Vol.11, No 4
VEGETARIAN
JOB VACANCIES
AT ANIMAL AID
SHOES
QUALITY
FOOTWEAR
SENIOR CAMPAIGNS OFFICER The successful candidate must be able to initiate, research, develop and conduct new campaigns as well as work on existing projects. S/He must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience of working with the media and of public speaking. Broad knowledge of animal rights issues— and especially vivisection and the medical arguments — are essential.
FOR VEGETARIANS
AND
FUNDRAISING & PROMOTIONS OFFICER
VEGANS
. Vegetarians and V e g a n s who have been unhappy wearing leather shoes a n d have found c a n v a s and plastic s h o e s unsatisfactory, finally have a choice. T h e s e new 'Vegetarian shoes' look and feel like supple leather but are infact 100% man made, - the uppers are made from a new high-tec polyurethane, that is scuff-resistant, water-resistant a n d most Importantly 'breathable' like leather. C o m b i n e d with the quality, comfort a n d durability s y n o n y m o u s with D o c M a r t e n s w e f e e l w e h a v e now p r o d u c e d the ultimate vegetarian s h o e s ! D.M. SHOES £47.00 + £3.95 PAP BLACK & BROWN D.M. B O O T S £49.95 + £3.95 PAP BLACK, GREEN, PURPLE & CHERRY RED Make cheques payable to VEGETARIAN SHOES, and send to:
To be responsible for developing new appeals, legacy income, direct mailshots, sponsored events, co-ordinating street collections and organising the annual raffle. Will also handle promotions/marketing at exhibitions and other events. The successful candidate will show drive and a keenness to innovate. For both posts, a clean current driving licence and working knowledge of Apple Macintosh computers are desirable.
VEGETARIAN SHOES, 12 GARDNER STREET, BRIGHTON, BN1 1UP. S T O C K S A R E LIMITED SO T E L E P H O N E 0273 691913 BEFORE CALLING IN PERSON. S E N D NAME AND A D D R E S S FOR F R E E COLOUR BROCHURE, FULL RANGE I N C L U D E S M E N S & LADIES S H O E S , WALKING B O O T S , J A C K E T S & BELTS ETC. SIZE (3-12 only)
STYLE
COLOUR
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PRICE
All applications, addressed to the Director, should be sent to the Animal Aid office immediately. Interviews will take place in the first week of December ANIMAL AID, THE OLD CHAPEL, BRADFORD STREET, TONBRIDGE, KENT TN9 1AW. 01732 364546.
TOTAL
NAME AOORESS
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\?gan Editor Richard Farhall Design and production by Taylor McKenzie Printed by Litho Techniques (Kenley Ltd) on recycled paper Advertising Manager Richard Farhall Advertising Sales Executive Keith Bird Publication Date March, June, September, December Copy Date 25th January, 25th April, 25th July, 25th October ISSN 0307-4811 © The Vegan Society 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 an SAE.
The Vegan Society Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA, United Kingdom. Tel. 01424 427393 Fax. 01424 717064 Office hours: Mon: 9.30-5.30; Tues-Fri: 9.00-5.30 Visitors by appointment please Registered Charity No. 279228 Company Registration No. 1468880 VAT Registration No. 448 5973 95 Founder: Donald Watson Hon Patrons Serena Coles, Freya Dinshah Arthur Ling, Cor Nouws, Donald Watson, Robin Webb Council Terry Bevis, Alex Bourke, Patrick Browne, Frank Hutson, Robin Lane, Tony Martin (Vice Chair), Tim Powell, George Rodger, Rick Savage (Chair) Hon. Treasurer Terry Bevis The Vegan, Winter. 1995
Local Contacts Co-ordinator Terry Bevis Prison Liaison Officer Simon Russell STAFF General Manager Richard Farhall Membership & Information Officer Amanda Rofe (part-time) Administration Officer Keith Bird General Assistant Tracey Goodall 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 dairy, livestock and poultry farming 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 Society's office in exchange for two first class stamps. The Vegan Society was formed in England in November 1944 by a group of vegetarians who had recognized the ethical compromises implicit in lacto (ie dairy-dependent) vegetarianism. Today, the Society continues to highlight the breaking of the strong maternal bond between the cow and its new-bom 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 de-oxygenation of river water through contamination with cattle slurry. If you are already a vegan or vegan sympathizer please support the Society and help increase its influence by joining. Increased membership means more resources to educate and inform. Full membership is restricted to practising (at least dietary) vegans, as defined above, but sympathizers are welcome as supporters of the Society. Both members and supporters receive The Vegan.
The Vegan Society Trade Mark is the property of the Vegan Society. The Society is prepared to authorize the use of its trade mark on products which accord with its 'no animal ingredients' and 'no animal testing' criteria.
Contents News
4
Comment
5
Y o u n g Vegans Coping with Christmas Plants for a Future
and George 6
Paving the way — with greenery Bioethics: Its Scope and Purpose Compassion-based decision-making
16
Meet Henrietta, Sidney
The Vegan Prize Crossword 3 Just words
8
Weighty Winter Warmers
17
18
Getting hea-vy Contacts N e w s
21
G r o w Vegan
22
Save those seeds! Family Matters
23
Lifestyle concerns A n Act of Survival For All She's Worth
10
24
Inspiring stuff
Dairy developments Dear Doc What was that you said?
Reviews
26
Postbag
27
11 Publications & Promotional G o o d s
28
The global scene
Noticeboard
30
The Vegan Traveller's Dilemma 12 Which place to rest your head?
J D Hoo
30
Vegans International
Shoparound
11
Manic Classified
32
14
Festive treats (and essentials) A V e g a n in the Family Megan saves the universe
15
Cover illustration: Insa Heiss Chief illustrator: Suzanne Whitelock 3
News
peas, lentils, figs and apricots. Meat Trades Journal, 1.6.95 & 21.9.95 VSUK press release, 26.9.95
CJD Two British teenagers have been confirmed as the latest victims of Cruetzfeldt-Jakob Disease — the human form of 'mad cow disease' — increasing concerns that it is possible for the infection to be transmitted from cattle to humans. One of the victims, a 16-yearold girl, is known to have eaten a dish containing cow's brain in Cyprus in 1989. She also occasionally ate beefburgers and corned beef. The other victim, an 18-year-old boy, who died earlier in the year, had visited his aunt's dairy farm annually for eight years and drank unpasteurized milk. Last year, 55 Britons died of CJD — twice the number recorded in 1985. The Independent, 27.10.95 New Scientist, 14.10.95
Xmas Orders Readers intending to order books or merchandise as gifts for friends and relatives (or even themselves — and why not?) are advised to order as early as possible!
All Change in Cuba Due to lack of grains, Cuba's cow's milk production has dropped to 20% of 1989 levels and 15 of the nation's dairy factories have been converted to use soya products. Soya yoghurt is now produced in every province and is routinely provided to 2.5 million children and 1 million senior citizens at a ration of 2 litres a week. Good Medicine, Autumn 1995
and then endure the anguish of having her bewildered day-old infant taken away from her. Deprived of her offspring, the exploited mother is then forced to produce up to 50 litres (88 pints) of milk daily for human consumption. A cow feeding her calf naturally would give just 10-15 litres per day." To substantiate its claim. Hillside provided the ASA with a Vegan Society leaflet and, after considering "expert advice", the Authority concluded: "because the language used was not duly emotive and the claims were factually accurate ["of most dairy herds"], the advertisement was acceptable.
Council Movements The Society bids farewell to Martin Masterman-Lister, who resigned from Council for personal reasons on 2 August 1995 and, with effect from the 1995 AGM, welcomes to its ranks Brian Barker (who doubles up as Local Contact for the Southampton area).
Stretching a Point
Dairy Farmer 0, Vegans 1
Relief
The U K ' s Vegetarian Society (VSUK) has lodged a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority about the Meat and Livestock Commission's £2 million 'Meat Matters' campaign. The object of the campaign is to counteract the "misinformation about the healthiness of meat". TV doctor, Dr Hilary Jones, is backing the campaign which focuses on the iron and fat content in red meat, comparing it with the same nutrients in other foods.
The Advertising Standards Authority has not upheld a complaint from a dairy farmer who claimed that an advertisement placed by Hillside Animal Sanctuary was misleading because: "her cows produce much less milk and she leaves calves with their mothers for the first month". The ad states: "a dairy cow has to give birth to a calf every year
Finnish medical researchers have found that 60% of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers could obtain relief by following a vegan diet. Patients were asked to fast for one week before following a vegan diet for a further three. At the end of the period it was found that 60% felt better, with less pain and increased functional ability. Health Guardian, Sep/Oct 1995
Cash Draw The first prize in the Society's Monthly Cash Draw has exceeded £50 and is threatening to touch £60! Just think what you could do with such a sum — and all for a stake of just £1.50. If you don't win the first prize, there are two other cash prizes waiting to be picked up. But if you do win the first prize, you're in with a chance of winning an additional £100. Every year, the winners of the preceding 12 draws are entered into a 'Super' Cash Draw for one £100 prize. To participate, simply complete and cut out (or photocopy) the entry form appearing on page 35.
McRunner McDonald's libel action against Helen Steel and Dave Morris (the 'McLibel Two'), already the longest libel trial in British history, will set a new record in December — the longest civil case ever! Donations are still required to cover witness expenses, admin expenses etc. Details: McLibel Support Campaign, c/o 5 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DX. 0171 713 1269.
