Seedling Magazine Issue #4 - April/May 2019

see dling ISSUE #4 | APR/MAY 2019

BLANKETS AND SHELTER for the homeless GROWING UP VEGAN

QUIET ACTIVISM: taking understated action

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL: is it possible?

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thank you to our sponsors We are so grateful to our amazing sponsors for helping to support this issue! Be sure to check them out if you're interested in their products or services; you can click the logos/images to visit their websites.

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See their online store here.

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Website littlegreenseedling.com

editor's note

Submission and sponsorship enquiries bethany@littlegreenseedling.com

Design Bethany Ivy Š 2019 Bethany Ivy While every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct at the time of publication, the authors and editor cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in this publication.

Hey everyone, Welcome to issue #4 of Seedling!

What would it be like to grow up in an all-vegan household? In this issue, Kenna Rose tells us about her vegan upbringing. Meanwhile, we learn how one amazing woman is providing blankets and shelter to the homeless in Tampa, Florida - and we find out how to minimise our impact on the planet whilst travelling.

We have some thoughts about "quiet activism" too understated things we can do to make the world a better place. Finally, Elize Lake and Melissa Donovan reflect on the impact our lifestyle choices have on our bodies.

Enjoy, and be sure to let us know what you think!

Beth seedling magazine | 4

The editor and writers do not give any warranty for the completeness or accuracy of this publication’s content or opinions.

This magazine is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. The reader should consult a doctor in matters relating to his/her health, particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the editor. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing.

All images used have been sourced via Pixabay, or are used with the permission of (or appropriate credit to) the owner.

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contents Click the titles to go directly to the articles!

mind 32.......the quiet activist

42......should we be having children in this day and age?

body 14......eat more plants, live more years

27.......the impact of our choices on our bodies: a reflective review

34......yummy vegan recipes

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soul 44.......thoughts about...being yourself

planet 18......sustainable travel: the ultimate guide

22.......the aeroplane in the room

40......beautiful planet - nature photos

beings 8......growing up vegan

10......from blankets to urban shelter for the homeless: blanket tampa bay

46......what activists are doing wrong

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Growing Up Vegan

By Kenna Rose

When most people hear the word "vegan", they automatically think of restrictiveness ­ what you can’t eat, what you can’t do. When I was growing up, "vegan" was just a word for what I could eat; seeing anything labeled vegan made me excited. I remember loving animals and knowing why we didn’t eat them, because harming another living being was something our parents taught us was wrong and unnecessary. And I knew that caring about animals was important because we share this planet with them.

Even when watching popular movies, I noticed vegan things that made me happy ­"fish are friends, not food." We went to vegan workshops and little events that showcased vegan products to try new things. When a new vegan product came out, my dad would bring it home to try, and usually it was something good. Almost everything we ate growing up was homemade though.

My mom is Cape Verdean, and that’s where my grandparents are from. It’s a nation off the northwest coast of Africa known for its Creole Portuguese­African culture. My mom is a master at veganising Cape Verdean dishes, and she was always making something from her childhood and telling us a story about it. My favorite was cachupa ­ it’s a famous Cape Verdean dish made of corn (hominy), beans, and some fish or

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meat like sausage. We would make it with vegan sausages and whatever extra veggies we had in the fridge. I asked my mom why she raised us vegan, and she told me:

"When it comes to being a parent, the most important thing is the wellbeing of your children. If they grow up and decide they don’t want to be vegan, that’s fine, but right now it’s my job to set them up for success and do what I think will benefit them. And raising them to believe in not harming other living beings and eating foods from the earth is more important than what others think."

My dad is very good at cooking with complex flavors and building them up ­ his favorite dishes to make are curries, chili, chana masala and chana saag. One night he spent hours making a very special curry with onion chutney and papadum, a thin, crisp, disc­shaped food from Indian cuisine. It was so good.

I remember going on hikes and walks in the park with my

family in spring, packing a picnic lunch. Eating PB & J sandwiches, fruit, and chips, out in nature, spending time together. At family barbecues in the summer when everybody else was grilling up hot dogs, burgers and ribs, my dad was grilling up veggie burgers, vegetable skewers and sweetcorn.

In the cold winter and fall months, we made chili, curries and warm stews.

The main problem I remember growing up is how everyone around me always tried to convince me and my siblings that we were missing out on something. "Don’t you want to try this?" "Don’t you ever want to just try it?" "Just try it, I won’t tell". We never wanted to eat animal products ­ the way I dealt with that was by just saying "No thank you, I have my own food." And "Mom and Dad made me my own food, wanna try some?". This grew into family and friends asking to try vegan things we brought and being impressed by what we could make out of plants. My mom baked incredible goodies like vegan cheesecake, chocolate cake, and cookies. My dad makes the best guacamole that everybody still talks about.

Birthday parties were always a blast too, pizza and taco parties, and pretty cakes.

we still do, and cooking is a big part of that time.

Being vegan has made me a very creative person when it comes to food ­ I love cooking and coming up with new recipes. Finding new ways to use veggies and different seasonings excites me. I love surprising people with something new I made, and I even surprise my vegan family sometimes.

In 2019, I am amazed at all the new vegan alternatives coming out and how the world is embracing veganism. It makes me so happy to see the people around me wanting to try new things and to see new vegan restaurants being so successful. I hope the world continues to change and grow, and I hope more people raise their kids to be vegan ­ or at least learn about it before dismissing it.

About the writer Kenna Rose is a lifelong vegan, photographer, YouTuber and blogger. She has a passion for

Me and my siblings never missed out on anything, because our parents made sure we had everything ­ but a healthier and cruelty­free version. We would always spend time together ­

veganism, holistic healing and spirituality.

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From Blankets to Urban Shelter for the Homeless Beth Ross and The Blanket Tampa Bay Story

By Deborah Bostock­Kelley

We are all just one catastrophic event away from

homeless animals better than homeless human beings.

homelessness. Let the magnitude of that sink in for one

People will take in, feed, bathe, and rehome pets, but most

minute. One lost job, one disease, one addiction, one death.

would never think to allow a stranger into their home for a

ONE. A single event could move you from an accepted,

hot meal, running water, and clean clothing.

contributing member of society to having almost everyone avoid your gaze.

During a particularly chilly December in 2014, Beth was volunteering at Trinity CafĂŠ and reached out to the director

Through her work with the homeless in Tampa Bay, Beth

to find out how many people in need were served daily.

Ross has discovered a sad reality ­ most people treat

When she was told 285, she made it her goal to collect 300

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blankets so that every single person would have a warm

“The third morning, I saw that he was lying flat. I called a

blanket on Christmas Eve.

police officer friend of mine ­ Dan McDonald, Tampa PD

As fate would have it, in the same timeframe, the church Beth and her husband Ray attended was given a large donation.

The church gave each family $100 and said to do something to help someone with the money; in January, they would discuss what had been accomplished.

Liaison for the Homeless ­ and told him that he wasn’t doing well.”

Officer McDonald took the man to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

“It turns out the guy sitting on the bench had been there for four days. He was suffering from a broken hip and kidney

Beth knew how much she disliked being cold, so she decided

failure. People walked past him, didn’t look at him, and it

to use the $100 to buy as many blankets as she could to hand

really broke my heart.”

out to those living on the streets. Tampa Bay seldom dips into freezing temperatures, but during the coldest part of winter, even the ‘Sunshine State’ is uncomfortable when you lack essentials like a coat, hat, and gloves. Providing blankets both

Doctors quickly repaired his hip and worked to restore his kidney function. He spent several weeks in the hospital before going to a rehab facility.

offered protection from sleeping on the ground or pavement

“In rehab, we found out that his name was Charles and he had

and covered susceptible, often exposed skin, serving as a

been employed by the Pinellas County Schools for more than

barrier from the wind and the chilly temperatures.

