vegan

For some animal activists, vegans and other environmentally conscious folks leather is a fashion and function don't. The idea of wearing part of a dead animal corpse just doesn't sit well with some people. While I have not personally sworn off ALL leather from my wardrobe, this year I'm making a conscious effort to only purchase reused or worn items. Read on!

Hope you had a chance to prepare for a sustainable Easter this weekend!  Here's what you missed this week on the green front, as well some Photo Friday fun below:

Vegan Chef Wheeler Del Torro is hosting his African-Cuban street food Barrio pop-up this Saturday, March 31st at 7 PM (location: Philly, to be revealed). While many are apprehensive about his request-an-invite-only system, don't count out the event yet.  We talked with Wheeler about his crappy writing skills & veganism and can't deny his infectious passion for his cooking and his pop-ups. Find out more about Wheeler & his Barrio pop up (And discover how you and a guest can get FREE Tickets) after the jump!

I'm a big fan of dishes that can be easily customized based on what's in season in your area. And, by what you happen to have in your kitchen at the given moment. This recipe serves as a perfect example ( ugh sorry unintentional pun!) Risotto, traditionally created with arborio rice is delicious. But I find all the stirring and standing over the stove unappealing at the end of a long day. This variation using quinoa is less time-consuming, and high in fiber and protein. And, it's creamy and comforting like traditional risotto. Click through for the recipe.

This is tofu for the tofu haters. Trust me, I was one. I’ve been turned off by tofu’s spongy, almost squishy texture for years. After giving up meat and poultry a few years ago I so wanted to enjoy tofu for added variety in my diet. But, alas I couldn’t get over the darn malleable texture. Then I discovered that tofu could get nice and crispy , and yes delicious. I thank this impromptu recipe for making my mouth happy and getting me over my fear. Read on for the recipe!

I try to choose cosmetic products that are made from natural, chemical free ingredients and recycled goods. It can be difficult to make the ‘green choice’ when staring down a drugstore aisle with seemingly endless options of shampoo and face wash. But if you familiarize yourself with some of the greener cosmetic companies, you’ll find there’s a good array of affordable, environmentally conscious selections out there. Read on for the rundown on a few of my favorite eco-friendly cosmetic lines:

Today is World Vegan Day - which makes the founding of the Vegan Society in the UK. Celebrations across the world from Sydney to the UK are taking place to recognize the meat-free lifestyle.  Locally, Vegan Tom Epler is walking between the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to New Hope to support injured and abused farm animals for a better life. You don't have to be vegan to take steps for a

Many people associate weekends with yummy homemade breakfasts that we’re all just too busy for during the week. This weekend put aside your toaster pastries, frozen Eggo waffles and tired oatmeal and make these homemade blueberry vegan pancakes or waffles. Blueberries have just a few more weeks in season so get 'em while they last! Read on for my super simple and delicious recipe for vegan blueberry pancakes:

In the summertime I get the urge to eat out more. The longer days and opportunity for al fresco dining (one of my favorite little pleasures in life) just make restaurants that much more enjoyable for me. I frequent establishments that boast the use of organic and local ingredients, along with lots of vegan and vegetarian hot spots. But, I also head to restaurants that aren't necessarily well known for any of these things. While dining I’m often on the lookout for how restaurants measure up in the eco-friendly department. Here are some practices that help keep businesses in the food industry greener. Don’t be shy - suggest some of these next time you’re at one of your favorite spots. Green restaurant practices: