The Saturday Night Live star called up the animal organization after they criticized him for buying a puppy from a pet store rather than adopting. He and his girlfriend, actor Chase Sui Wonders, were recently spotted buying a Cavapoo in New York City. (A Cavapoo is a mixed-breed dog combining the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle breeds.)

The purchase came weeks after Davidson’s two-year-old dog Henry died after falling ill.

In a statement to TMZ, Daphna Nachminovitch – PETA’s senior vice president of cruelty investigations – said it was “tragic” that Davidson didn’t rescue an animal from a shelter instead. 

“Since shelters in New York and across the country are overflowing with homeless animals, PETA urges Pete to show some big heart energy by adopting, not shopping, in the future,” she added. 

Pete Davidson responds

In a perhaps unexpected move, Davidson decided to respond to PETA’s criticism. In a voicemail sent to the organization, he attempted to justify his decision. 

“Hi, my name is Pete Davidson. This message is for Daphna,” he said. “Thank you so much for making comments publicly that I didn’t adopt a dog. I just want to let you know I’m severely allergic to dogs so I have to get a specific breed.”

He went on to say that his family had been “so sad” since the death of Henry, and that Cavapoos are the only dogs that don’t set off his allergies.

“So why don’t you do your research before you f***ing create news stories for people because you’re a boring tired [bleeped, unclear]. “F*** you and suck my d***!”

The aftermath

PETA retaliated to Davidson’s words, however, stating that there’s “no such thing” as a hypoallergenic dog.

“At least a quarter of dogs in shelters are purebreds, and that Petfinder has listings for homeless dogs of every breed under the sun, including the one he purchased,” they added.

Davidson subsequently said he’s “not sorry” for the voicemail, but did admit that he used a “poor choice of words.”

“I haven’t seen my mom and sister cry like that in over 20 years,” he told TMZ yesterday (Tuesday, June 6). “I was trying to cheer up my family, I was already upset that the store had filmed me without my permission or acknowledgment. Then this organization made a public example of us, making our grieving situation worse.”

“I am upset. It was a poor choice of words. I shouldn’t have said what I said, but I am not sorry for standing up for myself and my family.”

The problem with pet stores

Buying dogs and other animals from pet stores is hugely controversial due to concerns about their treatment. Animals are often sourced from “puppy mills,” where they are typically kept in cramped and filthy conditions.

Some puppies are imported from other countries, and many will struggle to socialize due to the conditions in which they were raised. Selling dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores will be banned in New York City from next year.

The post Pete Davidson Leaves Furious Voicemail For PETA Amid Pet Store Controversy appeared first on Plant Based News.

Animal rights organization Animal Outlook released the audio. It was part of an investigation into a number of chicken farms owned by Tyson, as well as its competitors. 

As reported by Vox, the undercover investigator recorded a conversation with a farm manager and a “broiler technician advisor” at Tyson. The latter individual worked with a number of chicken farms in Jetersville, Virginia. The farm where the recording was made was not free-range, and the discussion did not focus on one farm in particular.

The myth of free-range

The technician is said to have acknowledged that the “free-range” chicken label is more or less meaningless. At the start of the conversation in question, the farm manager speculated how a Tyson competitor handles “free-range” chickens. To this, the technician replied: “Those birds don’t go outside — you know that. They don’t all go out … Look that up online.”

The farm manager then said: “It’s not like they make it like all of ’em come out and enjoy the sun. That is strictly for commercial [advertising] purposes. They pick the prettiest birds [for commercials] and they toss ’em out in the grass.”

To this, the technician points out that “breeder birds” (those used primarily for breeding, rather than meat) are often used for advertising as they look healthier. 

Speaking to Vox about the findings, the investigator said: “Usually people in [the technician’s] type of position are very guarded about what they say… For her to be so blatant and upfront about this — I was really shocked.”

What does free-range actually mean?

This investigation is just the latest bit of evidence that suggests “free-range” is little more than a marketing tactic.

Many people believe that free-range chickens are raised outdoors. Commercials and advertising campaigns often put across the image that birds spend their lives on green pastures with plenty of space.

The reality, however, often looks very different. To qualify as free-range, under USDA guidelines, producers must attest that birds have some access to the outdoors for most of their lives. In practice, this may mean that chickens are kept in cramped barns with tens of thousands of other birds for most of their lives. The outdoor “access” may be a small door that many may never be able to reach, due to injury, lack of space, or strict pecking orders in the flock. 

There are some farms that raise birds outdoors either all or some of the time, but huge broiler farms are also able to use the free-range label if they offer potential outdoor access.

The post Undercover Audio From Tyson Employee Exposes ‘Free-Range’ Chicken appeared first on Plant Based News.

The Vegan Night Market opens at Central Park’s Wollman Rink today (Tuesday, June 6), and will run weekly throughout the summer. Wollman is also home to 14 new pickleball courts, so you can play a competitive game of pickleball and grab a vegan snack afterward.

MHG Events, the group behind the event, is the organizer of similar night markets, including one Uptown, one in Brooklyn, and one in the Bronx.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Vegan Night market to Central Park in NYC. Our goal is to create a space where people can explore and enjoy plant-based cuisine from some of the city’s top vendors while promoting sustainable and ethical food choices,” said Marco Shalma, founder of MHG Events.

“Thanks to the City Parks Foundation for supporting this event, and we hope it will encourage more people to incorporate plant-based options into their diets and support the growth of the vegan movement.”

What you’ll find at the Vegan Night Market in Central Park

The organizers have curated top vegan eats and drinks from more than 25 businesses to allow shoppers to sample different cuisines all in one place. Vegan Night Market visitors can expect to find booths from The GingerShot Man, Mao’s Bao, Secret Vegan Kitchen, Pinche Vegana NYC, Lillie Handmade Aromatherapy Products, Healthy As A Motha, The Waffle Chic, Nadas Colombian Rainbow Empanadas, Cuzins Duzin, and Sip & Savor BX, among others.

Vegan date night done right – and on the cheap

The Vegan Night Market is completely free for visitors. Items start at $5 and nothing costs more than $15. This affordable option provides market-goers with access to dozens of plant-based dishes from some of their favorite cuisines – such as Caribbean, Colombian, Chinese, and Mexican – as well as the chance to try new treats from restaurants they never knew about.

Along with the regular vendors, special guest chefs and artists will appear each Tuesday to host product tastings and live music performances.

“We’re excited to be part of a market like this because we get to share our Colombian style empanadas with people who have been looking for the best flavor available,” Carlos Santos, founder of Nadas, told amNewYork. “Our desire has always been to make vegan options that aren’t good solely on being vegan, but their flavor profile is better than other empanadas, period.”

In a city as diverse as it is exciting, the Vegan Night Market will not disappoint; 70 percent of the vendors are owned or founded by people of color, and 50 percent are women-owned businesses, Beatriz Torres Martinez of MHG Events said to amNewYork.

Vegan events around the world

Interest in vegan living is on the rise in the United States. Back in February, for example, veganism overtook keto as the most searched diet term in America. It’s a trend that is growing worldwide as the impact of animal agriculture on the planet becomes more widely known, and people increasingly choose plant-based food for the sake of their health.

New York City’s Vegan Night Market joins a growing number of plant-based festivities happening worldwide.

Last July, Vegan Camp Out once again hosted what’s thought to be the world’s largest vegan camping festival. It sold more than 10,000 tickets and invited more than 60 food vendors. The festival is slated to take place this year from July 28 to 31 (for more information about Vegan Camp Out 2023, see here). 

Also in July, the plant-powered Ital Food Fest will kick off in Jamaica for the first time. It aims to celebrate Ital cuisine as well as the Rastafari community’s key role in the plant-based movement.

Other vegan events include film festivals such as the International Vegan Film Festival which presented 44 films from eight different countries late last year.

New York City’s new Vegan Night Market opens today in Wollman Rink on 830 5th Ave, New York City. It will run every Tuesday evening from 4pm to 10pm until October 10, 2023.

For more information, check out the MHG website, or follow Vegan Night Market on Instagram.

The post New York City’s First-Ever Vegan Night Market Just Arrived In Central Park appeared first on Plant Based News.

The event, dubbed “A Pairing With Legs,” was hosted at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh, in April. It was part of SMWS’ 40th anniversary celebrations. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) paired the insects with different varieties of Scotch whiskeys. Mealworms, crickets, locusts, and even a scorpion were all served to three “adventurous” customers.

The event

The first pairing was mealworms with a 12-year-old whiskey named Disco Diva. The attendees were then given locusts with Raspberry Fields Forever, an 11-year-old single malt. Smoked crickets were served with Smokus Fruticosus, a blended malt of whiskeys from Islay and Orkney islands. Towards the end of the tasting, attendees could sample a scorpion with a whiskey of their choice. 

“Whisky and insects? Precisely. This type of tasting personifies what the Society is all about,” Helen Stewart, head of brand marketing and membership, said in a statement. “Our 40th anniversary year is going to be our most adventurous yet.” 

The rise of edible insects

This event is just one of a number to capitalize on the growing interest in insect consumption in Europe. While most of the public remains skeptical, insects are increasingly being heralded as a more sustainable alternative to conventional meat.

It’s undoubtedly true that insects are currently a more environmentally sound choice than products like beef, dairy, chicken, fish, pigs, and lamb. That isn’t to say, however, that there aren’t moral implications of eating them.

It’s thought that at least a trillion insects are killed each year for human consumption. They may be starved, or subjected to extreme hot or cold temperatures while being slaughtered. While many people don’t consider insects sentient, there is growing evidence to suggest that they are indeed capable of feeling emotions.

According to a 2022 Queen Mary University of London study, “at least some” insects can feel pain. Study authors also highlighted that more research was needed to determine if other insects have similar capabilities.

The post Whiskey Tasting Night Serves Scorpion, Crickets, And Other Insects appeared first on Plant Based News.

The upcoming sequel will be made in partnership with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s production company SpringHill Entertainment. SpringHill, which counts Serena Williams as a board member, creates content for digital media platform Uninterrupted, where athletes tell their stories in their own words. James and Carter will also be executive producers on the Game Changers sequel, alongside Jamal Henderson and Philip Byron.

“With The SpringHill Company’s unparalleled track record fusing athlete-led storytelling with progressive subject matter — plus Stephanie and Kristin’s expert ability to weave compelling personal narratives with hard-hitting investigative journalism — we couldn’t be more thrilled about this team,” said James Wilks, producer and star of the film. 

The impact of ‘The Game Changers’

The original Game Changers film was released in 2018. It was described as a “quest” to find the optimal diet for humans. The documentary highlights the health benefits of plant-based eating, with particular focus on athletes and professions such as firefighters. It has now been watched by more than 100 million viewers, and credited with changing many people’s mindsets around the false perception of the “manliness” of meat consumption.

The film follows producer Wilks, a former MMA fighter, along his journey towards a plant-based lifestyle. He visits with doctors, scientists, and nutrition experts to gauge the impact animal products have on our health. “Veganism and vegetarianism are stigmatized,” Wilks told Men’s Health. “We’re not trying to tell people to go vegan. We are presenting the facts and letting people make their own decisions.”

James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Novak Djokovic, Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, and Chris Paul are all executive producers of the original film. It also featured Patrik Baboumian, a vegan strongman who held the world log lift record and once lifted 420 pounds.

‘The Game Changers’ sequel

According to Deadline, The Game Changers sequel will build on the message of the first film. It will look at the impact of plant-based eating on food justice, the environment, and children’s health, as well as nutrition and athletic performance. Like the first film, it is also set to feature an “A-list cast” of entertainers and athletes. 

“This as a unique opportunity to expand on the cultural conversation The Game Changers ignited around the fundamental role food can play in addressing some of the most critical issues of our time,” said producer Byron of SpringHill Entertainment.

The Game Changers 2 release date

As yet, we don’t know when the new film will be released – but watch this space. Meanwhile, take the time to rewatch the original Game Changers movie, and consider inviting friends who have never seen it.

The post Iconic Vegan Documentary ‘The Game Changers’ Is Getting A Sequel appeared first on Plant Based News.

Plaza posted the ad on her Instagram page in April 2023. It saw the White Lotus actor claim to have invented a new milk made from trees. The supposedly humorous commercial appeared to be a dig at plant-based milks. At the end of the clip, Aubrey proclaimed that “only real milk is real.”

Many of her followers expressed disappointment in the ad. It came at a time when there is growing awareness of the ethical, environmental, and health costs of dairy milk. Plaza turned off the comments on the post after the backlash.

USDA funds helped create the ad. It comes from the Got Milk? campaign, where high profile celebrities are paid to promote fluid dairy milk.

Did the wood milk advert violate federal law?

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has filed a complaint with the USDA’s inspector general, accusing the ad of violating two federal laws. The committee is a nonprofit animal rights and health group that promotes preventative medicine.

PCRM cited a law that prohibits USDA-backed adverts from disparaging other agricultural products. In addition, commercials should also not influence government action or policy. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration is currently calling for the public to offer opinions on guidelines for plant-based milk labels.

According to the complaint, the Wood Milk ad was created to drum up “backlash” against dairy-free alternatives. “This conduct unabashedly violates the legal guardrails that exist to prevent USDA from promoting one commodity to the detriment of others,” the complaint reads.

Plant Based News contacted the USDA for comment. A spokesperson said that they do not comment on ongoing litigation.

The post Aubrey Plaza’s ‘Wood Milk’ Advert Accused Of Violating Federal Law appeared first on Plant Based News.

King-Sonnen moved into the Sonnen Ranch in 2009. Almost immediately, she “fell in love” with the cows. She gave them names, and would regularly talk and sing to them. She started bottle feeding Rowdy Girl in 2010, and taking care of the calf helped her see the rest of the cows through a new lens. But these cows were being raised to be sold for slaughter, and she started feeling “haunted” by seeing them carted off in trailers.

Everything changed one day in 2014. She watched Dr Melanie Joy’s video on carnism, and for the first time saw a plate of meat as chopped up dead animals. “I went vegan on that very day,” she tells Plant Based News (PBN). “And that decision propelled me forward with great enthusiasm, passion and determination to convert our working cattle ranch into a farm sanctuary.”

The transition

Tommy agreed to put an end to the business, and suggested selling off the remaining cows and winding down. Renee, however, offered to buy the cows from him so she could set up a sanctuary. 

She then set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise money, which was funded by May 2015. Four years later, they moved to a new location in Waelder, Texas, after the ranch was affected by three flood events. 

Now, the sanctuary is home to more than 130 farm animals, who have all been rescued from slaughter. As well as cows, they have chickens, horses, ducks, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, and a turkey named Sealy.

“My transition to a farm sanctuary was my soul-felt passion as I went vegan for the animals and became a force to be reckoned with by my husband,” she tells PBN. “I was determined to save the cows from going to slaughter and to figure out how to create a non-profit out of what was once a Texas cattle ranch.”

Changing mindset

Her husband Tommy has since gone vegan, but he found the transition “more difficult” than her due in part to the fact he was raised around animal agriculture. 

She advises anyone else considering transforming their farms away from animals to ensure they have the passion, as well as financial means, to do so. 

“The transition to a different way of life can be costly and daunting without private funding or government support which the United States is seriously lacking,” she says. “All that said, if a cattle rancher goes vegan for the animals I believe they will find a way because once you see who you are killing you can never participate in the business of killing animals for a living again.”

The story of Rowdy Girl was recently depicted in a film of the same name directed by Jason Goldman. It premiered at the Hot Docs Film Festival. For more information on the film and Renee’s work please visit the Rowdy Girl website. 

The post Why This Texas Beef Cattle Ranch Transformed Into A Vegan Sanctuary appeared first on Plant Based News.

The bottom of the trunks are being painted in bright colors. The move came about after the city’s Parks and Outdoors department consulted the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The latter provided advice for a non-lethal solution to the problem of beavers destroying riverfront trees to make dams. 

Despite being a natural activity for the species, beavers’ chewing can leave tree trunks significantly weakened. Specifically, in Chattanooga, trees have the potential to fall into a nearby children’s playground or across a pedestrian footpath.

Traditionally, animals are killed in the US to prevent such risks. Moreover, in Tennessee, state law prevents beavers from being trapped and humanely released. They must be euthanized once caught. 

Deterring the beavers

Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors department claims to have tried a number of preventative tactics before turning to painted tree trunks. These included protective fences – which the beavers climbed – and dousing trunks in hot sauce, which washed off in the rain.

So far, the most successful approach has been the use of non-toxic latex paint mixed with water and sand. The sand acts as an irritant to the beavers’ sensitive teeth, causing them to go looking for wood elsewhere. It is noted that painted trees have displayed light bite marks but nothing more, leading to assumptions that the painting technique is working.

This year is the first that officials have noted repeated beaver activity. According to Brian Smith, the Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors communications and marketing director, it is unclear where the beavers are taking their wood hauls. However, when they source wood that does not pose a threat to human health, they are largely left alone. And, considered a vital part of the region’s biodiversity.

Putting an end to human-wildlife conflict

HSUS states that beavers are not the only animals killed to “manage” human-wildlife conflicts in the US. It highlights that many species labeled as nuisances are also “culled,” instead of encouraged to carry out their natural activities away from human populations.

Raccoons, skunks, chipmunks, and even bears are specifically named by HSUS as species threatened by such extreme measures. The nonprofit subsequently calls for a change in tack, as killing animals “only addresses the symptom of the problem, not the cause.” As such, the issue is likely to recur.

The Wild Neighbors program sees HSUS working with local agencies across the US. These include animal shelters, law enforcement, wildlife agencies, and more. In total more than 630 are signed up to the initiative that produces and promotes educational resources about how humans and non-human animals can coexist, without choosing lethal action. 

HSUS reports that since 2020, it has trained more than 7,000 animal care and control experts to use non-lethal resolution techniques when dealing with wildlife.

The post How Painted Trees Are Saving The Lives Of Beavers In America appeared first on Plant Based News.

One of these is Peter Singer, the author of the 1975 book Animal Liberation. The book, which is often credited as being key in kick-starting the animal rights movement, is being reissued next month. Singer was recently quoted in an interview as saying: “I think it’s unlikely that oysters feel pain. And even if you think they do, then because of the way they’re grown and harvested it might well be that you’re not responsible for more pain than if you eat plants. Because after all plants also have to be grown and often rodents are killed while plowing or harvesting.”

He added that we can’t be “100 percent sure,” but expressed his belief that eating oysters is “as pure as most foods we can get.”

Singer isn’t alone. His view is shared by many others who consider themselves vegan. Another is chef Alexis Gauthier, who has led kitchens at Michelin-starred restaurants, and went vegan on ethical grounds in 2016. “For me, a vegan diet is fundamentally about compassion,” he previously said, before adding that oysters are non-sentient beings and therefore acceptable to eat.

The question of oyster sentience is often put forward to vegans. Here’s everything you need to know about how to respond.

What are oysters?

“Oyster” is the name given to a number of invertebrate bivalve molluscs. They naturally live in the ocean, but are often raised on farms. Oyster farms are usually located in natural or human-made bodies of water. Oyster farming is considered by many to be sustainable, due largely to the fact that the animals filter the water while feeding. They are also capable of extracting carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in their shells. 

Oysters are eaten all over the world. They are a hugely popular “seafood,” and can be eaten both raw and cooked. In 2022, the oyster market reached 7.11 million tons worldwide. They are often considered an aphrodisiac, and are commonly served still in their shell.

China is the world’s largest producer of oysters, and they are also popular in the US, France, Canada, Japan, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and the UK.

Are oysters vegan?

In short, the answer is no. Oysters are animals, and eating them is therefore not considered compatible with a vegan lifestyle. Yet many vegans are asked whether they consume them. At first glance this question can seem strange; oysters have long been part of the animal kingdom, why would anyone think they’re a reasonable part of a plant-based diet?

Part of this comes down to their experiences with pain and sentience.

Do oysters feel pain? 

Some people claim that oysters are vegan-friendly due to a belief that they are not sentient creatures capable of feeling pain.

Pain is a subjective experience and impossible to measure in any animal. However, most people will class an animal as capable of pain if they have a central nervous system and brain. Oysters have neither of these, which has led many to assume that they are not capable of such emotions. While it may be less likely they feel pain compared to animals like dogs, cats, fish, and insects, there is no scientific evidence that proves it. 

Oysters do have a basic nervous system and a small heart and internal organs. Some scientists believe that, while they may not experience pain in the same way as us, they could still respond to negative stimuli. This may indicate that they are capable of something at least resembling pain. Other scientists state, however, that such responses are reflex, rather than pain-driven. 

Should vegans eat oysters?

We don’t know if oysters feel pain, but that doesn’t mean vegans should eat them. Humans have, over the years, wrongly believed that many animals aren’t sentient, only to later discover through scientific developments that they are.

Just because a being has a different physiological make-up to us, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are incapable of feelings that are similar or equivalent to those experienced by humankind.

Oysters are not an essential component of our diets. But luckily for “seafood” fans, there are plant-based alternatives.

Vegan alternatives to oysters

The vegan “seafood” market is growing, and it’s likely that we’ll see a number of plant-based “oysters” popping up in restaurants and supermarkets in the coming years.

One company, named Pearlita Foods, last year created a prototype of a cell-based oyster, which came in a biodegradable shell. 

Vegan oyster sauce

One ingredient that many vegans may miss is oyster sauce, which is hugely popular in a number of Asian cuisines. The savory condiment is created by simmering oysters in water, and it’s often used in stir fries. 

Thankfully, there are many vegan alternatives you can use. Cupboard-friendly options are soy sauce, hoisin sauce, mushroom sauce, teriyaki sauce, and tamari sauce. Some retailers also stock vegan oyster flavor sauces, which contain only plant-based ingredients. 

The post Are Oysters Vegan? The Debate Explained appeared first on Plant Based News.

The research, commissioned by Viva!, is part of the animal rights organization’s “Müller Killer” anti-dairy campaign. It was launched in response to a recent investigation exposing the rise of intensive dairy farming in the UK.  

It’s thought that around 20 percent of UK “dairy cows” are farmed in “zero-grazing” systems, spending their entire lives inside. They are grain fed and confined in large sheds, rather than pasture. Such farms reportedly supply major dairy companies, including Müller and Arla. 

Survey findings

A poll of 2,000 UK adults found that just three in 10 were unaware of zero-grazing cow farms. After they were made aware of it, 69 percent expressed that they were against the system.

Almost half (49 percent) of respondents said that they would be unlikely to buy a dairy product created from this process. Most (56 percent) said it should be banned completely, while 87 percent believed cows deserved a nice life.

A minority of people (41 percent) knew that cows had to get pregnant and give birth to a calf in order to produce milk. Even less (27 percent) were aware that calves were taken from their mothers after birth to be killed or kept in isolation.

Once made aware of the reality of dairy, 24 percent said they’d be willing to go more vegan. The most likely age group to say this was 25-34-year-olds, with 45 percent responding as such.

“The dairy industry does an excellent job of hiding its dirty secrets, so it’s no surprise that the public believes their clever marketing campaigns,” a Viva! spokesperson told Plant Based News. “Viva! encourages anyone who is shocked to learn about the cruelty of the dairy industry to try vegan today.”

The reality of dairy

Viva! investigators visited three of England’s largest dairy farms – and one calf-rearing facility – between 2021 and 2022. These were Pawton Manor in Cornwall, Newburgh Dairy in Dorset, and Lea Manor and Grange Farm in Cheshire.

In evidence the organization described as “damning,” cows were housed in “barren cubicle-style sheds.” The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that zero-grazing systems leave cows at increased risk of “hoof problems, teat tramp, mastitis, metritis, dystocia, ketosis, retained placenta, and some bacterial infections.” 

It’s worth noting that even cows kept in grazing systems still likely experience a great deal of pain and suffering in their lives. Farmers make them pregnant with artificial insemination, and take their calves from them hours after birth. Lameness and mastitis are common in dairy cows, and they are sent to the slaughterhouse when their milk supply decreases.

The post 1 In 4 Brits Willing To Go ‘More Vegan’ After Learning About Dairy Farming appeared first on Plant Based News.

The NYC Health Department launched a campaign named “Eat A Whole Lot More Plants.” It will see residents be educated about the health and environmental benefits of eating whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. 

“With the ‘Eat A Whole Lot More Plants’ campaign, we are continuing the important work of transforming New Yorkers’ menus, improving their health, and building a more sustainable world,” Adams said in a statement. “A plant-based lifestyle transformed my life, and helped put my type 2 diabetes into remission.”

“By embracing the power of plants, and ensuring every neighborhood across our city has both the knowledge and the access to healthy foods, we can cultivate a healthier future, one plant-based meal at a time.”

Eric Adam’s plant-based journey

Mayor Adams has publicly endorsed the plant-based diet on a number of occasions, having credited it with helping him overcome his own health conditions. 

He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2016, and was told by doctors he’d need to be on medication for the rest of his life. After getting advice from scientists at the Cleveland Clinic, he decided to adopt a whole foods plant-based diet, and eventually reversed his diagnosis. 

New York embraces veganism

Mayor Adams has brought in a number of pieces of legislation in line with his belief in the benefits of plant-based eating. 

It was recently announced that all NYC hospitals would serve plant-based food as default. While patients could choose to opt for meat, 60 percent went for the vegan dishes just after the initiative was introduced, and 95 percent were happy with their choice. 

Mayor Adams also collaborated with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) to introduce a a $44 million lifestyle medicine training scheme (that includes plant-based nutrition) for the city’s doctors.

“Treating the root cause of chronic disease in this country, and especially lifestyle-related chronic disease health disparities, will positively change the trajectory of both quality of life and health costs,” Dr. Cate Collings, a previous president of ACLM, said in a statement at the time.

 “We applaud Mayor Adams and all the health care leaders in the city for recognizing what an impact they can make through this initiative.”

The post Mayor Adams Challenges 8.5 Million New Yorkers To Eat More Vegan Food appeared first on Plant Based News.

Marielle Williamson, 17, is a senior at Eagle Rock High school in Los Angeles. A vegan of almost three years, she asked if she could hold a day of action to highlight the issues associated with dairy milk, as well as promote the benefits of plant-based milk. The school administration told her she could only go ahead with the plan if she promoted the benefits of dairy. According to Williamson, this would “defeat the entire purpose of the campaign.”

She decided to join a lawsuit filed by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit that advocates for preventative plant-based medicine. Together, they are accusing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Los Angeles Unified School District, and school administrators of violating her first amendment right of free speech.

“One of the biggest things we’re trying to do is to spread awareness to this information that is overshadowed by dairy industry propaganda,” she told Plant Based News (PBN).

She added: “We’re also hoping that this will cause enough of an impact to change that federal law. And to hopefully allow for new legislation that mandates that any school participating in the National School Lunch Program require that plant-based milk is an option, regardless of intolerance, regardless of medical condition.”

Dairy in US schools

In the US, it is mandatory for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to serve dairy milk in cafeterias. They are also prohibited from “directly or indirectly restricting the sale or marketing of dairy milk on school premises.” The USDA website states that fat-free and low-fat milk “contain essential nutrients that kids need to grow and thrive.”

This is despite the fact that an increasing number of young people are moving away from fluid dairy milk. The New York Times recently described Gen Z as the “Not Milk generation” (a play on big dairy’s famous “Got Milk?” adverts). It was in reference to the fact that younger people are increasingly opting for plant-based alternatives on ethical or environmental concerns. 

Williamson has also highlighted that milk can have significant health costs for many of her classmates. “Some are lactose intolerant, some are grossed out by it, and it’s just so pushed on them,” she told PBN. “Not only do they not really have another option, if there is another option they’re discouraged. It’s almost hidden from them.”

Lactose intolerance is particularly prominent in people who are Asian American, Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic. The continued promotion of dairy in schools has, however, long been considered as problematic and racist by many groups. 

The problem with dairy

There are around 9.4 million dairy cows in the US. The animals tend to be forcibly impregnated each year until their bodies are “spent.” Following this, they have their calves taken from them. When their bodies are worn out, they are sent to the slaughterhouse.

Additionally, slaughterhouse work is highly dangerous and often leads to significant mental health problems for employees. More and more people are therefore abstaining from animal products due to concerns about human rights. Dairy also uses up a great deal of land, and is responsible for around four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite growing awareness of the costs of dairy, coupled with the health impact it has on much of the population, the government continues to give out billions of dollars in subsidies each year. 

“They are continuing to invest in an industry that is declining,” Williamson said. “And that is not benefitting anybody.”

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In an article for The Times about his new cooking show Oh Cook!, the tv presenter said we have the “privilege” to decide to give up meat, adding: “There’s enough healthy vegetarian food about. I’m not one — yet — but I have devoted an episode to meat-free cooking and I’m particularly proud of my vegan burger.”

He added: “It’s quite possible we’ll look back in a generation or two’s time and regard eating animals as primitive. I still intend to try that 25-year-old steak and kidney pudding, though.”

James May and veganism

This isn’t the first time May has discussed the ethics of eating meat. In a 2019 interview, he said that he’d “tried veganism,” before going onto claim that eight months of eating vegetarian “made him ill.” He went on to say that humans will “in the future” give up meat. 

He stated that eating animals “genuinely isn’t sustainable,” adding: “I’ve also got some cow friends now down in the countryside and I go and talk to them in the field next to our house and I look into their eyes and I think they do know me.”

May’s views on meat may come as a surprise to some, as his good friend and former co-star Jeremy Clarkson has become known for his starkly opposing views on meat consumption. 

In November last year, Clarkson said vegans get “very little sex” in a bizarre tirade against plant-based eating. He has also described the move by Oxford County Council to serve only plant-based food at events as “madness,” claiming the council had “absolutely no idea about farming.”

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Spain has banned a longstanding tradition of “dwarf bullfighting” in a move that’s been hailed by campaigners. 

The controversial events saw dwarves chase bulls while dressed up in clown, firefighter, and other costumes. They wouldn’t kill the bulls, and the idea was originally intended to be humorous for spectators. 

‘Shameful performances’

“We have overcome the Spain of the past,” said Jesús Martín, the director general of Spain’s Royal Board on Disabilities, which backed the ban. “People with dwarfism were subjected to mockery in public squares in our country, passing down the idea that it is OK to laugh at difference, to so many girls and boys who go with adults to see these shameful performances.”

The Spanish parliament approved the law at the end of April, bringing the country in line with EU guidelines on discrimination against disabled people. Some of the dwarf bullfighters have opposed the ban, however. Standing outside parliament, they held a banner reading “Libertad,” which translates to “Freedom.”

“They take it for granted that people are being denigrated or laughed at, and it’s the opposite: the respect they have for us is impressive,” Daniel Calderón, one of the bullfighters, told the EFE news agency.

The cruelty of bullfighting 

Animal rights groups, however, have celebrated the ban. 

“Ridiculing others for the sake of entertainment is wrong and must end,” PETA’s Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen told Plant Based News (PBN). “While PETA welcomes a ban on ‘comic’ bullfighting, until this archaic spectacle is outlawed altogether, sensitive, feeling beings will continue to be denigrated in the ring, with bulls subjected to a slow, terrifying death as they’re repeatedly stabbed with daggers and swords.”

The “sport” of bullfighting dates back centuries, with some experts predicting the modern Spanish version started in 1726. Despite numerous calls from animal rights organizations over the years, Spain continues to allow bullfighting, despite concerns about animal welfare. 

In traditional bullfights, the animals are injured and killed in front of spectators. The sport often inflicts significant pain and stress on the animal before they succumb to injuries.

While Spain has yet to crack down on the industry in general, animal rights campaigners have expressed hope that public opinion – which is increasingly against bullfighting – will eventually sway lawmakers. 

“Fortunately, opposition to bullfighting in Spain and elsewhere is mounting,” Allen told PBN. “And it’s only a matter of time before these cruel displays are relegated to the history books, where they belong.

The post Spain Bans ‘Shameful’ Tradition Of ‘Dwarf Bullfighting’ appeared first on Plant Based News.

Contrary to what many people believe, veganism is more than just a diet. It’s a commitment to abstaining from contributing to all forms of animal exploitation (where possible). Silk is one of the many animal-derived materials that are not vegan-friendly. 

Silk has been around for centuries, and is used to make clothes, scarves, and other accessories. It’s also been something of a trend in recent months, with a number of companies swearing by the alleged benefits of silk pillowcases. Moreover, the silk market is projected to reach between $14-18 billion by 2025.

Those tempted by silk products should be aware, however, that its production involves the killing of countless insects. Here’s everything you need to know about why silk isn’t vegan. 

Why isn’t silk vegan?

Silk is produced from fiber spun by worms when they make cocoons. The industry calls them “silkworms,” and they are generally raised and bred on farms. If these worms were allowed to live out their natural lives, they would transform into moths after leaving their cocoons. On farms, however, they are killed before they get the chance. 

