Misconceptions about tofu, the taste of vegan anything and a serving of Quorn nuggets are just a few of the reasons a lot of people aren’t eager to go veg. I’ll admit, I had my doubts the first time a vegan friend offered me a spoonful of her tofu soup. But, all it took was one bite to discover that a delicious meal is all in the recipe. Here are some simple dishes to ease even the toughest skeptics into more eco-friendly eating habits. They’re so …

Tags: lifestyle , meals , recipes , vegan , vegetarian

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We already know that we should eat less meat for the sake of the planet – the United Nations has said reduced meat consumption would help curb greenhouse emissions. While many ardent environmentalists are vegetarian, initiatives like Meatless Monday are trying to encourage all of us to do our part, as well.

So meat production helps cause global warming. But did you know that climate change might also affect the quality of meat? According to New Scientist: “Pork chops will become …

Tags: climate , climate change , food , food production and global warming , global warming effects , meat , meat eating , vegetarian

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The manageable Delicata is the first to appear in the markets in fall. It’s lovely to look at – pale yellow, with pretty green stripes and dependably sweet with a good balance of moisture. Unlike some of the larger, exceptionally tough winter squashes, the thin-skinned Delicata is both versatile and simple to prepare. It’s the only winter squash whose seeds and skin are both edible, and it’s small enough to cook quickly.

Of course you can peel the squash and scoop out the seeds, but why bother if they taste good …

Tags: cooking squash , easy recipes , healthy recipes , how to cook squash , quick organic ideas , quick recipes , vegetarian

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I imagine in your health consciousness you’ve given up Jell-O as a dessert choice, but you probably have an occasional use for gelatin to thicken jams, jellies and pie fillings. I’m not sure if you ever considered where gelatin comes from, but it’s far from vegan. That nondescript white powder sold as Knox is extracted from the bones, connective tissues and organs of animals. Many people are surprised to learn that something as seemingly innocuous as a gummy bear is not a vegetarian food.

The plant kingdom saves the …

Tags: agar , candy , carrageenan , cooking , dessert , food , gelatin , substitute , vegan , vegetarian

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What do you picture when you think about summer barbeques? If visions of greasy burgers, CO2-emitting charcoal and trash bags filled with disposable plates, napkins and wasted food come to mind, here are some green tips to celebrate this seasonal milestone with respect for Mother Nature.

The centerpiece of any good BBQ is the grill, so invest in an eco-friendly one. What are your greenest options? Gas and charcoal versions both have their drawbacks: gas grills rely on non-renewable resources, while charcoal grills release carbon …

Tags: barbeque , green , grill , guide , howto , lighting , summer , tips , vegan , vegetarian , Verterra

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Here’s a perfect summer dessert using seasonal organic fruit from the farmers’ market or your CSA box. It’s simple to make if you’re already grilling. The smoky-sweet apricots hold well at room temperature so you can grill them as soon as the fire is ready and set them aside until after dinner.

Substitute peaches if you wish. Serve in a bowl with vanilla ice cream or add crumbled  gingersnaps and layer in a parfait glass with the ice cream.

Serves 4

1 cup organic sugar
1 cup water
8-10 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons …

Tags: cooking , Eating , food , Recipe , seasonal , vegetarian , wellness

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The U.S. is one very carnivorous nation. But what if, just for one day, everyone went vegetarian?

Well, according to a Huffington Post article by Kathy Freston, just one meat free day in the U.S. would save nearly 100 billion gallons of water, 1.5 billion pounds of crops, 70 million gallons of gas, and 33 tons of antibiotics.

Wow. All that just for eating pasta instead of pork chops. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. After all, the Livestock’s Long Shadow report, released recently by the UN, has already concluded that the …

Tags: consumption , energy , meat , sustainability , vegetarian

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The higher the test score the better, right? Not when it comes to your cholesterol. If yours is climbing over 200, it’s time to take action. But there’s a much more natural solution than popping prescription medicines. Unless you’re in the red zone, a few simple changes in diet can make all the difference. Try these tasty organic treats.
Oatmeal

Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, which cuts down the amount of cholesterol your intestines absorb. …

Tags: cholesterol , HDL , health , LDL , nutrition , vegetarian

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Conservation of fossil fuel, reduced methane emissions, less water waste – now saving your eyesight can be added to the list of reasons to give up red meat.

Researchers at the Centre for Eye Research, part of the University of Melbourne Department of Ophthalmology in Australia, say they’ve found a link between age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss, and the frequent consumption of red meat.

Their study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who ate red meat 10 times a week …

Tags: blindness , Centre for Eye Research , diet , eyesight , health , meat , red meat , vegetarian , vision

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