The Vegan Autumn 2007 by The Vegan Society

LAB-GROWN MEAT: IS IT THE ANSWER? RAW FOOD: IS THERE A RAW ADVANTAGE? VEGAN FOOD FAIRS: HOW TO ORGANISE ONE LAUNCH OF OUR NEW YOUTH BOOKLET ISSN 0307−4811 03

9 770307 481000

in this issue As we said goodbye to Shambo, the bullock with sacred status, we were forced to think of all the male calves who are regularly taken from their mothers and killed as biproducts of the dairy industry; and of the ones who are transported from country to country and spend their short lives in appalling conditions before they are killed.

NEWS

SHOPAROUND

IDEAS FOR WORLD VEGAN

OUT & ABOUT

SUMMER 2007 HIGHLIGHTS

SO YOU THINK YOU’RE VEGAN?!

CURIOUS VEG & LAUNCH OF YOUTH BOOKLET

It is interesting to note the language that is used in the newspapers: farmed animals are described as livestock ‘which’ is slaughtered or destroyed. Not sentient beings who are killed or murdered. Newspapers even spoke this way about Shambo who had a name!

NATURE TELLS US NOTHING ABOUT VEGANISM

THE RAW ADVANTAGE

LAB GROWN MEAT

Of course the lives of other animals are just as precious as Shambo’s, but for many people his death symbolised the stupidity of fighting diseases by killing animals, instead of solving the problem by simply not farming animals in the first place.

RECIPES

FREE VEGAN FOOD FAIRS

YOUth PAGES

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

NEVER MIND THE BIOFUEL & COUNCIL MEETINGS MINUTES

GROW VEGAN

ONLINE VEGAN

REVIEWS

In this issue we consider the ethics of meat grown in laboratories. Lab-grown meat is not vegan because it is grown from animal derived cells, but would it be morally acceptable to eat it? I don’t think we currently have enough information to answer that question, but it is interesting to keep an eye on developments and wonder if this is the one thing that will stop the farming of live animals to satisfy most people’s taste for flesh.

PEACE NEWS

Of course as vegans we don’t need lab-grown meat to help us live ethically and we are working hard to help people to see veganism as the best option for people, animals and the environment.

EVENTS

NETWORK CONTACTS LISTINGS

CLASSIFIEDS

Rosamund Raha Editor

CROSSWORD COMPETITION

The Vegan Society

Donald Watson House

Local rate 0845 45 88244 Editor Rosamund Raha Design www.doughnutdesign.co.uk Printed by Cambrian Printers on Recycled paper YOUth pages Design Johanna Best Front cover photo iStockphoto, © Kelly Cline

Tel. 0121 523 1730

21 Hylton Street l

Hockley

Fax. 0121 523 1749

Birmingham

B18 6HJ

e-mail: info@vegansociety.com

© The Vegan Society Registered Charity no. 279228 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 Vegan Society 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. The inclusion of product information should not be construed as constituting official Vegan Society approval for the product, its intended use, or its manufacturer/distributor. Contributions intended for publication are welcomed, but unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a SAE.

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News n FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Isn’t it great when you feel you are making a difference? Much of my time has recently been spent on ensuring the Society is compliant with all the employment and health & safety regulations and that we introduce best practice procedures for our staff, but I was on a course to ensure I was up to speed on recruitment and induction best practice when I was interrogated about veganism (her words not mine) by a lady on the course. A few days later I received an e-mail from her to say she has checked out our website and has decided to give veganism a go! I hope I can convert people a bit faster than one a week but every journey starts with a single step. Let us help people make that first step. We must never let the routine work cause us to lose sight of our real purpose: to create a vegan, sustainable and compassionate world. With input from staff and trustees I am preparing a detailed plan for the coming years to guide us to achieve that objective. Council has now approved the following vision to form the basis of the plan: n ‘To make veganism an easily adopted and widely recognised approach to reducing animal and human suffering and environmental damage by means of meaningful, peaceful and factual dialogue with individuals and organizations.

n TELL US ABOUT SAINSBURY’S Staff have been collecting the bar code numbers from Sainsbury’s products that are vegan but not labelled as vegan. When given the bar codes Sainsbury’s are happy to label the products as vegan. So please send us by e-mail, phone or post, the bar code numbers of any Sainsbury’s products that you would like labelled as vegan. Many thanks! (Please see page 1 for e-mail and postal addresses. The phone number to use is: 0121 523 1735).

n OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE VEGAN SOCIETY NEW OFFICES The new national head office of the Vegan Society was officially opened on 31st May by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and Benjamin Zephaniah: the Birmingham-born poet and patron of the Society. They both met all the staff and viewed displays showing the work of the Society. The Lord Mayor welcomed the Society to Birmingham and said ‘Talking to you as I have gone around, talking to Benjamin, Alex and colleagues has dispelled an awful lot of the myths I have had of veganism.’

n By 2017 the Vegan Society will have significant influence with policy makers, kindred organisations and the media. n Via the issues of the environment and global food availability, we will have taken veganism into the mainstream (increasing knowledge and understanding of respect for veganism) within the UK and other targeted areas. n To continue covering, in the Vegan Society’s core activities, the full spectrum of why it is great to be vegan for people, animals and the planet, and to keep in mind our target audiences, with a strong emphasis on reaching, informing and inspiring non-vegans.’ We have limited resources so we must carefully define our objectives, our target audiences and our methods for spreading the vegan message. We need to work at all levels from government departments to local community groups. Your membership and support of the Vegan Society is vital. The larger our membership the more seriously our message will be taken. Working together we can make a real difference.

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After the Lord Mayor’s speech Benjamin made two local people, Barbara Staples and Harry Eyles, honorary Life Members of the Vegan Society in recognition of all the voluntary work they have done to help the Society. Benjamin then performed two of his poems, much to the delight of everyone present. Excellent food and vegan wine supplied by Sibila’s Resaturant was enjoyed by all. The Society is proud to be following on the tradition of promoting veganism in Birmingham, which was started in 1898 when the first vegetarian hotel, restaurant and health food shop opened in Corporation Street.

n SPORTS NEWS

n NEIL LEA 1958 - 2007

Karen Woodhams Campaigner Neil Lea passed away on 10th July 2007 after a long fight with illness. Despite being in and out of hospital for the last few years, Neil took every chance to campaign for animals right up to the end.

Based in Wolverhampton, Neil lived simply so that he could dedicate his life to pioneering new ways to end animal suffering, empowering people to get active or go vegan. Neil didn’t talk about what needed to be done, he worked tirelessly to make it happen. Tens of thousands of leaflets and booklets produced by Neil have been distributed on stalls and at demos. Neil also founded Animal Rights Coalition (ARC) meetings and ARC news as a way of encouraging local groups to work together. With his wife Mary, Neil took campaigning in new directions, starting groundbreaking campaigns to show the world how easy and fun it is to live cruelty-free. These included Realfood, Vegan Buddies (to pair up new and experienced vegans), and the website isitvegan. They also organised some of the first free vegan food fayres. This fantastic method of campaigning has caught on all over the country and even spread abroad to places like Sweden. His dedication and determination were, and remain, an inspiration to hundreds if not thousands of people to get active. His examples and sacrifices have brought an end to animal suffering years closer. He will be greatly missed.

n US PRESIDENT HOPEFUL IS VEGAN One of the few vegans in the US Congress, Dennis Kucinich, is running to be the Democrat Party candidate for the US President in the 2008 race. Kucinich says his conviction that ‘all life on our Earth is sacred’ led him to veganism many years ago. Some of his key policies include: US cabinet-level advocacy of animal rights, much stricter controls on animal farming, urgent action on global climate change, support for local food systems, and increased incentives for organic farmers. In July 2007, Kucinich was rated highly in online polls for his policies on global climate change. In 2003, he was awarded the Gandhi Peace Award by the organization Promoting Enduring Peace. See http://kucinich.us for more information.

As a passionately sporty vegan myself, I believe that vegans performing in sport offer another excellent opportunity for raising the profile of veganism and are living proof of the sustainability of the vegan lifestyle. It is with great pleasure that I have been asked to collate the results of competitively sporty vegans and of sporting events. Great thanks to all who have contributed their results for this edition and anyone who wishes their achievements to be published in the future please sent them to veganfruitbat@aol.com Vegans have been particularly active in running, powerlifting and strongman this year. Congratulations to Vegan Runners team who came 4th at Bramley 10k; to Matt Woodman 11th (out of 780) at Wimbledon 10k, 21st (out of 1327) at Stafford Half Marathon, and 5th (out of 394) at Triffic Trail 10k; John Morgan for completing his first ultra-marathon the Jurassic Coast Challenge; and to Michelle Quaid (17 years old) at the Sussex school championships senior girls 3000m in Crawley. For more in-depth details of vegan runners’ races, results and upcoming events you may visit their website: www.veganrunners.makessense.co.uk/index.html Vegan strongmen have also hit the novice competition scene proving that a vegan diet is as viable for strength and size as any other protein-rich diet. Congratulations to Alexander Dargatz, Jonathan Robinson, Joni Purmonem and Brian Cuninghame at the First Timers Strongman competition, also to Joni and Jonathan at the Fraserburgh Strongman Competition and furthermore Joni, Alex and Brian at the Severn Valley Strongman competition. We look forward to more strongman exploits. In a different branch of strength: congratulations to Patricia Reeves 2006 World Powerlifting Champion in the senior female 44k bodyweight class, which she won in Kinsale, Ireland, last November. She has since maintained her title with British Drug-Free Powerlifting Association (BDFPA) at the West Midlands Championships, British Championships, European single lift championships and also her unequipped title with the British Weight-lifting Association (BWLA). Also congratulations to Karen Woodhams for her debut in the BWLA at the North-West Open unequipped powerlifting competition for setting NW division records for under 23years-old female 67.5k weight class. Also of note the bigger than ever attendance on VeggieSnow week in March this year at the excellent resort of La Rosière where vegans of all abilities skied or snowboarded in the beautiful and very snowy Alps. The www.veganfitness.net forum has also seen a repeat of its hugely successful Strength Weekend friendly contest and is preparing for its third vegan fitness sports week to be hosted in Amsterdam.

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Shoparound Johanna Best and Verity Hunt-Sheppard

n CLIVE FOOT NATURAL AND BIODEGRADABLE HAIR CARE These great hair care products are made using organic herbal ingredients, all naturally preserved with essential oils. The whole range is wonderfully scented, suitable for most hair types and completely biodegradable, so these vegan products are formulated with people, animals and the planet in mind.

Orange and Cider Shampoo costs £7.95 for 200ml. Sunflower and Tea Tree conditioner costs £9.95 for 200ml. www.clivefoot.com Tel: 0114 2668100

Reader offer! Buy 2 Shampoos, get 1 Conditioner free, until 30th September 2007.

n THE FRY’S THE LIMIT FOR BEANIES! Not only do Beanies distribute the delicious B'Nice rice cream featured in our last issue, but also fantastic products from Fry's, such as vegan burgers and nuggets that make even nonvegans lick their lips. New to their range is Fry's vegan mince in gravy. Perfect for all your favourites like bolognese sauce, lasagne and shepherd-less pie, it maintains its great consistency throughout cooking, and tastes delicious. Ethical Consumer magazine has given the Fry's range a high ethical rating too, which makes this food taste even better! Fry's vegan mince costs £2.79 for 380g. www.beanieshealthfoods.co.uk Tel: 01489 574 593

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n SAMUEL SMITH It's nearly autumn, so what could be nicer than a cool glass of Samuel Smith's organic cider after bringing in the harvest, raking the leaves or, less romantically, a day at the office? This lovely medium dry Organic Cider has a light body, clean apple flavour and a gentle apple blossom finish. If you haven't popped your fruit beer cherry yet, then now's your chance with their Organic Cherry Fruit Beer a smooth marriage of mature and complex organic ale with pure organic fruit juice. It's 5.1% ABV though, so don't quaff it like it is just cherry pop, or you might get a bit fruity yourself! Both drinks are available from independent retailers and pubs and cost between £2 and £2.50. Tel: 01937 832225

n B NEVER TOO BUSY TO BE BEAUTIFUL Glam kittens will just love, love, love these cosmetics, perfumes and gifts from B! Exquisitely packaged, every product feels like a little gift so whoever uses them can but feel special. Chaps too have their own minty, spicy range in fun (and much less girly) packaging. Pressed Eyeshadow costs £7.50. Cocktail Perfume in handmade bottle costs £48. If you can't make it to one of the B shops with their signature boudoir feel, then feast your eyes on www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com (with clearly marked vegan products) or call 01202 493 789 for mail order .

All Shoparound products have been authenticated as

n BABYCAKES DIRECT Babycakes delicious range of sumptuous goodies include Banana, Coconut & Lime Cake, Ginger and Pineapple Cake, Spicy Apple Muffins, Carrot and Cinnamon Muffins, Chocolate Cake, Coffee Cake and many more. The cakes are deep, generously filled and iced and have unadulterated luxury written all over them! For those with a savoury palate Babycakes also have a range of savoury scones that are incredibly moreish. Wheat-free and gluten-free available. www.babycakesdirect.co.uk Tel: 07951 215121

n VEGETARIAN SHOES AND BAGS

n ANN ELISE SKIN CARE Made from sustainable wild or organically grown plants, chosen for their gentle yet powerful skin and lifeenhancing qualities, this delightful range includes: Pure Magic Moisture; Relief from Eczema - a beautiful oil to relieve itching and restore and moisturise your skin; 'JOINT&MUSCLEeeze’ - a blend of plant oils specifically designed to ease pain from stiffness in joints and muscles; deodorant scented with bergamot and rose; as well as cleanser, toner and colloidal silver. Shampoo and sunscreen are also due to join this line of naturally wonderful products, all of which are pure enough for even sensitive skin.

Ladies and gentlemen, be sure that you are correctly attired this season with the stylish and cruelty-free range from Vegetarian Shoes and Bags. The hip VS&B on line store features a dazzling range of - you guessed it shoes and bags, as well as beautiful accessories for every occasion. This environmentally conscious, modern company also offers footwear that supports earth-friendly values with brands such as Earth Shoes, Ecolution, and Simple Shoes. Satin Fashion Heel costs $39.99 (USD). www.vegetarianshoesandbags.com

Vegetarian Shoes and Bags are giving away a stylish shoulder bag to one very lucky reader. The Classic Messenger Bag by Ecolution is a hip and versatile bag made from the finest organic hemp. To enter, and to read the terms and conditions, please visit www.vegetarianshoesandbags.com, between 15th August and 31st October.

‘JOINT&MUSCLEeeze’ costs from £7.50 for 50ml. Natural Deodorant costs £6.00 for 60ml. www.anneliseskincare.co.uk Tel/fax: 01304 368298

n BOURGEOIS BOHEME For high fashion vegan accessories check out Bourgeois Boheme’s gorgeous range of shoes, bags, belts, wallets, purses, gloves, jewellery items and even ipod muffs! Exclusively made items ranging from smart faux lizard belts and wallets to cute floral and butterfly purses, as well as killer heals and flats too! Bourgeois Boheme also feature stylish lines for men, from the super suave to the more casual. Absolute luxury for fashion loving vegans. Look out for their new footwear range coming soon! Visit www.bboheme.com

Competition!

n MEDITERRANEAN FOODS FOR A PARTY MOOD Whether you are holding your own gettogether or want some tasty vegan nibbles to take to someone else's party, Mediterranean Foods’ new Deluxe Party Platter is the perfect solution. The ready-to-serve platter, comprising a delicious selection of dips, two varieties of kebabs, Dolma and Falafel, is part of a convenient and exciting range of dips, salads and sandwiches. They are available from independent supermarkets and other grocery stores such as Whistle Stop, Budgens, and Fresh & Wild. Vegan Party Platter costs about £12. www.mediterraneanfoods.uk.com Tel: 01227 830132

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All Shoparound products have been authenticated as

n FREERANGERS Freerangers' deliciously comfy vegan shoes come in two lovely new colours: Rose and Baked Earth. Also new is a 100% hemp shopping bag, handmade in the UK. You can find many other brilliant vegan shoes, accessories and skin care products in their catalogue (call 01207 565 957) or on line at www.freerangers.co.uk . Freerangers will be at the Incredible Veggie show in Glasgow in September, which will be a great opportunity to try on those shoes you always fancied, test their lotions and kit yourself (or your male loved ones) out in vegan sporrans and kilt belts. Ladies’ Laurel shoes costs £66. The Incredible Veggie Show will be held at Strathclyde Suite, Level 3, Royal Concert Hall, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow on Saturday 29th September between 10.30am and 4.30pm

n TOTAL RAW FOOD – SUPERFOODS AND SUPER CHOCOLATE! When chocolate is vegan it's great, when chocolate is vegan and raw and full of delicious superfoods, such as goji berries and mesquite, it's fantastic! These gorgeous raw chocolate bars from Total Raw Food are made with high quality raw chocolate and sweetened with raw agave nectar, a low GI alternative to unhealthy refined sugar, so you can treat your body with nutritious gifts of nature whilst getting your chocolate fix.

n SPARITUAL SpaRitual combines luxury with a spiritconscious philosophy bringing us this line of beautiful hand, body, foot and nail products made using specially sourced organic plant essences and presented in ecofriendly packaging. We are particularly excited about this line as the nail polish, which come in a range of exciting modern and classic colours, is the first to receive the Vegan Society trademark! New to the collection of 12 unique Nail Elixirs, which are free from toluene, formaldehyde and DBP, and 72 custom blended DBP free Nail Lacquers is the seasonal collection: ‘intuitive’. The ‘Intuitive’ collection of 12 bottles of nail lacquers costs £39.95 + VAT each.

The Real range includes: Real Gold with a mesquite crunch, Real Silver with ionic silver & suma, Real Red with whole goji berries, Real Purple with purple corn and Real Blue with blue green algae. A 38g bar costs £2.25. Available from many health food stores and www.TotalRawFood.com or call 0700 340 1233.

www.sparitual.co.uk Tel: 0808 202 0855 (Freefone)

Competition! SPAritual are giving away 5 ‘Intuitive’ collections with a range of blacks, chocolates and mocha sheer creme lacquers. Please send your name and address to us at The Vegan Society before 28th September. The first 5 entries to be picked out of the hat will win one of these fantastic prizes. Please mark your entry 'SpaRitual Competition'.

n SHEA BY NATURE Made with 50% shea butter, coconut oil and palm kernel oil, this moisturising liquid soap makes a luxurious skin softening shower gel and face wash. African black soap has been traditionally used in parts of Africa for centuries and is excellent for more sensitive skins. Beautifully scented with essential oils and fairly traded too. www.africanblacksoaponline.co.uk Tel: 07716853180

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WORLD VEGAN DAY:

HOW YOUR DIET COULD CHANGE THE WORLD

orld Vegan Day is Thursday 1st November 2007. The focus is still on the environment: the United Nations says that animal agriculture emits more climate change gases than transport! Find out more in the Vegan Society booklet: Eating the Earth.

It’s packed with facts to help you to show people that omnivorous diets do much more damage to the environment than vegan diets.

n Write a letter to the local media about World Vegan Day and the environment use our Eating the Earth booklet for quotes. n Put up posters and give out leaflets organise a stall, or try your library, community centre, school, health centre, day care centre, church hall or community notice board. n Offer free talks about being vegan - you could talk to local schools or colleges about vegan nutrition.

Ideas for World Vegan Day n Help people see the vegan positives: delicious food and good company, all helping to protect the planet, and to free up food for people who have too little.

Our new Education Officer Rob can offer support. n Local radio stations and newspapers will often advertise local events for free.

n Send round a ‘Happy World Vegan Day’ e-mail to all your friends with a link to The Vegan Society website if possible.

n Afterwards, send pictures of your event to your local newspaper, and to Rosamund at The Vegan

n Celebrate with a vegan meal for non-vegan friends: at home, or at a local restaurant. How about vegan-themed music and games too? n Get active! Prove how fit you are with a sponsored walk or swim. n Join forces with your local independent health food store, and arrange a ‘tasting day’ - you may be able to get free samples from manufacturers. n Challenge the caterers - ask for vegan options that everyone can enjoy at your school, college or work place. n Join local green groups such as Friends of the Earth, and share local, seasonal, vegan food and information with them.

Society: editor@vegansociety.com

So why not organize an event on or around 1st November? Please contact The Vegan Society Information Department: UK local rate telephone: 0121 523 1736 or e-mail: info@vegansociety.com for advice, and copies of booklets and posters. Or check out the WVD website: www.worldveganday.org

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH OUR VEGAN CAMPAIGNERS For complete listings of Vegan Society Local Contacts and Local Groups, see pages 38 to 40

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

VEGGIE PRIDE 2007 The seventh annual Veggie Pride demonstration took place as usual on the third Saturday in May in Paris. Participants of all ages from all over France, other European countries and the US marched while carrying banners and chanting the now well-known slogans ‘you can live without killing’, ‘not in labs, not on plates, justice for animals’ and ‘we are all animals’. Virginie from Bordeaux explained the concept of Veggie Pride: “Unlike in the UK and Germany for example, in France vegetarians are often ridiculed, so people who don’t know any other vegetarians have a hard time and find it very motivating to have this opportunity to proclaim that they have made a valid and defensible choice to be vegetarian or vegan for the benefit of animals.” The event continued for the rest of the weekend with information stalls, discussions, films, music, dancing and of course delicious food. The full report, photos and videos can be seen on www.veggiepride.org/fr/cr2007. php

my own forward to having a great time (at At the time of writing I’m looking merfest in Sum old and new at the annual Veg expense, as ever) with friends both late. too it’s re befo ld to veganize the wor Pennsylvania while figuring out how it at first, it and cultures’ looked a daunting rem Whilst ‘veganism in other countries ed by inat dom gly asin ertaking in a world incre now seems an entirely natural und different y man in ns vega by n show The enthusiasm global forces and global threats. l of leve the has been a real inspiration, as has cultures, both at home and abroad, n vega the ional Outreach Fund to help contributions to our new Internat ld. wor g lopin movement in the deve with the abroad starting their own societies It’s always good to hear of members no more e’s ther and ety world’s first Vegan Soci support and encouragement of the Narayan kar Shan by ded foun , iety Vegan Soc impressive example than the Indian ival in Fest an ing the 11th International Veg just a couple of years ago and host to 6 October this year. Murdeshwar from 30 September ncil and past and present members of VS Cou A sizeable UK contingent, including venue, val festi the to galore and thence by road Staff, will travel via Mumbai to Man non and e peac for ch mar in the world. The next to the largest statue of Shiva be a will ) Day als Anim ld Wor ber, Octo hday (2 violence to all life on Gandhi’s birt to the vegan us excursions and tours, including vario the will as , sion occa le memorab ’s your now India to g goin ve always dreamed of community at Auroville. So if you’ 9. 745 928 7 t or ring 020 chance! See www.ivu.org/veganfes etarian catered for at the 3rd Asian Veg Further ahead, vegans will be well .tienfoor.com. www See er. emb an, from 3 to 7 Nov Congress in Kaohsiung City, Taiw king hard at faiths and cultures have been wor Society members from a variety of the Young of ta Meh Nitin g events abroad. home in the UK as well as supportin y different man from ns vega ther brought toge Indian Vegetarians and Vegans stion of que d Department of Health on the vexe backgrounds to engage with the es. hom care and itals vegan food in hosp animal ingredients in medicines and nal. Jour ical ceut rma Pha subject for the He also wrote an article on the and Jain Mehta represented the Hindu, Sikh Nitin and h Sing eesh Jagd Jay Ashra, s while mal Ani for Inter-Religious Fellowship communities at the launch of the ch a laun will ) logy Eco for t Independent Trus Hall, Lalu Hanuman of KITE (Karibbean way at Con the Environment on 1 September new Coalition for Animals and . ents lopm rmation on any of these deve London. Contact me for further info action is now imperative, If international and multi-cultural rse and more nowhere is the community more dive its famous Soho Road with enthusiastic than in Birmingham, Patron Benjamin ety Soci an Veg immortalized in verse by headquarters in the Zephaniah and the Society’s new been greatly assisted to Jewellery Quarter, where we have Vegetarians and am ingh settle in by members of Birm bers and friends from mem ng seei to ard Vegans. I look forw the event in a wide a variety of backgrounds at 2 September (details on Birmingham’s Martineau Gardens ival on 19 August. Fest an Veg on Lond from BVV) and at the ator Patricia Tricker, International Coordin

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THE WORLD IS WAKING UP TO ECO-VEGANSIM – LET’S BE THE ALARM CLOCK Sophie Fenwick-Paul, Network Contacts Coordinator Two years ago I never saw the ‘eat plants for the planet’ message in the media. Now every week it is out there. The world is waking up to animal farming hammering the environment and being the largest single contributor to climate change. Recent eco news items on the activeg.org website for active veganising have included: n MOBY HITS OUT Eco-friendly vegan pop star Moby has hit out at organisers of the Live Earth concerts for selling meat. n FOE UNDER MORE PRESSURE ON MEAT/DAIRY PRODUCTION Redditch Vegetarians and Vegans have recently helped Redditch Friends of the Earth to draft a Motion which should be presented at the FoE Local Groups Conference in September. n SHEEP FARMING IS CONTRIBUTING TO THE FLOODING The large and increased number of sheep grazing on the UK’s lowlands and highlands is pushing up the rate of run-off and subsequently increasing flood risk. What we can all do is raise awareness of the fact that eating yummy vegan meals is about the best thing you can do to save the planet. You could even get involved with your local FoE or Greenpeace group and help raise the profile of eco-veganism across the environmental movement. The big eco charities are seriously influential in changing public behaviour through the media and government. Let us influence them! This ActiVeg article by StevieP shows how big this need is.

FRIENDS OF THE EARTH’S BIG IGNORE by Stephen Fenwick-Paul (StevieP) at www.activeg.org Friends of the Earth are still ignoring the biggest cause of climate change: meat consumption. Members of FoE have received the latest edition of their supporters’ magazine Earthmatters and once again FoE’s top dogs have refused to mention the single action that any of its supporters could take to greatly cut their environmental footprint and massively reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases: eat vegan. This is like publishing the church newsletter and accidentally missing Jesus out.

BRISTOL VEGAN FAYRE The Bristol Vegan Fayre in 2006 was so good that organizers Yaoh decided one day was not enough: June 2007 saw the first ever Bristol Vegan Fayre to last the whole weekend. There was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the weekend with a constant stream of educational talks and workshops and fun entertainment. Workshops covered everything from Sandra Hood on bringing up vegan children to Stephen Walsh on vegan nutrition and an inspirational talk from Alex Bourke. Staff from The Vegan Society did a workshop on vegan campaigning, if you would like the fact sheets we used please get in touch at e-mail: info@vegansociety.com or telephone: 0121 523 1736. They cover the following topics: general campaigning tips, school talks, media and free food fayres. The cookery workshop tent included a participatory workshop by Sophie Fenwick-Paul with delicious food for kids. Tony the Tosser divulged the secret of perfect pancakes and Kate Wood did a wonderful raw food demonstration. Music from a wide selection of bands including The Beat who closed the weekend with old favourites from the 1980s like Mirror in the Bathroom. Many campaigning groups took part in a fun fashion show and vegan escapologist David Straightjacket only just got out of his chains in time. Yaoh - who organised the fayre - estimate that over 9,000 people attended. All in all a brilliant event and one that The Vegan Society was very pleased to sponsor. There were many opportunities for vegans and potential vegans to learn more about living a vegan lifestyle, in a happy, relaxed atmosphere. A provisional date of June 7-8 has been arranged for next year’s Bristol Vegan Fayre. More details from www.bristolveganfayre.co.uk

Once again, there is no mention of the UN’s groundbreaking report Livestock’s Long Shadow. Why not? FoE seems afraid that telling its members to go veggie would break the resolve of those hard and fast environmental warriors resulting in spur of the moment 4x4 purchases. If FoE put forward the facts of consuming livestock products in a clear and forceful way we know its members would act in the thoughtful and responsible way they have always done. The grass roots of FoE understand the issues. I filled in an environmental footprint calculator produced by Reading’s FoE group. The first question, and most significant factor, in the questionnaire was ‘Do most of your meals contain animal products?’ The membership have even voted at FoE’s AGM to promote a plant-based diet, but where’s the resulting action?

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

ANY OCCASION ANY EXCUSE - LET'S MEET AT CHAI PANI.... WINNER OF THE BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT 2007 AT PAT CHAPMAN’S GOOD CURRY AWARDS

VEGAN SOCIETY SUMMER 2007 HIGHLIGHTS

EVENTS SPONSORED & FUNDED BY THE VEGAN SOCIETY

BLIND/PARTIALLY SITED MEMBERS

n Bristol Vegan Fayre

We are now e-mailing The Vegan magazine in Microsoft Word format to blind and partially-sited members. If you are blind and have software that can read the articles to you please ask for this free service.

n The London Vegan Festival

n A vegan stall and materials printed in Welsh at the Eisteddfod n The 11th International Vegan Festival in India

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

FUNDED

Funded an Indian version of ‘Why Vegan’ for the Indian Vegan Society.

A letter was sent to the Department of Health regarding their representation of veganism in the booklet Birth to Five. They have responded stating that they will contact us for advice when their revisions are made later this year.

EDUCATION

MEDIA n Media release about the opening of the new Vegan Society HQ by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and Benjamin Zephaniah. n Letter about vegetarians/vegans published in the Metro newspaper.

Resources for school speakers are currently being produced and letters about the CD-Rom (free to schools) and offering free school talks will go to all secondary schools in the country. School speaker training sessions will take place in October and we plan to distribute review copies as widely as possible.

n Double page on veganism and the environment in the Birmingham FOE magazine.

WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS

n Don’t Send a Goat article went on the Ethical Pulse website.

Responded to Defra’s Climate Change consultation document.

n Advert and comments in Green Parents magazine (special vegan issue).

DISPLAY MATERIALS Organised the purchase and production of stunning new display materials for stalls and exhibitions.

BRISTOL VEGAN FAYRE Information Department staff ran a workshop about methods of campaigning at the Bristol Vegan Fayre.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

SO YOU THINK YOU’RE VEGAN?! John Davis

veryone reading this knows what veganism is. Even

to exclude’: it is an attempt to exclude animal products, it is

my dictionary knows: a vegan is ‘a person who does

not the act of flawlessly doing so. It wasn’t possible to

not eat or use animal products’ (The Concise Oxford

avoid animal products entirely when the vegan movement

Dictionary).

began, and it isn’t now. So if, on occasion, we find that we have consumed something containing an animal product, or

And yet, put a group of vegans in the same room, and

need to take a medicine containing an animal product, this

sooner or later a discussion will begin about what it means

is no reason to give in to feelings of guilt, or consider

to be a vegan. Are you a vegan if you still wear your old

ourselves no longer a vegan as a result. Secondly, the

leather belt? Are you a

definition places emphasis

vegan if you eat eggs that

not on dogmatic adherence

your rescue hens have laid?

to the avoidance of all

What if you eat a meal a friend has carefully prepared thinking that it is vegan, but which you discover contains honey? Are you a vegan if you took medicine containing an animal product when you were ill? A strict vegan will be quick to say no. Vegans do not eat or use animal products, so if you do so, you are not a vegan. End of story. But if this is the case then it raises the question, who is a vegan?

“Veganism ‘seeks to exclude’: it is an attempt to exclude

animal products for its own sake, but in order to avoid exploitation of animals. And it is this aim of avoiding

animal products, it is not the

exploitation of animals that

act of flawlessly doing so.

Of course, most of the time,

is of primary importance. the way in which we can

It wasn’t possible to avoid

best avoid animals being

animal products entirely when

to avoid animal products.

the vegan movement began,

the examples I gave at the

and it isn’t now.”

exploited for our benefit is But consider again one of start of this article: a friend, knowing that you are vegan, spends time and effort

Is there really anyone out

preparing what they think is

there who has not, at one

a vegan meal for a dinner

time or another, knowingly or accidentally, used or consumed an animal product? I doubt

party. Unfortunately, it contains honey, which they had not realised was not vegan.

it. The sad truth is that it is simply not possible to live in a modern Western society as a perfect vegan. So does this

So you have two options available to you. You can refuse to

mean that there are no vegans on this planet? Of course not.

eat the meal, thereby maintaining your veganism. All right, so you offend your friend, leaving them with the impression

Let us turn instead to the Vegan Society’s definition of

that vegans are ungrateful and fanatical, and of the opinion

veganism: ‘Veganism may be defined as a way of living

that they won’t bother making the effort in future. Or you

which seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practical, all

can thank them for their thoughtfulness, eat the meal in the

forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food,

knowledge that everyone else is enjoying a virtually vegan

clothing or any other purpose.’

meal whereas, had you not have been present, they would have been eating meat, and perhaps, if the opportunity

There are, I believe, two things that are very important to

arises, point out that honey is not actually strictly vegan,

note in this definition. Firstly, it accepts that it is not

opening up the opportunity to talk about veganism to

possible to avoid animal products entirely. Veganism ‘seeks

people who might not otherwise have considered it.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

Personally, I know which option would seem most to ‘reduce the exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals’. Similar reasoning, with the emphasis on minimising cruelty to animals, can be applied to the other examples I mentioned. Personally I would probably not eat an egg laid by a rescue hen, since to do so would promote the idea that it is acceptable to eat eggs, which in general causes harm to animals. And similarly, I would not wear even a second-hand leather belt as it promotes the idea that it is acceptable to wear leather. But I am aware that there are reasonable counter-arguments which say that is better to eat the egg than let it go to waste, and it is better for people to use old leather products than throw them away. However, although there is not always an easy answer, what is clear is that if, in these instances, through your decision you are attempting to ‘reduce the exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals’, you are acting as a vegan. Veganism is an attempt to minimise animal cruelty through avoiding animal products. It is not always possible to avoid all animal products, and there may even be circumstances where one could argue that it is better not to do so. But in my opinion that does not mean that if one does, knowingly or accidentally, occasionally use an animal product, then one is no longer a vegan. I think an appropriate analogy can be found through comparison to religion. A person may still call themselves a Christian even if, on occasion, they sin. And a person is still a vegan if, on occasion, circumstances force them to consume an animal product. For in the final reckoning, the root of veganism lies not in avoiding animal products: that is simply a result of veganism. The essence of veganism is the attempt to ‘reduce the exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals’. That is what is important.

Note: This article considers veganism to be synonymous with ethical veganism. I am aware that there are those who are vegan only for health reasons, and for those people, other definitions of veganism might be held as being of paramount importance.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

CURIOUS VEGETABLES: SWEET PEAS Veg man Bill Laws reveals the secrets of fresh - and frozen - peas

I’m embarrassed by the crop of peas on my allotment. On my neighbour’s plot the haulms rise in an enticing wall of fresh, pea green foliage. On mine, sporadic germination and a hot spring has produced a gap-toothed row of pigeonchewed stalks. Looks like we’re out of luck on the first-peas-ofthe-season race this year. Pea-racing is traditional sport. The US president Thomas Jefferson was a committed pea-racer at his Virginian home, Monticello. The object of the race was to invite your neighbours round for supper in mid-May and be the first to serve up fresh peas. We like peas like we like chocolate. And for good reasons: peas, like parsnip, beetroot and sweet corn (the name says it all) contain that winning, sweet-toothed ingredient, natural sugars, in abundance.

You can’t buy ‘fresh’ peas. The sugar content starts to fall within minutes of picking the pea. By the time they reach the shop shelf they have lost their essential flavour. Clarence Birdseye cracked the secret of fast freezing peas so as to preserve their sugar content. He mastered the technique in chilly Labrador (temperatures of 50% were normal) after watching how Eskimos fast froze their food. And he made a mint. The wonderfully named Marjorie Merryweather Post, rich heiress daughter of a food processing magnate, stumbled on the impoverished Clarence’s fast freeze technique during a yachting holiday along the Massachusetts coast. She sent ashore for fresh food, Clarence provided provisions and she paid $22 million for the idea, which she marketed as Birds Eye. Clarence retired on the proceeds to devote himself to his favourite subject, hydroponics. Spade, Skirret and Parsnip - The Curious History of Vegetables, by Bill Laws (Sutton Publishing).

YOUTH BOOKLET LAUNCH Please find enclosed a copy of our new funky Youth Booklet filled with well-referenced information about why it is a good idea to go vegan. It explains how to go vegan and gives great recipes and cooking tips. There is also advice about how to deal with the reactions of family and friends if they are not initially supportive.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

NATURE TELLS US NOTHING

ABOUT VEGANISM Stephen Fenwick-Paul

hen early philosophers were faced with

Using The Right Words

tricky questions such as ‘why do things fall

rather than rise up?’ they responded, without

It is often argued that we are not designed, or meant to

embarrassment, ‘it is in their nature to do so.’

eat meat. To many vegans this will seem a reasonable and

Such a response now would rightly be ignored and

firmly based assertion, but it’s not. Firstly, we need to

more deservedly ridiculed. Slightly more

throw out the words ‘designed’ and ‘meant’ because both

sophisticated versions of

imply intention and unless

the ‘nature’ and ‘natural’

you have fundamentalist

argument are still

ideas of divine creation, we

deployed in many

must replace those words

arenas of debate and frightening frequently in vegetarian and vegan diet discussions. A Meaningless Argument Some vegans claim that it is natural for humans to eat only vegetables, while some meat-eaters claim that it is natural for humans to eat meat (often quoting Desmond Morris and the Savanna hypothesis). Both sides then set about cherry-picking human anatomical features to substantiate their claims. If you ever find yourself in an argument where your opponent is using the same argument as yourself to prove the opposite you

“Some vegans claim that it is natural for humans to eat only vegetables, while some meat-eaters claim that it is natural for humans to eat meat (often quoting Desmond Morris and the Savanna hypothesis). Both sides then set about cherrypicking human anatomical features to substantiate their claims.”

with the only word that can apply: ‘evolved’. Evolution bestows upon all life capabilities which improve those organisms’ chances of reproducing. There is no design or intention, no plan, no set of morals or ethics in evolution, just the smallest reward in reproductive success that comes with chance variations in DNA. Substituting the word ‘evolved’ for ‘designed’ the above arguments begin to show their weakness. What do we mean when we say a species has evolved to or not to do something? We know that a sparrow has evolved to fly because it can do so: there must be an evolutionary advantage to the sparrow in flying in order

should have a strong

to survive in the struggle for

suspicion that one of you,

life. We know that penguins

or most probably both, are

would not gain an

failing to understand your own reasoning.

evolutionary advantage from flying from the fact that they have lost the ability to do so (their resources are used to better effect in other ways).

To understand why these arguments are meaningless

In short, we know that a species has evolved to do

we need to break them up into manageable chunks.

something because it can do it.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

Some will argue that because humans may suffer harmful

Beyond stomach juices and claws

and life-shortening consequences from consuming meat or that they do not possess the appropriate claws and teeth to

Why do so many associate the justification of their diet with

bring down a fleeing antelope that this is surely proof

how natural it is?

enough that humans have not evolved to eat meat and hence must be acting unnaturally? Let’s see how these

At the heart of this question is the selectiveness of evolved

ideas apply to other animals. We know that vultures will eat

attributes proponents of these theories put forward. It is easy

meat that lions will avoid because the chances of food

to understand the direct relationship between the ability to

poisoning for them is too high. We know that vultures are

catch and eat meat and our diet – the two are closely coupled

ill equipped to slay their prey and must scavenge.

but so is reproduction and rape. Our species is not simply a

It would be ridiculous then to argue that it is unnatural for

well evolved eating machine. Our success as a species is not

vultures to eat meat because

down to our ability to consume

they lack the appropriate

food – there are and have

offensive weapons and for

been many other species that

lions because they lack the appropriate digestive system to consume the most rank of meats. The fact that dolphins are considerably better swimmers than humans is not an argument to stop humans swimming. To some this may be sounding like an outright attack on veganism, but it is not, it is an attack on badly formed and irrelevant arguments. To state it clearly: humans have evolved to eat meat (as well as eat

“An evolved ability does not lead directly to its moral acceptability. We can easily see why this is so by replacing to eat meat with some other human traits such as to steal, to lie, to rape, to

vegetables).

war, to murder, etc. For

The often presumed

all these we readily pass

implication of this statement, that if we are evolved to do something it must follow we should do it, is where the

laws to either stop or limit their use in some form.”

have been far better hunters and gatherers than us - it is in our ability to act sociably. The mental skills required to thrive in large interdependent groups are immense: complex language, empathy, extended notions of kinship, sympathy, loyalty, revenge, logical thought, justice, enhanced reciprocation to name but a few. When we look for the justification for our morality the least important places to look are in the vestiges of anatomical inheritance from some ancient ancestor - such as the length of our canine teeth – where we should be looking is in the evolved mental characteristics that let us understand the distress we cause to our victims and the

logical mistake hides and not

impact of choices on our

understanding this error is

environment and our bodies.

why many vegans so passionately object to the

One can imagine a far distant

above statement. An evolved ability does not lead directly

planet where the dominant intelligent and communal species

to its moral acceptability. We can easily see why this is so

has evolved directly from a carnivore ancestor. Yet their

by replacing to eat meat with some other human traits

intelligence gives them an empathy with their prey and an

such as to steal, to lie, to rape, to war, to murder, etc.

understanding of their environment that in time sees the

For all these we readily pass laws to either stop or limit

adoption of veganism as the inescapable moral and logical

their use in some form. Therefore it is clear that an

choice.

evolved characteristic does not confer moral acceptance other considerations need to be made before one can

The justification for veganism is not that of diet but is to be

claim an act is moral or immoral.

found in our minds.

The Vegan Vegan ll Autumn Winter 2003 2007 The

17 17

THE RAW ADVANTAGE Sarah Best

Why is it good to eat them raw?

arah Best is the editor of Get Fresh! magazine which is

published by The Fresh Network, a company which sells a huge selection of ingredients, gourmet

“People who

nutrients and the action of heat

switch to a highraw diet typically report massive

nature intended, take little energy

improvements in

in return – along with the highest

energy levels,

polluted world where many of us

immunity, mental

been more important to get our

events for people interested in this lifestyle. For more information see www.freshnetwork.com. Do you wake up most days bursting with energy and ready to conquer the world? Are you happy with your weight despite the fact you eat what you want, when you want? Do you rarely, if ever, succumb to colds or other infections? Do you feel and perhaps look younger than others your age? Does all this sound too good to be true? It isn’t – not if you discover raw food! You may have heard that raw is ‘in’ and you may even know someone who eats only raw food, or is a ‘raw fooder’. It is becoming an increasingly popular choice but it’s no fad diet. It is a return to eating the way nature intended. But remember, you don’t have to

taxing for the body to deal with. Raw foods, meanwhile, are as

high-energy living and also organizes educational and social

on food molecules can also create harmful substances which are

foods, books and kitchen equipment related to high-raw,

Cooking can destroy essential

clarity and emotional disposition.

to digest and give a lot of energy levels of essential nutrients. In a lead stressful lives never has it daily dose of raw nutrition. But raw foods are so powerful that some people feel worse not better when they start eating more of them. This is because of their cleansing effect and the fact they

Other common

mobilize toxins from deep within

bonuses are

elimination are in perfect tip top

better digestion, effortless weight loss and looking years younger.”

the cells. Unless your organs of condition when you start piling the raw goodness in, you may find yourself in a healing crisis which at best is unpleasant and at worst can be dangerous. So if you are suffering from any specific health complaint or have ever had an adverse reaction to eating raw food, it’s advisable to seek the

eat all raw to start seeing some

a d v i c e o f a n a p p ro p r i a t e

serious benefits.

practitioner before changing your diet. The benefits will be well

If you are already eating a plant-

so if you eat a lot of processed

based diet, that is an enormous step

food, or if you eat most of your

in the right direction. But the fact

food cooked, you can take your

People who switch to a high-raw

you can now get an animal-friendly

health to the next level by choosing

diet typically report massive

version of just about anything is a

a diet rich in whole foods and

improvements in energy levels,

double-edged sword. It is very easy

including an abundance of raw

immunity, mental clarity and

to be a junk food vegan these days

fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

emotional disposition.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

worth it!

Research suggests that when foods

Other common bonuses are better digestion, effortless weight loss and looking years younger: a highraw diet not only slows the ageing process but in many cases even reverses it! Another frequently reported effect is consistently experiencing a high like no other – a natural high that no artificial substance could ever provide. Some people report these benefits only when they are eating most or all of their food raw. Others find the big rewards kick in as soon as they eat more raw food than cooked – i.e. around the 50% mark. But the beauty of raw food is that however much (or little) you choose to include you will benefit. If you currently eat one piece of

“The raw part of your diet can be made up of not only fruits and vegetables but also nuts, seeds and various sprouted foods, including grains and legumes.”

are sprouted, nutrient levels can increase significantly. Many people I’ve spoken to report that a light bulb went on in their heads when they first heard about raw food; they just knew it was something that would change their lives. If you think that a high-raw diet sounds right for you, plan to get there in small steps – ironically you will get there much faster than those who try to do it in one big leap. Whether you want to be a bit more raw or a lot more, make use of all the fabulous resources out there which include: books which will tell you everything you need to know

fruit a day and your only experience

about raw food versus cooked;

of salad is the piece of lettuce you

recipe books with everything from

put in the bun with your vegan

salads and smoothies to gourmet

burger, you will feel better if you

creations such as raw lasagne, raw

upgrade that to two pieces of

chocolate, and raw ice cream;

fruit a day and a real salad.

raw support groups (both online and offline); raw food coaches;

Do you own a juicer or walk

raw food preparation classes;

past a juice bar on your way to

raw dinner parties, and a whole

work? If so, could you work a

selection of other events, both

fresh, raw juice into your daily

educational and social.

regime? Or what about a fresh fruit smoothie for breakfast? Trade secret: use avocado in place

Vegan Society Disclaimer

of tofu. You don’t taste it but it gives it a wonderful creamy consistency and is packed full of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, enzymes, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Blend half an avocado with half a banana and a cup of any fresh, juicy fruit you choose and you’ll be in smoothie

“There is not enough evidence to recommend that a complete raw food diet would benefit health. A raw food diet would not be recommended for infants and children who need to ensure adequate calories for growth and development”

heaven! The raw part of your diet can be made up of not only fruits and vegetables but also nuts, seeds and various sprouted foods, including

If you eat only raw food, a vitamin B12 supplement is necessary as unprocessed raw foods are not fortified with B12.

grains and legumes.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

LAB-GROWN MEAT Jason Matheny from New Harvest interviewed by Rosamund Raha

ew Harvest is an organisation which funds research into growing meat in laboratories from animal cells grown in culture. When I caught up with Jason Matheny from New Harvest he pointed out that ‘there is nothing intrinsic to cultured meat that is more harmful to animals than ploughing a field of soybeans. Muscle cells don’t have feelings, any more than carrot cells have feelings’.

How will laboratory-grown meat be safety tested?

However, I was still concerned: wouldn’t obtaining the initial cells from animals involve cruel and intrusive procedures? What would be the environmental impact? Here are some of the replies he gave to my questions:

wrote that, ‘Fifty

Where are the original animal cells obtained from? The cells come from established cell lines, which were obtained years ago from animals. In theory, you could get all the cells you need by painlessly sticking a needle into the legs of a few farm animals. The proliferative potential of the cells is so great, a few cells could satisfy the world’s annual demand for meat. What are the difficulties in developing this new technology? The biggest challenge is cost. Culture medium (the nutritious soup that is used to grow the cells) is very expensive. What is the nutritious soup made of? The Dutch company we are funding to develop the ‘meat’ are using animal-free media, but as I said it is expensive. You can read more about the media at: www.ptemag.com/pharmtecheurope/art icle/articleDetail.jsp?id=408851

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

For purposes of FDA review, it’s not clear that cultured meat will require safety tests as a novel food, as there are no novel ingredients. However, as with other foods (including vegan ones)

“In 1932, Churchill

years hence we shall escape the absurdity of growing a whole chicken in order to eat the breast or wing by growing these parts separately under a suitable medium.’ Clearly he was overly optimistic.”

there would need to be some safety testing of food batches for sterility, using traditional microbiological assays (which don’t involve animals). What will be the ecological footprint of developing this labgrown meat and will there be any polluting waste products? It’s a good question. Since the technology isn’t finished, we don’t know what the ecological footprint would be. It would be significantly lower than meat. With traditional meat, only 10% of what you put into the animal gets converted into something people eat. The rest is lost to metabolism and inedible structures, like bone or neurological tissue. With cultured meat, you’re growing only that which is edible. My guess is that the energy requirements and waste products would be about the same as processed meat substitutes. Are many different ‘meats’ being grown? Tissues from cows, pigs, chickens, and turkeys have been grown in vitro. When will laboratory-grown meat be available? If you want a $100,000 burger, you can have it now. The problem is economic: if we can find a cheap culture medium, then cultured meat will be competitive with regular meat. I have no doubt that such a medium will be discovered, but it’s hard to predict when. My guess is five to ten years. But predictions about technologies are notoriously inaccurate. In 1932, Churchill wrote that, ‘Fifty years hence we shall escape the absurdity of growing a whole chicken in order to eat the breast or wing by growing these parts separately under a suitable medium.’ Clearly he was overly optimistic.

What effect do you think laboratory-grown meat will have on people’s attitudes to livestock farming? I think that cultured meat could reduce the psychological cost of adopting a more benevolent ethic towards animals. Right now, few people are willing to become vegetarian or vegan. The dietary change is too disruptive for them. Food and events around food are so central to our culture and humans evolved a strong appetite for meat - or something that tastes like meat - because of its nutritional importance in our ancestral environment. Our appetites haven’t adjusted to the modern environment in which we can easily satisfy our nutritional needs on a plant-based diet. Meat substitutes (and eventually cultured meat) allow people to satisfy their appetites and social traditions without causing misery. Aristotle wrote that ‘When looms weave by themselves, man’s slavery will end.’ When meat can be grown without animals, 99% of animal slavery will end.

Who is funding your research?

“Aristotle wrote that ‘When looms weave by themselves, man’s slavery will end.’ When meat can be grown without animals, 99% of animal slavery will end.”

The research is paid for by the Dutch government, Dutch universities, a subsidiary of Sara Lee, and other private donors. The Dutch government has shown great foresight. They recognize that the problems caused by livestock farming cannot be tolerated indefinitely. Would the meat contain all the same vitamins and minerals that meat taken directly from dead animals contains? B12 would have to be added, as it is to other vegan foods. Would it contain all the saturated fat that regular meat contains? Cultured meat needn’t contain any fat. But for palatability you might have to add some fat. You could tailor the meat to have an ideal fatty acid profile. This could be meat that saves you from a heart attack, rather than giving you one. More information can be found on the New Harvest website: http://www.new-harvest.org

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

RECIPES Helen Edwards

EASY CHILLI Serves 4

Place bouillon, oil and yeast extract in a large bowl (dip spoon in hot water before measuring out the yeast extract to help prevent it sticking to the spoon). Pour on boiling water, and mix well until everything has dissolved.

1 tsp vegetable bouillon 1 tsp rapeseed oil

Add beer (or wine) and tinned tomatoes and mix.

200ml boiling water

Add tvp to bowl and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes, while you prepare the vegetables.

200ml beer (or wine)

Heat oil in a large saucepan.

1 tsp yeast extract

1can (400g) tinned tomatoes 75g dried tvp 2 dstsp rapeseed oil 1 medium white onion, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Add onion to pan, cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add garlic, celery and chilli flakes and cook for further 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Add tomato puree and mix well.

1 tsp chilli flakes

Add the soaked tvp and liquid from the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2 dstsp tomato puree

Add sweetcorn and kidney beans to pan and cook for 5 minutes.

2 sticks celery, finely chopped

6-8 tbsp sweetcorn, frozen or tinned 1 can (240g) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 200ml non-dairy milk

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

Add to pan and stir thoroughly to mix. Serve hot with fries or rice.

CURRIED LENTIL SOUP Asian influences lift the classic lentil soup beyond its hippy veggie stereotype. The addition of ginger and Indian curry flavours transform the flavour of this nutritious soup, while keeping it simple and quick to prepare. Serves 4 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 medium white onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tsp curry powder 0.5 tsp ground dried ginger 1 litre stock (or water) 200g red lentils Heat the oil gently in a large saucepan. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes, continuing to stir. Add spices to the pan and, stirring continuously, fry for 30-60 seconds. Add the stock and lentils to the pan. Stir to mix, then cover the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are tender.

PUMPKIN SEED AND APRICOT FLAPJACK A deliciously moist flapjack, with chewy apricot and health-packed pumpkin seeds. Makes 8 110g vegan margarine 45g golden syrup 50g molasses sugar 75g dried apricots, chopped 150g oats 40g pumpkin seeds Place the vegan margarine, syrup and sugar in a saucepan and heat gently, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the margarine has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Add the apricots to the saucepan and stir to coat in the syrup mixture. Add the oats slowly, stirring well to ensure they are coated by the syrup mixture. Add the pumpkin seeds to the saucepan, and stir in to mix. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Lightly oil a baking tray (12cm x 24cm). Turn the mixture into the tray, and press down with the spoon. Place the tray into a preheated oven, at 180Ë&#x161;C, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned on top (although the mixture will still be soft). Allow to cool for a few minutes, then cut into 8 pieces. Allow to cool completely, and store in an airtight container.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

FREE VEGAN FOOD FAIRS Clare Persey

ffering free vegan food in a relaxed social setting can be an incredibly effective way to promote veganism. If you get it right the effect is immediate because you are able to directly demonstrate that it is possible to go vegan and still eat delicious food. People often have stereotypes about vegan food and you can remove these in the time it takes to munch a chocolate cake or nibble a mini-quiche. TIPS/STEPS Book the venue If possible choose a venue on a busy street as this will be very useful for bringing in passing trade. The venue should also be near a residential area because door-to-door leafleting is very effective at bringing in more people. Look for good cooking facilities, e.g. check the ovens, amount of fridge space, and availability of a microwave (these can be invaluable for heating food quickly). Also check if the venue has tables, if not, find some folding ones. Decide what food you want to have on your free buffet Here are a few considerations: Variety is very important. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just serve stodgy main course food; include salads and simple side dishes as well. If possible have wheat- and sugar-free options. It is all too easy to end up with a buffet which predominantly offers wheat-based savouries and sugar-filled desserts. The two major items people say they would miss if they went vegan are cheese and chocolate, so consider putting together special sections for vegan cheese and chocolate.

24 24

The Vegan Vegan l l Autumn Autumn 2007 2007 The

Be aware of food hygiene issues. More details here: http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/re gulation/hygleg

Possible menu items: n Vegetable stews and soups n Vegetable curries n Shepherdless pie n Lasagne n Salads of various types, e.g. rice, green, pasta, couscous, potato n Sandwiches with vegan sheese or pate (possibly donated) n Sausages on sticks (possibly donated) n Burger in a bun (possibly donated) n Mini kebabs (some ingredients possibly donated) n Mini pizzas n Veggie pasties n Mini quiches n Garlic bread n Samosas (possibly donated) n Falafel (possibly donated) n Cakes (chocolate, sugar-free fruit cake, lemon and carrot) n Tofu cheese cakes n Trifle (although this can get pretty messy!) n Ice cream if summer (possibly donated) n Sugar-free energy balls n Chocolates (possibly donated)

Ask companies and local restaurants for donations It’s surprising how many of them will donate. Give potential sponsors the incentive of their details being on the flyer and other publicity. Contact the Vegan Society for a list of companies that have donated to food fairs in the past. Think carefully about what food you want donated or you may end up with a pile of crackers and tasteless flapjacks that you don’t want to use! Consider selling cold and/or hot drinks This could help cover your costs and people are usually more than happy to pay for a drink with all the free food they get in the bargain. Produce a poster and flyer and publicise widely This could include door-to-door leafleting, websites, health-food shops, green shops/groups, colleges and universities, libraries and theatres. It is important to avoid animal rights or vegan lists (otherwise there will be an influx of vegans). Press release to local media Do this about 2 weeks before the event. Also encourage people to write to the local letters page with details of the event; there is a high chance that a letter will be published. Allocating Tasks Find volunteers to cook food, drive food to the event and undertake general tasks on the day including cooking, serving food and leafleting before and on the day. Make sure that you allocate tasks in advance so that people know where they will be on the day.

Design an evaluation form

“Contact the Vegan Society for a list of companies that have donated to food fairs in the past. Think carefully about what food you want donated or you may end up with a pile of crackers and tasteless flapjacks that you

Key questions to ask are whether people are vegan, vegetarian or meateaters, where they found out about the event, whether their diet will change as a result of the fair, what food they liked best, and if they have any other comments. Set up a local group If you wish, the fair can be used to set up a veggie and vegan group in your area, or to get interest for your current group. Create a section on your evaluation form for fair-goers to sign up. On the day Arrive at least 3 hours before the event starts to set up the room and food. Put advertising boards outside the venue. Make sure donation tins are visible. If possible, allocate a couple of volunteers to leaflet with a tray of free food to entice people in (but only after it starts!) Take photos for publicity. After the event Write an evaluation report to help you improve future events. Also write a short press release about the event and send this to local papers, letting them know that photos are available.

don’t want to use!.”

This information was inspired by Vegan Campaigns www.vegancampaigns.org.uk and Realfood www.realfood.org.uk.

Equipment check list Make sure you have all the equipment you need. For example have enough cutlery and crockery (400 plates, knives, forks and spoons to be on the safe side).

Make a recipe booklet based on the food at the event See http://www.vegancampaigns.org.uk/re sources/factsheets.html for great examples.

This is an abbreviated guide; for more information contact The Vegan Society at the usual address.

The Vegan Vegan ll Autumn Autumn 2007 2007 The

25 25

If you are a vegan or vegetarian, keen on the non-exploitation of animals and the environment, an appropriate Overseas Aid Charity to support is

VEGFAM

Registered Charity No.232208 Inland Revenue Ref. XN8555 & XAD67AG (Gift Aid) VEGFAM “FEEDS THE HUNGRY WITHOUT EXPLOITING ANIMALS”

The Fragile Environment cannot support TWO populations – Humans and their Food Animals. Since 1963, VEGFAM has been raising funds to alleviate hunger, thirst, malnutrition and starvation, helping people in over 40 countries, by financing sustainable, self-supporting plant food projects and safe water supplies. VEGFAM helps people to help themselves by providing funds for seeds and tools for vegetable growing projects, fruit & nut tree planting, irrigation and water wells. Emergency feeding in times of crisis and disaster. Food security prevents malnutrition and starvation. Using plant foods is a far more efficient and sustainable way of addressing hunger overseas. VEGFAM is professionally operated, entirely by volunteers, so as much as possible is spent on famine relief projects. GENERAL DONATIONS paid into a/c No. 65023307 00 will be apportioned between: Projects (90%) Administration Expenses (9%) Office Building (1%) The Co-Operative Bank plc, 242 High Street, EXETER, EX4 3QB Sort Code 08-92-90 SUPPORTERS ARE INVITED TO PAY DONATIONS DIRECT INTO THE ABOVE BANK ACCOUNT, ONLINE, OR BY POST TO THE ADDRESS BELOW. For more information (Project News, Bankers Orders, Gift Aid, Legacies), please send an SAE to: VEGFAM, c/o Cwm Cottage, Cwmynys, Cilycwm, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0EU. Telephone 01550 721197 Facsimile by arrangement. Online Giving: http://www.charitychoice.co.uk/vegfam Website: www.vegfamcharity.org.uk Thank you for your support.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

YOUR QUESTIONS

ANSWERED

I am very concerned about the destruction of the Amazon rainforests and I have heard that trees are cleared to grow soya beans. Should I stop eating and drinking soya products to help put a stop to this?

Most of the soya products we buy in European shops such as soya milk, tofu and TVP use soya that is grown in areas that have not been ‘cleared.’ Alpro products for example actually state on the packet that none of the farms they buy from are on cleared land, and all their farmers respect natural crop rotation. To guarantee this Alpro operates an impressive traceability program that goes far beyond the required standards: tracing the beans from the farmer right up to the end product. Plamil are similarly careful to avoid deforestation. However, in some other countries it can be harder to buy soya products that are ‘assured’ as forestfriendly. If you live in such a country, you may wish to mail order long life soya milks or non-GM soya beans and make your own milk. Otherwise you could switch to almond milk, oat milk or other vegetable milks. But to keep this in perspective, remember most soya protein grown in deforested areas is for animal feeds.

To whom do I complain if a false claim has been made on a product, i.e. a product claims that it is vegan, but is not?

Before you make your complaint you should be aware that companies are allowed to claim that a product is vegan even if they state that it may contain traces of milk or other nonvegan ingredients (due to crosscontamination). As long as they do not deliberately put animal ingredients into a vegan product they are on the side of the law. If you decide to complain, start with the company who manufactured the product, as they may be willing to rectify their mistake. If you do not get a satisfactory response from the company, make a complaint to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) which provides guidance on the labelling of vegan food. Whilst it is currently voluntary for businesses to adhere to their guidelines, the FSA are keen to

hear about any breaches so that they can decide whether it is necessary for the guidelines to have legal standing. You could also make a complaint to the Trading Standards Agency. If you see an advert making a false claim then contact the Advertising Standards Agency, this bore fruit in 2005 when Nestlé wrote an advertorial claiming that cow’s milk is essential for good health. After pressure from the Vegan Society, the Advertising Standards Agency told Nestlé that they could no longer run the advert! Please copy the Vegan Society into any letters of complaint and the companies’ responses so that we can update our records accordingly. We may get involved ourselves if we think you have a good case.

Dear Vegan Magazine, I just had to write to congratulate you on the latest Vegan Magazine. The youth pages in particular are much more dynamic and positive, and the whole feel of the magazine is one of colourful creativity. I was particularly struck by Sophie Fenwick Paul's account of being a vegan mother despite all the pressure, and the photo of her gorgeous children disproving all the critics! Vegan mothers come in for a great deal of unfair criticism, and it's great to read of one who stuck to her principles and whose family is flourishing. I found this issue of the magazine very uplifting and positive, and I'd like to thank all concerned. Best wishes, Cathy Bryant, Manchester 30

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

NEVER MIND THE BIOFUEL A personal view by Rosamund Raha

iofuels are presented to us by the government as the solution to meet our fuel needs in the future without changing our way of life. Instead of giving incentives and assistance to people to reduce their direct and indirect fuel use, the government presents biofuels as the technofix solution. Scientists employed by the big food producers like Tyson Foods are looking to convert many kinds of things to biofuel: sugar cane, vegetable oil, pig fat. Growing the crops for these fuels is going to put much more of the world’s land under agriculture (already forests in India, South America, Borneo and Sumatra are being cleared for biofuels). In the case of plant-based fuels the crops will be processed and used directly.

In the case of pigs the crops will initially be used for animal feed and then a small fraction of this plant protein will be converted to pig fat for fuel. This pig fat would normally be used in soaps, cosmetics and pet food: it is not a waste product even for the meat-eating population! As the world’s human population increases and usable land decreases, is using precious land and water resources to grow fuel really a sustainable option? This land is needed to grow food. The only way to grow both fuel and food is to clear even more of the world’s rainforest leading to species extinction, drought (as forests are needed to seed rainfall) and a generally impoverished world.

But actually the problem is worse than this: there is already too much land under agriculture, for a healthy planet we need to actually expand forest and wilderness areas. So instead of increasing land use it would be far better to reduce it by moving over to a vegan diet so that less land is needed to produce our food and more land is available to grow new forests. But it is no good using less land for food if we increase our land use by putting biofuel in our cars: this is counterproductive. The best thing we can do for the environment isn’t to fill gas guzzling cars with biofuels, but instead reduce our ecological footprint by going vegan, recycling, insulating, using energy efficient light bulbs and driving and flying less.

MINUTES

OF VEGAN SOCIETY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Click on FAQ (frequently asked questions) to find instructions for joining.

Improvements in the Vegan Society website have been going on behind the scenes and these have taken some priority, so please excuse the delay.

If your screen is small you may need to scroll down the FAQ page to find the questions to click on. You can then read about how to register at the site and how to notify the Society that you want to be verified as a member, supplying your membership number and postcode. Please use your full name as your user name.

It is important to have a secure login for validated members only, so we have chosen to use web forum software to achieve this. It doesn’t mean there is yet a forum people can write to, as that would take a lot of subscribers and support. We are simply using a forum as a mechanism to post up documents securely.

Please be patient with any teething troubles we have in making this work efficiently. Once you are validated as a member it should be plain sailing every time you want to take a look.

n response to the request of the membership at the last AGM, the minutes of Vegan Society Council meetings are now available on line.

To access the minutes go to: www.vegansociety.com/forum

If you do not have Internet access, ask for approved minutes to be posted to you by contacting the Vegan Society office, as before.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

Vegan Special Offer www.clivefoot.com

Buy 2 Shampoos and you qualify at the same time ( Not Later ), to choose a FREE Conditioner worth ÂŁ9.95, choose either Sunflower and Tea Tree Conditioner or Walnut and Tea Tree Conditioner, you choose which one and it will be sent with your order, even FREE post on this item provided it is sent with the order. Please quote code: VEGANAUT07

GROW VEGAN Pauline Lloyd

AND SO TO BEDS

aised beds lend themselves well to vegan-organic growing; once made, they are not walked on, and crops can be planted somewhat closer together than usual. Autumn is a good time to make raised beds if the ground is reasonably clear. If you want to convert a lawn or weedy area, you will need to clear it first, and this is best started in late spring, although it can be done at any time. How Do I Make the Raised Beds? There are 3 basic stages: Stage 1 Clearing the ground of weeds if needed: This can be done in several ways. Perhaps the best way is to smother them! The soil must be moist before you start. First cut the weeds down to ground level, leaving them on the surface. Then roughly level out any humps in the ground. Next put a layer of thick cardboard down, overlapping it well at the edges (you can get this from furniture shops). Newspaper about 30 sheets thick will also work. Cover this with garden compost, decent quality soil, or in fact any organic material, about 4 inches thick. You can top off the whole thing with a mulch of straw or lawn clippings. The mulch is left in place until it rots down naturally, thus releasing valuable organic matter into the soil which helps to increase the soil’s fertility. If your land is very overgrown, you may need to wait a year for the mulch to work; with a lawn or a patch without perennial weeds, less time will be sufficient. Some perennial weeds may break through, but can be rooted out, replacing the mulch. Stage 2 Measuring out and making the beds: The raised beds are measured out so that the beds are about 4’ 6” wide and are separated by 15” paths but smaller people may find 4’ wide beds and 12” paths are better in order to avoid standing on the soil when working the beds.

Grow Vegan Puzzler Who might sell green waste compost? Send your answers on a postcard to: The Vegan Society (address details on page 1) by 21st September 2007. The winner will receive a copy of A Vegan Taste of Eastern Europe by Linda Majzlik Answer to the Summer Grow Vegan Puzzler: A pond, bird boxes and flowers Winner: Janice Tindall from Bath

The top 4-6” of soil is removed from the paths using a spade and is spread over the bed surface. Frames around the beds are not really necessary, but can be used. The paths can then be covered with a layer of long wheat straw. However, some vegan organic gardeners do not cover the paths with straw. They simply use the paths to grow weeds, which are then cut down and composted at intervals. I do not use straw for paths in my garden, instead I have some weed paths and some grass paths between my beds. You can buy plastic damp-proof course from builder’s merchants to lay on the paths, tucking it well into the soil at each end; this can last for years if you are careful when working.

The ground is now ready for sowing and planting, although there will still be dormant weed seeds there that will germinate, just cut these down with a sharp hoe. A layer of compost can be placed on the surface of the soil if you have any that is ready and large seeds or plants can be put in this layer. If you are not going to plant immediately then sow some green manure. Sometimes, it is possible to buy cheap ready-made compost based on green waste from your local council. Check if your council operates a scheme to recycle shredded garden waste. VON has found that GEM sell a product that is organic, peat free and animal byproduct free; it’s called Gem Natural Earth Multi Purpose Compost and the good thing is that it is stocked by many garden centres, so avoiding large postal costs. It is made from green waste and composted bark. For local stockists phone 01254 356 600 (their website does not list stockists). The product called Gem Soil Conditioner is not animal free. The Vegan News is a friendly on-line magazine run by the author and is well worth a regular look; it has recipes, product reviews, book reviews and as they say ‘much more’. Also there are regular features on vegan-organic gardening, wildlife gardening, and there is a small wildlife database that can be viewed at the website. Find The Vegan News on www.btinternet.com/~bury_rd/ Joining Vegan-Organic Network is another good move for the vegan-organic gardener. Vegans! Remember there is a world of difference between vegan-organic (stockfree) and conventional organic – join VON and help get real vegan-grown food in the shops.

Stage 3 Finally, prepare the beds by cultivating the surface. Then your bed is ready to go! With newly cleared ground the amount of work needed will depend on the soil type; you may need to remove old roots of dandelions or whatever persistent weeds are still there.

Write to: VON, 80 Annable Rd, Lower Bredbury, Stockport SK6 2DF, ‘phone 0845 223 5232 (local rate, 10am to 8pm) or email info@veganorganic.net Visit the VON website and join online at www.veganorganic.net

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

ONLINE VEGAN T

here is a stunning number of sites with vegan information these days. Some provide useful campaigning tools while others can help you with accommodation and all other things vegan.

Here are a few of our favourite sites. The Vegan Society www.vegansociety.com Packed with information about veganism, from recipes to nutrition to feeding your vegan infant. Start here: http://www.vegansociety.com/html/facts/ and work your way round. The site offers a free information pack and a free vegan starter pack. Why not order one for a friend?

RECIPES If you want vegan recipes you can find something for almost every occasion on the internet. Vegan Village www.veganvillage.co.uk/recipes Has a great selection of quick, easy and delicious recipes. IVU http://www.ivu.org/recipes Here you will find nearly 2,000 recipes from around the world. Kakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vegan Cookery Site http://www.earth.li/~kake/cookery One of the first vegan recipe websites. Includes over a hundred carefully-tested recipes, searchable and indexed by type. Veg Cooking http://www.vegcooking.com A fantastic introductory site for new vegans. Although it is American, a lot is relevant to the UK and it is packed with tips, sample menus, recipes and much more. Vegan Lunch Box http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com If you are stuck for ideas for your lunch box this is the site for you.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

ACCOMMODATION & RESTAURANTS Rented Accommodation www.vegcom.org.uk Bed and Breakfast Accommodation www.veggieguides.com and www.happycow.net Restaurants www.veggieguides.com

PET FOOD Vegan/Veggie Pet Food www.veggiepets.com

NOTICEBOARD Vegan Noticeboard www.veganvillage.co.uk/notices.htm A free resource for vegan companies and charities to advertise new vegan products, special offers, job vacancies, events, and other information of interest to UK vegans.

Vegan Forum www.veganforum.com A forum where vegans can discuss a whole range of topics including food, recipes, nutrition and health. It has a special area for those who are new to veganism and want to find out more.

MAIL-ORDER COMPANIES The Vegan Society www.vegansociety.com/catalog The shop section of the Vegan Society website sells books, t-shirts, toiletries, the Animal Free Shopper and more. All profit goes straight to the Vegan Society. All the following companies sell vegan footwear Bourgeois BohĂ¨me www.bboheme.com Beyond Skin www.beyondskin.co.uk Freerangers www.freerangers.co.uk Veganline www.veganline.com Veganstore www.veganstore.co.uk Sell a whole range of goods including shoes, sweets and toiletries. Cruelty Free Shop www.crueltyfreeshop.com This is run by the Dr Hadwen trust so all profit goes to them.

CAKES Blue Lotus www.bluelotusproducts.com Baby Cakes Direct www.babycakesdirect.co.uk Both of the above websites sell delicious vegan cakes.

ONLINE FORUMS Vegan Fitness http://www.veganfitness.net A community-driven message board which seeks to provide a supportive, educational and friendly environment for vegans, vegetarians and those seeking to go vegan. The subject range covers all matters relating to nutrition, food, diet and sport specific information no matter what the activity or the experience level is.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITES Veggies www.veggies.org.uk A great place to keep up to date with events, as Veggies compile the animal rights calendar. They also have an animal contacts directory. Activeg www.activeg.org Stuffed with campaigning ideas and includes a map with all Vegan Society local groups and individual contacts so that you can get active in your area or just meet people socially. Includes a large amount of information on vegan parenting. Vegan Campaigns www.vegancampaigns.org.uk Look here for inspiration, ideas and resources for promoting veganism.

Reviews ALIVE IN 5: RAW GOURMET MEALS IN FIVE MINUTES By Angela Elliott Book Publishing Company ISBN-13: 978-1-57067-202-6 US Price USA$14.95 Reviewed by Amanda Baker ‘Chef Angela’ has a passion: to make raw food exciting and easy for everyone. She deftly sketches her personal experiences of health, creativity and sustainability through raw food. Then, straight into ‘the raw food pantry’, a glossary and shopping list of everything you’ll need for her recipes. Most ingredients are familiar, although for agave nectaro, goji berries and jicama, you’ll need to ask in your local wholefood shop. There are also specific equipment recommendations, helpful raw food preparations tips, useful fruit and vegetable information, and ideas for menus. The book includes over 70 recipes for drinks, breakfasts, appetizers, salads, soups, sauces, main dishes and desserts, with some full colour illustrations. The chef’s imagination has sliced coconut stand in for noodles, lettuce leaves for taco shells, and ground walnut paste for piecrust, as we take a whirlwind tour of world cuisine. The layout is clear, and the instructions concise yet easy to follow (interestingly, most recipes are for 3 portions). To get in under the ‘five minute’ limit, you’ll need to have staples soaking, marinating or ripening. Almost every recipe uses a blender - a quick way to combine flavours, and soften food. This book will make you want to rush home, and... not cook! ... but, just as it says, enjoy gourmet meals with your friends, with just five minutes in the kitchen.

SKINNY BITCH By Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin Published: Running Press ISBN – 10: 0762424931 ISBN – 13: 978-0762424931 Cover Price: $13.95 Reviewed by Verity Hunt-Sheppard Readers may be aware of some of the publicity surrounding this book. First published in 2005 it’s languished in obscurity until Victoria Beckham was photographed with a copy thereby increasing sales by several hundred thousand per cent and pushing it into the top 10 of the Amazon books sales charts. Touted as ‘a no-nonsense toughlove guide for savvy girl who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous’, readers may be curious as to why it is being featured in The Vegan! Well the book promotes a wholefood vegan diet and delivers some very hard-hitting information on food production. Indeed, there is a complete chapter dedicated to the US Department of Agriculture called ‘Have No Faith’ detailing conflicts of interests, the BSE crisis, subsidisation of the livestock industry and allegations of corruption and cronyism. Authors Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, both vegans, pull no punches in telling their readers to stop eating rubbish while speaking of the horrors of meat production and bringing sharply into focus the human race’s illogical consumption of cow’s milk. In terms of healthy eating, it features nothing new, promoting fruits, vegetables pulses and whole grains and telling readers to avoid additives, sugar, caffeine and smoking. There are also a couple of questionable nutritional statements such as a suggestion that Spirulina may contain B12. Some readers will simply not be able to stand the brash style in which this book is written but I must admit to having a soft spot for Skinny Bitch, which, at times, had, me laughing out loud. Love it or loathe it, I feel the book serves an important purpose to get veganism into the mainstream. There is a follow-up publication ‘Skinny Bitch in the Kitch’, essentially the Skinny Bitch cookbook - watch this space!

VEGAN VITTLES: SECOND HELPINGS. DOWN-HOME COOKING FOR EVERYONE By Jo Stepaniak Published: Book Publishing Company ISBN-10: 1570672008 ISBN-13: 978-1570672002 Cover price: £14.99 Reviewed by Verity Hunt-Sheppard Vegan Vittles: Second Helpings is an expansion of the original Vegan Vittles and is written in conjunction with Farm Animal Sanctuary in North America. There is something for everyone here: non-vegans are invited to expand their culinary repertoire while vegans will find a whole array of recipes not typically found in many vegan cookbooks. Being essentially an American cookbook you will find such delights as Yankee Corn Muffins, Orange-Pecan Muffins, Southern-Fried tofu and Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf. It’s not all American comfort food though; there are many dishes that will appeal to the healthconscious and lovers of international cuisine including Green Bean Pâté, Kale and Kraut Sandwiches, Hot-and-Sour Pad Thai Noodles and Moroccan Millet. There is also a section on home-made veggie meats and ’uncheeses’. More than just a cookbook, this book does not assume that all those who might read it are vegan. It shares its message of compassion by introducing veganism to the newcomer, explaining the plant-based substitutions for typical animal products and encouraging everyday activism. Dotted throughout the book are short stories about the animals now living at Farm Animal Sanctuary as well as alternative sayings to the many rather un-vegan ones: ‘It’s no use beating a dead horse’ becomes ‘It’s no use watering a dead rose’! Vegan Vittles is beautiful book that has successfully achieved the genuinely difficult task of appealing to both vegans and non-vegans alike. This would make an excellent gift to any lover of cookery or animals.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

PEACE ACTIVISM AND VEGANISM Milan Rai

n becoming editor of Peace News this spring, one of my first acts was to scout out shops near King’s Cross that supply vegan food and that would be open early in the morning and late at night when the final weekend layout is either starting or dragging to a close. Peace News is by no means a wholly vegan outfit, but subscribing to it back in 1982 was an important part of my political and moral development leading me to become a vegan. Peace News then (and I hope now) discussed a wide range of issues of concern, and raised my consciousness about a lot of things. A friend to whom I sold PN, and whom I badgered into becoming a vegetarian, was later to badger me into becoming a vegan (and then go on to edit Peace News himself). The direct action end of the British peace movement, I discovered, was very vegan-friendly if not vegandominated in many cases. Peace camps around the country served vegan food by default, and peace prisoners seemed to be as likely to be vegan as not. As I became more involved in the international peace movement, however, I found that the picture was very different abroad. In the US, where I’ve done several speaker tours right across the country, vegetarianism often appeared to be outside the mainstream of the peace movement, which puzzled me.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

“Peace camps around the country served vegan food by default, and peace prisoners seemed to be as likely to be vegan as not. As I became more involved in the international peace movement, however, I found that the picture was very different abroad.”

In 2001, I went around continental Europe campaigning against war and sanctions on Iraq. I met some of the most wonderful committed people some of whom viewed my eating choices with bewilderment; others did not. Three places stand out in my memory: 1. In Berlin, we argued with German Green MPs (somewhat unhappily part of the pro-US government at that point) as I ate not very much at all in the MPs’ dining room. 2. In Rome we met people who were carrying out aid projects in Iraq and campaigning against sanctions and war at the same time; they showed me that pizza is just as widely available without cheese! 3. In Lisbon we were hosted by the local anarchist group, who were almost universally vegan, and very familiar with the London political scene (which they found quite inspiring). Being a peace activist and organiser, dealing with arrests and courts and prison as well as writing and speaking and strategizing, I tend to live in a particular small world. I realise there are other, very similar worlds of activism right next door, but I don’t often have time to cross over into them. Being an editor of a paper committed to non-violence as a method, rather than to the peace movement as such, I am having to broaden my horizons and try to pay attention to a wider range of struggles, including those in the labour movement. And I’m having to find a new bunch of shops to get food from!

events

Updated diaries and events information can be viewed at www.vegansociety.com

n SEPTEMBER Compassionate Living Fair

Vegan Society AGM

Saturday 29th September 2007, 11am

Saturday 24th November 2007

The Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meeting House, Hill Street, Coventry,

Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham.

CV1 4AN, West Midlands

For more information check out:

For more information check out: www.animalaid.co.uk

www.vegansociety.com

or phone: (01732) 364546

E-mail: info@vegansociety.com T:(0121) 523 1736

The Incredible Veggie Roadshow (organised by Viva!)

The Incredible Veggie Roadshow

Saturday 29th September 2007, 10.30am-4.30pm

(organised by Viva!)

The Royal Concert Hall, Sauciehall Street, Glasgow

Saturday 24th November 2007, 10am to 4pm

(Strathclyde Suite, Level 3)

Leeds Marriott Hotel, Trevelyan Square, Leeds (Thomas

Free entry, food tasting, cookery demonstrations,

Ambler Suite).

talks, free diet and health advice, stalls, competitions,

Free entry, food tastings, cookery demonstrations,

vegan fashion and footwear, beauty products, books,

talks, free diet and health advice, stalls, competitions,

vegan food products, information and campaign news.

vegan fashion and footwear, beauty products, books,

For more information e-mail: info@viva.org.uk

vegan food products, information and campaign news.

T: (0117) 944 1000

E-mail: info@viva.org.uk

www.viva.org.uk/roadshows07/glasgow.html

T: (0117) 944 1000 www.viva.org.uk/roadshows07/leeds.html

11th International Vegan Festival 30th September â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6th October 2007 RNS Residency, Murdeshwar, Karnataka, India.

n DECEMBER

E-mail Shankar Narayan at: indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com

Christmas Without Cruelty

or check out website: www.ivu.org/veganfest

Sunday 2nd December, 10am - 5pm

T: 020 7928 7459

Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 (opposite High Street Kensington tube station).

n NOVEMBER

The huge range of cruelty-free items on offer means that you can do all your Christmas shopping in one place and eat some delicious food too!

World Vegan Day

For more information check out: www.animalaid.co.uk

Thursday 1st November

or phone: (01732) 364546

Contact the Vegan Society to see how you can get involved

East Midlands Vegan Festival

e-mail: info@vegansociety.com

Saturday 8th December

T:0121 5231736

The Council House, Old Market Square, Nottingham.

or check out our World Vegan Day website:

For more information phone: Phone: 0845 458 9595

www.worldveganday.org

or visit: www.eastmidlandsveganfestival.co.uk

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

VEGAN SOCIETY NETWORK The Vegan Society Network These people are here to help. Simply get in touch. Please report any praise, problems or changes of details. i - for local vegan information and support F - family contact with parenting experience Y - for young vegan support G - group (social and/or active) N - New entry The interactive map & listings are available on-line at: www.activeg.org/map and these and the stylised map are produced by the technical wizardry of Local Veggie Web. Thinking of getting active or starting a group? Take a look at the wealth of advice at www.activeg.org then email Sophie vegancc@makessense.co.uk, or phone 0118 946 4858 if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have Internet access. Ask to be put on the email list for news for active vegans.

Map generated by Stephen Fenwick-Paul

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

CONTACTS

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

LISTINGS PATRONS Freya Dinshah Maneka Gandhi Rebecca Hall Dr. Michael Klaper Moby Gordon Newman Cor Nouws Wendy Turner-Webster Benjamin Zephaniah COUNCIL Alex Bourke (Vice Chair) Chris Childe Sophie Fenwick-Paul (Network Contacts Co-ordinator) Laurence Main Ian Nicoll (Chair) Vanessa Payne Janet Pender (Treasurer) George Rodger Subra Sivarajah Patricia Tricker (International Co-ordinator) Stephen Walsh STAFF Chief Executive Officer Nigel Winter Head of Marketing & IT Dave Palmer Head of Information Services Rosamund Raha Information Officers Verity Hunt-Sheppard Clare Persey Business Development Officer Colm McBriarty Office Manager / Finance Officer Fiona Sylva Education Officer Rob Jackson Sales Assistant Paul Xuereb Volunteers Amanda Baker Michaela Altman: proof-reader

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

VEGANISM may be defined as a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. In dietary terms it refers to the practice of dispensing with all animal produce — including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, animal milks, honey, and their derivatives. Abhorrence of the cruel practices inherent in an agricultural system based on the abuse of animals is probably the single most common reason for the adoption of veganism, but many people are drawn to it for health, ecological, resource, spiritual and other reasons. If you would like more information on veganism a free Information Pack is available from the Vegan Society in exchange for two first class stamps. THE VEGAN SOCIETY was formed in England in November 1944 by a group of vegetarians who had recognised the ethical compromises implicit in lacto-vegetarianism (ie dairy dependent). Today, the Society continues to highlight the breaking of the strong maternal bond between the cow and her new-born calf within just four days; the dairy cow’s proneness to lameness and mastitis; her subjection to an intensive cycle of pregnancy and lactation; our unnatural and unhealthy taste for cow’s milk; and the deoxygenation of river water through contamination with cattle slurry. If you are already a vegan or vegan sympathiser, please support the Society and help increase its influence by joining. Increased membership means more resources to educate and inform.

CLASSIFIEDS (UK) HOLIDAYS CORNWALL St. Ives – Self-catering accommodation in great location. Vegan café/restaurant in same complex opening soon. Close to beaches, harbour, shops and Tate Gallery. Tel: 01736 795255 or e-mail

HAMPSHIRE NEW FOREST - The Barn Vegan/Vegetarian Guest House. En Suite rooms, evening meals. Perfect for walking/cycling etc 023 8029 2531 or www.veggiebarn.net

ISLE OF WIGHT

Award-winning organic vegan & vegetarian B&B in Lostwithiel, Cornwall. Please contact

MACHYNLLETH. Vegan-Veggie, environmentally-friendly B&B. Railway 300 yards. Centre for Alternative Technology nearby. 01654 702562 www.dyfiguest.co.uk

SUSSEX

www.learnenglishincornwall.co.uk

CUMBRIA

SOUTH WEST WALES tranquillity, natural beauty and friendliness. Self-catering cottages only metres from sandy beach and lovely walks. Heated outdoor swimming pool and excellent facilities. Eco-friendly owners. Tel 01267 241654 www.innisfreeholidays.co.uk

LANCASHIRE

DEVON

CRAZI-CARROTS. DE - TOX or RELAX in Lancashire. Healthy, creative & vegan weekends. Yoga, massage, training, walks or just B&B. Ensuite & comfortable B&B. tel. 01204 704600 admin@wellbeingworkshopsworldwide.com

WALES YORKSHIRE

Vegan B&B in quiet Dartmoor Village, near Tavistock. Double room and new bathroom in comfortable old house. Walk, cycle, explore or relax in pretty garden. Evening meal by arrangement. For more details visit www.letsgovegan.co.uk or phone 01822 810137

DORSET

WHITBY B&B FALCON GUESTHOUSE. Vegan/vegetarian Quiet location, seven minutes’ walk from centre and harbour. Lounge and sunny breakfast room. Teamaking facilities. No smoking throughout. Ample breakfast, with organic fare. £20 p.p.p.n. (for couple). Tel 01947 603507

SCOTLAND Scotland Is Beautiful All Year Round! Why not plan to visit soon? Carnbren Vegan Guesthouse is a comfortable home in the centre of the northern Highlands. Bed & Breakfast from £18 - please contact us for details. We are organising special weekends (writing, art etc.), please check our website or telephone for details. If there is something that you’d like to do, please ask us to organise it for you; wildlife spotting, relaxation & pampering, photography? Or just a pleasant holiday! Carnbren, Station Road, Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4AY Tel. 01549 402259, email: highlandvegan@aol.com www.carnbren-vegan.highland guesthouse.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2007 FOR INCLUSION IN THE AUTUMN 2007 ISSUE OFTHE VEGAN

DISCOUNT CARD

people

Donald Watson House 21 Hylton Street Hockley Birmingham B18 6HJ

animals

environment

Tel: 0845 45 88244 Fax: 0121 523 1749 info@vegansociety.com www.vegansociety.com

THE VEGAN DISCOUNT CARD

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

CLASSIFIEDS ALPUJARRAS - ANDALUCIA Attractive townhouse. Sunny, roof terrace. Excellent views, birds, walks. Wholefood shops and restaurants serving veggie food in town. Sleeps 2 - 6. £280 pw. Available all year. Tel: 01736 753555. email:

HOLIDAYS ABROAD FRANCE Brittany (56) La Sittelle Vegan B&B 20E pp Enjoy a warm welcome & good food in our comfortable old farmhouse. Relax in peaceful gardens, walk/cycle in beautiful countryside, explore the many places of interest. Nearby lake for swimming, sailing; canal for canoeing. Dinner available with vegan wine.75 mins St Malo. Vegan Soc 10% discount. TEL: 0033 297 93 00 61 or Email hils46@yahoo.co.uk

Kerala & South India Vegan and vegetarian cuisine, eco-friendly resorts & hotels,beaches, backwaters, wildlife, trekking & camping. Brochure: 01892 722440 Fax: 01892 724913 E-mail: info@keralaconnections.co.uk www.keralaconnections.co.uk

Andalucia - remote mountain village 40 mins sea - walking, wildlife - from £100 per week - 2 persons - £180 4 persons. Tel 01202 431867 www.orgiva.org/alfornon WEST CORK- vegetarian self-catering apartments for singles, couples and families in peaceful wooded surroundings. Organic vegetables & vegan wholefoods available. 10% discount for early booking. Green Lodge, Trawnamadree, Ballylickey, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland. Tel: +353 2766 146, 00353 0861955451. Email: greenlodge@eircom.net or website http://homepage.eircom.net/~greenlodge

VEGAN VIEWS - informal quarterly for Vegan Opinion. Sample copy £1. 4 issues £4 inc p&p. Harry Mather, Flat A15, 20 Dean Park Road, Bournemouth BH1 1JB SUNSHINE AND SHADOW. Autobiography of Wilfred Crone, well-known vegan/fruitarian. £7.50 inc P&P. Harry Mather, Flat A15, 20 Dean Park Road, Bournemouth BH1 1JB

PUBLICATIONS VEGAN VOICE magazine promotes a nonviolent lifestyle beneficial to the planet and to all animals. For the latest on veganism and animal rights, subscribe now to Vegan Voice, Australia’s celebrated and singular quarterly magazine! www.veganic.net

Exclusively vegetarian & vegan luxury holiday cottage in the picturesque countryside of south-west France. Enjoy the privacy of your very own well appointed self-catering cottage; assuring you rural tranquillity and all your homely comforts. Close to the village of St Claud (cafes, market & open-air pool) & within easy reach of low cost airports/TGV station, the non-smoking cottage suits couples, families or groups of friends; intimate enough for two but offering generous space for 6 adults.

PERSONAL To place a personal ad please send your wording (max 35 words) and £6 payment, specifying in which section you would like your ad to appear. Please add £2 if you would like a box number.

ORGANIC, vegan, presentable, rural deep ecologist, no dogs or cats, seeks similar rare people, possibly to live or work within UK. Box 672 Bournemouth/Poole/Dorset area preferably. Caring, intelligent, creative guy, nonsmoker, gsoh, seeks similar guys for friendship/companionship. Semi veggie/vegan. Likes Folk, New World music, Tina Turner, Traditional. Box 673 FELLOWSHIP of vegan/vegetarian Christian believers. Not a dating agency. For details please write to VCR, 55 Long Street, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 2AJ or email love2abba@yahoo.co.uk Gay female, vegan, young 41, size 8/10, non smoker. Into gym, music – punk/indie, outdoorsy stuff. Seeks similar for fun, friendship or more. East Mids, anywhere! Box 674

VEGAN VIEWS - informal quarterly for Vegan Opinion. Sample copy £1. 4 issues £4 inc p&p. Harry Mather, Flat A15, 20 Dean Park Road, Bournemouth BH1 1JB

MISCELLANEOUS

SUNSHINE AND SHADOW. Autobiography of Wilfred Crone, well-known vegan/fruitarian. £7.50 inc P&P. Harry Mather, Flat A15, 20 Dean Park Road, Bournemouth BH1 1JB

Vegan bodybuilding is possible, positive sporting results are too. Vegan nutritional profiling can help. More details contact: The D.A.F. Clinic, 17 Inglewood Road, Rainford, St Helens, Lancashire, WA11 7QL.

Vegan Society Member’s Discount Jocelyn & Trevor Bridge Le Fayard, 16450 St Claud, France

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Tel: 0033 545 89 03 45 E-mail: jocelyn.bridge@lefayard.com Web: www.lefayard.com

Vegan PR, Marketing and Design consultancy with an ethical, eco-friendly stance. www.eurydicepr.co.uk Tel: 01440 709460

DISCOUNT CARD

This card entitles the bearer to discounts at a range of outlets, restaurants and hotels. A full list of discounts is available from The Vegan Society.

DISCOUNT CARD THE VEGAN VALID FROM

AUGUST 2007

UNTIL

NOVEMBER 2007 REFERENCE CODE

Ref:MFC 007

VEGAN CASTLE COMMUNITY in southern France. Part ownership/shares available. See www.thebeautifulfuture.com for details.

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

COSMETICS

ORGANISATIONS Save A Life - Adopt A Goat

The ideal gift for the person who has everything. We take into care those who have suffered from neglect, abuse and abandonment. Providing a loving home for the rest of their days Buttercup Sanctuary for goats, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 4JU Tel: (01622) 746410 Registered Charity: 1099627

www.Buttercups.org.uk

PRACTITIONERS VEGAN BUT STILL SICK? I offer personal health consultations by telephone and inperson, detox retreats, iridology, fasting supervision, emotional healing, health books and a course in Natural Health. Contact / http://www.vibrancy.homestead.com/page one.html or telephone (01626) 352765 for free brochure. Essentials For Equilubrium; Holistic Health for animals and people. Specialising in emotional trauma, allergies, skin problems, pain management. Free newsletter. Fabulous courses; Holistic Health for Animals; beginner - practitioner levels. All details call Leigh 01830 520098 www.essentialsforequilibrium.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2007

THE VEGETARIAN CHARITY

FOR INCLUSION IN THE

Needy young vegans up to the age of 25 years can receive grants from the charity, which also provides funds to promote vegetarianism among the young.

AUTUMN 2007 ISSUE

Donations and legacies are most welcome to ensure that we continue to satisfy the need for help. For further information contact:

OFTHE VEGAN

CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE:

The Vegetarian Charity Cobblers Cottage, Chapel Lane, Coxbank, Audlem, Cheshire CW3 OEU

Advertisements are accepted subject to their satisfying the condition that the products advertised are

maggiechat@hotmail.com

tested on animals; and that the content of such ads does not promote, or appear to promote, the use

Registered Charity No 294767

of non-vegan commodities. Books, records, tapes, etc. mentioned in advertisements should not contain

entirely free from ingredients derived from animals; that neither products nor ingredients have been

any material contrary to vegan principles. Advertisements may be accepted from catering establishments that are not run on exclusively vegan lines, provided that vegan meals are available and that the wording of such ads reflects this.

The Vegan Society trademark is the authentic international standard for vegan products.

“Jesus was a vegetarian” www.donoteatus.org

INTERNET SERVICES DIVINE FROG web services. A vegan business. Website design, implementation, development, maintenance and hosting. Please contact Ian : Tel : 07981 057697 Email : i.nicoll@divinefrog.co.uk www.divinefrog.co.uk

Our logo provides an easy and trusted way to promote your crueltyfree goods and services to the growing number of vegans in the UK and worldwide. Trademark holders benefit from instant recognition, promotion in The Vegan magazine, discounted advertising rates, and a listing on the Vegan Society website. It’s good for you, good for the Vegan Society, and good for vegans. For more information on the trademark, contact Colm Mc Briarty on (0121) 5231733 or email trademark@vegansociety.com. You can also read about the trademark on our website at www.vegansociety.com

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

CROSSWORD Kate Sweeney & Vega

QUICK CROSSWORD Set by Kate Sweeney Across

6 8 9 10 11 12 15 17 20 22 23 24

Ribbon-like strip of pasta (6) Freezing compartment of fridge (3-3) Oft eat up (Anag.); bean curd spread (4,4) Bread which has a pocket for filling (4) Describes marrowfat peas that have been soaked overnight and then boiled (5) Small bag or packet (6) Type of onion; season (6) Egg_ _ _ _ _, aubergine (5) Peel, skin (4) Rye lager (Anag.); type of tea (4,4) Crisps under the grill; raises a glass to (6) Separate the grain from the chaff (6)

Down 1 Large hard-shelled oval fruits with thick white meat, filled with milk (8) 2 Pieces of food cooked on a skewer (5) 3 Sour-tasting liquid used as a condiment or food preservative (7) 4 Soybean food with a firmer texture and stronger flavour than tofu (6) 5 Describes fruit like strawberries and raspberries (4) 7 Stiff flour mixture (5) 13 Large sweet juicy hybrids between tangerines and grapefruits (8) 14 Strong (flavour) (7) 16 Edible root vegetable (6) 18 Large, red dewberry variety - _ _ _ _ _ berry (5) 19 Not white (bread or rice) (5) 21 Essential element for healthy red blood cells (4)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD set by Vega Across

6 8 9 10 11 12 15 17 20 22 23 24

Please se nd in solu tions to ei crosswor ther d along w ith your and addres name s by 21st Septembe Prizes t r 2007 his issue Recipe bo : oks by Li nda Majzl (one for ik the winne r of each cros sword)

Idea can burst with squeak (6) Long before common English fruit translated into French fruit (6) Reportedly conquer trunk before head - may be horse (8) Overheard disclosure from Welsh vegetable (4) Bear down under bit of ginko, alas prefers eucalyptus (5) Wine-making capital of Oman (6) Spoil boat race squash (6) Solver's old before setter makes 21 (5) She would shortly cast off (4) Runt confused with 20 booms (8) Pair of queens squeeze a second rubber (6) Healthy vegan eating on the golf course (6)

The Vegan l Autumn 2007

Solution to The Vegan Prize Crossword 48 (Quick:left/Cryptic:right) The winner of the Cryptic crossword is: Martin Riches The winner of the Quick Crossword is: Ursula Lowe

Down 1 2 3 4 5 7 13 14 16 18 19 21

Tot up over hospital and Othello, say, rising singularly edible 19 (8) Plant with pods speeds up runs (following Ayrton?) (5) Mistakenly rue Utah arrogance (7) Bulb glowed as red light in China initially (6) Wise old mentor is 21 (4) Bails dislodged - fifth moves up the order to third and gets 21 (5) Mad train scramble for brown sauce and chutney seed pod (8) Wizard takes on unknown earthenware (7) Root for princess taken in by reckless - may be horse (6) Bush fence to minimise risk - invest in this fund? (5) Strong peacekeeping force one can grow parasitically (5) Ingredient of sherbet used to flavour many dishes (4)