Soya Under Threat Lupin production is set to return to our shores, amidst claims that it can be used as a direct replacement for soya. IACR-Rothamsted's George Milford says the crop should
Perhaps the most controversial ad to date depicts two plates: one under a 6 oz steak, the other under a towering stack of spinach. The ad implies that if you want to be sure of the same amount of iron from a non-meat source you would need to eat a stack of spinach several feet in height. However, the VSUK points out that: 1 Most people eat spinach cooked, and if cooked the quantity shown would reduce radically; 2 Spinach is not a major source of non-meat iron in the British diet — other important sources include breakfast cereals (principal source for the general population), spring greens, pasta, brown bread, papadums, baked beans, chick
4
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 4
yield: "40% protein seed with a soya-like amino acid profile. The primary use is likely to be animal feed compounding. That is where the volume is. But the crop's good protein profile coupled with high quality dietary fibre means it could suit human consumption markets too." He predicts that at least 100,000ha (240.000 acres) will be grown in the UK by 2000. Some 2,000ha is already being grown in Germany. Farmers Weekly, 2.6.95
In Brief • With 24-48 hours notice, Air France will now provide a vegan meal (code VGML). Letter to M Lee, 18.10.95 • Britain is the largest wool producer in Europe and accounts for about 3% of the world market. Farmers Weekly, 28.7.95 • Dr Benjamin Spock, author of Baby and Child Care, has joined with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in calling for the US Government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans to be revised in favour of advising a purely plant-based diet. Good Medicine, Summer 1995 • The number of animal experiments in 1994 increased by nearly 15,000 to 2,842,361. Increases occurred in the following areas: transgenic animals, primates, alcohol and tobacco, Draize eye test, BUAV press release, 16.10.95 • During five years' research, Nottingham University's Prof Eric Lamming found that 28% of cows which conceived lost their embryos after day 25. Farmers Weekly, 7.7.95 • A biotechnology company, Biora of Malmo, Sweden, is extracting a protein, amelogenin, from pigs, to make a gel which, when applied to tooth roots damaged by gum disease, regenerates them. New Scientist, 10.6.95 • Up to 5% of pigs in some herds are lame due to secondary infections associated with cracked claws. Farmers Weekly, 20.10.95 The Vegan, Winter. 1995
• The RSPCA has produced Freedom Foods standards for dairy cows which "will soon give . . . the assurance that milk has been produced humanely." Animal Life, Autumn 1995 • Mange mite has been found in 67% of finishing pig herds in Yorkshire. Farmers Weekly, 22.9.95 • To help profitability, Hangland Farm Ostriches has launched a range of cosmetics based on ostrich abdominal fat and computer/TV screen cleaners using small feathers. Farmers Weekly, 7.7.95 • The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is (so far) supplying seven butchers with meat from its non-breeding stock in order to keep its breeding stock going. Meat Trades Journal, 31.8.95 • Woad, madder and weld — used for thousands of years as sources of blue, red and yellow dyes — are being considered as crops suitable for UK production. Currently, natural dyes account for 5% of the market but this is expected to increase to 15% in 10 years. Farmers Weekly, 30.6.95 • The Livestock Industry Support Trust — a coalition of livestock breeders, auctioneers, hauliers and exporters — has been set up to correct the: "lies, half-truths and misinformation put across in the media from anti-livestock groups." Farmers Weekly, 26.5.95 • Peter Bramley and colleagues at Royal Holloway College, London, have genetically engineered tomatoes so they contain unusually large amounts of lycopene and beta-carotene (both compounds are considered to be effective antioxidants — destroyers of cell-damaging 'free radicals'). New Scientist, 16.9.95 • Marks & Spencer has ceased selling battery eggs. FAWN Update. Autumn 1995 • Australian cotton fields are sprayed with pesticide up to 15 times a year to combat caterpillars. New Scientist, 7.10.95
COMMENT In another 50 years the Vegan Society will be celebrating its centenary, what kind of world do we wish to see by then? Current advances in science, particularly genetics with the possibility of xenotransplants (this is where organs — plus any pathogens — from genetically altered animals may be transplanted into humans), makes plain as Darwin never did, the great similarity that we share with other life forms. A mere 1 % genetic difference separates us from chimpanzees; a difference that condemns chimpanzees to exploitation by humans — we destroy their habitats with our relentless population growth, we exhibit them in zoos and we use them as experimental tools in vivisection laboratories. Mammals that differ from us by a few percentage points more are held in more regard for their taste than as creatures in their own right. Even if we believe God gave us dominion over the animals, this provides no refuge from the fact that we may choose how we treat them. It would seem that the battle for survival has hardened the human heart to the suffering we inflict on fellow flesh and blood and has blinded us to the dangers of our actions. A greater awareness of the interconnection of all life is needed and with it the need to adopt a lifestyle that is sustainable, rather than destructive and exploitative. Veganism points the way forward and one day, perhaps in time for the Society's hundredth birthday, will usher into existence a society where meat-eating is in the minority and our parliamentarians debate whether eating meat is a civil liberty or just a liberty! Moving from centuries to seasons, Christmas beckons once again. The purpose of winter solstice celebrations is to welcome the lengthening of the days that herald spring/new life. Strange that the centrepiece of such celebrations is the wholesale slaughter of millions of turkeys, geese, chickens and hogs. For vegans it presents difficulties in coping
with Christmas parties and meals while trying not to be cast in the role of party poopers. Those at work, I trust, will involve themselves wholeheartedly in the arrangements for the meals. While it may not be possible to displace the traditional roast carrion, it should be possible to ensure that the vegetables are not smothered in butter and that the Christmas pudding, mince pies and after dinner mints are vegan. With office parties, contribute some soysage rolls and mince pies. If you are not involved in organizing any events, at least raise the matter of special diets with the organizers; there may be others with special needs. At home you are in control but in my experience it is rare to persuade relatives or friends to join one in eating a non-meat meal on Christmas Day. Consequently, vegans are often required to attend a gathering of family or friends. In such situations I find offers of help are usually welcomed by the host and give one the chance to slip in some vegan food. Difficulties can be made into opportunities to gently promulgate the vegan message. Christmas presents should pose no difficulties this year — look out for the Society's new mug, writing pad, tee shirt and sweat shirt. Books are always favourite gifts and the Society carries a range of these — including Benjamin Zephaniah's book of poems, Talking Turkeys. For some friends and relatives you may have to turn to your AnimalFree Shopper to find that special something for Christmas. If you have cats, why not buy them a tub of Vegecat and try to convert them to veganism in the new year? It is our actions now, this Christmas and in the coming years, that will help bring about a more thoughtful and compassionate world. / wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Rick Savage Chair of Council
5
PLANTS FOR A Ken Fern believes that, as well-as being beneficial for other sentient life forms, woodlands and the plants they contain are vital for both the environment and our long-term survival o y o u ' r e vegan are you! Your diet must be really boring — what on earth is there left for you to eat? I ' v e lost c o u n t of the times I have had s o m e o n e say this to me — p e o p l e do not seem to realize just what a wonderful variety of f o o d there is available from plants. Even most vegans are unaware of this potential — f o r example, in the last year I ' v e eaten over 4 0 0 different types of fruits, leaves, seeds, roots and f l o w e r s — and all of them f r o m plants growing in Britain! How many have you eaten? Rather fewer, I would venture to suggest, because it is a sad fact that whilst there are potentially over 2 0 , 0 0 0 different species of food plants in the world (includ-
S
97% of all the land was once covered in trees ing over 5 , 0 0 0 that can be grown outdoors in Britain), less than 20 species supply most of our food. This situation has arisen gradually o v e r the c e n t u r i e s , e v e r since p e o p l e first started to cultivate the land. Before this time, the average person would have eaten anything from 100-1,000 different food p l a n t s e v e r y y e a r , d e p e n d i n g on his/her native environment. Whilst modern agriculture seems to have brought us m a n y benefits in terms of freeing us (or at least m o s t of us w h o live in the
6
affluent countries of the world) from the struggle to obtain our daily food, it has also brought with it an increasing degradation of our environment and also our health.
Chimp Lore T h e following passage, f r o m the Spring 1994 Kew magazine, is taken f r o m an article about a group of chimpanzees that live in a small area of forest (a reserve surrounded by cultivated land) in Gombe, Africa: Outside Gombe, the local people are struggling to live off perhaps 30 different types of foods, mostly introduced species of plants grown in drought conditions on easily eroded soils . . . But the chimps seem to be expert botanists, knowing exactly where and when the next crop of fruit will be. There may be only six major plant foods each month but, over the year, more than 150 species are used.
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 6
Some of the fruits they eat are delicious and they can certainly teach us a great deal about a balanced diet and preventative health care. But although a lot is known about the chimps' social behaviour, our understanding of their botanical knowledge and its significance to us is in its infancy. Few of their food plants have been tested for nutrients or medicinal properties.
project that has carried out a huge amount of research into the useful plants that can be grown outdoors in temperate areas of the world, especially Britain. Currently, it has a computer database of over 6,800 species — covering food plants; fibre plants for making clothes; oil-bearing plants for lighting, fuel, etc; a huge range of medicinal plants; and plants for a variety of other uses.
It seems the chimpanzees are more intelligent than most humans! Not only are the chimpanzees eating a wider range of foods, and thus having a much healthier diet, they are also protecting their environment. On the other hand, the people outside the forest are having to work much harder in order to obtain their food and, in the process, are damaging their environment. When people first started to cultivate food crops instead of gathering them from the wild, they concentrated on annual plants. There was really no need to worry about the perennials since these plants could still be harvested from the wild. As time went by there was a greater and greater dependency on these annual crops. Land was cleared for agriculture and the perennial species went with the land clearance, thus increasing still further the dependence on annuals. This process has continued to the present day. In Britain, for example, where 97% of all the land was once covered in trees, we now see huge open fields of annual crops and very few areas of woodland. This has had a dramatic effect on the land's ability to support other creatures and to sustain itself. Whereas in a woodland you will see a very wide range of plants, all growing side by side — plus an equally wide range of birds, insects, mammals etc, in a large wheat field there is very little diversity. Not only that, but over the years the soil in the wheat field is being degraded; fertility is literally being washed and blown away by the rain and the wind. In the woodland, on the other hand, the lush growth protects the soil from erosion and the rich carpet of leaves each autumn enriches and naturally fertilizes the soil.
Everbearing
Nuts and Jolts Of course, an easy reply is that from an acre of wheat field we can obtain 3 tons or more of food, but what food is there for us to eat in a woodland? Whilst there might be some fruits to eat in the summer and early autumn, plus some chestnuts and maybe hazels if we can get them before the squirrels do, there certainly would not be enough to survive on all year round. To a point, I would agree with this argument — whilst many non-human creatures do obtain a very good living from the woodland, humans would struggle if this was their only source of food. There is an answer to this, though, and it was for this reason I became involved in Plants for a Future — a
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
It is our belief that, instead of using large open fields in which to grow single crops, it is possible to grow a wide range of plants together, more often than not in a woodland setting. Just as native woodland is self-supporting and needs no inputs of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, etc for its continued well-being, so we believe that it is possible to set up 'natural' systems of useful plants. Once established, these systems will require very little work in order to maintain them, most of the work will be in actually harvesting the rich variety of foods they produce! Because of the diversity that is being grown, if one crop fails for any reason, then there will always be another that can be used instead. This diversity will also ensure that a wide range of other creatures and plants will be able to share the land with us.
Action Talks . . . Still, producing a database and talking about ways of growing plants is all well and good, but what about the practical side of things? Just because some obscure book somewhere might claim that such and such plant is edible, does not necessarily mean that you or I are going to want to eat it! Over the past 15 years or so I must have tried well over 1,500 different, supposedly edible plants and, whilst many of them have been acceptable, and a number of them quite delicious, there have been many more that I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to eat again, and
I must have tried well over 1,500 different, supposedly edible plants a few where the disgusting taste refused to leave my mouth for hours afterwards. Therefore, in 1989, we decided to put theory into practice and established Plants for a Future on a very bare and windswept piece of land in Cornwall. The land comprised one large field of 36 acres, eight of which we sold on to sympathetic friends. Potentially very productive, the land had been farmed intensively and was in poor condition. With virtually no protection from the wind, it was also very bleal^ and subject to erosion. Our first priorities were to get in some protection-providing hedges and trees. In the 5 ' / 2 years since moving here, we have planted over 20,000 trees and 1 '/ 2
miles of hedging. We have also planted over 1,500 different species of edible and other useful plants. From very small beginnings of just two people, over the years we have gradually attracted more vegans to the area. At the last count, there were more than 15 vegans (adults and children) living locally and supporting the project in one way or another. Plants for a Future is still in its infancy, and like all young projects, has a somewhat delicate constitution — though it is looking decidedly more robust each year. It is our aim to establish a small village-style community based around the land. This community will try to demonstrate the viability of a plant-based economy that works in harmony with nature instead of seeing her as a mortal enemy. We are moving slowly towards selfsufficiency in food, though because we want to d o this from perennial species it is going to take quite a few years to achieve (some of the nut trees we are growing will not pro- . duce their first crops until the year 2030!) W e are in the process of b e c o m i n g a resource and information centre that actively works to encourage others to follow our path. We already have many visitors to the site and in years to come want to be able to provide practical demonstrations of the uses of plants — including growing plants suitable for supplying material f o r our o w n clothes, fuels, medicines etc.
We Can Help There are a number of ways in which we can help people wanting to grow more of their own food or other commodities: • Given details of your site and the types of plants you want to grow, our Plant Advisory Service can supply a list of suitable species and details of where they can be obtained. • W e produce a wide range of leaflets covering plant uses and can provide specific information on any of the plants on our database. On top of this, we can also supply a copy of this database to interested parties. Please write for more details of any of our services. • We have started selling some of the more interesting plants. For a catalogue, please send an A5 stamped addressed envelope and two first class stamps. W e are actively looking for more people to j o i n us — it is not necessary to have any skills with plants so long as you are willing to try and acquire them and are prepared to work hard for the project. (My training in growing and using plants was 10 years of driving buses in London!) We do have problems with accommodation at present — in general, most visitors have to stay at a local c a m p site about 2 miles away and anyone joining us is probably going to have to find their own accommodation.
7
BIOETHICS ITS SCOPE AND PURPOSE
Dr Michael W Fox, Vice President of the Humane Society of the United States, introduces a decisionmaking framework that has its roots firmly anchored in 'ahimsa'
B
i o e t h i c s is a term that is b e c o m i n g widely used today. It entails the objective appraisal of how our values, desires and actions affect others, including animals and the environment. We have medical bioethics — which focuses on such ethical i s s u e s as e u t h a n a s i a , surrogate parenting, and genetic engineering involving h u m a n beings. Such bioethical issues have been deliberated by the World Council of C h u r c h e s , a m o n g o t h e r groups. Increasingly these groups are beginning to apply bioethics in addressing and seeking remedies for a host of other social and environmental issues. A healthy humanity is concerned about its h u m a n i t y — h o w compassionately it acts toward its own kind and toward other sentient b e i n g s a n d the Earth itself. It has r e s p e c t f o r all life because it realizes that when it d a m a g e s the environment, it harms itself. Bioethics, in this regard, is a field of self investigation and enlightened self-interest. A n d it provides a foundation to establish meaning in our lives.
Rational Bioethics offers a holistic, rational appraisal of our place in the world and how best w e can live for the good of the life community of the planet. It mandates that equal and fair c o n s i d e r a t i o n be given to h u m a n rights i s s u e s , a n i m a l rights issues, and environmental concerns. It includes a temporal principle of transgenerational equity — of being c o n c e r n e d a b o u t the well-being of f u t u r e generations and having a respectful under-
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standing of the wisdom and folly of our ancestors. We should neither forget our history, lest we repeat it, nor forget that ' w e do not own the land, we borrow it from our children.' The polemicized rhetoric and bickerings within and among frustrated factions of the human, animal, and environmental rights movements are reconciled by the integrative approach that applied bioethics provides. Bioethics can be an antidote to the prevailing dominionistic attitude toward life.
Bioethics can be an antidote to the prevailing dominionistic attitude toward life The subjugation of minorities and other life communities will continue, as will war and other forms of violence, until we reverse the belief that we are superior and apart from nature. Within what some call the 'establishment' — meaning the government-industrial complex — bioethics is also taking root. Ethical conduct, ethical advertising, ethical products, full cost-accounting (social and environmental) are beginning to appear on its agenda. Protection of endangered species; humane treatment of domestic animals; sustainable use of agricultural and other natural resources; loss of biodiversity; global warming, air pollution; national economic security; and industrial-economic sustainability; these and other issues fall within the sphere of bioethics.
Common Ground In this regard, bioethics can help lead policy makers and corporations toward a more holistic approach to clarifying and achieving their various goals, and in finding the most equitable and ethical means to achieve their desired ends. Ultimately, bioethics helps establish a common ground for all the different values and desires we all have. Different voices are heard — those who speak for the sick and dying, and those who speak for laboratory animals; those who speak for jobs and logs, and those who speak for spotted owls and sacred forests, or native peoples and cultural as well as biological diversity. Bioethics is clearly a philosophic integration of human, animal and environmental rights. It fosters an Earth or Creation-centred world view, a 'paradigm shift' — what E F Schumacher, the father of ecologicaleconomics(eco-nomics) termed metanoia. Bioethics also helps establish a common ground for different views, the democratic process being facilitated by the principle of giving equal and fair consideration to all sides or aspects of a given issue concerning human, animal or environmental rights. Decisions and full-cost accountings based upon bioethics should include scientific, economic, legal, moral, social, and environmental and compassionate considerations. They are not purely 'science based' as is the trend today in such matters as wildlife protection, habitat conservation, FDA (Food & Drug Administration) approval of genetically-engineered bovine growth hormone and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) approval of the release of genetically-engineered organisms into the environment.
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 8
with regard to everything that has life." He is unequivocal about the sense of duty that bioethics instils, stating that, "the universal ethic of reverence for life shows the sympathy with animals, which is so often represented as sentimentality, to be a duty that no man can escape."
When we live in harmony with Nature, Nature will take care of us
Ahimsa The moral component of bioethics plays a central role. It is based on the principle of ahimsa — of avoiding harm/injury in the process of furthering human interests and the good of society. Whatever the issue, bioethics begins with the premise that all living beings and natural processes have purpose, if not interests. The derivative or inferred intrinsic value of other sentient beings and the inherent worth each being has in relation to its community are therefore acknowledged as deserving moral consideration. The instrumental or extrinsic value of a given life form may appear insignificant, when we make our value judgement of its entire being on the basis of its degree of sentience or intelligence. Such judgement is invariably wrong. Without lowly fungi in the
Without lowly fungi in the soil, for example, our crops and forests would be sickly soil, for example, our crops and forests would be sickly, grow poorly and we suffer the consequences. We should, therefore, be mindful 'of the least of these', and not continue to destroy them directly with agricultural chemicals and indirectly with industrial pollution, most notably acid rain. Every community — human and nonhuman — also has intrinsic value, not only value to its members (in terms of security, continuation, etc.) but also to the larger life community of the planet's homeostatic and regenerative biospheric ecosystem. As Aldo Leopold wrote in his seminal book A Sand County Almanac: "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
when it tends otherwise." And, as philosopher Ralph W Gerard opined: "If nature is found to be a world of interdependence, then man is obliged to consider that characteristic as a moral dictum."
Linear Limitations Actions and products that disrupt others' lives and/or these life processes (which make up our life-support system) cannot be accurately forecast by the scientific method alone. When our thinking is in a linear mode, we focus too narrowly on the goal or gain, and not more broadly in terms of what means we utilize and to what ends; and what the long-term environmental, social and other consequences — risks and benefits — might be. Bioethics demands that we pay attention to these various means and consequences, and how our means and ends might violate the principle of ahimsa. We are, for the sake of our humanity — our dignity and integrity — bound to avoid causing harm or injury to any sentient being or to the biospheric ecosystem, when such harm or injury can be avoided. The all encompassing scope of bioethics allows for a higher degree of risk predictability. This is because bioethics operates from the moral principle of respect for all life. This means we must all strive to live non-violently, because when we directly or indirectly harm or injure sentient beings or the environment, we not only ultimately harm ourselves but demean and impoverish ourselves and the Earth in the process. Bioethics posits that all life has been created by forces we do not yet fully comprehend, and that life is only ours in sacred trust. One of the founders of bioethics, Albert Schweitzer, wrote: "Ethics is in its unqualified form, extended responsibility
In a highly pragmatic sense, bioethics teaches us that when we take care of the earth, the earth will feed us; and that when we live in harmony with Nature, Nature will take care of us. In conclusion, bioethics provides the necessarily holistic framework to help us deal more effectively with a host of issues that we face in our personal and professional lives. It enhances dialogue and facilitates conflict resolution, and because of its d e m o c r a t i c process, provides a firm foundation for a just and humane society.
A Synopsis Bioethics literally means life ethics, the ethics by which we choose to live and relate to the life community of the Earth. It is a holistic philosophy, giving equal and fair consideration to the concerns, interests and rights of humankind, animalkind and the environment. It provides an objective as well as a compassionate and empathetic basis for how we choose to live as individuals, and as a society in terms of public policy, corporate responsibility and professional integrity. Bioethics embraces two principles: 1 Ahimsa (the avoidance of causing harm), and 2 Tansgenerational equity (concern f o r future generations). It broadens the scope of responsibilities by incorporating concern for indigenous peoples, minorities, the environment or natural world, and animals wild and domesticated. These ecological and ethico-spiritual connections reflect the interdependence of our life support systems and sustainable biotic communities. That we have fabricated nonsustainable bio-industrial e c o n o m i e s and communities is evidenced by the possibly irreparable and irreversible environmental harm that we have caused, as well as suffering and extinction in the animal kingdom, and a world community neither free f r o m pestilence nor war and want.
