2020 Issue 4
£3.00
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
The Future Normal is here
TIFF WILLIAMS
Vegan foodie and online creator
WORLD VEGAN MONTH
Supporting vegans on a budget
Vegan pen- and phone-pals scheme At V for Life, many vegans and vegetarians have told us they would like to be in touch with more like-minded people – but that they would prefer to use traditional methods of communication. So in response to these requests we launched a pen and phone pals scheme, especially for older vegans and vegetarians.
Registered charity number 1120687
For further details and an application form, please call V for Life on 0161 257 0887 or email info@vegetarianforlife.org.uk
0161 257 0887 | www.vegetarianforlife.org.uk
Editor’s letter and contents
EDITOR’S LETTER September was a particularly exciting month as Future Normal, our biggest ever campaign, was launched. We have already reached thousands of people, encouraging them to rethink their relationships with other animals and take steps towards a more compassionate lifestyle. We have included a couple of poster designs on the inside of this issue’s cover wrap. We would love to see photos of them in situ, whether this is in your windows at home, on your local noticeboard or anywhere else. World Vegan Month – November – is just around the corner. This year we are taking the opportunity to release a raft of new content to support vegans on tight budgets, building on our
Live Vegan for Less campaign. In this issue you can find an interview with Tiff Williams, a wonderful vegan influencer and recipe developer. We have included three of Tiff’s recipes – I hope you feel inspired to try them out. We have also featured a fascinating article by Animal Free Research UK on their response to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as our usual features on volunteers, nutrition and more. As ever, please do get in touch and share your thoughts on the magazine to editor@vegansociety.com or on any of our other channels.
Elena Orde, Editor
CONTENTS 03
Highlights
06
In the news
08
Future Normal
Essential updates on Vegan Society news
The Vegan Society in the press
Introducing our biggest campaign yet
13
Vegan at Tiff’s
16
Recipes
22
Membership
25
World Vegan Month
27
Nutrition
An interview with Tiff Williams
Three delicious recipes from @vegan_at_tiffs
Including an important AGM update
Supporting vegans on tight budgets
Thoughts on compassionate eating
28
Volunteers
33
Fundraising
35
Animal free research
08
Volunteer Hub plus Volunteer of the Season
Supporting The Vegan Society
Curing diseases faster and without animals
37
Rights conference
38
Shoparound
40
Buy online
41
Events
13
The second international conference
New products to look out for
The latest books and merchandise
25
What’s going on in your local area
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 1
From the CEO Editor Elena Orde Cover image Saoirse Clohessy Designer Violeta Pereira Print gemini-print.co.uk Staff CEO George Gill Head of Communications Sam Calvert Head of Campaigns, Policy and Research Louise Davies Director of Business Development Chantelle Adkins Research and Policy Advisor Amanda Baker Communications Manager Danielle Saunders Senior Supporter Services Coordinator Stephen Sanders Supporter Services Coordinator Kaya Gromocki Senior Web Officer Adam Duncan Digital Content Officer Jen Jones Web Officer Hayley Kinnear Senior Communications and Campaigns Officer Elena Orde Graphic Designer Violeta Pereira Media and PR Officer Matt Turner Fundraising and Partnerships Manager Ruby Jones Campaigns Manager Mark Banahan Campaigns and Policy Officers Sabrina Ahmed, Tim Thorpe Insight and Commercial Policy Officer Louisianna Waring Office Manager Kat Anderson Sales and Merchandise Manager Dave Nicholson Sales and Merchandise Officer Beth Dandy Trademark Team Leader Katharina Eist Deputy Trademark Managers Ella Marshall, Natacha Rodrigues Trademark Account Manager Lisa Williams Business Development Officers Sheridan Rudge, Gabriela Chalkia, Hannah Trimble, Sophie Glenn, Zoe Lomas, John Andrews, Caroline Bolton, Cheryl Pierpoint, Katarzyna Petruk, Serin Price Business Development Marketing Manager Ericka Durgahee Trademark Events and Communications Officer Neneh Buswell Trademark Digital Marketing Officer Nishat Rahman Finance Manager Clare Straughan Finance Officers Allan Oakes, Emily Austin Research Officer Dr Lorna Brocksopp Dietitian Heather Russell Vegan Rights Advocate Dr Jeanette Rowley
FROM THE CEO I hope that all of you are staying safe and navigating through this tricky year as well as can be expected. At The Vegan Society we are continuing to work remotely. This is for the safety and wellbeing of our staff members and the general public. I have continued to be impressed by all of our team members’ hard work. It is thanks to their efforts that we have made good progress as an organisation in these unprecedented times. Which brings me on to an exciting topic – the society’s biggest ever campaign, Future Normal, launched in September. This is an animal rights focused campaign which appeals to the animal lovers in our society, encouraging them to take the respect and compassion they feel towards some species and expand this out to include all non-human animals. This campaign has been a long time in the making and goes right to the core of our beliefs and our role as an organisation. Please do look up the campaign website – futurenormal.org.uk – and share it with any friends, family members and colleagues who would benefit from exploring it. We successfully ran our first remote AGM in August. Thank you to all of our members who attended and took part in the event. I am pleased that running the event online enabled many of you to attend who perhaps may not ordinarily have been able to take part. One positive to take away from the difficulties of 2020 is the increased awareness around accessibility and participation, and this is something that I hope we can continue to integrate into our activities going forwards. To all of our members who have continued to support us through this tumultuous time, thank you so much for your valued contribution.
George Gill, CEO
Staff updates Many thanks to Lauren Williams, who has been a fantastic Interim Communications Manager. We wish her all the best for the future. Jodie Coghill, our Receptionist, has left to begin a different role in the charity sector. Communications Assistant Pedro Fernández Martín has also left his role. Thanks to Jodie and Pedro for all their hard work. We wish them all the best. Ericka Durgahee has joined us as our new Business Development Marketing Manager. It is wonderful to have Ericka on board and we are already benefiting from her expertise.
Council Stephen Walsh (Chair) Jenifer Vinell (Vice-Chair) David Gore (Treasurer) Salim Akbar, Ali Ryland, Robb Masters, Eshe Kiama Zuri, Joel Bravette, Michele Fox, Sally Anderson
The views expressed in The Vegan do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or of The Vegan Society Council. Nothing printed should be construed to be The Vegan Society’s policy unless so stated. The society accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine. The acceptance of advertisements (including inserts) does not imply endorsement.
2 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Donald Watson House 34–35 Ludgate Hill Birmingham, UK B3 1EH
0121 523 1730 info@vegansociety.com www.vegansociety.com
© The Vegan Society Registered Charity No. 279228 (England and Wales) and SC049495 (Scotland)
Printed on recycled paper
Highlights
HIGHLIGHTS
Teen Hub At the end of September we launched our Teen Hub, a new section of our website aimed at vegans and vegan-curious teens aged between 14 and 17. There is huge interest in the vegan movement from younger people, so we have pulled together resources to address some of the specific questions people of this age may have. On our Teen Hub you can find fun, affordable recipes and nutritional information specific to teens. There are stories and tips from a fantastic group of young vegans who wanted to share their vegan journeys and provide advice for their peers. You can also find tips on how to live in a non-vegan household, navigating social situations and the rights of young vegans in education and the workplace.