30 years and had a pension,” said Beth. “I always ask the

After she made her purchases, she created a page on Facebook and posted about her need for 300 blankets. Her

homeless what’s your story because, no matter who you are, everyone has one.”

post went viral and she was overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers as far away as Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin, and California. She managed to deliver 308 blankets.

“I was so touched passing out the blankets to the homeless because they were so thrilled. They weren’t used to getting a gift,” she said. “We collected the next year and I got over 800 blankets.”

This one small act of kindness set the wheels in motion. Beth created the nonprofit Blanket Tampa Bay to challenge the stigma associated with homelessness. Paperwork that normally means months of red tape was approved in two weeks.

With an abundance of blankets, Beth joined the men and women at St Peter Claver Church in providing food, and passed out more blankets.

An Urban Rest Stop Charles had married later in life, but when his wife died, his grown­up step­daughter, whose name was on the mortgage, kicked him out and he became homeless. Social workers

“One day a remarkable thing happened. I was going to work

helped Charles file for his retirement and Social Security, and

and saw this man sitting on a bus bench. It was really cold and

now he lives in an apartment. Doctors said if Beth had

all he had on was a t­shirt and blue jeans. He didn’t look like

ignored Charles like the other passersby and not reached out

he was doing well. I watched as the people hurried past him,

to Officer McDonald, Charles would have died on that bench.

purposefully not making eye contact because he was a bum. I stopped to see if I could help him, but he kept saying, “No, I don’t want any help. Leave me alone.”

Anyone who knows Beth will know that this answer wouldn’t do. The next morning, he was in the same spot, leaning over to the right. She stopped to ask if he needed help and he gave her the same response.

Stories like this are all too common, and Beth makes sure she learns everyone’s story. If someone tells Beth that he needs steel­toed boots or a chef’s jacket for gainful employment, Beth supplies whatever was requested.

Over the years, she has learned many lessons. The most important is that the homeless never get to choose. They are always given items, never allowed to pick for themselves.

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After her second year, she offered them the opportunity to

Beth has been told that the Urban Shelter needs to be south of

choose their own blankets.

the interstate, south of Trinity.

Other requests were far from extravagant. Imagine not having

“I’m trying to solve a community problem by getting the

little items we often take for granted – Q­tips, Band­Aids, nail

homeless cleaned up, getting them a job, getting them off the

clippers, backpacks to house their few belongings.

street, but that starts with the Urban Shelter. I’ve got the

“The homeless seldom take off their shoes. They sleep in their shoes because they’re afraid someone is going to steal them,” Beth explained.

drawing – it’s amazing – I’m just trying to find a place to put this. It’s become a burning passion in my heart. We just need funding and we need land to get this Urban Rest Stop built. It makes me mad when people think that every single homeless

One individual kept asking for sleeping bags week after week.

person is a drunk or bum, because everyone has a story.

Beth finally asked what he was doing with them and he

Sometimes, you just need to take the time to ask what it is.”

revealed that he was handing them out to other homeless

To learn more or to contribute to Beth’s fundraising for the Urban Shelter, visit www.blanketampabay.org or https://www.facebook.com/blanketforhomeless.

people, so they didn’t have to sleep on newspaper.

Today, Beth has touched over 17,000 lives, donating over 7,500 blankets, thousands of hygiene items and backpacks, shoes, socks, and sleeping bags. Yet the most common human need can’t be solved by warm blankets, toiletries, and essentials.

About the writer

Inspired by Urban Rest Stops in Seattle, Beth wants to create a 45­foot container, an Urban Shelter, a safe structure for the

Deborah Bostock Kelley is a journalist, playwright,

homeless to shower and wash their clothing.

producer, director, actress, author, Broadway World

She already has two staffing companies lined up, eager to

theatre critic, owner of The WriteOne Creative

help them find jobs.

Services, & founder of Life Amplified variety

“Some of these people are veterans, many have skills. I can help them get their resume ready. I have a clothes closet.”

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showcase for charity.

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Eat More

Plants Live More

Years

By Melissa Donovan

No matter the diet we consume, we can all agree on one truth:

are seemingly infinite variables which can contribute to the

life is fleeting, and inherently precious. So we must

manifestation of diseases. Even people we consider to be

consciously care for our bodies, the vessels that allow us to

healthy sometimes develop illnesses. Nevertheless, properly

live out our dreams. As more people turn to holistic practices

nourishing our bodies with nutrient­dense foods will only

alongside

of

enhance the quality of our lives. Whilst the FDA permits

preventative care is being emphasized. Many disease

certain preservatives, artificial flavors, and other ingredients

treatments simply mask symptoms with medication, failing to

to legally be included in food items at grocery stores, we must

correct underlying imbalances. Three of the most important

rely on our best judgment to guide us in eating well.

ways we can take our health into our own hands are eating

"The foods we eat should fuel us so we can live our most fulfilling lives, not put our health at risk."

conventional

medicine,

the

importance

well, getting enough sleep, and exercising.

The foods we eat should fuel us so we can live our most fulfilling lives, not put our health at risk. Being informed about the consequences of a poor diet, including the possibility of developing certain diseases, should empower us to be mindful of our food choices. Eating for health doesn’t have to be restrictive or boring. We can enjoy the foods we eat whilst reaping the benefits of optimal wellbeing.

We all know that correlation doesn’t equal causation. There

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Relatively recently, cigarette smoking was normalized and

smoke. We may even know of people who smoke cigarettes

glamorized as a result of Big Tobacco’s successful

and live to be a hundred years old. Though possible, such

advertising. As the repercussions of smoking became evident

instances are not the norm and don’t exemplify ideal health.

through continued research, society’s view of cigarettes drastically shifted. Now, tobacco products are sold with

The pervasiveness of animal products in our society could be

warning statements directly on their packages, and children

compared to cigarette smoking. As researchers continue to

are taught about the dangers of smoking as early as

dispel misinformation, such as the idea that eating meat is

elementary school.

necessary to get enough protein, we must remember that there are invisible side­effects to everything we consume. We may justify our unhealthy habits, whether it’s smoking, drinking soda, or frequently consuming animal products, by believing our longevity won’t be compromised. We may not think to associate our dietary choices with our health problems. We owe it to ourselves to be aware of all the risks and benefits associated with any decision we make, assessing whether the potential compromise of our health and longevity is worthwhile.

According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing 610,000 people every year.

Heart disease accounts for one in every four deaths. The leading causes of heart disease include high blood pressure,

Animal products can kill too.

Photo: Chad M on Flickr

high cholesterol, and smoking. Other risk factors include diabetes,

obesity,

poor

diet,

inactivity,

and

alcohol

consumption. Heart disease is quite sneaky in that these risk factors accumulate slowly over time. Consuming foods high Even though the harmful effects of smoking are now common

in saturated fats raises the level of cholesterol in the blood,

knowledge, a large proportion of the population continues to

increasing the probability that we will suffer from heart

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disease and stroke. Eating a more plant­based diet greatly

legumes can optimize health and reduce the risk for and

reduces our risk of heart disease, as saturated fats are

symptoms of certain diseases.

primarily found in animal products. Plant­based foods that do contain saturated fats, such as palm oil and coconut oil, are

Choosing plant­based alternatives to the foods you love is

likely less harmful as they don’t contain cholesterol. In fact,

simpler than ever, with their growing availability in stores and

cholesterol is only found in animal products.

restaurants. There are non­dairy milk, yogurt, and cheese alternatives made from almond, soy, coconut, cashew, rice,

Whilst cholesterol is necessary for cell­building, the liver produces all the cholesterol we need. The excess cholesterol in animal products may increase our risk of atherosclerosis, or

oat, hemp, hazelnut and more. Plant­based chicken, beef, pork, burgers, bacon, sausage, deli slices, meatballs, fish, and so much more are also available in most stores. Plus any of your favorite dishes can be made vegan with a simple recipe

hardening of the arteries. Eliminating excess cholesterol may

search. Eating more plant­based foods is simple, tasty, and

reduce the risk of problems caused by blocked arteries,

will lessen your risk of chronic health issues ­ so you can live

including heart attacks and stroke. Hypertension, or high

the life you are meant to live. SM

blood pressure, is considered the second­largest health threat in the U.S. Reducing meat intake, especially processed red meats, reduces the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat

About the writer

consumed, and may therefore lower blood pressure and the risk of health issues.