This article was first published in Between the Species, Winter & Spring 1994.
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FOR ALL SHE'S WORTH 'Ronny' surveys the latest innovations designed to help farmers maintain their 'milk machines' W h e n discussing the cruelty i n v o l v e d in dairy f a r m i n g with the public, it d o e s n ' t t a k e m u c h to c o n v i n c e p e o p l e that veal a n d b e e f p r o d u c t i o n are totally d e p e n d e n t on the dairy industry for their comm e r c i a l viability and, once y o u ' v e g o t p e o p l e thinking along those lines, it is so much easier to explain how cow and calf suffer anguish and confusion when separated. However, we s h o u l d n ' t l e a v e it there; as the i n d u s t r y d e v e l o p s increasingly sophisticated drugs and machinery to try a n d s o l v e the d i s e a s e s and other problems it creates by its own intensification, cattle are exposed to a whole range of abuses. In "September, I went along to the European Dairy Farming event in Warwickshire, to learn more . . .
'Lucky Cow!' " Y o u l u c k y c o w ! " p r o c l a i m s o n e leaflet, with a cartoon of a dancing cow wearing the c o m p a n y ' s plastic o r t h o p a e d i c shoes. O r t h o p a e d i c shoes? You may well be startled, but the company claims that its product was developed over four years by a vet and is used worldwide. T h e shoes are designed to "speed up healing [of lameness] by taking the weight off the infected part of the hoof, thus alleviating p a i n . " L a m e n e s s is very c o m m o n in dairy cattle. T h i s isn't surprising when you consider that their hooves carry quite a load and
The cost to the cow, in terms of pain, stress and discomfort isn't commented upon they s p e n d m o s t of the winter c o n f i n e d indoors in sheds with slurry-soaked floors. O n e c o m p a n y claims that 32% of dairy cattle fall l a m e e a c h year (a Ministry of A g r i c u l t u r e , F i s h e r i e s and F o o d ( M A F F ) booklet estimates 25%). Apparently, lameness costs the industry over ÂŁ30m per year. T h e cost to the cow, in terms of pain, stress and discomfort isn't commented upon. M a s t i t i s is a bacterial infection of the udder which causes milk glands to become
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i n f l a m e d and somatic blood cells (pus) to contaminate milk. According to the agricultural multinational, Dalgety, at least 30% of cows suffer this painful infection each year. As for the causes, milking machines are usually blamed because they often damage the c o w ' s teats by sucking the milk out too quickly or with too much pressure. The latest high-tech milking parlours hold the cows in position mechanically, rotating as they are milked and then releasing them. They feature mastitis detectors and warning alarms, automatic disinfectant teat sprayers and electric shock 'cattle drivers', which are used to f o r c e unwilling c o w s to enter the parlour. As she is milked, computerized devices stimulate each c o w ' s udder. This is supposed to mimic the sensation of her calf suckling.
stitute. A wide range of antibody-containing powders are available for mixing into these substitutes. These are considered necessary because of the high risk of calves suffering E coli, rotavirus, salmonella and corona virus (etc). The brochure of an air conditioning company states that poor ventilation can cause pneumonia in calves because housed calves have to breathe air filled with bugs, hair, germs etc, f o r weeks, in a confined space. This means they are likely to "lose performance" (become ill). Other products promoted at the Exhibition included feed additives which reduce the amount of urea in milk, tape and lotions for split and damaged teats, sprays and injections for worms and parasites, and "comfortable" rubber cubicle mats [Ed. How considerate!]
None of the new developments is designed with the intention of improving the quality of their short lives The ethos behind these increasingly sophisticated developments is the desire to ensure each cow produces as much milk as possible and that the milk she produces is high in quality and uncontaminated. Cows are being pushed to new limits in order to turn them into more efficient milk-producing machines. None of the new developments is designed with the intention of improving the quality of their short lives.
Giving Vent As for the calves themselves, traditionally they are kept singly in rows of small stalls in sheds (the widely used live exports poster that reads ' H e ' l l never see green fields again' is totally misleading — before they go to market calves don't get to roam fields), but now new ' c o m f o r t hutches' are being marketed. T h e s e are plastic structures, slightly bigger than a large calf, that resemble a dog kennel. Another company is selling plastic troughs with teats attached, designed to reduce the amount of labour required in filling buckets and to provide calves with a more 'natural' way of drinking its milk sub-
USEFUL ADDRESSES C a m p a i g n for Cows, PO Box 339, Wolverhampton WV10 7BZ. For more information about the content of this article or a free newsletter send a 29p SAE. National Dairy Council, 5 - 7 John Princes St. London W1M OAP. Amongst other things, sends free glossy literature to schools to "counter aggressive material distributed to schools by pressure groups".
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 10
DEAR DOC Michael Klaper MD answers another of your questions Can adopting a vegan diet preserve or improve one's hearing? If you think that losing your hearing is just an inevitable part of getting older, you'll be glad to know that there is good evidence that a low-fat diet can help preserve hearing, and sometimes even reverse a common form of hearing loss. To understand why, we must consider the health of arteries. The cochlea — the delicate organ that translates the sound waves of the world into our hearing — requires an abundant, oxygen-rich blood flow, and thus is dependent upon open arteries throughout the head and brain. The most common killer of people eating the Western-style, high-fat diet is atherosclerosis
— greasy deposits of fat and cholesterol building up inside arteries throughout the body, choking off blood flow to vital organs, causing heart attacks, strokes and other blood vessel disasters. Although the focus is often on the essential coronary arteries feeding the heart muscle, or the carotid arteries carrying blood to the brain, all arteries are affected — and the smaller ones are affected faster and more severely. Even a minute obstruction in the tiny cochlear artery that supplies this remarkable structure can reduce blood flow disastrously, resulting in reduction of hearing acuity. As early as the 1960s, Dr Rosen showed that men with high cholesterol levels who developed signs of heart disease suffered hearing losses as they aged. Fortunately, the dramatic reversals of atherosclerotic
17 blood vessel disease by people w h o follow a low-fat, near vegan diet, as well as an exercise and stress reduction programme, have demonstrated that arterial plaques can melt away and the blood flow be restored to vital tissues throughout the body. The good news on the hearing front is that Dr Spencer demonstrated that lowering cholesterol levels through a low-fat diet produced significant improvement in hearing, reduced feelings of dizziness and pressure in the ear. Others have confirmed these results, and their findings would certainly support a low-fat, vegan diet as an effective strategy to help preserve or restore hearing. In 1989, Dr George Shambaugh reported that the zinc level of the hearing organs (cochlea and vestibule) are higher than that of any other part of
the body. From his study he concluded that undiagnosed zinc deficiency was responsible for much hearing loss in older men — and that one-third of the men over 60 experienced improvement in sensorineural hearing loss ('nerve deafness') and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) by adding 30 to 50 milligrams of elemental zinc to their daily diet. Thus, the recommended dietary steps for preserving — and even restoring — hearing would seem to include t w o strategies that are essentially without risk: 1 Adopting a lowfat ( 1 0 - 1 5 % of total calories as fat) vegan or near vegan diet; 2 Assuring nutritional adequacy of zinc, by supplementation if necessary. How does this sound to you? Dr Klaper regrets that he is unable to undertake consultations by post/telephone
VEGANS INTERNATIONAL Alex Bourke provides a snapshot Germany's largest animal rights and vegan organization, Animal Peace, has grown to 20,000 members. Like PETA, it concentrates on public relations and receives lots of positive media coverage. Its high profile actions include hunt sabbing; demos at dolphinaria, zoos and circuses; nude 'we'd rather go naked than wear fur' demos; and spilling fake blood in front of McDonald's.
Save Our Soya Vegan Society NZ is taking on the government to keep soyabased infant formulas legal after attacks on their safety (soya contains weak oestrogen-like
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
plant hormones). US researcher, Claude Hughes claims that exposure to phytoestrogens in the womb and during childhood could be of toxicological concern. Over the past year this has become a hot issue. If you have experience of using soya infant formulas and want to help, write to: The Vegan Society NZ, PO Box 876, Auckland, New Zealand.
Poles Apart The Polish vegetarian magazine Wegetarianski Swiat (Vegetarian World) is possibly the best of its kind in the world. After just two years it sells 50,000 copies every month and is available in all newsagents for 65p. The 48 pages of the October 1995 issue includes its
first ever feature on veganism. The publisher and editor is Agnieszka Oledzka, one of Poland's top journalists, who has become a vegan. During the summer she organized a veggie seaside holiday for 150 people, with only one problem — 1,500 tried to book! Agnieszka says that, in future, all recipes in her magazine will be vegan. If you have any old magazines you don't need, or you're a writer who would like to donate an article, or you want a Polish penfriend, or your interested in a cheap veggie holiday (lots of people there speak English), write to me at the Vegan Society office or direct to: Agnieszka Oledzka, Wegetarianski Swiat, Asfaltowa 6 m 9, Warsaw 02527, Poland.
Festival Calendar The vegan and vegetarian festivals in Australia next year have, alas, been cancelled. If you're planning a visit, you can get a copy of The Vegan Guide to Melbourne for £4.25 (p&p incl) from: Viva!, PO Box 212, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 4SD. However, vegan party animals can still have a great time at: The North American Vegetarian Congress, Pittsburgh, 29 July-4 Aug 1996. For details send an SAE to: VS(UK), Parkdale, Dunham Rd, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4QG. Finally, the 9th International Vegan Festival is planned for Sweden in July 1997. Watch this space.
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COCKROACHES, CASHEWS AND CHOCOLATE CREAM COUSCOUS
It can only mean an International Vegan Festival! An elated Julie Rosenfield was t h e r e . . .
T a k e a g e n e r o u s h e l p i n g of 5 0 0 assorted vegans f r o m 24 countries — the American v a r i e t y are f r e e l y a v a i l a b l e but i n c l u d e a g o o d p o r t i o n of E u r o p e a n o n e s , and f o r interest add the occasional vegan f r o m the C a y m a n Islands, Japan and Slovakia. Add s o m e h i g h - q u a l i t y speakers, m a k i n g sure they are healthy, green and nutritious. Stir in lots of social activities and the odd ' m o c k ' w e d d i n g f o r f u n . Mix well t o g e t h e r and leave to s i m m e r in the hot Californian sun f o r a week. Makes enough for ' A World T o Share'! Yes, the recipe for the 8th Vegan Festival held at the San D i e g o State U n i v e r s i t y , C a l i f o r n i a , 6—13 August 1995 was indeed full of variety and quality ingredients. Food w a s n e v e r very far f r o m the p a r t i c i p a n t s ' m i n d s or s t o m a c h s ! Every day there w e r e cookery demonstrations from different
as to whether or not to dive into the chocolate cream couscous cake with strawberry peach coulis.
Inspiring Vegans Of course, no-one wanted to miss any of the p o w e r f u l speakers — at any one time we had to choose between five or six possible subjects. Howard Lyman was a particularly compelling speaker. This ex-farmer used to have 7,000 cattle but changed his ways after developing a life-threatening spinal tumour and adopted a vegan diet. He now spends all his time promoting veganism and speaking
A lot of zinc is lost through 'emissions' and one ounce of cashews is good for two goes! countries. It was very interesting to compare A m e r i c a n c o o k e r y styles with their European counterparts. The USA instructors all emphasized the importance of a low-fat diet, even to the extent of pointing out that a lettuce leaf contains 10% fat. S o m e of the European instructors however, didn't show such self-control and were quite happy to pile on the soya cream! T h e c a t e r i n g f o r the c o n f e r e n c e w a s s u p e r v i s e d by a w a r d - w i n n i n g chef Ron Pickarski a n d featured w o n d e r f u l international d i s h e s t o g e t h e r with a s e l f - s e r v i c e salad b u f f e t and fruit selection. Vegan dog l o v e r s m a y h a v e w o n d e r e d at i t e m s like A l s a t i o n O n i o n Pie and a f t e r Dr K l a p e r ' s e x p l a n a t i o n of h o w c o c o a attracts c o c k roaches and rats during its harvesting, participants may have been struck by a dilemma
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out against the vast waste of land resources by big agricultural businesses and addresses his former colleagues in the farming profession. The most dedicated couch-spuds were stirred to the thought of action at the sight of Spice Williams' wonderfully fit physique, marvelling at the tough regime of bodybuilding, action stunts and professional wrestling. Ruth Heidrich was also a stunning example of health and fitness. Thirty years ago, she was treated for breast cancer — a two hour session with Dr John McDougall
persuaded her to become vegan and to take up running. She was spurred on by the challenge of the Iron Man Triathlon — an event which had never before been won by a cancer patient or a woman but she changed all that. A Hollywood film is now planned of her life story. Another star speaker in the vegan firmament was of course 'team doctor' Dr Michael Klaper w h o showed endless patience in taking part in many physicians' panels, lectures, workshops and press conferences. He may have turned people off chocolate but he certainly turned the men onto cashews, which he said should be kept by the bedside as a lot of zinc is lost through ' e m i s s i o n s ' and one ounce of cashews is good for two goes!
What Have We Here? A Festival of this sort takes a tremendous amount of organization and we heartily appreciated all the efforts of the North American Vegan Society, the Vegetarian Union of North America, and Vegans International. A very big thank you is due to Julia Hope Jacquel who worked so hard both prior to, and during the Festival. The people who snapped up the copies of The Vegan at the Festival never realized the trouble Julia had had at the airport. Such a densely packed box brought questions from the customs officers at Heathrow. The box was then opened, and bemused officials were all handed a copy of the 'Poor Cow' leaflet to read!
Where Next? All too soon the week whizzed by and it was time to say goodbye to many new friends and familiar faces from previous Festivals. T h e connections we made at the Conference still live on — as users of the Internet it was very interesting to greet friends from around the world without the usual screens and keyboards in the way! These Festivals provide a wonderful opportunity of meeting like-minded people and learning of the successes and problems of people from different countries. We very much look forward to the next Vegan Festival which is due to be held in Sweden in 1997 and which we hope many people from the UK will be able to attend. And as for that ' m o c k ' wedding, who were that daring couple who stole the show with an impromptu fun ceremony on the beach in San Diego — we've been sworn to secrecy — but please pass the cashews!
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 12
THE VEGAN TRAVELLER'S DILEMMA
Roving vegan ambassador, Katrina Payne urges us to consider the wider benefits of checking into standard kipping establishments Isn't it great when you find a really wonderful hotel which caters for vegans? What could be better than a relaxing weekend away, secure in the knowledge that your hosts will be planning a veritable feast for breakfast: soya yoghurt, home made vegan sausages, organic mushrooms and beans — all washed down with a choice array of herbal teas? Although the number of exclusively vegan hotels remains small, and most hotels
Perhaps it is time we made our demands as vegans and came out of the closet? still prefer to advertise themselves as 'vegetarian', it seems that the range of hotels catering for vegans and vegetarians is growing, and from my own experience, these hotels are usually friendly, cosy, reasonably priced and welcoming. It's good to be able to support these businesses, and also the food's likely to be excellent! Furthermore, there's no dashing around on a Friday night to buy soya milk and margarine, only to find that the lid's come off and soya spread is smeared over your favourite shirt! Yet, I wonder if we're not in danger of cutting ourselves off from the mainstream and making ourselves invisible? As long as we frequent only vegan/veggie hotels, or those which advertise as catering for us, veganism will remain in a gourmet ghetto as far as other hotel owners are concerned. They'll continue to feel that there's no need to cater for us and won't adapt their menus accordingly. Perhaps it is time we made our demands as vegans and came out of the closet?
On the Case With this in mind, I've taken to staying in the occasional non-vegan/veggie hotel out of choice rather than necessity. On the whole, the experience has been interesting and positive and it certainly helps to spread the word about veganism. One of the first non-vegan/veggie hotels my
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
partner and I stayed in was a small familyrun bed and breakfast near Hastings. The owners said they were nervous about having vegans to stay because they didn't know what we ate, so things didn't look too promising! However, our breakfast was huge and nourishing. The food c o u l d n ' t have been better and the owners said they'd enjoyed the challenge. They also began to ask a lot of questions about veganism — and although I can't say that they were converted — they were genuinely interested and could be tempted to try some vegan alternatives. I also feel that we have paved the way for future vegans, because the owners stressed that they wouldn't have any worries next time they have vegan guests. It was a pleasure to stay there and I felt that w e ' d really broken some new ground.
in the cobbled streets of Bradford. Again I explained on the phone that I was a vegan and the owner said straightaway that she had catered for vegans in the past. So I am grateful to those vegans who had stayed before me. There was no fuss or bother and I was treated exactly the same as everyone else, but with superior food! There is frequently a good deal of interest from the other guests. Inevitably the most common response is: "Well, you don't look like a vegan!" This always makes me laugh because others imagine us to be typically very thin, washed out, spotty and lankhaired. If the majority of the population say they've never met a vegan before, then the stereotype continues. The more we can challenge this — the better! But we m u s t become more visible.
More recently I stayed in a friendly hotel
Troubled Waters I'm not pretending this is all plain sailing. We all know how tiring non-vegans' questions on our lifestyle can be — when w e ' r e treated as though w e ' r e freaks of nature. But I for one rise to the challenge and e n j o y c o n f r o n t i n g the stereotype! Vegans w h o are of a like mind will also find that hotel owners are often very open to learning about the vegan diet — after all, it increases their market and will frequently be cheaper than catering for meat-eaters. However, one incident last s u m m e r reminds me that w e ' v e still got s o m e way to go. On the first morning at a small hotel in Brighton I told the waiter that I was a vegan and didn't want the full fried breakfast. I asked if I could have beans and m u s h r o o m s on toast instead. He replied, "We haven't got any mushrooms — w e ' r e not a posh place here you know!" So it was back to the beans on toast — minus the butter. I have a favourite vegan hotel which I'll return to again and again! However I would urge other vegans to come out of the closet and occasionally choose to stay in non-vegan/veggie hotels. There's a whole world out there to convince and we can begin by making ourselves more visible!
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Shoparound
Reader Offer 2
Cashew Nut, Nut & Herb or Vegetable. A north-of-the-border style Hogmanay can be enjoyed by vegans, don't forget, with Macsween's Vegetarian Haggis (tel. 0131 229 1216). For stuffing (and who needs a corpse to enjoy a tasty helping?), there are Healthrite'.s Stuffing Mixes — either Chestnut or Sage & Onion — and Speciality Stuffing Mixes from the Co-op (Country Herbs, Chestnut and Garlic & Herbs).
The first ten readers drawn will receive a free 6ml spray of one of Dolma's new perfumes — specify 'Quintet' or 'Vegamusk'. The former is described as "Ho-leaf, patchouli and West Indian bay essential oils with fern and amber notes"; the latter as "A blend of several high quality vegetable and synthetic musks with essential oil of sandalwood from mysore." Write to: Dolma, Vegan Offer, 19 Royce Ave, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 6FU.
Xmas Nibbles
For the last time, Annie Brosnan shares the content of her animal-free shopping basket Fun and festive frolics veganstyle once again. Yep, Christmas descends rapidly, so feast your eyes and taste buds. Here's a round-up of some of the goodies available . . .
Let Them Eat Cake! granoVita's Rich Dark Fruit Cake, together with Evernat's Organic Christmas Cake, Healthrite's Christmas Cake and The Village Bakery's Celebration Fruit Cake all vie for top place on the cake dish.
Vegan Puds From Everfresh come the Organic Rich Plum Pudding and the Gluten-free Organic Rich Plum Pudding on the Sunnyvale label. Proudly boasting the 'vegan' word. The Village Bakery produces the Organic Vegan Plum Pudding. More puds are available from Wholebake, Healthrite (900g and 450g) and Holland and Barrett.
Cold Companions To go with the steaming calorieladen goodies above, why not add the lovely Soya Creem from Granose? Or some ice cream, such as Winner's Swedish Glace? (any excuse — have you experienced the new Pear and
I4
Raspberry flavours yet?) — all flavours are animal-free. If you can't get Glace (and it has to be said — it is the best!), then go for Sunrise Ice Dream (1 litre tubs in Vanilla, Hazelnut, Wildberry, Carob and Cassata & Coconut; 125ml tubs in Vanilla, Raspberry, Mint, Carob Chip, Fruit Cocktail, Mango & Apricot and Pistachio & Almond) or Dayvilies N'lce Day (Vanilla, Pistachio, Chocolate and Strawberry).
Main Events For 'traditional' Christmas fayre, you can't really go wrong with a nut roast 'with all the trimmings'. Try Granose's Brazil Nut, Cashew, Nut or Lentil; Mexican Corn or Sunflower & Sesame for something slightly different — or grano Vita's
I don't know about you, but the most stomach-stretching, digestion-wrecking, bloat-inducing, zip-busting thing about Christmas isn't the main meals — it's the little nibbles that seem perpetually in motion 'twixt hand and mouth. So here are a few to stock up on! Starting easy, with granoVita's Wafer Rolls in two varieties (Peanut and Hazelnut), we move cloyingly on to Wholebake's Mince Slice, Mince Pies from Mr Kipling — or made with Holland & Barrett Mincemeat, Marks & Spencer's Luxury Mincemeat or Healthrite's Vegetarian Mincemeat (410g or 820g). Choccy-wise, don't forget the Drops from Plamil Foods (perfect in a little snack dish on a coffee table when entertaining!), individual Christmas novelties in dairy-free chocolate from Berrydales, as well as a DairyFree Plain Chocolate Xmas Tree and Santa (also suitable for diabetics) from Healthrite.
May Old...
When you're run down and washed out, reach for the Multivitamins Plus Minerals for Vegetarians and Vegans (bearing the Society's trade mark) from Seven Seas to tide you over till you get back to that normal healthy balanced diet. Or you may wish to turn to Klamath Lake Blue-Green Algae from Nature's Gold. Why on earth would you want to do that? Well, amongst many other reasons cited in the literature, because it contains eight essential amino acids, 11 vital vitamins, 23 naturally occurring minerals and it is, in fact a 100% pure food system which gives "feelings of increased energy, reduction and alleviation of stress, improved clarity of thought..." (now that would be nice!) I must admit, I've been trying it, and I do seem to have more energy — I can change even more nappies and mop up even more sticky little messes per hour than I could before! It's available from: Nature's Gold, 783a Fulham Rd, London SW6 5HD. 0171 384 1759.
And now, looking forward to the year after the season before . . .
Happy Christmas and New Year!
Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae Reader Offer 1 The first 25 requests received for Potter's Vegetable Cough Remover (a herbal mixture containing seven active ingredients) will receive a complimentary 100ml bottle. Drop a line to: Potter's Herbal Medicines/The Vegan Offer, Leyland Mill Lane, Wigan WN1 2SB.
FREE Information Package upon request Tablets Cold Pressed by Wet Granulation No Preservatives No Additives 100% Pure Premium Grade Quality £5.95 - 60 Tablets £10.95 - 30g Powder £9.95 - 50ml Liquid post & packing Free /Vai»res
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783a Fulham Road, London SW6 5HD The Vegan, Winter. 1995 14
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OUR. POPULATIONS ARE GROWING- T O O RAPIDLY. OUR. P L A N E T S A R E OVERCROWDED.AND S E E K I N G - N E W WORLDS T O COLONISE IS BRINGING
U S
INTO C O N F L I C T !
L E T EVERYONE ADOPT A VEGAN DIET. S T O P WASTING Z. I L L I O N S O F ACRES O N GRAZING- A N D GROWING CROPS F O R C A T T L E , . . AND PEOPLE WILL B E SLIMMER. AND T A K E UP LESS SPACE J AWARDED T O MEGAN THE VEGAN FOR SERVICES TO INTERGALACTIC PEACE. ENERGISE!
A/mCTfitfcHBK
SO, » T S A SHORTAGE OF LAND THAT'S MAKING- YOO EDGY. T H A T ' S E A S I L Y SOLVED!
VEGANS Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat' — what a chilling thought. There is not much to look forward to for the thousands of turkeys, chickens and other living creatures that will be the centre piece of many tables on Christmas Day. I sometimes wonder if people would so readily eat animals and products obtained f r o m them if they had known the animal when it was alive and recognized its unique personality and character. This
could be the reason why, in most countries, people do not consider eating their dogs! I spent my summer holiday this year camping in the grounds of an organic farm. I pitched my tent behind the long glass houses filled with ripening tomatoes and was looking forward to a pleasant week of peace and solitude. However my plans were thwarted by a dozen hens which roamed freely around the farm. They had different ideas about
my stay and made sure there was no possibility of my becoming lonely! I had only to clink my kettle against the camp stove and they would magically appear, running frantically toward me, feathers a-flutter. They were always led by the same hen, who I nicknamed Henrietta. She was always first to stick her beak into my bag of porridge oats. The other hens were more timid and preferred to stay at a safe distance. I must admit I began to
look forward to my friends' regular appearances at my tent and towards the end of the week I could tell them apart and had given them all names. To me, their individual personalities were as unique as any people I have known. Fortunately, these hens are not destined for the Christmas dinner table — or any other meal — and are allowed to strut around the farm fussing and clucking and poking their beaks in where they do not belong!
George and to MPs. The League owns 37 sites in this part of the country, amounting to 2,000 acres. More than 200 red deer roam freely. The Hunt is strictly forbidden to trespass on the land and many stags have been saved from being hunted to death by running onto League land. The Manager of the Sanctuary, Graham Sirl, showed me a sign forbidding hunting that had been on its land, which the hunters had riddled with bullet holes.
Sanctuary Whilst I was on holiday I made a visit to the West Country Sanctuary of the League Against Cruel Sports. I was particularly interested in the League's work in this part of the country, where stag hunting is very popular. The L e a g u e ' s mission is to monitor hunts and video hunt meetings. If it films anything that is illegal or exceedingly cruel it then attempts to bring it to the attention of the general public
16
The Sanctuary encourages group visits from schools and young people's groups and there is a field adjoining it for camping. During their stay children can learn about wildlife and conservation issues, work on the site gardening, help to make a butterfly garden, plant trees, and so on. I asked Graham what the children did in the evening and he introduced me to the animals that have come into the League's care. Graham was keen to point out that they are
not an animal THE LEAGUE ^ G A I N S T CRUEL SPORTS rescue centre. These animals had all been brought to the Sanctuary either injured or unwanted and staff had been unable to turn them away. "The children love our 0171 403 1655). It does not 'pets' and spoil them," he told have a junior group at the me. Sidney the bull was given to moment but one may be starting them as a calf. Because he was up in the near future. The memnot feeding, his mother had bership is £8 per year and for rejected him. He is now a 3this you get a membership pack year-old and enormous. There containing badges, leaflets, are also four horses and several details of campaigns and a quargoats. With his magnificent terly journal, Wildlife Guardian. curly horns, George the ram was If you are in a youth group and quite a character. At night, the would like to spend some time children can watch the deer on at the Somerset sanctuary please the hills opposite the campsite. write to:
PRIVATE PROPE&TY HUNTING FORBIDDEN
If you are interested in the work of the League and would like to know more about it then write to the head office at: Sparling House, 83-87 Union Street, London SE1 1SG. (Tel.
League Against Cruel Sports West Country Sanctuary, St Nicholas Priory, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9LH. (Tel. 01398 324190.) Angela Novello
The Vegan,Winter.1995 16
THE VEGAN P R | 2 E
Send in a photocopy (or original) of the solution to this crossword, together with your name and address, by 25 January, and you'll be entered in a draw for the Society's new sweat shirt. Solution in the next issue! Congratulations to Alan Williams, sender of the first correct solution to The Vegan Prize Crossword 2 to be drawn out of the hat.
CROSSWORD Compiled by Kate Sweeney
ACROSS 7 Barrels for holding alcohol (5) 4 Flat, husky nut (6) 9 Small seedless orange (7) 10 Yellow fruit often used in starters (5) 11 Taro (4) 12 Alpine plant with blue flowers eg violet (7) 13 Prefix meaning "of living things" (3) 14 Tea (slang) (4) 16 Herb (4) 18 Frozen water (3) 20 Orange fruit of plum family (7) 21 Blackthorn (4) 24 Tropical tree from which chocolate is made (5) 25 Warm bun which sells well? (3,4)
26 Sell in small quantities (6) 27 Type of icing (5) DOWN Nut often used in roasts (6) Full, satisfied (5) Bitter (4) Citrus fruit drink (8) Machine for expressing liquid from seeds (3-4) Eating (6) Fleshy tropical fruit (5) 13 Vegetable with edible stalks and florets (8) 15 The kidney or French bean (7) 17 Plate going under a cup (6) 18 Irritating to the skin (5) 19 Edible grain eg wheat (6) 22 Covered in foliage (5) 23 Mix (4)
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Return to: The Vegan Prize Crosword 3, The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex T N 3 7 7 A A , UK.
Pioneers of British Soya Milk in 1965
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The Vegan, Winter. 1995
MILK
Plamil soya milks are f o r m u l a t e d for v e g a n nutritional requirements, w i t h the correct balance of v e g a n calcium combined w i t h vitamin D 2 t o e n a b l e the b o d y to absorb the calcium, plus the essential vitamins B 1 2 a n d B 2 Available in 1 litre ready-to-use f o r m and 1/2 litre concentrated. The concentrated version is the only o n e of its kind o n t h e market a n d is tremendously versatile (send f o r recipes).
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Please send me: Please tick as applicable • Free informative literature & recipes. • NEW 1995 16 page booklet 'Healthy vegan infants/children £1.00 • Simple questionnaire t o complete for vegan research. SAE w o u l d be greatly appreciated. Send to: Plamil Foods Ltd. Folkestone CT19 6PQ
soys
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17
WEIGHTY
WINTER WARMERS Like wow man,'Cook Vegan' author, Richard Youngs gets really hea-vy
t o d g e is an u n d e r - v a l u e d quality of food. On cold winter days, however, what could be more appetizing than hot, filling s a v o u r i e s f r e s h f r o m the o v e n or steamer?
S
These recipes, laden with carbohydrate, will satisfy two healthy appetites.
STEAMED TOFU AND MUSHROOM PUDDING 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 clove garlic 6 oz (170g) m u s h r o o m s 6 oz (170g) tofu 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp yeast extract 1 tsp cornflour 8 tbsp water 12 crushed juniper berries g e n e r o u s pinch of mixed spice g r o u n d black pepper For the crust: 2 oz (55g) wholemeal flour 2 oz (55g) breadcrumbs 2 oz (55g) vegan margarine C r u s h the garlic. Roughly c h o p the mushr o o m s and tofu. Saute the three in the vege t a b l e oil f o r a m i n u t e , then a d d the soy 18
sauce. Mix together the yeast extract, cornflour and water. Add to the pan, along with the juniper berries, mixed spice and pepper. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly so that the cornflour thickens the sauce evenly. Turn down heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce is nicely rich. Meanwhile, combine the crust ingredients to form a dough. Transfer the mushroom and tofu mixture to a p u d d i n g basin. Seal the top with the dough. Cover the basin — if it does not have a lid, you can do this with a tea towel. Steam for 2 hours. Serve.
VEGETABLE CRUMBLE 2 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion 1 clove garlic 1 small tomato (the riper the better) 1 small carrot
6 oz (170g) open cap mushrooms (they are juicier) 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp water several small broccoli florets For the crumble V / 2 oz (43g) medium oatmeal 1V 2 oz (43g) sesame seeds 1 oz (30g) wholemeal flour 1 oz (30g) wholemeal breadcrumbs 1 oz (30g) vegan margarine To make the crumble mix together the oatmeal, sesame seeds, flour and breadcrumbs. Work in the margarine until a crumble consistency is achieved. Leave to one side. Slice the onion, carrot and mushrooms. Crush the garlic. Dice the tomato. Cut the broccoli into slightly larger than bite-size pieces. Saute the onion in the olive oil until golden. Add the garlic, tomato, carrot and mushrooms. Cook until the tomato pieces have turned into a pulp. Next add the tomato puree, soy sauce and water followed by the
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 18
broccoli. Transfer to an ovenproof dish. Scatter the crumble mixture over the top and pat down. Bake in moderate oven for 30 minutes. Serve hot.
GENEROUSLY FILLED POTATO AND LEiK BRIDIES 1 lb (455g) potatoes 1 small leek 1 tbsp olive oil V 4 pint (125 ml) soya milk 1 heaped tsp cornflour pinch of nutmeg salt and pepper For the pastry: 6 oz (170g) shop-bought vegan puff pastry flour for rolling Boil or steam the potatoes until tender. Cut the cooked potatoes into small cubes. Finely chop the leek and saute in the olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a cup, mix the soya milk and cornflour together. Pour the mixture into the leeks and stir constantly to give a thick leek sauce. Add the cooked potato plus nutmeg. Season and then allow to cool. Roll out the pastry to a 2mm thickness on a lightly floured board. Rest for a few minutes. Cut the sheet into two, then divide the potato and leek filling between them. Fold over the pastry so that the filling is encased, pressing down the edges with your fingers so that filling cannot escape. Transfer to a lightly greased oven tray and bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes or until the pastry is nicely browned.
SPICED POTATO KNISH 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 medium onion 1 lb (455g) potatoes V2 tsp ground turmeric l / 4 tsp ground cumin «/2 tsp ground coriander V2 tsp ground chilli salt
four balls. Roll flat and thin. Take one quarter of the potato mixture and place in the centre of the dough disc. Shape the disc to contain the potato around the sides — like a mini-flan. Repeat with the remaining discs and potato mixture. Place on a lightly greased oven tray and bake in hot oven for 30 minutes or until pastry is nicely brown. Eat hot or cold.
SHEPHERD'S PUY LENTIL AND AUBERGINE PIE 1 large aubergine salt 1 lb (455g) potatoes vegan margarine 2 oz (55g) puy (or brown) lentils 4 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion 2 cloves garlic 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 tsp yeast extract 2 - 3 tbsp wholemeal breadcrumbs Dice the aubergine into small cubes, place in a sieve, sprinkle with salt and leave to stand for 30 minutes. Rinse off salt. Boil or steam the potatoes until soft. Add a knob of margarine. Mash until smooth. Set aside. Boil the puy lentils in water for 20 minutes until tender. Drain, reserving a f e w tablespoons of the liquid. Set aside. Finely chop the onion and crush the garlic. Saute the onion in the olive oil until golden, then add the prepared aubergine and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or so, over medium heat, until the aubergine has softened and the oil has been absorbed. Add the cooked puy lentils, along with the reserved cooking liquid and squeeze of tomato puree. Stir thoroughly, then add enough breadcrumbs to absorb the remaining juices. Add the yeast extract and stir thoroughly again.
Place in an ovenproof dish or loaf tin, and top with the mashed potato. Dot with margarine. Bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes until brown on top. Serve.
MIXED VEGETABLE ROLL 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 medium onion 1 medium carrot 2 oz (55g) mushrooms 2 oz (55g) ground almonds or ground hazelnuts salt and pepper For pastry: 2 oz (55g) wholemeal flour 2 oz (55g) plain flour 1V2 oz (43g) vegan margarine minimum of cold water to form a stiff dough T o make the pastry, work together the flours and margarine until like fine breadcrumbs. Then add a minimum of cold water to form a stiff dough — as little as a teaspoon may be enough. Set aside in the fridge. Finely chop all the vegetables. Saute the onion in the vegetable oil for 5 minutes until transparent, then add the carrot, celery and mushrooms. Place a lid on the pan and allow to sweat for 5 minutes over low heat. Next add the ground almonds or hazelnuts (2 oz/55g should be about right to mop up the vegetable juices. If the mixtures is still a little runny, add a few more ground nuts; if too dry, add some water.) Season to taste. Roll out the pastry on a floured board to form an approximately 10" by 10" (255mm x 255mm) sheet. Place the vegetable mixture evenly down the middle, parallel to one of the edges. Fold over the uncovered pastry to encase the vegetables. Place on a lightly greased oven tray. Bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes or until the pastry is done. Serve.
For the pastry: 5 oz (198g) wholemeal flour V2 tsp salt 2 oz (55g) vegan margarine a little warm water Sift together the flour and salt. Slowly melt the margarine and then pour it into the flour and salt. Adding the minimum of warm water, form into a dough and set aside. Steam or boil the potatoes. Meanwhile, thinly slice then gently saute the onion until carmelized (dark brown, but not burnt). Once the potatoes are soft, drain then mash them. Add the cooked onions plus spices. Season to taste. Mix thoroughly. Divide the dough into four and form into
The Vegan, Winter 1995 19
* O C I I T T
Promoting a diet free from all animal produce and a more compassionate way of living that seeks to avoid exploiting animals for any purpose
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Block letters please Address
Name Postcode.
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Profession/Skills. Signature Tick as appropriate: • I am interested in veganism and enclose a large SAE for an Information Pack • I adhere to a vegan diet and wish to become a Vegan Society member. I undertake to abide by the Society's Memorandum and Articles of Association (£2 or may be viewed without charge at the Society's office) • Although not a vegan I support the Society's aims and wish to become a supporter member • Individual £15 O Family/Joint £20 Q Unwaged individual £10 Q Unwaged family/joint £14 • Junior (under 18) £8 Q Life £250 Q Donation
For prices & order form write to D & D Chocolates, 5 Lawn Road, London NW3 2XS Tel. 0171 722 2866
The Memoirs of Telemann ... with prefulgent prabble on palingenesis Translated by Rachel Orr £2.50, p.p, inc.
Eire and overseas: All applicants must add £5
I enclose cheque/PO payable to The Vegan Society' for £ (£ membership + £ donation).
GORSAF DRYSLWYN CAERFYRDDIN DYFED SA32 8JQ
Return to: The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA, UK
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The Vegan, Winter. 1995 20
Contacts News The end of 1995 marks another year of significant achievement for the Vegan Society. The commitment of our staff and the enthusiasm of Council members have meant further substantial advances in our range of activities. These include national initiatives in schools, animal rights/welfare groups, catering establishments, and many other organizations. New Vegan Society publications, leaflets and merchandise all support the work of our Local Vegan Contacts, whose response has been extremely rewarding. Whether they offer a friendly
voice at the end of a telephone to new or prospective vegans, are out there participating in radio phone-ins, or organizing stalls or library displays, our Local Contacts are providing a personal communication service vital to the Society's progress. A Local Contact's life is by no means an easy one. S/He will very often struggle to find enough active members to enable participation in all the appropriate events available. Vegans, like others, seem to have all sorts of reasons for not joining a group. In some ways this is understandable, yet in other ways very sur-
prising — many events centre around social activity and food and drink! While many opportunities exist for activities of a campaigning nature, in order to make vegans and vegetarians of all ages and circumstance feel welcome most, if not all, Contacts arrange a full social programme. You have only to come along to our own social after the Vegan Society AGM to see vegans know how to enjoy themselves! Our Local Contacts will now be recovering after their remarkable efforts for World Vegan Day which, in only its second year, attracted media coverage in all parts of the UK — and
also internationally. Many will be arranging gatherings over the December-January period. Members and supporters of the Society, their friends and relatives, interested vegetarians, and people concerned with animals, health, the environment and nutrition, will all be welcome to participate in the activities. So please give your Local Contact a call, for there are few things so invigorating as spending time with people who share your views and aspirations. A sincere thank you to our Contacts and best wishes to all those who support them. Terry Bevis Local Contacts Co-ordinator
VEGAN SOCIETY LOCAL CONTACTS Note: Local Contacts are Vegan Society members who have offered to act, on a voluntary basis, as a point of contact for those interested in the Society's work. They are not official representatives of the Society. Their levels of activity and knowledge may vary according to their individual circumstances. When writing to a Contact, please remember to enclose an SAE.
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
21
Grow Vegan
Veg Action December
Vegan-organic gardener, Maggie Dunn continues her 'no (animal) muck and magic7 column Gardening Catalogue 1996' for marking animal-free composts, fertilizers, soil conditioners etc with 'AF*. For a copy ring 01932 820958. For a catalogue of hundreds of easily-grown perennial foods that, apparently, succeed whatever the weather, send an A5 stamped addressed envelope plus two 20p stamps to: Plants for a Future. The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 ONG.
Save Those Seeds
Most of the 1996 gardening catalogues have now been issued and congratulations must go to the compilers of 'The Organic
Whilst it is too late to seriously consider saving seed this year, it is something worth planning for the coming season. It is easy to spend a lot of money on seeds each year so it is advisable to save some from your own plants. Although organically grown seeds are now readily available mail order, most of those available in the shops are treated with fungicides and other chemicals. By sowing your own seed you can avoid this and, by careful selection, it is possible to improve the quality of your vegetables. Generally speaking, you first need to let a plant go to seed or ripen. Don't collect seeds too
EASY SEEDS The following is a selection of easy-to-collect seeds to start you o f f : R u n n e r Beans Leave a selection of beans hanging on the plant until the pods are brown and dry. Remove the pod and shell the beans. Dry and store. P e a s Leave a selection of peas hanging on the plant until the pods are brown and dry. Remove and shell. Dry and store. Ridge C u c u m b e r s Leave fruit on the plant until yellow. Remove seed and put in water for a few days. The good seeds will float to the bottom. The dead seeds will float on top. Dry off with a tea towel. Dry and store. T o m a t o e s Choose the best fruit from the third or fourth trusses when the fruit is just ripe. Remove the seed and wash thoroughly. Dry and store.