The VegAPPG provides a forum for discussing issues around vegetarianism and veganism with political decision makers. In September we held our first online VegAPPG meeting, which was on the topic of veganism in the workplace. This choice was prompted by a landmark employment tribunal in January of this year, which confirmed that veganism as a belief is protected by law against discrimination. First, we heard from Peter Daly, a Principal Employment Lawyer who represented Jordi Casamitjana in January’s landmark tribunal. Peter laid out the implications of the court ruling for vegans facing discrimination in UK workplaces. Dr Jeanette Rowley, The Vegan Society’s legal expert and Chair of our International Rights Network, followed. Jeanette covered the range of workplace issues that she hears about from vegans and the society’s Guide for Employers, which was produced to help both employers and employees. Finally, we heard from Sadie Cable and Jack Barber, CoChairs of Suffolk County Council’s Vegan Staff Network, about how their organisation supports vegan staff, promotes understanding and seeks to influence decision making in their workplace. For updates on the VegAPPG visit vegappg.org.uk. Learn more about vegan rights at vegansociety.com/rights.
Visit the Teen Hub at vegansociety.com/teenhub and let us know what you think by emailing editor@vegansociety.com. If you are a young person who would like to take part and share your personal story, we would love to hear from you.
Veganism in the workplace The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Vegetarianism and Veganism (VegAPPG) is sponsored by The Vegan Society along with V for Life, the charity for older vegans and vegetarians.
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 3
Highlights
Photo: Saoirse Clohessy
Episode 2 featured the amazing work of animal sanctuaries
The Vegan Pod Our podcast, The Vegan Pod, is going from strength to strength, with a brilliant new episode out each month. Our episode featuring animal sanctuaries focused on how these incredible organisations have coped with the challenges of coronavirus. Guests included Wenda Shehata from Hugletts Wood Farm Animal Sanctuary, Poonam Doshi from Lola’s Sanctuary and Chris Williams from Elephant Nature Park. You can listen to The Vegan Pod on Podbean, Apple iTunes and Google Podcasts. You can email your feedback and suggestions for future episodes to podcast@vegansociety. com.
income. Please email campaigns@vegansociety.com if you would like to share your experience.
VegfestUK Summerfest Online In August, The Vegan Society attended our first online festival event – VegfestUK Summerfest Online. Although VegfestUK online was a far cry from the bustling VegfestUK we all know and love, it was a great opportunity for us to interact with vegans and vegan-curious people in a new way. Visitors had the chance to view the stalls through their mobile or computer. As well as observing social distancing measures, this allowed people who may not have previously been able to join the physical events to visit VegfestUK.
Live Vegan for Less Live Vegan for Less launched in the spring, with the aim of highlighting how cost-effective a vegan lifestyle can be and supporting vegans on low incomes with resources and advice. We ran several live cook-alongs on Instagram with Chef Day Radley, which had hundreds of people tune in to learn how to make several delicious affordable meals. Thanks to those of you who got in touch and shared your own tips and suggestions for living vegan on a budget. We are continuing to develop the campaign by collating lowcost recipes and personal stories from people with lived experience of following a vegan lifestyle on a very restricted
4 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Our virtual stall at VegfestUK Summerfest Online
We hosted a range of talks, including a nutrition mythbusting session with our Dietitian. From our virtual booth, visitors were able to download recipes, special offers and videos, and chat to Vegan Society staff over the weekend. Access to the event and its resources was then available for the duration of the following month. Welcome to our new members who joined us during the event and took advantage of our membership prize draws! Thank you for your support.
Highlights
Alternatives to Commercial Grazing report
productive land use – in fact, marginal land is incredibly valuable for a range of different uses, and there are lots of climate and nature-friendly options that could support rural businesses without the exploitation of animals. Find the report on the Grow Green page of our website: vegansociety.com/growgreen.
The Grow Green campaign seeks to encourage a transition towards plant-based farming and land management in the UK for the sake of our climate and environment. Recently, we have collaborated on a much-needed new report, Alternatives to Commercial Grazing, which supports the messages of Grow Green.
Working with HEART UK
The report is written primarily for those in farming and conservation communities, and focuses on ‘marginal’ land – that which isn’t suitable for conventional crops. Alternatives to Commercial Grazing outlines many different land management practices that farmers and landowners could adopt, instead of using land as grazing pasture for farmed animals. It also provides practical advice on alternative sources of funding and income. The report shows that animal farming is not the only
The Vegan and Thriving campaign launched in 2019 to promote the British Dietetic Association’s message that no matter your age and stage of life, you can be healthy and thrive on a well-planned vegan diet. Our Pathways to Veganism research showed that there are many people who have pre-existing conditions who would love to go vegan, but who have questions about how to make it work for them. This year, as part of our Vegan and Thriving campaign, we have been reaching out to relevant health organisations to share this message with people who have pre-existing health conditions. Following on from our collaboration with the Royal Osteoporosis Society earlier this year, we were very pleased to work with HEART UK on their Cholesterol Awareness Month. Cholesterol is an important issue which vegans and nonvegans alike can benefit from learning about. HEART UK state that over half of UK adults have raised cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease. Well-planned vegan diets have many heart-friendly qualities and fit well with the guidelines of the Ultimate Cholesterol Lowering Plan offered by HEART UK. We collaborated with HEART UK’s nutrition experts to create a vegan-suitable version of the Ultimate Cholesterol Lowering Plan, which is completely free from animal products. This plan is available at heartuk.org.uk/uclp.
Our work with HEART UK ties into our health campaign Vegan and Thriving
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 5
News
IN THE NEWS
Plant milk in schools On World Plant Milk Day, our Dietitian Heather Russell spoke to The Times about accessibility to vegan alternatives in schools. Receiving front page coverage, Heather served to remind readers that veganism is going mainstream and that vegan parents need to be supported to raise their children in line with their beliefs. Heather spoke about The Vegan Society’s campaign to include plant milks under the government’s school milk subsidy. Including compassionate, sustainable vegan alternatives would be a huge step in the right direction and the common sense choice now more and more families are seeking alternatives to cow’s milk.
Commercial grazing alternatives As mentioned in the Highlights pages, The Vegan Society has released a new report, written as a practical overview and starting point for farmers and landowners who wish to explore new alternatives in land management. It is often suggested that maintaining open pasture and grazing animals for meat production is the only worthwhile, productive option for managing ‘marginal’ land. The report refutes this by identifying a range of alternative management options that could help us respond effectively to the climate and biodiversity crises. Upon release of the report, Campaigns and Policy Officer Tim Thorpe told journalists that British farmers can lead the way and be the architects of a more sustainable land management policy over the next decade if the report’s recommendations are implemented.
Soya milk and the environment Over the last few months there has been more discussion on the environmental impact of soya milk in the press. Our Media and PR Officer Matt Turner was on hand to remind
6 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
the media that a landmark Oxford University study has illustrated quite clearly that the production of dairy milk is far more damaging and less sustainable than soya milk when greenhouse gas emissions, land use and water use are taken into account. 90% of world soya production is used as animal feed, and soya grown closer to home in Europe would satisfy current demand if we consumed it ourselves instead of using it to feed farmed animals.
Future Normal We know we can create a kinder future for animals, which is why we have launched our biggest campaign yet – Future Normal (full feature starts on page 8). Media and PR Officer Matt Turner spoke on BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours to discuss whether consumers are ready for the Future Normal as vegan sales boom. It appears that the direction of travel is in our favour, as a consumer research survey conducted by the Future Normal campaign found that almost half of Brits feel it’s hypocritical to love some animals while exploiting others, which received mentions in the national press.
WELCOME TO THE
Photo: Saoirse Clohessy
8 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
L
Campaigns
FUTURE NORMAL Our powerful new campaign encourages people to reflect on their relationships with other animals and choose a more compassionate way of life Future Normal, our biggest and most ambitious campaign yet, launched in September. But what is the Future Normal? We want to encourage people to think about the kind of future they want to live in and the steps they can take to make it a reality. We’ve heard a lot in recent months about the ‘new normal’ as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. But we think it’s also important to look ahead. Going vegan can be seen as a hopeful action. Veganism is a lifestyle taken up by those of us who believe a kinder, more compassionate world can be created, and that whatever small part we can play in that is worth it. We want the Future Normal to be a time in which all animals are given the respect and rights they deserve. A place in which they are no longer used, but recognised as individuals with their own personalities, preferences and desires.
Creating the Future Normal At The Vegan Society an animal rights focused campaign has been in the pipeline for many years. The challenge has been coming up with an approach and a message that encapsulates the welcoming and inclusive tone we pride ourselves on, while not duplicating the valuable work of other organisations in the animal rights field. This is such an important issue and facet of veganism that it was worth taking the time to get it right.
We want to encourage people to think about the kind of future they want to live in and the steps they can take to make it a reality. The Future Normal campaign is the result – our biggest campaign yet, and one we can’t wait to build on. We believe that this initiative will resonate with people on a deep level, and we have worked hard to create engaging and thought-
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 9
At futurenormal.org.uk you can find engaging films, articles, podcast episodes and more
provoking content to hopefully lead to meaningful and lasting behaviour change. On this campaign we worked with UP, a fantastic creative agency which just so happens to be vegan too. UP responded to our brief with powerful visuals and an approach that provokes curiosity and inspires change. This content is housed on the Future Normal website – futurenormal.org.uk. Here you can find plenty to get stuck in to and share with your friends and family.
Campaign film This impactful short film is the first thing that visitors to the Future Normal website see. It features a moving poem that asks the question – when so many of us grew up thinking that all animals were equally amazing, how have we lost this connection? This is set to a montage of beautiful images and videos from sanctuaries that show farmed animals who have been rescued and are living out the rest of their lives in peace and safety.
Vegan stories We have worked with a group of fantastic people who all wanted to share their vegan story as part of the campaign. The website shows 12 videos featuring different people, and everyone included has a unique angle to share. From Chris, who became interested in veganism after studying animal ethics at university, to Elly, who shares how seeing footage of beagles rescued from labs inspired her to rethink her lifestyle – everyone’s story is evocative and presents website visitors with a chance to reflect on their own choices.
Thought pieces Members of our Researcher Network were given a brief to come up with an article for the Future Normal website, and they did not disappoint! Topics discussed include an introduction to the concept of speciesism, animal rights and the law, the portrayal of non-human animals in children’s media and how social media is affecting our perceptions of farmed animals.
Changemaker quiz This fun quiz was created to awaken the activist in our Future Normal visitors. It includes questions such as “How would you respond if someone dropped litter in front of you?” and “What do you do in the lead up to a general election?” Participants are then told what kind of ‘changemaker’ they are in the form of an animal cartoon, which can be shared with their friends and followers on social media.
Podcast episodes Mountaineer Kuntal Joisher and photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur feature in two special audio interviews on the Future Normal website. Running at around 20 minutes each, these interviews are a deep dive into the vegan journeys and life work of two individuals who are using their very different talents to raise awareness of veganism. The interviews can be listened to on the website or downloaded to listen to later. Photo: Saoirse Clohessy
10 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Photo: Saoirse Clohessy
Inspiring change
Help us to create the Future Normal
The website also includes handy resources for people looking to take the next few steps towards a more compassionate way of life. These include reviews of a range of vegan books and films, tips for finding vegan products and restaurants, and ideas for alternative activities to visiting zoos and circuses, such as whale watching and woodland walks. Also included on the website are a series of ‘commitments’ which visitors can opt in to. We are asking all Future Normal visitors whether they will commit to thinking about animals differently and changing key areas of their life to ensure that their behaviours are in line with their values. We are encouraging all visitors to take the next step to a vegan lifestyle by signing up to Veganuary to try a vegan diet for a month.
Thank you to everyone who has already donated to the Future Normal campaign. Because of your help, we have been able to share the message with thousands of people from across the globe. For the next stage of the campaign we are very excited to be investing in TV advertising to help us raise awareness in a wider audience. If you’re watching lifestyle and animal documentaries over the next few weeks you may spot a Future Normal ad! Are you able to donate to Future Normal and to help us make these ambitious plans a reality? Please visit the Future Normal donation page at vegansociety.com/take-action/ donate/support-future-normal or email fundraising@ vegansociety.com. You can also call 0121 523 1730. Thank you for any support that you are able to give.
I grew up with a beagle. Her name was Patty ... she was like a real sister to me and it meant a lot to me to have her around growing up.- Elly Quote from Elly’s vegan story video. Watch all 12 vegan stories videos at futurenormal.org.uk.
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 11
Interview
VEGAN AT TIFF’S Kaya Gromocki interviews Tiffany Williams about being a vegan foodie and online content creator
Tell us a little bit about yourself, and what drew you to veganism Hey! I’m Tiff, a vegan foodie, content creator, digital marketing gal and cat mum! I love sharing my recipe creations plus restaurant and product discoveries over on my Instagram page @vegan_at_tiffs. When I was growing up, I saw eating animal products as the norm. I never really took a step back to question the true reality or my own thoughts and feelings. I went vegan in 2016 after binge-watching documentaries and short films. The Earthlings documentary was one that stood out for me. It was like it flicked a switch in my brain. The day I watched it, I made the choice to transition to a vegan lifestyle. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
When it comes to developing your recipes, where do you get your ideas? Are there any particular cultures you draw inspiration from? I really enjoy variety and I love to try new foods, so my recipes are drawn from numerous different cultures. They are also influenced by my surroundings and my peers. I love all the inspiration that you can get from Instagram – it’s a great creative outlet for so many people. I’m currently loving East Asian cuisine as there are so many different cooking methods and flavours to really jazz up your veggies. I love to cook traditional recipes, but I equally enjoy adding a cheeky twist to them!
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 13
Interview
The food in your posts always looks fantastic. Do you think this helps to engage non-vegan followers? And do you have any tips for taking great food photos? Thank you so much! Yes, absolutely. I receive a lot of messages from non-vegans who are in awe of the range of different possibilities available when it comes to plant-based cooking. For instance, my Southern Fried Oyster Mushrooms (page 16) always receive positive feedback, and it goes to show that so much food can be veganised and enjoyed. I guess the preconception is that vegan food is boring, but actually since going vegan I have gained so much more than I’ve lost from my meals, as I’ve discovered and introduced more variety into my diet. My photography skills have definitely improved over time. I invested in a DSLR camera and props such as backdrops and gorgeous tableware.
Social media can get a bad rep when it comes to its impact on our mental health. How do you ensure you keep a positive relationship with social media as an Instagrammer? I think a lot of it comes down to comparison. We tend to compare ourselves to others, and social media is pretty much a highlight reel of the best bits of everyone’s lives. If anyone gives negative vibes or you don’t like the way you feel after seeing their posts, my advice is to unfollow them. Protect your energy. And if you don’t want to upset them, there is also the option to ‘mute’ their posts, so they won’t show up in your feed. I do try to limit the amount of time I spend on Instagram. It has a ‘Your activity’ feature, which allows you to see how long, on average, you spend on the app per day. I also use the ‘Daily reminder’ feature to notify me once I’ve spent a set period of time on there, so that I can be mindful of my usage.
14 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
As we all know, veganism is more than just a diet. When it comes to fashion and beauty brands, how do you go about finding products that work for you and align with your principles? Haha – I spend all my money on food, so I don’t buy much in the way of fashion! Finding companies that sit well with your moral compass definitely takes research. I often discover fashion and beauty brands through those I follow online and also through visiting specialist markets.
The London vegan scene is always evolving. How have you seen it change during your time living in the capital, and what are your hopes for the future? The rise in vegan options has exploded in the last few years in London. I have a never-ending list of restaurants, cafes and street food stalls that I want to visit, which is amazing. Plus, there are so many more places which aren’t fully vegan but offer options that are far more exciting than just chips. What I’d really love to see in the future is a vegan shopping centre where people can get together to eat, drink and shop. That would be epic.
Do you have any exciting projects planned for the coming year? I’m working with some absolutely incredible brands, so there is plenty of exciting content in the pipeline. I’m always looking for ways to spread the vegan message and I enjoy collaborating with others in the community. There are definitely some exciting plans ahead! Stay up to date with Tiff’s foodie and lifestyle adventures at @vegan_at_tiffs on Instagram and turn the page to find three of Tiff’s delicious recipe creations!
The rise in vegan options has exploded in the last few years in London.
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 15
TIFF WILLIAMS’S COMFORT FOOD WITH A TWIST
16 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Recipes
SOUTHERN FRIED OYSTER MUSHROOMS
Ingredients
Directions
300 g oyster mushroom clusters 1 l vegetable oil, for deep frying
In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients for the wet batter. In a separate bowl, mix all of the dry batter ingredients. Coat each mushroom cluster in the wet batter first, and then in the dry batter. Heat the oil in a deep cast iron pan. Once it’s hot, carefully place the coated mushrooms into the pan and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove the mushrooms from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Allow them to cool. Serve the mushrooms with your dipping sauce of choice and enjoy.
Wet batter 150 g plain flour 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder ½ tbsp hot sauce 210 ml oat milk 100 ml vegan yoghurt
Dry batter 150 g plain flour 70 g panko breadcrumbs ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp ground black pepper 2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning Dipping sauce of choice, to serve
TIP
Find all-purpose seasoning in the World Foods section of your local supermarket, or in Asian and African/Caribbean shops
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 17
Recipes
SWEET POTATO SHEPHERD’S PIE
Ingredients
Directions
850 g sweet potato, peeled and chopped 30 g vegan butter 1 tbsp cooking oil 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1 celery stick, chopped 450 g chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped 1 tbsp dried thyme 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning Salt and ground black pepper 1 tin green lentils, drained and rinsed 100 g frozen peas 1 tbsp tomato paste 250 ml vegetable stock
Boil the sweet potatoes in a pot until soft (roughly 25 minutes). Once soft, mash them with the butter and set aside. Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Meanwhile, add the oil to a large, deep pan. Add the onions and garlic and fry them until they are fragrant. Then add the carrots and celery, and fry for a further 3 minutes. Then add the mushrooms along with the dried thyme, all-purpose seasoning, salt and pepper (to taste). Continue to stir throughout and allow to fry for another 7 minutes. Add the lentils and peas to the pan. After 2 minutes, add the tomato paste and vegetable stock, mixing it all together. Allow everything to simmer for around 15 minutes. Butter your baking dish, and transfer the mushroom and lentil mix into it. Top it off with the mashed sweet potato. Bake the pie in the oven for 25 minutes and allow it to cool before serving.
TIP
Find all-purpose seasoning in the World Foods section of your local supermarket, or in Asian and African/Caribbean shops
18 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 19
Recipes
CHICKPEA COOKIE DOUGH
Ingredients
Directions
1 × 400 g tin chickpeas 130 g peanut butter 1½ tsp vanilla extract 40 g soft pitted dates 2 tbsp oats 2 tbsp maple syrup 2 tbsp plant milk Pinch of salt 80 g chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Then blend all of the ingredients together in a high-speed blender, minus the chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Scoop the dough into a bowl and mix in the chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Serve a scoop with your pancakes, oats, French toast, smoothie bowl or whatever it may be! Keep refrigerated.
Let us know if you try any of these recipes by emailing editor@vegansociety.com or tagging us on social media. Discover more recipe creations from Tiff at @vegan_at_tiffs on Instagram.
20 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Advertisement
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 21
MEMBERSHIP Remembering Jon Jon Wynne-Tyson, who died earlier this year at age 95, was an author and publisher best known in vegan and animal rights circles for his books Food for a Future and The Extended Circle: A Dictionary of Humane Thought. First published in 1975, Food for a Future included a chapter entitled ‘The Further Step’, described in the Winter 1985 issue of The Vegan as “the most forceful presentation of the logic of veganism ever committed to paper.” Mark Gold, vegan author and former director of Animal Aid, recalls: “Jon was a civilised and sympathetic man with a passion for promoting the causes of animal rights, veganism and humanitarianism. As well as writing skilful fiction and non-fiction with a pro-vegan message, he set up his own publishing company, Centaur Press, to bring other important books to wider public attention. His ‘anthology of humane thought’, The Extended Circle, remains an invaluable resource for anybody who wants to know a little more about all the great men and women who have spoken out for compassion and non-violence – from ancient times to the end of the twentieth century.” Paul Appleby
Star Letter I am a secondary school teacher from Herefordshire and I am very grateful that you included the Vegan Eatwell Guide in the last edition of the magazine. I teach cooking and nutrition to students aged 11–16 and the Eatwell Guide is a massive part of the current curriculum. I have displayed the Guide in my classroom along with other vegetarian and vegan resources so students can refer to it throughout their learning. Rebecca
22 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Membership
Congratulations to Rebecca, who has won some skincare goodies from Naturally Tribal Skincare. The Star Letter Prize for Issue 1 2021 will be a Lifestyle Box from TheVeganKind (image below shows an example box but please note that products will vary). For Issue 1 we are looking for letters about how an adopted companion animal has enriched your life and reinforced your veganism. We would love to see photos too!
involved/join/youth-membership for terms and conditions). To secure your entry, contact membership@vegansociety. com with the name of the person who joined following your referral. The winner will be randomly selected and contacted shortly after 15 January 2021.
Annual General Meeting This year’s AGM was held online on 15 August. Congratulations to our new trustees Joel Bravette, Michele Fox and Sally Anderson and re-elected trustees Salim Akbar and David Gore. The AGM approved Council’s proposals to require all new trustees to have been members for at least a year and to place limits on the use of trading subsidiaries. Thanks to everyone who participated in voting and those who attended the AGM. To view the results of motions, visit the Members’ Area of our website or contact the office for a paper copy.
AGM 2021
Discount List In return for supporting The Vegan Society, we offer our members 10% off our multivitamin, VEG 1, and over 130 third party discounts. These include 10% off at Holland & Barrett and 50% off Vegan Food and Living magazine. New discounts include 15% off Nourish London skincare, 15% off Abakus Foods and 15% off ProGroom dog care. TheVeganKind Supermarket has extended their discount until the end of December and Munchy Seeds are now offering 15% off. Vegan Tipples continue to provide a 10% discount on their range of wines, beers and spirits. You can find all of these and more in the Members’ Area of our website at vegansociety.com/my-account/ shop-discounts. We would love to hear from you on any suggestions you might have on improving the Discount List. You can email us at membership@vegansociety.com or call on 0121 523 1730. Alternatively, do you run a business that would like to offer a discount to your fellow members? Contact discount@vegansociety.com or apply online at vegansociety.com/yourbusiness/discount-list.
The Vegan Society launches Youth Membership Do you know anyone aged 26 and under who is vegan or vegan curious? In October we launched a new Youth Membership! We want to amplify the voices of young people in the vegan community, which is why we are offering people aged 26 and under the opportunity to join The Vegan Society for just £5 for 12 months. This promotion will run for 3 months and is only available for new members aged 26 and under. Thank you to our current members for your continued support, and for helping us reach where we are today! If you refer a friend and they join as a Youth Member during 5 October 2020 – 5 January 2021, you can enter into a prize draw for the chance of winning a vegan chocolate hamper from Moo Free Chocolates! (Visit vegansociety.com/get-
The 2021 AGM will be held at 1pm on Saturday 22 May 2021. We will provide online access but will also have a physical venue if appropriate.
Election of Council members Applications to become a trustee are invited by Monday 1 March 2021. The role is voluntary, but reasonable expenses can be claimed. The most important qualities for trustees are commitment, enthusiasm and the ability to consider issues thoughtfully and to communicate and work well with others. To ensure an effective and diverse board, members from a wide range of backgrounds and with a broad base of skills and experience are sought. Experience in successfully managing expanding organisations, policy development, charity law and audit or risk management are particularly welcome. The time commitment is about nine days per year for attending face-to-face meetings and training events (currently online). Email correspondence may at times take up several hours per week, particularly in the approach to a Council meeting, but usually much less. Candidates must be proposed by two full members. Candidates must also have been full members of the society for at least a year, and be aged 16 or over, on the date of the AGM. Candidates should support the society’s objectives and mission and be committed to a vegan lifestyle.
Members’ proposals We welcome members’ proposals to the AGM. These should: • Be proposed and seconded by full members • Not exceed 300 words, including any supporting material • Propose a single form of action (and not be a composite proposal nor simply a statement of opinion). Proposals must be submitted by Friday 8 January. For a candidate pack or further information about becoming a trustee or submitting a proposal, please contact the Chair of Council Stephen Walsh (chair@vegansociety. com) and the CEO George Gill (ceo@vegansociety.com), by email or by post (Donald Watson House, 34–35 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham B3 1EH).
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 23
World Vegan Month
WORLD VEGAN MONTH
This year has been a momentous one in many ways. The world has been forced to pause, to reflect and to challenge our way of thinking. It has been a year where societal failings have been pushed into the spotlight and we have had to face uncomfortable truths. We have also seen glimmers of humanity that inspire hope for the future, as well as what feels like the tentative beginnings of real change. As we approach the end of such a pivotal year, the timing feels right to explore what this means for the vegan movement. What does being vegan look like in the context of such turbulent times?
Live Vegan for Less We know this has been a tough year for everyone. With increasing job losses more and more people are finding themselves on a tight budget, and of course that includes vegans too. With this in mind, this November we are releasing a raft of new content to support vegans on a budget. We had some
great feedback on our Live Vegan for Less campaign which we initiated in response to the pandemic. We will be releasing phase two to mark World Vegan Day. In normal times, World Vegan Day is a time of celebration, but this year we feel it’s appropriate to draw attention to the challenges that some of us are facing. We’ve been working with the brilliant Sustainable Kitchen to develop a series of videos which include low cost recipes, as well as ways of repurposing nutritious vegan staples to highlight how to get the most out of healthy ingredients, in the most affordable way. Our members have been crucial to the work of the campaign – thanks to your support, we’ve made a handy infographic of some of the most useful budget tips. Now, we hope to build on that by asking you to send in your favourite budget recipes to continue this support for the vegan community. Be sure to keep an eye out for our blog content as well – we’ll be providing insight on how you might want to support vegans in crisis. In these difficult times, those who feel able may wish to support vegans in need by donating to The Vegetarian Society’s initiative to send vegan food boxes to food banks. Visit vegsoc.org/campaigns/donate-today-to-send-outcrucial-food-to-food-banks to find out more.
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 25
26 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Nutrition
COMPASSIONATE NUTRITION
Our Future Normal campaign zooms in on the compassion that underpins our lifestyle. The practice of excluding animal products from our diets is an obvious form of compassionate eating. However, there are a variety of ways we can nurture kindness towards ourselves and others when we view nutrition through the lens of compassion.
Weight discrimination and stigma The negative impact of these issues in our society cannot be underestimated. We can all help to address weight discrimination and stigma by seeking to respect and value all bodies regardless of size. Regarding obesity, the British Dietetic Association encourages the media and other organisations to embrace the following approaches when communicating about this topic: • Recognise that obesity is a complex chronic health condition influenced by multiple individual and external factors • Avoid combative language, e.g. ‘the war on obesity’ • Use positive imagery and first-person terminology, e.g. ‘we’. These guidelines are food for thought. Everyone can benefit from taking steps towards better health from a place of acceptance and positivity.
Food relationships Keep in mind that many of us have complex relationships with food and our bodies. For example, commenting on people’s portion sizes or weight loss or gain may have a negative impact on their self-compassion. Language plays an important role in our relationship with
food. It’s helpful to steer clear of using labels like ‘bad’ to describe foods that we are encouraged to limit, such as takeaways and confectionery. Instead, you can use factual descriptors such as ‘high-salt’ and ‘highly processed’.
Nourishing kindness When we make dietary changes for better health, it’s sometimes difficult to stay positive through the ups and downs. Reflecting on how you are taking care of yourself and others through nourishing choices may be helpful. Seeking out opportunities for positive food experiences can make a big difference too. Cooking and enjoying a tasty, nutritious meal with someone can give both of you a mental and physical boost. You may also find it rewarding to have a go at growing your own food, even if it’s something as simple as windowsill herbs. Mindful eating is a valuable skill too, and involves practicing increased awareness of your senses, thoughts and feelings during and after you eat. Here are some useful techniques: • Tune into your body’s signals throughout the day, so that you are less likely to experience extreme hunger or extreme fullness • Create a relaxing environment for eating • Take more time to chew, savour your food and pause • Recognise any links between your mood and food without judgement.
Take-away tips • Use positive and factual language when discussing topics relating to food and weight • Develop the skill of mindful eating to increase your awareness and enjoyment • Seek out positive food experiences, such as growing your own food and cooking and eating with someone else. Tips about getting the most out of your vegan diet are available at vegansociety.com/nutrition. Heather Russell, Dietitian
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 27
VOLUNTEER HUB Kaya Gromocki Supporter Services Coordinator (Volunteering, Engagement and Outreach)
This global crisis has no doubt taught us many lessons. For me, it has reinforced the value that volunteers bring to society. Across the world, volunteers have given up their time, energy and, in some cases, even risked their own safety to help others. People never cease to inspire me, and when the time is right, I look forward to supporting more of our Vegan Society volunteers to continue to do their own valuable work. For many of our volunteers, it has not been possible for them to undertake their usual roles due to necessary lockdown restrictions. However, this does not mean that they have stopped helping in their local areas, advocating for veganism or developing skills that they can bring to their volunteer roles in the future. In this issue we are taking the opportunity to catch up with some of our volunteers to find out what the past six months have been like for them.
Office volunteers You may remember Alice Wibberley from ‘Volunteer of the Season’ in Issue 1 2020. Alice usually volunteers in our office on a weekly basis to work on The Vegan Society’s archive. While office volunteering has not been possible, Alice has been focusing on university deadlines. Despite this being a challenging time, a silver lining for Alice was that she did get to spend more time with her family. This meant that she could cook them some new vegan dishes she’d been perfecting. Alice says, “I have now mastered the challenge of making tofu crispy yet flavoursome, and my family enjoyed it so much that it became a weekly staple!”
Alice Wibberley’s lockdown curry
28 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Volunteers
During the pandemic I wanted to prioritise my health by making time to exercise, whether it be a home workout or a quick attempt at a run. I also spent more time cooking new vegan meals for the family, which they loved. Lockdown wasn’t always easy, so this really helped keep a routine and a healthy lifestyle. - Chloe Bowen
Chloe Bowen has volunteered with the Digital Communications Team, during which she wrote a series of blogs for our website. She has recently moved to Sheffield to study for her MA in Journalism so she will no longer be able to volunteer in our office. However, she is keen to keep on writing for us from the safety of her new home. Chloe says, “During the pandemic I wanted to prioritise my health by making time to exercise, whether it be a home workout or a quick attempt at a run. I also spent more time cooking new vegan meals for the family, which they loved. Lockdown wasn’t always easy, so this really helped keep a routine and a healthy lifestyle.”
residents.” He added that since March, he has been involved in producing and running 17 ad campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, which has resulted in about 1500 people visiting websites that educate people about veganism. Ronnie has also taken part in many online interviews and discussions within the vegan community, where he has stressed the importance of grassroots vegan outreach groups for the achievement of a more vegan world.
Community Network Evie Sier is a Community Organiser who volunteers as part of the Community Network in Sussex. She has missed campaigning face to face with the public, although she also feels that it has been good to have a break. During this period, Evie has done a great job of keeping in touch with her Community Advocates. She tells us, “I have had a couple of Zoom meetings with the Advocates and we have set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch. I also had a socially distanced gathering with some vegans in my immediate area. We met on the promenade with a vegan takeaway.” Community Organisers are supported by Community Advocates. Vicky Littlejohn is an Advocate from Sussex who works with Evie. For her, the experience of shopping as a vegan during lockdown stood out. Vicky says, “I think many vegans have been lucky in lockdown. During the panic buying stage, a lot of vegan-specific food was left untouched! Obviously, this doesn’t apply to vegans reliant on food boxes – they have been horribly neglected.” Another of our Community Organisers, Ronnie Lee from Worcestershire, has managed to find alternative ways to continue advocating for veganism throughout the pandemic. Ronnie says, “When the lockdown started, my local vegan group, Wyre Forest Vegans, of which I am Coordinator, switched to advertising on social media to take the vegan message to local
Socially distanced vegan gathering in Bournemouth
Online activism For some volunteers, not being able to carry out their usual tasks has only served to highlight how much they enjoy interacting with the vegan community. Before the pandemic, Ann Lloyd had been attending events on behalf of The Vegan Society for many years. Ann rightly pointed out that despite what a strange time this has been for everyone, “animal cruelty hasn’t been suspended”. Ann added that she has continued to email companies about vegan issues and sign relevant petitions: “I’ve really missed volunteering for The Vegan Society at events. The interaction with folk to promote veganism is such a fulfilling experience. Hopefully we can all get back together very soon!” To find out more about volunteering for The Vegan Society, visit vegansociety.com/volunteer.
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 29
Volunteers
VOLUNTEER OF THE SEASON Zanele Dlova is the Social Media and Digital Content Volunteer for the Communications Team. Zanele was able to continue to support us remotely during the pandemic, and her work during this time has been invaluable.
Can you tell me a bit about your background and what led you to volunteering? I decided to become vegan because I want to live a life that extends empathy and compassion to all non-human animals. It felt wrong to ignore the pain and suffering animals go through for the sake of needless human consumption. Also, scientific data has shown that people at all stages of life can live a healthy vegan life without exploiting animals for food. In my quest to learn more about veganism, I decided to apply for the Social Media and Digital Content Volunteer role.
What has been your proudest moment in your volunteer role? My proudest moment has been to work as a contributor to The Vegan Society’s social media platforms. One of the responsibilities is to engage with our followers and keep our social media platforms updated daily. Getting to work in a professional work environment alongside an accomplished Digital Communications department has helped me to develop the necessary skills and confidence to work as part of the team. Knowing that the work I do contributes towards supporting the vegan community has been one of my proudest achievements.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during the pandemic? Lockdown has given me the time to try new recipes and hone my cooking skills. It’s been relaxing having time to cook everything from scratch. My other hobby is photography, so
30 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
I’ve really enjoyed having more free time to spend in nature and to see the spring flowers in bloom.
What has it been like to volunteer remotely? I decided to continue volunteering throughout lockdown as a way of maintaining normalcy for all our supporters. The lovely comments we received across our social media platforms were inspiring and showed resilience.
Why do you think others should support The Vegan Society? The Vegan Society serves as the first point of contact for advice and support for new and old vegans in our communities. Having a trusted resource where people know they can get information that is based on scientific research and informed by experts is essential. It’s a place where new vegans can get reliable information to succeed in staying healthy and vegan for life. It’s also an excellent resource for individuals wanting to learn about sustainability and the pivotal role veganism plays in helping to reduce the impact of climate change.
Lockdown provided an opportunity to reflect on the world we live in. What lessons stood out for you? The killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests highlighted the importance of speaking up against social injustice and standing up for what you believe in, so that society doesn’t become complacent.