Melissa is a grad student from Tampa, FL who went vegan 3 years ago. Now, she loves teaching others

Although animal products may not be the sole contributor to

about the benefits of a plant­based lifestyle. Find more

health issues, becoming aware of the risks associated with

vegan tips and tasty food photos on her Instagram

their consumption allows us to be more conscious of our long­

(@piquantvegan), and on her upcoming blog

term health. Consuming a primarily whole food plant­based

(piquantvegan.com)

diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and

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The ultimate guide to

sustainable travel

by Jess Saunders

In 2017, UK residents made 72.8 million visits overseas – an increase of 3% when compared to 2016, and the 2018 figures

1. Getting there

are yet to be released. With cheap flights on the rise, and

Alternative travel methods – did you know that the bulk of

people’s desire to travel not going anywhere, we can expect

your holiday’s carbon footprint comes from plane travel? For

that figure to increase further.

example, one person flying from London to Paris will emit 58kg of CO2 per person, so choosing to go by train, if you

So what if you want to continue to travel – to satisfy your

can, is kinder to the environment. As a comparison, the same

inner wanderlust whilst keeping your impact on our fragile

journey on the Eurostar only emits 0.9kg of CO2 per

environment to a minimum? This guide has got your back.

passenger and, shockingly, travelling by ferry in a petrol car from Dover to Calais, emits 87.5kg of CO2 per car.

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Taking the Eurostar beats getting the plane If you have to fly: ­ Offset your carbon footprint by planting trees. Trees for Life are an organisation trying to inject new life into the Caledonian Forest in Scotland by planting trees. You could work out the carbon footprint of your trip with this carbon calculator and donate the equivalent amount of trees – or start your own grove. ­ Pack light – the fewer items you pack, the lighter the load of the plane, which decreases fuel consumption and reduces the carbon emitted by the plane – simple! ­ Remember to order a vegan meal before your flight – airlines only carry special meal requests if they’re ordered in advance, so don’t forget! A vegan diet has been proven to be the least impactful on the environment, and removing meat and dairy can cut an individual’s food­related carbon footprint by up to 73 percent, according to a recent study.

2. Take good habits with you We all know the problem plastic poses for the environment – each individual piece takes over 400 years to degrade, and only 9% of all plastic produced over the last 60 years has

actually been recycled, with the rest ending up in landfill or the ocean. It’s estimated that eight million pieces of plastic are dumped into our oceans every single day, and it’s choking marine life. So, taking good (plastic­free) habits on holiday with you is not only advised, but essential: ­ Take your reusable coffee cup and water bottle – both take up little space in your luggage and will come in handy whilst out and about and at airports, allowing you to take a hot drink on board your flight (after going through customs, of course).

Cafes and restaurants are usually happy to refill water bottles too. ­ Say no to other single­use plastics – take a reusable shopping bag out with you when exploring new areas – for souvenirs, gifts for friends back home, and general bits and bobs. ­ Cutlery and straws – if you’re eating on the go, take a reusable cutlery set with you. I got mine from Bright Zine and it even says “Vegan Queen’ on it – giving me a confidence boost every time I need to use it. Especially good for cocktails on the beach – no need for a straw as there’s a metal one in the set, and it even has a brush included (if you choose to add it), so you can keep your straw clean.

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­ Toiletries – even though travel­sized toiletries are convenient, they’re often expensive and have limited use.

Instead, buy empty reusable miniature bottles and decant your (liquid) toiletries into them, or better still, only use toiletries that are plastic­free, such as soap or shampoo bars from Lush.

4. Getting around whilst away

3. Eating whilst away

Often, one of the best ways to get to know a new place is

keep track of where to visit and when – this means you could take in the local sights that are near where you want to eat (or vice versa)!

going for a wander and taking in the scenery. Here’s how to keep your carbon footprint down while sight­seeing: ­ Walk – we’ve all got that one friend who insists on walking whenever you’re going sight­seeing, so how about following in their footsteps – literally – and walking to your destination?

Walking means you can get some exercise in (and up the step­ count on your fitbit), and it’s free ­ leaving you with more money to spend on delicious local food or souvenirs.

One of the best parts of going away, for me, is getting to try new food. World cuisine is a huge part of every trip that I take ­ whether it’s a weekend away, a longer holiday or even a business trip, I’ll actively go out of my way to hunt down the

­ Public transport – okay, if you really can’t walk to that museum, art gallery or national park, take public transport.

You’ll be sharing the carbon footprint of the train, tram or bus with other passengers, so you’ll be emitting fewer carbon emissions than taking a taxi or an Uber ­ and you’ll be saving money too.

best plant­based food on offer. Keep your carbon footprint down whilst exploring world cuisine by: ­ Eating local – naturally, food that isn’t imported will have a lower carbon footprint and will be fresher. It’s a fantastic way to learn about local flavours and traditions too. If you’re in a location that has street food, then always give it a go. This is often where you’ll find the best­tasting food – and it’s likely to be cheaper, as it’s not set in a physical restaurant. So you’ll be saving money and experiencing the best local flavours. ­ Happy Cow and Facebook groups – before heading anywhere, it’s always worth planning out where you’d like to eat. It’s a common misconception that eating vegan whilst away from home is difficult, but it just takes a little planning.

Happy Cow is a free service that does its best to list all restaurants, eateries and cafes that offer vegan and vegetarian food. Another top tip is to ask for advice in the local area’s vegan Facebook group, or even your own local vegan Facebook group to see if other people have been to your destination. A first­hand recommendation is the best.

­ Group excursions – if you’re going out on a trip, why not make sure you go with a group? You’ll get to meet new people and share the carbon footprint of the minibus or coach with them, rather than booking a private car.

5. Your accommodation Eco­holidays are gaining in popularity, so if you can, look to stay in an eco­friendly hotel or apartment. They’re bound to

­ Planning – it goes without saying that going away takes a lot of planning – flights, passports, insurance (etc.), so it’s good to make a list of everything you need to do. To make sure you don’t forget about the best places to eat, add it to your planning list. I’ve even been known to create a spreadsheet to

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get even more popular in the coming years, but here’s how you can find eco­friendly accommodation right now: ­ Organisations like Green Tourism have been working with accommodation providers and tourist attractions for 20 years

Search for eco-friendly accommodation to highlight the importance of being environmentally­ conscious when you’re away from home. They offer a useful online directory of over 2000 green places to stay and things to do. ­ There’s a whole website dedicated to Responsible Travel – this resource allows you to search by the type of holiday you’re looking for – whether it’s adventure, relaxation or something in between, they’ve got you covered. You can even search by vegetarian or vegan holidays!

energy by leaving the light on the whole time you’re away.

Pick a timer up from Wilkinsons – they’re readily available. ­ Turn the thermostat down – set your thermostat to 10 degrees, and only have the heating switch on automatically if it gets really cold. This will make sure your pipes don’t freeze, and will still conserve energy. ­ Turn applications off – and not just to standby! Turning applications off standby will save you energy and money.

Things like wifi, TVs and music speakers can all be turned off

­ If you’re not staying in a specifically ‘eco’ hotel or apartment, you can still be as eco­friendly as possible while you’re there. For example, use the thermostat responsibly, turn the air conditioning off while you’re out and don’t have your towels and sheets washed every day – all these things will help to keep your carbon footprint down.

6. Your home while you’re away

at the plug while you’re away. SM

About the writer Jess is one of the creators of the food blog Vegan Punks, and a CIM certified professional marketer. As

Make sure to turn as many electrical appliances as possible

well as being Ecotricity’s social media and digital

off before you go away. It will help to keep your bills and

content manager, she works as a freelance social media

your carbon footprint to a minimum! ­ Leave a lamp on using a timer switch – the timer can be set so the lamp is off during the day and on for the evening. This will make it look like you’re home, but you won’t be wasting

specialist with other vegan and ethical businesses in her spare time.

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The aeroplane in the room by bethany ivy

I have never been on an aeroplane. No, never.

It didn't start out as an ethical decision ­ it was just circumstance. My first trip out of the UK was a school trip to France aged 17, where we took the ferry. I wanted to see more of the world and just assumed I would get planes when I ventured further afield in the future.

I didn't think too much about the environmental impact. I had a vague awareness that flying wasn't good for the environment, but then neither is driving. It seemed like one of those things you just couldn't avoid.I'm not sure exactly when my mindset shifted, but I think it was after reading George Monbiot's Heat. It's essentially a manifesto for how we could avoid climate catastrophe without changing our behaviour. For almost every aspect of our lives, Monbiot

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came up with a way of doing this. Flying was the only exception.

So here's what it comes down to: we can't keep flying as much as we are and avert the worst impacts of climate change. When I discovered this, I knew I would have to give up on the idea of air travel.

What's so bad about flying?

Many people I speak to are unaware of just how environmentally damaging flying is. Like me, they compare it to driving. But there are a few factors which make it worse for the planet.

Firstly, planes emit more carbon dioxide per mile than other forms of transportation. But their environmental impact is also amplified by their other engine outputs and the altitude at which they fly 足 any emissions go straight into the atmosphere.

Planes emit the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide, along with water vapour and soot. These have complicated effects on the climate which are difficult to measure, but it's believed that the total impact of a plane is about twice that of its carbon dioxide emissions. And of course, flying allows us to travel much further than we otherwise would, further contributing to emissions.

In the UK, flying is estimated to be responsible for 13 to 15% of our greenhouse gas emissions. This may not sound like much, but remember that most people only take a short flight once a year, and a longer flight even less frequently 足 so the minority of people who fly regularly are having a huge impact.

emissions tar gets The UK government has set out plans to reduce our carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. It's also announced plans for a third runway at Heathrow airport, which could lead to an extra 700 planes a day using the airport. It's hard to see how these things are compatible.People are already flying more as flights continue to get cheaper. The government is not going to do anything to discourage this 足 quite the opposite.

Change will have to happen on a personal level.

When is flying justified?

This is unlikely to be a popular opinion, but I believe we need an end to "frivolous flying". That means no jetting off to Lapland for Christmas, and no package holidays to Spain. And we have to remember that the further we travel, the more emissions we create.

There's nothing wrong with travel for the sake of travel, but maybe we need to stay closer to home. By vowing not to use planes, I've for the most part limited myself to Europe.

But is that really such a limit? I've barely even explored my own country yet. How many Britons have been to Greece or Thailand or the USA, but never the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales or the Highlands? These places are all still on my bucket list.

And there is an incredible amount of Europe to explore. I dream of travelling slowly all over the continent, taking in every place along the way.

Back to the question of when plane travel is justified. Of course, many of us have loved ones abroad, and I'm not

"if we all committed to only flying when absolutely necessary it would make a huge difference" suggesting we should never see them again! Also, some people fly for medical treatment and other important reasons. Flying sometimes is the only option.

What about flying for business? In the internet age, it seems a little silly that we have people flying everywhere to go to meetings and the like. Many could be done over Skype or using other technology instead. Perhaps we need to start structuring our businesses in a way that doesn't involve so much travel.

Obviously it's not down to me to say what is and isn't an acceptable reason to fly. We all need to take responsibility for our own actions. But imagine if we all committed to only flying when absolutely necessary 足 that would make a huge difference.

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Contradiction in the environmental movement At an environmental discussion I attended last week, someone complained about an environmental group which had recently protested at Heathrow airport. Apparently, one of its members had flown off to Paris the next day, and two others were flying away for Christmas. There seems to be a disconnect in many of our minds when it comes to our own actions. This is especially true when it comes to things we don't want to give up, like eating animal products, driving, and of course flying. We need to be honest with ourselves about the impact of our actions. Giving up plastic straws is great, but it sends the wrong message if we then jet off to Bali.

Then there are those who fly halfway around the world to volunteer at environmental projects. Though people do this with the best of intentions, it may do more harm than good when the impact of their flights is taken into account. It would make more sense to get involved in a local eco project.

Yes, giving up (or at least cutting down on) flying involves a degree of sacrifice. It's certainly a loss of convenience.

But we're reaching a point where our personal convenience needs to come second, or we won't have a planet to live on anymore. The United Nations has warned that if we don't act now, all hope of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change will be lost, and we'll likely experience extreme rises in temperature, droughts, flooding, and more. As George Monbiot points out, those who are most affected by our choices will be the ones in developing countries who will likely never even be able to afford to get a plane.

in renewable energy, for example.

There's a lot of debate over whether this is valid. Some argue it's just a scam allowing people to feel good about their bad behaviour. My opinion is that carbon offsetting is a good idea if you must fly, but we shouldn't use it as an excuse to carry on as normal. It's been suggested that we should offset our flights two or three times to be sure ­ this is also a good idea, but again, I think we should only fly when necessary.

Being vegan isn't an excuse for flying as much as we like Many vegans are quick to point out that animal agriculture, not flying, is the biggest cause of climate change. This is true, and I absolutely advocate for the adoption of plant­ based diets ­ as anyone who reads my blog will know!

But it's easy to get into a mindset where we think, "I'm already doing so much to help the planet ­ what's wrong with taking the occasional flight?" We need to be doing as much as we can, rather than using our existing ethical choices as an excuse.

Conclusion In developed countries, we have a certain sense of entitlement. We've become so used to being able to be, do and have whatever we want that we react badly when told that we need to stop doing something. It's time we started putting the planet first. Our future depends on it. SM

I'm writing this sitting in the park on a sunny day ­ it's so hot that I've taken off both my jumper and my coat. It's February, and as much as I'm enjoying the sun, I find this concerning.

What about carbon offsetting?

About the writer

Bethany is a freelance writer, blogger and the editor of Many people now "carbon offset" the impact of their flights. This means putting money towards a green project whenever you pay for a flight. Theoretically, the amount you pay will save enough carbon to offset the impact of your flight. Projects may include planting trees or investing

seedling magazine | 24

Seedling. She loves books, long nature walks, cooking delicious plant­based food, meditation and yoga.

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"Health is the greatest of

human blessings"

– Hippocrates

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A reflective review on the impact our choices have on our bodies

by Elize Lake

More than our conscious minds will ever know, our bodies

commitment? It is with reflection that we must ask, am I

desire to survive and thrive. It’s often said how impressive

really doing all I can for myself?

modern technology is, and its advancements are enough to blow the mind of anyone who encounters advertisements for the latest gadget. But do you know what I think is tremendously impressive? Biology. Nerd Alert for sure ­ our bodies are incredible, to a degree that no man­made technology can compete with.

I remember spending time with a thin friend as a child.

They had a tremendously fast metabolism, and to a stranger's eye could even have been classed as underweight; regardless of what they consumed, absolutely no changes were noticeable. However, this was only from the outside.

Just because there are no immediate consequences, it

The incredible and continuous work our bodies do for us is

doesn’t mean you can simply get away with bad choices –

so often overlooked. Survival is a subconscious mission;

there will always be an impact.

we're pre­programmed to operate without having to consciously concentrate on making our bodies work. We breathe without thinking about it. Our cells constantly regenerate, and our bodies work tirelessly to maintain balance by processing the environmental toxins, stress, and pollution that we encounter.

I distinctly remember my mother telling me that one day my friend’s body would catch up with them, and if their lifestyle choices didn’t improve, their body would degrade faster and ultimately they would look 'unhealthy'. The outside would come to reflect the in. Although I didn't understand the extent of control we have over our bodies

It’s actually profound the amount of work our bodies do for

until I was much older, this is the first conversation I

us, and can we honestly say that we input the same level of

remember having about how our choices affect us. The

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facts are there – with research, we can see just how much

had a girlfriend for two years prior, I had never had to

our choices influence our bodies.

consider a form of protection beforehand. I was one of the

It’s with genuine sadness that I witness the widespread habits of mainstream society. Things we commonly purchase can be incredibly harmful and debilitating to us.

Yet it’s so easy to obtain these products that you’d have a hard time believing how harmful they are in the long run.

It's similar to smoking. Smoking used to be advertised as healthy, and its adverse side effects were covered up with

lucky gay couples who don’t want babies ­ zero chance of pregnancy! However, being newly single, events happened and I took my first contraceptive pill. Over the following two months I continued taking an emergency form of contraception. It was so willingly handed over to me by trained professionals that I naively didn't think I’d experience any ill­effect on my body. Boy, was I wrong.

clever marketing ploys. Sadly, this still happens today, just

After two months of occasional emergency contraceptives,

with different products.

I got back into dating my ex­girlfriend. This was truly a

It’s only through my own experience of ill­health that I’ve come to truly understand what a good environment we can create with the right choices, and what a damaging environment we can create with poor choices. Exposure to certain synthetic substances, toxins, and environments our bodies simply weren't meant to encounter can play a massive part in our health.

Mistreating my body by accident

blessing in disguise for many reasons – the main one being no more synthetic substances in my system! Only now do I realise that I was inflicting damage on my body, and I can see that getting back with my ex­girlfriend gave my body a much­needed vacation from the extra hormones. My body could try to rebalance itself in peace.

After about six months of dating, we decided that ultimately it wasn't working between us and that we were going to end our relationship indefinitely. Time for Take Two. I met the most handsome man I have ever set my eyes

Over the past two years, I’ve endured an interesting,

on soon after my ex and I broke up. Luckily, he thought I

turbulent, scary, unpredictable and emotional journey with

was adequate too, so we began dating. Never really having

my health. Although it has been very daunting at times, it

had to consider a form of long­term contraception before,

has also been very educational and insightful too. It all

this was a whole new experience for me. During the first

started when I, as many women do, took a form of birth

six months of my new relationship, I took the emergency

control aged 20. I was newly single at the time, and having

pill approximately six or seven times. Again, it being

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willingly handed over to me led me not to question whether

resorting to it if possible. This brings me back to what I was

any damage was being done to my wonderful body.

Obviously, as implied by the term 'emergency

initially talking about – making the right choices for our individual bodies. My body's needs are different from

contraception’, it should really only be used when accidents

yours. This is why intuitive living and self­education are

occur and never as a replacement for contraception. This is

important.

something all women should be informed about by their healthcare professionals.

The effects of birth control Taking birth control in any form comes with potential side­

In the same way that meat and dairy have been put onto food pyramids and are recommended for their "health benefits", just because someone says something, it doesn't mean it’s true.

effects. I naively thought, as with all medication warnings,

If you're reading this as a vegan, you hopefully oppose the

that they wouldn’t affect me. But since taking so many

'meat is healthy' and 'milk gives you strong bones'

emergency contraceptives, I have dealt with several issues ­

propaganda. Learn to question every aspect of your life

from my immune system becoming compromised, to

with the same suspicion you read those statements with.

developing a severe hormonal imbalance, to amenorrhoea

Question your choices. I don't believe for a minute that

and digestive issues, sudden food intolerances, allergies,

there are any benefits of consuming meat or dairy, but there

acne, anxiety, stress etc. I have spent the last 18 months

was a time when I did. Only through my own research have

trying desperately to learn how to love my body in the

I come to new conclusions.

uniquely compromised state it is in.

The system we live in is entirely fixated on profit, and Taking birth control can influence the brain's

corruption is very present in today's world. When you see a

communication with the ovaries and affect the alignment of

product, see more than the cleverly coloured packaging and

the hormones produced in the body. I was taking emergency

the entertaining slogans, and question the ingredients and

contraception, which is a much higher dose of hormones –

the harm they could potentially do to your body. Research

so it’s as if instead of receiving a flick on the nose from

medication before taking it, and be open to seeking

Mike Tyson every day of the month, I received a punch

alternatives and holistically treating yourself if that’s an

straight to the face twice a month from him instead. Whilst

option. You don’t always have to resort to medication

both have side effects, the punch is harder for the body to

immediately just because it’s readily available; remember

deal with because all the impact comes at once. Bottom

that it may have side­effects.

line... bad call.

Intuitively learning about my body

Big changes start with small steps” Even if your body is, as far as you're concerned, healthy,

My medical ordeal has been and continues to be a long

you can still benefit from conducting further research into

road, but ultimately I have to be grateful for it. It’s only

optimal choices and learning what health means for you.

making mistakes that’s enabled me to really understand the necessity to question everything. When I first took birth control, I was a vegetarian dreaming of one day being vegan. I ate a lot of dairy, which I now understand would also have been impacting my hormone levels. I am now a fully transitioned vegan who lives primarily on a whole foods diet with little processed food. Over the past 6­8

Things that have helped me: Self­love. Every intention, whether big or small, will impact your body. Consciously engage a filter in your brain and give yourself some indulgently delicious self­love and appreciation.

months I have faded out caffeine, bread, soy, fake meat

Minimising sugar. I found this to be the most difficult for

products, and most processed foods, and have been

sure! I habitually have tea and biscuits every night and the

relearning myself from scratch. I can see now how this

thought of not having that crunchy, crumbly rich tea dunked

learning experience has allowed me to make healthier life

into my vanilla chai herbal tea – God, would there even be

choices overall.

point in living without it?! It's a struggle. I'm not going to

Having experienced side­effects from medication, I avoid

tell you it's as easy as pie... ironically, there is nothing easy about pie. But looking into the effects of sugar can

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"If someone wishes for good health, one must first ask oneself if he is ready to do away with the reasons for his illness. Only then is it possible to help him" ­ Hippocrates definitely further your understanding and help you decide

my own personal experience, contributed to my overall

what's best to put into your body. There’s some evidence

health. Water can be jazzed up with all sorts of fruits to

that shows sugar can have a similar impact on our brains to

keep things interesting, so it doesn't always have to be the

certain drugs, and for me, this was enough to encourage me

same.

to change my habits.

Switching from plastics to glass! I had no idea about the

I've found that not giving myself a hard time with cravings

potentially harmful substances in some plastics. I’m in the

has been a tremendous asset in creating a healthy life.

process of swapping all the plastics in my house for glass. I

Cravings happen, and I've found that learning to accept

decant packaged foods into glass Kilners, I've invested in

them whilst I work towards overcoming them is the best

some savvy glass lunch boxes and have swapped my plastic

way to mentally approach it ­ turning the situation into an

bottle for a beautiful glass one. Small changes like this not

'as positive as possible' scenario. The ideal is no biscuits,

only help the environment (which will always make me feel

but seeing as that isn't where I'm at right now, I’ve reduced

better), but also minimise toxin exposure.

the selection of biscuits I buy. I only buy biscuits with no palm oil or sustainable palm oil. This is my compromise; it makes me feel good and I’m still contributing my conscious understanding and making ethical choices I agree with.

During my medical ordeal, I also transitioned to eating mostly organic. Again, before my passion for health came into fruition, I never really knew the difference between organic and non­organic. I've found that eating organic is

For me, cutting out alcohol and caffeine has tremendously

better for me. It makes me feel better, and quite often the

aided my body. There is evidence that shows excessive

organic items I buy come less heavily packaged, so it really

alcohol consumption can lead to profound issues with the

is a win win!

liver, as well as other problems. The liver is responsible for the production of our hormones and plays an integral part in over 500 vital roles in our bodies. Yikes, that is a lot!

Having drunk only water for many, many years, I can definitely say that this choice has helped my body, and from

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Learning about my body has also been key in understanding what my body needs. Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, and it’s up to us to learn and interpret their needs. If you get a blemish on your face, there’s a reason for it. Imbalance in the body can lead to

skin ailments ­ the body ingeniously expels harmful toxins this way. I've personally found face mapping to be an excellent and insightful tool for understanding what parts of my body need extra support.

aligns with what you're trying to achieve.

Choosing a more holistic and intuitive way of life takes time. There are often alternatives to modern medicines, ancient remedies proven to be effective without the

This journey has time and time again highlighted the

potential side­effects some modern medications harbour.

necessity of managing stress. Taking time to relax and

But always speak to a professional when contemplating any

unwind away from the daily stresses of life really does

form of medicinal treatment. Life is full of choices, and

impact the body and mind in a positive way. In the same

only by making poor ones can we learn and do better. I

way that everybody's health is individual and subjective,

hope I have piqued your curiosity and you will question

this is true for the best ways to destress. I've found that

what you put into your body ­ whether it is food, drink or

dedicating time to relaxation and doing at least one thing

drugs ­ in the future. SM

that makes me feel good daily has contributed tremendously to my mind and body's health.

Do something today your future self will thank you for”

About the writer

I am not a medical professional and don’t advise changing

Elize is a startup blogger focusing on skin positivity,

anything based solely on what I have written. This article

overcoming Post Birth Control Syndrome and learning

was to highlight my own experiences and the steps that have aided me. I actively encourage further research on all subjects if you’re considering changing your lifestyle to

to rebalance her body and support her organs with a tailored whole foods plant­based approach.

ensure it

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The Quiet Activist

by Hannah Parry The word “activist” can be quite divisive. Think of historic activists and you’ll probably imagine suffragettes chained to railings, or men dressed as superheroes abseiling down famous buildings. Greenpeace performs activism with its fleet of ships by intercepting and bearing witness to environmental crimes around the world. But activism can be much more than these bold and potentially dangerous displays of discontent.

Here’s how I am a “quiet activist”, and why this is just as important as headline­grabbing stunts.

It was winter 2018 when I packed my tiny car full of donations and made the stormy journey across the Channel to work for Care4Calais. Care4Calais is a small charity in northern France which helps refugees and displaced people who are living in Calais, Dunkirk and even as far afield as Paris and Brussels. The charity provides clothes, tents, sleeping bags and other necessary items to those who have made the long and difficult journey from war­torn or oppressive countries with the hope of finding a better life in Europe.

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Due to bad weather and brutal treatment by the police, the struggle is never­ending ­ tents are confiscated, clothes are ruined, dignity is savaged. Care4Calais relies almost entirely on volunteers, and I was one of them. On each day of the month I was there, I worked in the warehouse preparing for distribution later in the day. I went to Paris and Brussels with van­loads of warm bedding and clothing to help the hundreds and hundreds of people living in miserable circumstances.

This was my activism. By going myself, I generated a huge amount of interest from people back home ­ friends and work communities showed curiosity and amazing generosity when they heard what I was doing.

Now, I can give those people (and anyone who will listen) firsthand accounts of chatting with an Afghan teacher, an Iranian lawyer and teenagers from Eritrea and Iraq. I helped people in a practical way ­ I can’t express how necessary the work of the charity is to the survival of these desperate people ­ but I also witnessed and continue to share the stories of these

Care4Calais welcomes volunteers from any background for as little as an afternoon of work. Get in touch via their website www.care4calais.org if you would like more information. individuals the media has forgotten. This is my quiet activism.

But anyone can perform tiny acts of “everyday activism”.

Listen and I’ll tell you what it’s like to stand in the cold, to

There are many opportunities over the course of your day to

laugh and to cry, to learn fragments of exotic languages and to

raise awareness of an issue you feel is important. By asking

meet friends for life.

for dairy­free milk in a cafe when you can’t see any, you can contribute towards creating demand. Telling your waiter that you picked their restaurant because of their plant­based offerings does the same. Join a protest march. Volunteer with a local homeless charity. Sign and share petitions about fracking and wildlife on social media.

Refuse to have a plastic straw with your cocktail. Join your local Greenpeace group, and deliver plastic packaging back to the supermarket. Buy everyone in your family a reusable

Bearing witness was another theme when I was backpacking

water bottle. Cycle instead of driving. Post photos of your

in Southeast Asia. As the heat of the day gathered about me, I

amazing vegan food or your waste­free toiletries on

wondered what I was doing there, listening to the stories of

Instagram. Stimulate conversation about things you believe in.

the Killing Fields in Cambodia. The brutal, violent acts

All of these tiny acts add up (how many plastic bags are saved

carried out in the name of the Khmer Rouge resulted in

by buying just one reusable cloth bag?). Anything you are

millions of Cambodians being murdered. The narrator on the

able to do as part of your everyday activism contributes to our

audio guide wasn’t just a narrator. He had lived through the

common cause. SM

atrocities; he had lost his family. He asked us to bear witness.

To remember the dead and to learn for the future. Talking to my friends after our visit, we discussed why tourists want to visit the Killing Fields, former Nazi concentration camps and

About the writer

similar sites of sadness and violence, and also whether it is ethical to do so. My view is that, as a citizen of the world, I have a responsibility to listen and learn about the history of

Laura WhenMaria she can Grierson sit still is long a writer enough, andHannah editor from the

the planet. Places which have such desperate histories are

Traveller Middlesbrough, is a writerNorth­East and blogger.

England.

The rest She of creates the time,

often in need of tourism to boost the economy so that

business she’s running content or for hiking a range or cooking of industries, up vegan edits feasts both

rebuilding can occur. This is my activism ­ remembering those killed and telling their story, learning, so that it might not happen again.

somewhere fiction and non­fiction, in the world and ­ or her playing poetry theand organ! shortFind stories out more at have www.hannahparry.co.uk/hannahthetraveller. been published in UK anthologies.

Not everyone can visit exotic locations or volunteer in France.

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yummy vegan Recipes from vegan cooks Miggs McTaylor and Holly Gray

seedling magazine | 34

crunchy homemade

granola bars I recently tried a few no­bake granola bars with varying results, and none had the satisfying crunch I was after. Maybe someone out there has a no­bake crunchy bar that doesn’t fall apart, but I haven’t seen it.

These bars, though, are exactly what I’ve been craving.

The recipe is kind of a half and half: you roast the oats and nuts and then stir in everything else. Easy peasy.

And they’re good in an air­tight container in the fridge or at room temperature for up to a week.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almonds, and 1/2 tsp. salt 4. Drizzle agave and melted butter over oat mixture and stir to 3/4 cup agave nectar, divided coat well.

2 Tbsp vegan butter 5. Spread evenly onto a large baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, 3 cups rolled oats stirring halfway, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from 6oz (170g) pack of slivered almonds oven and allow to cool completely, around 10 minutes.

Coarse salt, to taste 6. Return mixture to the large mixing bowl. Stir in the cherries 1 cup dried cherries or other dried fruit, chopped or other dried fruit. Set aside.

