This LGBTQ+ team is helping save the planet! They collect good quality ugly tomatoes that are normally thrown away by large food factories to make delicious vegan sauces and spreads!
This is a pop-up eatery that provides a safe space for trans-identifying people of color. Formerly located solely in Oakland, CA, they have closed their store to travel the nation with their unique combination of Asian and Latinx comfort foods. Let’s hope you get a chance to try ’em out!
We are excited to present a cook book with savory Middle Eastern recipes that are vegan! Veganistan: A Vegan Tour of the Middle East & Beyond is by Sally Butcher. It is interesting that the author of a vegan cook book would have the last name “Butcher.” One could only imagine what childhood anecdotes she may have about her name growing up. Her photo with wild red hair and punk-rock fashion juxtapose a calm and reflective demeanor, gives a bit of insight into the character that developed Veganistan. An outward explorative nature, may explain the subtitle “the Middle East & Beyond.” While the choice to share vegan meals often is a result of an analytical thought process – of which her photograph hints at.
The tantalizing photographs of the vegan food Sally Butcher shares in her cook book, Veganistan, range from scrumptious rice dishes, delicious cabbage stew, yummy staples like falafel and mouth watering desserts such as Sweet potato cake. When you make a dish, let us know how you like it – send a photo! We would love to hear what you think!
(Happy International Womens Month / International Womens Day! Read to end for highlighted lady-owned business.)
There have been quite a few articles and commentary on the tension that has emerged between some vegans and indigenous people. There are those who identify as vegan, who have been attempting to shame indigenous communities for their use of animals. It would be important to first state that most vegans are not likely to agree with this approach. Even so, it has become a trending topic of dispute.
So let us weigh in on the conversation. Although we are obviously advocating a vegan lifestyle with this website, the first thought that came to mind was – “Why is anyone attempting to further dictate the actions of indigenous people in Abya Yala (aka: America) on their own land?”
We believe the focus of non-indigenous people who are vegan should remain firmly on the largest perpetrators of deaths of other beings. This would mean actively working on reducing the suffering of beings in slaughter houses, promoting vegan meals to the main stream, and advertising more eco-friendly and morally sound material use – like cactus leather instead of the skin of beings.
Marginalized communities should not be the target of vegan activism before large corporations are fully addressed and mainstream habits completely changed. This misplaced attention reminds me of some environmental activists who briefly attempted to shame impoverished people in African countries for burning tires for warmth instead of fully focusing on the far greater pollution of western countries.
Yes, at some point…far in the future…non-indigenous vegans may choose to respectfully offer vegan meal ideas and vegan material ideas to indigenous communities. However, it will probably be more effective when these ideas are introduced by the vegan indigenous people that already exist. Yes, there are indigenous vegans. There are also many indigenous communities that eat a primarily vegan diet already.
Due to this conversation, for International Womens Month, we would like to highlight the indigenous founder, Tina Archuleta, of the vegan restaurant – Itality – in New Mexico. She is using native vegetables, fruits and grains to make wonderful vegan indigenous food. She hopes to improve the health of the community and re-connect with de-colonized traditional meals.
There are currently states in Abya Yala (original name of USA/the Americas) attempting to remove history of people from Alkebulan (original name of Africa) from the school curriculum. Well, here are just a few of the many contributions – important and fun – from African-American scientists, engineers, and more!
Materials used in some of the products below may not be vegan.
Alfred L. Cralle
In 1897, Alfred L. Cralle patented the ice cream scoop.
While you’re at it, get some vegan ice cream here.
Percy Julian
In 1923 Percy Julian completed his schooling at Harvard University with a master’s in chemistry. Many scientists were attempting to find a more efficient way to produce cortisone – as it had been found to be effective in soothing inflamed joints. At the time, they were killing 15,000 oxen to produce the bile used for the treatment of just one patient. It was Julian who discovered a way to synthesize cortisone from soybeans instead.
Frederick McKinley Jones
1930s Frederick McKinleyJonescreated refridgeration equipment and has more than 40 patents. He named one the Thermo King. He invented refridgeration units for homes, trucks, trains, and planes. “His work also contributed to the preservation of blood and medicine, proving to be particularly useful during WWII. In 1991, he became the first African American to receive the National Medal of Technology.”