Adverstisement
Want to advertise here? For advertising in The Vegan, contact Wendy Kearns at: advertising@vegansociety.com
32 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Fundraising
FUNDRAISING Donating in memory of a loved one
We recently received a generous £1000 donation made in memory of one of our dedicated supporters – Mark Raverty, of Dumfries and Galloway. Mark had been an avid vegan campaigner for over 30 years and attended events all over the UK. His sister Pat tells us that he was extremely dedicated to the movement and that it was an important part of his life. Mark ran his own vegan Facebook page and had many followers. His family have received some lovely messages from vegan members and are so pleased he will be remembered in such a positive light. If you knew Mark and want to send any messages on to his loved ones, please contact us using the details below. If you sadly lose a loved one who was a supporter of The Vegan Society, making a donation towards the movement they felt so passionately about can be a lovely way to remember them and celebrate their life. To speak to us about making a donation in memory of a loved one, please contact Ruby using the details below.
There is plenty of time ahead of these dates to start training, and we will provide plenty of support to keep you going and help you fundraise. Every penny you raise will help us expand our campaign reach and promote a vegan lifestyle. Brighton Marathon – 18 April 2021 Great Manchester Run 10K – 23 May 2021 Great North Run – 12 September 2021 Great Bristol Half Marathon – 19 September 2021 Great Scottish Run – 3 October 2021 You can find more details on all these events by visiting our website or contacting us. If you would like to take on a challenge and support The Vegan Society in 2021, please contact Ruby on 07932630084 or ruby.jones@vegansociety.com.
Running for veganism This year has seen hundreds of events across the country cancelled, with thousands of charities losing out on funding that would have been raised through marathons, bike rides, swims and more. Thankfully, we now have new dates confirmed for all the runs that we have charity places available in. They have all been postponed to 2021, to dates when the organisers feel they will realistically be able to hold events again with safety measures in place.
Charles and Lisa running to support our work
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 33
Research
ANIMAL-FREE RESEARCH How Animal Free Research UK is responding to the coronavirus pandemic
This year Animal Free Research UK (formerly Dr Hadwen Trust) celebrates 50 years as the UK’s leading medical research charity working to create a world where human diseases are cured faster, and without animal suffering. Since 1970, the charity has awarded £10 million in grants to over 260 medical research projects, advancing the development of human-relevant research for diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and even Covid-19. This pandemic has taught us valuable lessons in resilience, collaboration and adaptation – all of which Animal Free Research UK applies to its work.
Human-relevant solutions As the lockdown was announced in March, Animal Free Research UK created a Rapid Response Fund to support animal-free research for Covid-19 related projects in search for human-relevant solutions to the pandemic. One of them – a novel testing kit – is making significant progress in determining whether people who have the virus are infectious. It is animal-free because it replaces the use of proteins from bovine blood serum with a synthetic equivalent. The test quantifies the presence of active viral particles, as opposed to simply detecting inactive, non-infectious ones.
Its development is underway at the University of Exeter in collaboration with local NHS and clinical facilities to ensure it provides an accurate and faster reading at patients’ bedsides, and to predict the outcome on an individual basis. Most importantly, Animal Free Research UK’s approach in dealing with the pandemic is to transform the way medical science progresses in the future. A new agenda for change is emerging that is galvanising decision makers to reconsider business as usual. Prioritising human-relevant approaches is the way forward, whether in search of effective testing, innovative treatment or a life-saving vaccine. Sadly, countless animals are suffering in Covid-19 related research, but there is a glimmer of hope. Given the urgency of the crisis, for the first time trials of potential vaccines were fast-tracked to humans in parallel with animal tests to save human lives faster. With 90% of new drugs that have proved promising in animal tests failing in human trials, this sets a powerful precedent and the first step away from outdated reliance on animal experiments.
A golden opportunity This global emergency has forced pharma and regulators to reconsider what is truly necessary to deliver safe and effective health solutions as quickly as possible. Traditional animal tests are too slow and unlikely to meet the ambitious goal of a vaccine or treatment within a year. For Animal Free Research UK and its supporters, this is a golden opportunity to transform medical research to save animals from suffering and achieve medical breakthroughs more quickly. Visit animalfreeresearchuk.org to learn more.
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 35
Rights
RIGHTS CONFERENCE
This year’s Rights Conference took place online, with attendees from all over the world
Due to the pandemic, The Vegan Society’s International Rights Conference 2020 took place online. The event reached full capacity, with attendees from all around the world. The conference was held in association with The Portuguese Vegetarian Association and Portugal’s Animal Alliance. We kicked off with Nuno Alvim of the Portuguese Vegetarian Society and Elisa Nair of Portugal’s Animal Alliance explaining how their respective organisations aim to advance veganism in Portugal. Nuno Alvim is well known for his contribution to bring about legislation for vegan food to be provided in all public institutions throughout Portugal. An important function of Elisa’s organisation is training chefs and certifying catering outlets that veganise dishes on their menu. Elisa is also a lawyer and explained the work she has been involved with to formally register the complaints of vegans who have not had equal access to state funding food support.
Catering for Everyone Sabrina Ahmed, who leads on our Catering for Everyone campaign, explained the variety of ways The Vegan Society supports and provides information to public bodies such as schools and hospitals, and how the campaign to create greater access to healthy, nutritious plant-based food is grounded in human rights and anti-discrimination law. A new speaker this year was vegan MEP Francisco Guerreiro, who explained how many European Union regulations were relevant to the concerns of vegans and advancing veganism. In relation to the EU, Ronja Berthold, Head of Public Affairs at the European Vegetarian Union, and Marie Laffineur-Pauchet in France, explained how restricting plant-based food producers from using traditional words to describe plant-based vegan foods
was not grounded in evidence and is counterproductive to supporting the obvious consumer shift towards plant-based food. Animal lawyer Adam Karp gave an overview of veganism and law in the USA. Adam explained how a newly formed ‘vegan religion’ known as ‘Relonism’ had been recognised in the USA as being worthy of protection in court. Dr Carlo Prisco spoke about the situation for vegans in Italy, and Angel Radich in Australia explained the complexities of accommodating vegans under Australian law.
Equality law A familiar conference speaker was Ralf Muller Amenitsch from Germany, who explained his work on the committee to produce an international standard for vegan food labelling. Ralf confirmed that an international standard would be published by the end of 2020. Speakers from the UK included Jordi Casamitjana who talked about his recent legal case that confirmed vegans in Great Britain are protected under equality law, Edie Bowles from Advocates for Animals, who gave an overview of the protection for vegans in education, Dr Jeanette Rowley who spoke about how vegans have been unfairly investigated under counter terrorism safeguarding policy, and trainee solicitor Jess Swallow, who explained that hunting continues despite being illegal, while those who campaign to have the law upheld are unfairly targeted as extremists. Dr Jeanette Rowley, Chair of the Network, congratulated the conference production team. She commented that shifting to an online conference was certainly a challenge, but the team’s commitment, dedication and professionalism prevailed, ensuring an exceptionally well-presented threeday event.