1/3 cup crunchy nut or seed butter 7. In a saucepan, combine remaining 1/2 cup agave nectar, nut 1/4 cup light brown sugar or seed butter, and brown sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and continue cooking, stirring frequently until sugar is dissolved, around 10 minutes.

8. Remove from heat and drizzle over oat mixture, stirring to 1. Preheat oven to 325° and lightly butter two 8"x8" baking coat thoroughly. pans.

9. Pour equal amounts into each of the prepared pans. Press 2. Place 1/4 cup agave nectar and butter in a small glass bowl everything down firmly and evenly. and microwave in increments of 15 seconds, stirring each time, 10. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing. until butter is melted.

Ingredients

Method

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spaghetti wit h brussels sprouts and breadcrumbs

This company­worthy pasta dinner with in­season flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts and lemony, toasted Panko breadcrumbs for a crisp, light touch on top is actually super easy to toss together.

We begin with roasting the Brussels sprouts. Meanwhile, the breadcrumbs are toasting and the pasta is cooking.

The Brussels sprouts are then cooked with white wine and garlic, tossed with the cooked spaghetti, then topped with breadcrumbs, vegan Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Dinner is done.

See? I told you it was easy.

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I ingredients ­ 3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered ­ 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided ­ 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs ­ 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt, divided ­ 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided ­ Zest of 1 medium size lemon ­ 1 16­ounce (450g) pack of spaghetti ­ 1/2 cup dry white wine ­ 1 clove garlic, minced ­ Vegan Parmesan cheese, grated, and red pepper flakes, to taste

Method 1. Preheat oven to 400°F/205°C. 2. Toss Brussels sprouts lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil ­ add salt and pepper to taste. Onto a baking sheet, spread Brussels sprouts in an even layer. Roast 15­20 minutes or until fork tender.

3. To a large skillet over medium high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When oil is hot, add breadcrumbs, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden in color. Remove from heat and toss with lemon zest.

Remove breadcrumbs to a medium­sized bowl and set aside.

4. Prepare spaghetti according to package directions and set aside.

5. To the skillet used for breadcrumbs, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. When oil is hot, add roasted Brussels sprouts and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 2­3 minutes, until heated through.

6. Add white wine, remaining 1 tablespoon sea salt, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Continue cooking another 2­3 minutes, until wine is reduced by half.

7. To the Brussels sprouts mixture, add cooked spaghetti. Toss to coat well.

8. Divide pasta among serving bowls. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, vegan Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

About the cook Holly is a contributor to VegNews and USA Vegan magazine, a recipe developer, and a homeschooler. Find more of her recipes on her blog, This Wife Cooks.

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kumara steaks wit h haris sa roasted caulflower and black turtle bean hummus Serves 4­6

Most people are aware of the quote “ you eat with your eyes” ­ these ingredients could be chopped up and stewed together in a one­pot for meal, or with a little more effort, attractively plated and served as a tasty meal.

This dish comprises three elements. Each element can be prepared ahead of serving; this is ideal if you plan to entertain and want to make an impressive dish look effortless. But all three components can also be enjoyed individually, and make great additions to your vegan repertoire.

The black turtle bean hummus is a tasty dip or spread on toast. The harissa­roasted cauliflower could be added to a salad or a side dish for any vegan table. And last, but not least, the kumara steaks (which are really just giant flat oven chips) are something interesting to throw on the BBQ this summer.

Individually they're incredibly tasty ­ together they are colourfully (and tastily) impressive.

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Ingredients

Method

Black turtle bean hummus

1. For the hummus: Put all the ingredients in a food processor or use a stick blender to make a smooth puree. If

­ 400g can/ 1 cup cooked black turtle beans

using home­cooked unsalted beans, you may need to adjust

­ 2 Tbsp lemon juice

the seasoning.

­ 1∕4 tsp fine sea salt

2. Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6. Trim the outer

­ 1∕2 tsp hot smoked paprika ­ 1∕2 tsp ground cumin ­ 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Harissa-roasted cauliflower ­ 1 head of cauliflower ­ 1­2 Tbsp harissa paste ­ 2 Tbsp olive oil

leaves and base from the cauliflower, trim off florets, then cut into bite­size pieces.

3. Put harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice and zest into a mixing bowl and stir to combine; toss the cauliflower florets in the mixture to coat. Season with sea salt and pepper.

4. Roast 30 minutes or until tender; toss cauliflower or shake the baking tray after 10 minutes to ensure even roasting.

5. Slice kumara into 1cm thick slices lengthwise and brush

­ Juice and zest of 1 lemon

or spray with olive oil. Season with sea salt. Optional ­ Heat

­ Sea salt

griddle pan to a medium heat, place each slice on the griddle

­ Olive oil

for 5­7 minutes on each side, or until there are black char lines. Finish in the oven until tender.

Kumara steaks

7. Bake oiled kumara slices in the oven on a baking paper­ lined tray for 15­20 minutes, or until cooked.

­ 1 large kumara (aka sweet potato) per 2 people ­ Olive oil

To serve

­ Sea salt Place a kumara steak on a plate, spread with black turtle bean hummus and top with florets of harissa­roasted cauliflower. A side of greens and sprinkle of salty green olives finish the dish nicely.

About the cook Having trained as a professional chef, Miggs graduated to being a Botanical Cuisine Specialist after completing the e­Cornell Plant Based Nutrition Certificate and Rouxbe's Plant­Based Professional Course. You can find her recipes here.

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beautiful planet Appreciating the world with photos of beautiful places

Meteora, Greece

By Farin Montanez Instagram: @spiritedvegan

Carmarthenshire, Wales seedling magazine | 40

Carmarthenshire, Wales

By Sabree Simmons Instagram: @theveganbree

Bristol, England

Do you have a beautiful nature photo from your part of the world? Submit it by emailing bethany@littlegreenseedling.com, and be featured on this page next issue! You'll get a link back to your site or social media account too.

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should we be

having children in this day and age?

by Johnathan Skinner

Most of us experience strong parental instincts at some point in our lives. It could be that you've wanted children your whole life, or perhaps it suddenly hits you in your 30s.

Wanting children is a natural instinct which helps drive the survival of humans as a species – without it, we might not be here today.

In today's world, however, we should be asking ourselves if having more children is the right thing to do. The human population is approximately 7.5 billion, and is rising at an

seedling magazine | 42

exponential rate. Humans have been around for about 200,000 years, but there's never been such an extreme level of population growth as there has been in the past 200 years. At the beginning of the 1800s, the population was estimated to be 1 billion, growing to around 1.6 billion in the year 1900. Now, just one hundred years later, it's exploded to over 7 billion and is still continuing upward.

Every person has an environmental impact. The food we eat, the products we buy, and the plastic it's packaged in all cost

future of our species, but in this day and age it is also a threat to that very future.

How can we fulfil our parental instincts without having children? the earth. Raw materials are excavated, transported, and processed. Food is shipped all around the world. The creation and distribution of food and products to fill the needs and wants of billions of people results in an incredible strain on resources and huge quantities of pollution, not to mention the waste generated along the way from unused products and single­use packaging.

The demands on the earth to sustain the human population outweigh its ability to sustain it. As a result, we're facing catastrophic consequences, including human­caused climate change to an extent that threatens the entire planet's survival.

We can and should each individually make changes in our lives which greatly reduce our environmental impact (such as avoiding the largest sources of pollution: meat and other animal­sourced products, unnecessary air travel, and excess

Our parental instincts represent a complex set of emotional needs, including: the desire to be a protector, to pass on wisdom, to give love, and to feel loved unconditionally.

Understanding these needs allows us to choose alternative ways of fulfilling them, such as the following: ­ Volunteering with children – There are numerous groups in need of volunteers to help run activities for children of various ages, such as Scouts, Guides, or helping with children's programs at libraries and community centres. ­ Adopting animals – If you want to bring love into your home, then adopting from a rescue centre or shelter will definitely do the trick, and you'll be providing a much­needed home to an animal in need. ­ Housemates – Sharing your home with some friendly chatty housemates who share your values would liven up the place, and you may even find yourself with some new best friends. ­ Fostering or adoption – There are millions of children already here in the world who lack a loving home and are in need of people just like you to be parental figures, even if only temporarily through foster care. The application process can take a year or two, but the positive difference you'll make to that child's life will last a lifetime. SM

plastic and consumer goods), but regardless of how much we reduce, we must consume to survive. It's only by having fewer people on the planet that we can make lasting permanent reductions in the strain on the environment worldwide.

It's also worth considering that given the doom­and­gloom forecast for the earth's future, is this really a world we want to bring more children into? What kind of future will they have?

It's possible that things will turn around and we could avoid a climate disaster, but is it worth the risk? The parental instincts we have come from a desire to protect our children and the

About the writer Johnathan has been vegan and an activist for nearly two decades, and has devoted his career to making apps and websites exclusively for vegan organisations.

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thoughts about...

being yourself The phrase 'be yourself' is repeated so often that it has become a cliche. Whenever we're stressing out about a job interview or making a good first impression, well足meaning friends and family members will tell us to 'just be ourselves'.

I can't be the only one who has always found this advice frustrating. I suspect many of us just don't know what it means to be ourselves. And it's something I think I'm only just starting to figure out.

Widespread confusion about this has sparked the idea of 'finding yourself', which has become an eye足roll足inducing cliche in its own right! And I have become confused all over again about what it means to 'find yourself' and how exactly you're supposed to do it.

The answer, of course, is that you're probably not making anything up. We all tend to behave in completely different ways with different people. That's because the way someone interacts with us, and the dynamic between them and us, naturally shapes our behaviour. Most researchers who have studied this topic agree that there is no one 'true self'. So no wonder we're so confused!

Culture and self

So why are so many of us confused about something as fundamental as who we are? There are a few factors at play.

The situation is further complicated by the influence of culture. Some cultures value extroversion, for example, and so many people in these cultures will display extroverted traits.

Other cultures are the other way around. And this applies to many other traits too. It's virtually impossible to separate ourselves from the environment we grew up in. Our culture and those around us have a huge influence on how we develop.

Multiple selves

What is the authentic self?

Have you ever noticed that you behave completely differently around different people? You may be lively and playful with your kids but calm and professional at work, for example. Or maybe some friends bring out your crazy fun足loving side, whilst others stimulate debate and deep discussions.

All this makes it tempting to declare that self as a concept is useless and should be abandoned. But I feel it depends on what we think of as the self.

Does this mean that you must be faking some of your traits, if they appear to be contradictory? How can you tell which ones are genuine?

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All too often, we define who we are by what we like and dislike, how we look, where we work and so on. None of these makes us who we are, but I do believe it is possible to form a deeper sense of self based on authenticity and values.

What does it mean to be yourself ...?

I told the story on my blog of I how I studied computer science at uni, thinking I should do something that would get me a good job. The uni tried to push me into doing a placement at an investment bank or a software development company. But after a few mind­numbing sessions of listening to company representatives drone on about how great it was to work there, I just couldn't do it anymore. I knew it wouldn't be true to myself to take on any of those placements, and I just couldn't motivate myself to do it. I dropped out of the placements program, and ended up leaving uni too. That decision, inspired by a friend of mine who encouraged me to

"It's possible to form a deeper sense of self based on authenticity and values."

follow my truth, was based on a deeper recognition of what my core values were. In other words, I realised that I am a creative and free­spirited person, and working in an investment bank would probably have destroyed me!

Underneath our egos, we all have some deep­seated core values like compassion, perseverance and groundedness. And if we derive our sense of self from these, we are much more likely to live and behave in an authentic way.

Personal growth This is another phrase that sounds kind of cheesy, but I'm coming to believe that personal growth just means learning to live in line with your core values, like the ones I mentioned above. When we do this, we begin to live with intention, becoming driven to pursue the life we want. We realise the value of having a purpose in life, beyond making money or simply surviving. And we stop letting our fears, doubts and insecurities hold us back and dictate how we live.

Living authentically and with intention benefits us in so many ways. Tough situations become challenges rather than threats.

Life begins to go our way. We are happier, have better relationships, laugh more. We act with integrity, because we know our values. And we become confident in our strengths and abilities, because we are grounded in who we are. That, to me, is what being yourself is all about. SM

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what

Activists are doing wrong If you are an activist, you probably spend a lot of time encouraging people to stop doing things. I know I do! ‘Stop supporting animal exploitation’, ‘don't use disposable plastic’ and so on. And sometimes this approach does a lot to raise awareness and get people thinking. But is it really effective activism? All too often, it seems somewhat lacking when it comes to getting people to actually change their behaviour.

And the key problem with this approach is that it focuses on the negatives ­ ‘don't do that’ or ‘[insert thing] is really bad for the environment’.

This can sometimes make people feel helpless. They can see why something is bad, but they have no idea what to do about it.

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At one Earthlings Experience demo I did, a passerby became very upset and frustrated. She could see that the footage was awful, but there were no members of the outreach team available to talk to her. This left her feeling at a loss as to how to avoid the cruelty she had witnessed.

I've realised that simply pointing out what's bad isn't effective activism ­ we also need to provide viable alternatives.

Consider the following ways of phrasing a statement, for example.

‘Eating meat is cruel, bad for the environment and unhealthy.

Consider eliminating it from your diet.’ vs

‘Eating meat is cruel, bad for the environment and unhealthy.

Consider replacing it with alternatives like soy products, or swapping it for lentils and beans in your favourite recipes.’

The difference is that the second option offers a clear pathway to eliminating meat, whereas the first does not. It tells people what to start doing, rather than what to stop doing.

How about:

‘We should stop growing crops as monocultures because it has a negative impact on biodiversity.’ vs

‘We should switch from monocultures to permaculture to help promote biodiversity, increase food production and reduce our reliance on pesticides.’

Which is more convincing?

You will never convince everyone Of course, some people remain resistant even in the face of viable alternatives. They will make all sorts of excuses about why they can't possibly change their behaviour.

There was a segment on the radio the other day about charging more for takeaway coffee cups to encourage people to bring their own cups. One enraged listener phoned in saying there was no way she could bring her own cup because it ‘wasn't convenient’ and ‘didn't fit with her lifestyle’.

She also said it was unfair to expect people to pay more for their coffee. When the idea of bringing a flask instead was suggested, she complained that she didn't want to spend money on buying a flask ­ even though it would have saved her a fortune in the long run!

Some people just won't be convinced, no matter how compelling the alternatives. In these instances, it's probably best to focus on someone more receptive ­ for the sake of your own sanity, if nothing else!

Conclusion The takeaway here is that most people want to minimise disruption to their lifestyles, so we must help them to do that if we really want them to change. It may seem selfish when someone won't give up plastic for the sake of the environment, for example, but we must try to see where they’re coming from. We can suggest convenient alternatives

Applying these lessons One of the most successful animal activist events I ever took part in was a free vegan food stall. It removed the confrontational element often present in street activism, but more importantly, it helped to show people that there is an alternative to the way they currently eat. We had so many great conversations, and it felt like truly effective activism ­ it was more positive than any other event I had participated in.

they may not have considered, like bamboo toothbrushes and metal drinking straws. And lifestyle changes can be contagious. Someone who switches to zero­waste toiletries may take their whole family with them, and those family members, in turn, may influence their friends. Change is far­ reaching, so let's create as much of it as we can. SM

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