The worms start to spin their cocoons when they are around 35 days old. They secrete liquid silk through glands on their bodies, and it hardens when it comes into contact with the air. Cocoons are made from a single thread of silk that can be up to 900 meters long. Once the worms have finished spinning and are inside, workers often extract the silk by placing the cocoon in extremely hot water to unravel them. This means that the worms are boiled alive. 

Some silk farms may also use freezing, baking, or gassing as means to kill the worms and extract the silk. According to PETA, it takes 3,000 worms to make one pound of silk. It’s thought that trillions could be killed each year in the industry. 

Do silkworms feel pain?

Pain is a subjective experience, and impossible to prove in any non-human animal at this point in time. While most humans are aware that dogs and cats feel pain because of their similar reactions to humans, the experience of some animals is less apparent. 

Worms and other invertebrates have a very different physiology to humans, leading many people to assume they cannot feel like we do. However, they still have a brain and nervous system, and there is a great deal of scientific evidence to suggest they feel pain. 

In April 2022, an evolutionary psychology professor at the University of Washington named David Parash offered the argument that animals some people deem as less intelligent – like invertebrates – could likely experience pain. 

In a study titled Even Worms Feel Pain, he wrote: “Insofar as it is a crucial alarm signal, pain should be a cross-species universal, no less valuable for paramecia than for people.” He then referenced a quote in a chapter called Can They Suffer? from Richard Dawkins’ 2017 book Science in the Soul.

The quote reads: “Isn’t it plausible that an unintelligent species might need a massive wallop of pain, to drive home a lesson that we can learn with less powerful inducement?”

Environmental impact of silk

Many people may also be unaware that silk, despite being biodegradable, harms the environment too. According to the Higg Index, silk production is more damaging to the environment than almost all other fibers. Silk reportedly requires more water and generates more greenhouse gasses and pollution than a majority of other textiles (including plastic-based ones).

What are some vegan alternatives to silk?

There are a number of non-animal materials that can be used as alternatives to silk. Silk-like material can be made from pineapple, cactus, and lotus, and these have all been highlighted as more environmentally sound as well. Satin is also similar in texture and appearance, and isn’t derived from an animal source.

The post Is Silk Vegan? The Truth About A Hidden Industry appeared first on Plant Based News.

This unique food festival – said to be the first of its kind – is the brainchild of British-Jamaican Michael and Felicia Cunningham. They created the event to celebrate the island’s rich culinary heritage, and promote the vibrant world of plant-based cuisine and wellness.

With a mission to showcase the wonders of Jamaican cuisine and its cultural significance, Ital Food Fest is a ground-breaking event that transcends borders. The festival brings together a diverse range of international talents, drawing inspiration from various corners of the world and attracting a global audience eager to explore the beauty of plant-based dining.

“We are thrilled to bring the Ital Food Fest to Jamaica,” says festival founder Cunningham. “This event represents a culmination of my passion for Jamaican cuisine and a desire to share our rich culinary heritage with the world. It’s an opportunity to showcase Jamaica’s commitment to sustainability, health, and wellness through the power of plant-based foods.”

“Rastafarians have been living this lifestyle,” Cunningham says. “Before vegan, before plant-based, there was I-tal.”

What’s on at Ital Food Fest 2023

The festival promises an immersive experience that combines tantalizing flavours, captivating performances, and a celebration of the island’s natural beauty. 

From renowned chefs presenting their culinary masterpieces, to performances from top international Reggae artists on the main stage, to wellness experts guiding attendees through holistic practices, Ital Food Fest offers something for everyone.

Dr. Aris LaTham, founder of Sunfired Gourmet Foods and a leading figure in the raw food movement, is headlining the food demonstration stage at the festival. Dr. LaTham has been an advocate for plant-based diets for over 50 years and has dedicated his life to promoting the benefits of raw and organic plant foods for optimal health and wellness.

His expertise in the culinary arts and his passion for natural foods make him the perfect fit to showcase his delicious and innovative plant-based dishes on the food demonstration stage. We look forward to experiencing the unique flavours and creativity that Dr. LaTham will bring to the festival.

This year’s festival is set to attract both local and international visitors, establishing itself as a must-attend event on the global food festival calendar. With attendees interested in eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and gastronomy, Ital Food Fest serves as a platform to promote Jamaica as a premier destination for those seeking an authentic and sustainable culinary experience.

The inaugural Ital food festival will take place at the stunning Plantation Cove, Jamaica’s premier entertainment venue in Saint Ann, on July 15. With an expected attendance of over 20,000 patrons, the festival promises to captivate visitors with its diverse line-up of performers, engaging workshops, and immersive culinary experiences.

To learn more about Ital Food Fest 2023 or to purchase tickets, visit the website here.

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