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 37
Promotional feature
SHOPAROUND
Shop with confidence for products registered with the trusted Vegan Trademark
Soul Skin Skincare Soul Skin is a vegan skincare brand really making a difference, especially to those with sensitive skin or looking for gentler skincare. The whole range has been registered with the Vegan Trademark and uses organic ingredients and no parabens. Soul Skin offer a seven-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely happy with your purchase and are currently offering 20% off until 30 November 2020 using the code ‘VEGAN20’. Shop the range at soulskin.net.
The Nutty Group Nutty Nibbles If you’re looking for a quick, healthy snack to keep you going through work or school, or when you’re out and about, the Nutty Group’s Nutty Nibbles have got you covered. Available in 13 delicious flavours, including Pumpkin Pie, Almond Spirulina and Ginger Bread, all of these high-protein energy-boosting balls are vegan and gluten-free. They contain no refined sugars and are certified organic. The nibbles come in handy pocket-size plastic-free jars. Available on Amazon, eBay and thenuttygroup.co.uk.
Nutrivy Organic Turmeric Complex If you’re suffering from aching joints, whether it’s due to demanding workouts, aging, poor sleep or stress, Nutrivy’s Organic Turmeric Complex with Ashwagandha could bring you some relief. The capsules are certified organic and registered with the Vegan Trademark. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and ashwagandha which can help to reduce stress and boost physical performance. The products are free from artificial flavours and colours. Available at nutrivy.co.uk.
Mars Oat Drink Joining the popular Vegan Trademark registered Galaxy Oat and Bounty Coconut drinks is the new Mars Oat Drink. Bursting with a rich chocolatey taste and a hint of caramel, the vegan Mars Oat Drink has the bonus of no added sugar. With the success of their vegan confectionery line in 2019, which included the launch of Galaxy Vegan (also registered with the Vegan Trademark), Mars Wrigley is clearly dedicated to growing their plant-based offering. Mars Oat is now available at Asda.
38 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Promotional feature
Natural Health Practice Hair, Skin and Nail Support Wanting to get healthier hair, skin and nails all in one go? Natural Health Practice Hair, Skin and Nail Support is designed to help do just that. A unique combination of vitamin C, biotin, zinc and other essential nutrients all in one capsule, the formulation is specifically created to target hair, skin and nails. The supplement is free from sugar, dairy, artificial sweeteners, colours and flavours. Available at naturalhealthpractice.com.
Pieminister Moo-less Moo Another hearty vegan pie launched this October in the form of Pieminister’s Moo-less Moo pie. A plant-based version of their beef and ale pie, the Mooless Moo contains sustainably sourced jackfruit ‘steak’ cooked in a dark stout gravy. Pieminister’s pies will now come in new windowless boxes made from 100% recyclable cardboard, as the brand takes steps towards a more sustainable production line. Available nationwide at Pieminister restaurants and online at pieminister.co.uk.
Ila Spa Body Oil for Vital Energy Ila Spa Body Oil for Vital Energy is one of Ila Spa’s hero products, beloved by beauty editors and tired customers alike. Deeply nourishing, the uplifting blend of wild-crafted juniper berry, rose geranium and rosehip seed oil not only smells exquisite, but works to combat stress, leaving you better prepared for whatever life might throw at you. It’s formulated to make skin feel fortified and protected and your spirits feel lifted. Available at ila-spa.com.
Superdry Vegan Trainers Autumn/Winter 2020 sees the introduction of Superdry’s vegan trainers – a perfect expression of style with a conscience. The coveted designs have been registered with the Vegan Trademark and rigorously tested to ensure that all ingredients, raw materials and components do not contain any animal products or byproducts. 33% of the upper shoe is made from recycled materials and the trainers have been stress tested over 250,000 times to ensure durability. Available now at Superdry stores and superdry.com.
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 39
Buy Online
BUY ONLINE In light of Covid-19, we are doing everything we can to ensure that our webshop continues to operate as usual. However, this is a constantly evolving situation, and we may encounter some issues sourcing stock in future weeks. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
My Vegan Travels: Comfort Food Inspired by Adventure by Jackie Kearney RRP £16.99 – our price £5.99 A food lover and keen traveller, Jackie Kearney became a favourite MasterChef UK finalist in 2011 thanks to her creative approach to vegetarian and vegan cooking. If there is one thing that Jackie loves to cook most, it is those comfort food classics that can satisfy any hunger pangs – and in this collection of vegan recipes, she shows how easy it is to do that as part of a plant-based diet.
500 Vegan Dishes by Deborah Gray (Hardback) RRP: 9.99 – our price: £6.99 500 Vegan Dishes is a brilliant collection of animal-free recipes providing tasty dishes
for all occasions including breakfast, family meals, food for entertaining and baked treats. Some are vegan adaptations of familiar dishes, and others are specifically created to show vegan food at its very best. Within these pages you will find 500 recipes that would impress even the most sceptical omnivore.
Vegan Chocoholic by Philip Hochuli. RRP: £15.99 – our price £12.99 From classics like Sachertorte or chocolate amaretti to new creations like almond and chocolate panna cotta, chocolate sushi, chocolate yoghurt and chocolate focaccia with rosemary and sea salt – this book has it all! You can also find simple recipes for delicious desserts, cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies and cheesecakes. For each recipe, there are icons that show at a glance whether the recipe is gluten-free, sugar-free or soy-free – very useful for quick reference. There is also information on the level of difficulty and time required to make the dish.
Buy any of the books above between 1 November 2020 and 31 January 2021 and receive 10% off by simply entering the code ISSUE4SHOP2020 at checkout (vegansociety. com/shop) or quoting over the phone when placing an order (0121 523 1730).
40 | The Vegan Issue 4 2020
Events
EVENTS Covid-19 disclaimer: the following information is accurate at the time of printing. Please refer to the website for each event for the latest updates and always follow government advice.
Portsmouth Vegan Festival Sunday 1 November (10.30am–4.30pm) Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB veganeventsuk.co.uk/portsmouth-vegan-festival
Bath Vegan Festival Saturday 7 November (10.30am–4.30pm) Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU veganeventsuk.co.uk/bath-vegan-festival
VegfestUK London Online Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November london.vegfest.co.uk/online
Manchester Vegan Winter Festival Saturday 14 November (10.30am–4.30pm) Britannia Sachas Hotel Manchester, Tib St, Back Piccadilly, Manchester M4 1SH veganeventsuk.co.uk/manchester-vegan-festival
Rochester Vegan Christmas Market Sunday 29 November (10am–4pm) Corn Exchange, 51–55 High St, Rochester ME1 1LS facebook.com/events/4062460477113599
Great Yorkshire Vegan Christmas Market Sunday 29 November (10.30am–4.30pm) Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD veganeventsuk.co.uk/winterfest-christmas-market
Totnes Vegan Christmas Market Saturday 19 December (10am–3pm) Civic Hall Totnes, High Street, Totnes TQ9 5SF veggies.org.uk/event/totnes-vegan-christmas-market
Exeter Vegan Market Saturday 23 January 2021 (10am–2.30pm) Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter EX1 1BW facebook.com/exeterveganmarket
Issue 4 2020 The Vegan | 41