Get one of the most eco-friendly refridgerators, like the Liebherr MRB 3000, here.
Gladys West
Gladys West was born in 1930. She is the mathematician and programmer who’s mathematically accurate model of Earth was used as “the foundation for the creation of the Global Positioning System (GPS).”
1956 Mary Kenner patented the toilet paper holder, sanitary belt, sanitary pad, and walker. She has the most patents of any African-American lady inventor.
Get an eco-friendly (no plastic) bamboo toilet paper holder here.
Get eco-friendly 100% organic cotton re-usable sanitary pads (light, heavy, and overnight) here.
In 1980, Valerie Thomas invented 3D technology. She patented it under the name – illusion transmitter – while working for NASA. Here invention is still used by NASA today. It is also used to make 3D TVs and 3D movies. We may not be able to use her invention the way NASA does, but luckily we can set up a 3D entertainment system at home to enjoy some movies offered in 3D!
In the early 1980’s, while working at IBM, Mark Dean and a colleague created the technology that allows computers to interact with printers. Need a computer and a printer? Get them here:
Here are a couple of the most eco-friendly laptops available:
In 1973 Dr. Patricia Bath (deceased 2019) created a new and improved surgery technique to remove cataracts – increasing the number of those with improved healthy sight.
Materials used in some of the products above may not be vegan.
SOURCES
Alfred Cralle. African American Registry. (2023) https://aaregistry.org/story/alfred-cralle-inventor-born/.
Jean-Philippe, M. and Burnett, J. 15 African-American Inventors to Remember This Black History Month and Beyond. Oprah Daily. (Jan 19, 2023). https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/work-money/g30877473/african-american-inventors/.
Miller, A. 28 DOBE- Day 17: Marie Van Brittan Brown, Keeping You Safe At Home. (February 17, 2018). https://www.blackexcellence.com/28-dobe-day-17-marie-van-brittan-brown/.
For First Nations of *Abya Yala Heritage Month (aka: Native American Heritage Month) and to celebrate First Nations Heritage Day on November 25th, we visited Native American World at Venice Beach!
*Abya Yala is the original name of the land called “America” by European invaders.
Native American World is a cozy charming shop with a mystical quality to it. Enchanting flute music sweeps you into its open doors. Once inside you are surrounded by interesting handmade items from First Nations in North Abya Yala (North America), Central Abya Yala (Central America), and South Abya Yala (South America).
SOURCE: https://nativeamericanworld.net/
We are happy to say the owner is from a First Nation. The staff are helpful and attentive. You are guaranteed to struggle not to purchase something from this unique store.
As we travel the coast of what is currently known as Southern California – Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Orange County – It is important to recognize and acknowledge we are on the land of the First Nations of Abya Yala (called “America” by European invaders to their land). These First Nations are the Chumash Nation, the Tongva Nation (aka: Gabrieliño Nation), the Acjachemen Nation, and the Payómkawichum Nation (aka: Luiseño Nation). We at VEGANavigate make this video in honor of them. We believe it is important that our first video on their land and those that follow, never forget who’s land we are living on.
Happy Halloween! Here’s a list of some great vegan candy…
Save the planet, save the animals, save us all! Here are some vegan candies that usually have no plastic packaging:
Bottle Caps
SOURCE: Sweet Candy Cafe
Fun Dip
SOURCE: sweet-juleps.com
Gobstoppers
SOURCE: europeangrocerystore
Hubba Bubba
Jujubes
SOURCE: candywarehouse
Jujyfruits
SOURCE: ferraracandyshopusa
Nerds
Sweet Tarts
SOURCE: sweetcitycandy
The candy above usually has no plastic packaging and the following vegan candies have less plastic packaging than most: Charm’s Blow Pops Cry Baby (in a box) Dots Dum Dums Mamba Mary Jane Now & Later Pixie Sticks Smarties Super Bubble Bubble Gum
Other vegan candies: Airheads Brach’s Lemon Drops Brach’s Star Brites Peppermint Candy Chick-O-Sticks Fire Ball Go-Max-Go Candy Bars Laffy Taffy (mini version – NOT the regular size. The regular size has egg albumen) Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape Jolly Rancher No Whey Pez Red Vines Ring Pops Smarties Skittles Swedish Fish Sour Patch Kids Twizzlers YumEarth (Lolli Pops) Zotz
