever driven past a livestock farm, you can smell the reason. Methane gas is emitted through belches and gas as the cows chew their cud. The manure that is compacted in bulk on the cow and pig farms also emanates gasses that contribute to the warmed atmosphere. Because so many animals have to be bred and kept to meet the demand for meat, an unnatural amount of methane gas is being produced and it is largely impacting our climate.

Starbucks Drops Bug Dye From Strawberry Frapuccino Mix

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You no longer have to say "Hold the bugs" when ordering your strawberry Frapuccinos at Starbucks.

The company, who made news last month for using cochineal extract (crushed bugs) as a dye in it's strawberry beverages, says they are planning to transition away from the dye. Instead, Starbucks will use a lycopene dye which is made from tomato extract.

In a posting on the Starbuck's blog, company president Cliff Burrows laid out the company's plan.

"Our expectation is to be fully transitioned to lycopene, a natural, tomato-based extract, in the strawberry sauce (base) used in our Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino® blended beverage and Strawberry Banana Smoothie. Likewise, we are transitioning away from the use of cochineal extract in our food offerings which currently contain it (Raspberry Swirl Cake, Birthday Cake Pop, Mini Donut with pink icing, and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie).

He predicted that, though the transition would take time, they hope to eliminate cochineal extract in their products by the end of June. That means the vegan Frapuccinos will now indeed be vegan. Good news for any vegans who want a frosty treat this summer.

Fashion Friday: Get Fantastic Vegan Products at a Discount at Vegan Cuts

Shop vegan, save money, save animals. The slogan for Vegan Cuts says it all. Vegan Cuts is an online discounted marketplace featuring 100% vegan products.

The site features a variety of fabulous products from candy and bath goods to shoes, purses and clothing. All items are vegan and are offered at a discount from their regular price.

To shop Vegan Cuts, simply check out their daily deals on their website. You may also want to sign up for their e-mail newsletter or friend their Facebook page to receive their most current deals.

As vegans, it can be difficult to find deals on the products we want. That's why we love this online store. The items on the Vegan Cuts marketplace are fun and fashionable too. Check out some of our favorites below.

Compassion Calf Shirt by Compassion Co.

Large Clutch by CoolCorC

Flats by Colourful Grass

Only in Berlin: A 100% Vegan Sex Shop

Front desk at Other Nature. Photo via other-nature.de

Leave it to Berliners to corner two burgeoning markets at once.

The vegan sex shop, Other Nature, offers 100% organic and vegan sex toys, lubricants and intimate apparel for those who want to get kinky without hurting animals or damaging the environment.

The shop is alternative in every sense of the word. It has an open and modern feel to it, with bright white walls, plenty of luscious green potted plants, hardwood floors and a big picture window. It looks more like a bath and body goods store than a sex shop.

That said, you can find an assortment of the standard sex toys, apparel and lubricants at Other Nature. The only difference is that all products are environmentally-friendly, organic and vegan. They even sell whips made out of recycled bike tires.

Co-Manager Anne Bonnie Schindler used to work at a traditional sex shop but, as a vegan, she wanted to work for a company that shared her beliefs.

"We are a sex shop, only we do it better. It’s a niche in fact. Our customers are of all ages and contrary to what we expected, it’s not just women.  

We contacted each of the manufacturers and asked where the materials came from, where these objects were produced and if animal substances were used."

Other Nature may have stumbled across a huge market as polls suggest that Germans top the list of people interested in sex toys, and veganism is also rapidly growing in Germany. In fact, a 100% vegan grocery store also opened its doors in Berlin just last year.

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Top Five Vegan Sources of Iron That You'll Love to Eat

Iron is one element that vegans often struggle to find naturally in their diets. Luckily, there are some extremely tasty vegan foods that act as great sources of iron. All of these foods are so delicious, anyone would be glad to add them to their daily diet.

5. Dried Fruit, Raisins

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One serving of raisins contains 17% of the daily dose of iron. Raisins are an easy snack to eat when you're on the go and they are great for sweet treats. Raisins also go well with other foods. Sprinkle them over your cereal in the morning or bake them into scones or cookies for an added boost of iron.

4. Potatoes 

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Potatoes can be used in a number of dishes, from breakfast home fries to a fresh potato salad. Each serving also provides 18% of our recommended daily allotment of iron. If in doubt of how to serve, simply cut into chunks, boil in water until slightly tender and then fry in a pan with a spritz of oil and some salt and pepper. Yum!

3. Edamame

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Edamame or soybeans are so ridiculously tasty, so easy to prepare and they provide 20% of your daily dose of iron. They can be purchased fresh or frozen in the shells. Simply pour out the amount you want to eat in a microwave-safe bowl. Splash with a bit of water and microwave for one minute. Stir them at the end of a minute and pop them back in the microwave for a minute and a half or until they are cooked through. Crack salt and pepper over the bowl when they are done. To eat, suck on the side of the pod and the soybeans should pop out. Do not eat the seed pod.

2. Hummus

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Hummus is a delicious dip for veggies, chips or warm pita bread. Made from chickpeas, hummus provides a whopping 33% of your daily intake of iron. You can find many varieties and flavors of hummus, such as roasted pepper and garlic, at your local grocer. If you have a blender or food processor, you can also easily make your own hummus at home by blending chickpeas, tahini (or peanut butter), lemon juice, garlic and olive oil.

1. Seaweed or Nori

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Seaweed or Nori is the dark paper-like substance that is wrapped around your sushi rolls. It is packed with 33% of your daily intake of iron. With the endless varieties of sushi to make or try, you could eat nori every day and never get bored. Many grocery stores sell sushi rolls and nori sheets for you to make your own sushi.