22
early or they won't be properly formed. Also, make sure it isn't raining or wet with dew. Don't choose any old plant, such as the first one to go to seed — this undesirable quality will be passed on through the seed to the next generation plant! Carefully choose plants with good qualities — eg good yield, size, flavour, texture, long storage life, disease and 'pest' resistance. Once the seed has been collected, clean and dry it with a tea towel. Allow it to dry thoroughly by placing it in a warm place for at least 2 weeks. I put mine in a paper bag with air holes and hang the bags from an old fashioned wooden-slatted airer above the Raybum. You should not take seed from plants whose seed was obtained from a packet labelled 'hybrid' because they may not form properly. Store the seeds in paper envelopes or bags in an airtight container at a temperature between 0 and 5 °C. Properly collected and stored, these seeds will last a couple of years.
It's... Competition Time! Two pairs of garden shears are waiting for the first two readers to be drawn from the hat with the correct answer to the question below. Choose A. B or C and send your answer, together with your name and address to: Grow Vegan Competition. The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA.
What is Budleia commonly known as? A The butterfly bush B The bee bush C The bird bush
• Robust herbs such as rosemary, sage, bay and thyme are available for picking • Lift and store root crops for use when the ground is frozen • Check stored crops such as marrow, beetroot, carrots and potatoes. Reject any that are diseased • Order new vegetable seeds for the new year • Clean all trays, pots and greenhouses and allow to dry thoroughly to reduce overwintering of diseases • To reduce living quarters for slugs and other 'pests', clear up any debris in the garden. You can always leave special piles of refuse well away from the vegetable patch for beneficial creatures such as slow worms, frogs, etc
January • Lime soil intended for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflowers, kale, kohl rabi, radishes and swede • Order seed potatoes for chitting • Plant shallots in a welldrained and humus-rich soil in sheltered southern and western gardens • Keep a check on creeping buttercup, bindweed and ground elder in, or near your vegetable patch
February • Chit seed potatoes in a cool, light place for planting Mar-May • Force seakale, chicory and rhubarb • Sow greenhouse tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, onions and celeriac to plant out later • Broad beans can be sown in boxes in a cold greenhouse or frame • Work in a general fertilizer — eg seaweed meal — before sowing straight into the ground
Closing date: 25 January 1996.
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 22
Family Matters Katharine A Gilchrist and Lesley Dove continue to explore issues of concern to vegans and their families Lesley w r i t e s . . . Vegan mum Caz, from Romford, says: After giving birth to our son / Ha.? told that I could not feed him myself as my breast milk would not be sufficient for his needs at that time. When he was born the auxiliary nurse did a blood sugar test (is that test vegan ?) and said it was very low and that he had to be fed immediately. I was told that I could not breast-feed and he would have to be given formula milk. We pointed out that we are vegans and did not want him to be given a cow's milk formula. She disappeared and returned after several minutes with a bottle of prepared milk pointing out that on the side of the bottle it said 'suitable for vegetarians'. We told her we were not vegetarians. She did not seem to know what a vegan was. Thomas was fed the cow's milk formula but drank next to nothing despite the assurance that his low blood sugar meant that he was hungry and had to be fed immediately. We feel that the treatment we received both during labour and after our son was born, was disgraceful and degrading. We were made to feel that we were outcasts because we are vegans. The good news is that Caz did go on to successfully breast feed Thomas, despite the nurse's ignorance. According to the New Scientist (22.4.95), researchers studying body fat at Hammersmith Hospital found significantly higher levels of polyunsaturates in the adipose tissue of the baby of a breast feeding vegan mother, compared with the babies of other breast feeding mothers. Researcher Louise Thomas says that babies breast-fed by vegan mothers may have better brain development because of the role of polyunsaturates in the growth of neural membranes. For those vegan mothers who
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
find themselves unable to breast feed, Heinz tells me that its Farley's Soya Formula can be easily ordered by hospitals and chemists. However, it is not suitable for premature babies because of its aluminium content — and, of course, it cannot be exchanged for milk tokens. I would encourage vegan mothers to consider the option of home birth. It is something that we have a legal right to choose and if no local GP agrees, we have a right to midwife care. It is not right for everyone, of course, but many mothers meet resistance from their GP's, without good reason. However, there is a need for better services in hospitals for vegans, for those of us who have to or prefer to be there, for whatever reason. And finally: can anyone help with information on vegan furniture and items for the home? Many mattresses contain wool in the mixed fibres. Non wool carpets have often been dyed with animal-tested chemicals.
Katharine adds . . . To illustrate the unfairness of the Government's position on milk tokens, let us take the fictional example of three women named Annabel, Blossom and Carmel who leave school at the same time and all start working for the same employer at the same rate of pay. Therefore, they pay the same amount in tax and National Insurance. Annabel is vegan. She has heard of the Peace Tax Campaign which campaigns for pacifists to be allowed to divert the portion of their taxes which would go to the army to go towards the peace fund instead. She wants to ensure that none of her tax payments is used for anything which harms animals. The Inland Revenue tells her this is impossible. Annabel, Blossom and Carmel
all become pregnant at around the same time and leave work. Each has a healthy baby. Annabel breast-feeds her daughter. She receives milk tokens but is not able to exchange them for soya milk or for anything for her to eat or drink. The baby eats one but is then sick. Annabel is anxious not to throw them away. She uses them for origami practice and then for papier mach£. Blossom too is breast feeding. Her milk tokens are exchanged for cows' milk which she drinks. Carmel bottle feeds her son. The government does not care why. She could have been desperate to breast-feed but been unable to do so (or advised not to for medical reasons). Or she could distrust nutritionists and eat nothing but chips and pork pies herself, and laugh when Blossom tells her of the benefits of breast feeding. Whichever is the case, she receives the milk tokens and obtains cow's milk formula with them. The Government claims that the milk tokens scheme is intended to provide "a nutritional safeguard" for children. What is not explained is: 1 Why Blossom's daughter is given a safeguard and Annabel's is not. 2 Why, if it is genuinely concerned with children's welfare, it does not give extra milk tokens to mothers who breast-feed (I say
this to highlight government inconsistency, not to criticize mothers who bottle feed.) 3 Why, since Annabel has paid as much tax and National Insurance as Blossom and Carmel, yet is not entitled to as much from the social security system as they are, Annabel is not given a tax refund as compensation. 4 Why the Government claims this issue is about soya milk's alleged unsuitability for babies when the recipients of milk tokens include breast feeding mothers and toddlers up to the age of 5, and when other vegan food could be made available. I have written to the Department of Health with these questions but it seems to have given up on answering my queries. I, on the other hand, am one of the many vegans who have not given up hope of getting justice on this matter. USEFUL ADDRESSES • (For breast feeding advice and support) La Leche League. Box 3424, London WC1 3XX. 017] 242 1278. • (Runs home birth support groups) National Childbirth Trust, Alexandra Hse, Oldham Terrace, London W3 6NH. 0181 992 8637.
23
AN ACT OF SURVIVAL In the f a c e of recurring cancer, adopting a v e g a n diet w a s f o r m e a survival strategy. E v e n though the thought of an animal having to die to satisfy a desire was uncomforta b l e , I d i d not c h a n g e my diet f o r any heart-felt desire to stop the killing of animals. Beginning in 1987, a series of operations and a course of chemotherapy culminated in 1990 in the amputation of my left leg above the knee. As a keen athlete for years, aware of t h e link b e t w e e n g o o d diet a n d g o o d health, I had never been a lover of red meat, fast or fatty f o o d — but after losing my leg.
My son asked where the "real food" was and spent the evening singing the McDonald's advert theme g a i n i n g a p r o s t h e s i s and r e s u r r e c t i n g my sporting career as an amputee athlete, I took a knife to my diet. I cut out all red meat, confectionery and virtually all fried food. T w o further operations to remove tumours f r o m my lung and another on my residual limb — all in the space of 18 months — was all the a b u s e my body could take, but less t h a n e i g h t m o n t h s a f t e r my last s u r g e r y , more tumours were identified and more surgery w a s r e c o m m e n d e d . It w a s too soon; there is normally at least 18 m o n t h s between recurrences. N u m b n e s s a n d ' p i n s a n d n e e d l e s ' c o n f i r m e d , in my m i n d , that my cancer was taking a greater hold on my body. M o r e surgery would only w e a k e n m y i m m u n e system, giving my cancer f r e e reign. I refused surgery in favour of n a t u r e ' s w a y , the vegan way.
24
Losing a leg through cancer five years ago set sporting all-rounder Tony Thomas-Hall on track to a vegan diet. After setting records and winning medals for Britain as an amputee athlete, 31-year-old Tony has a new goal: bringing together a society divided by its attitudes to disability. Here, he sets out how his health, diet and disability are interlinked
Just a f t e r New Y e a r ' s Day 1994, my vegan diet began. I had my last meal of rice, peas and chicken and the next day began a
Later I realized that the richness and variety of life was still available to me three-day fast of vegetables juices and water. This was followed by the luxury of seven months of 100% raw, and sometimes very cold, fruit and vegetables — including nuts and seeds. Superficial improvements were soon evident: an extra bounce in my stride from feeling lighter; waking up without that sticky film on my tongue; my breath before tooth brushing was far less likely to bring tears to the p o s t m a n ' s eyes. Unfortunately, any regression in the growth of the tumours in my lung would not be realized for a long while.
Motivator I remain convinced by the mountain of evidence f r o m eminent scientists, such as Dr Max Gerson and Professor Arnold Ehret, on the causes and characteristics of cancer, and the positive impact a restricted vegan diet can have. The powerful motivation of selfpreservation made the transition from a diet containing moderate amounts of poultry and fish to one which was initially 100% raw fruit and vegetables, much smoother than even I had thought possible. However, f o r most people, a Western lifestyle is totally contrary to living healthily on raw food. Every mouthful of food must
be masticated until liquid before swallowing; fruit must be eaten before vegetables, with a 30-minute gap between courses, because of their differing rates of digestion; food must be consumed as close to harvesting as possible; and, if possible, only certified organic fruit and vegetables should be eaten because most agricultural soil is devoid of some or all of the key trace elements vital to the efficient functioning of the human body. For me, spending up to one hour chewing a small bowl of vegetables was one of the most difficult parts of the diet. Not known for delicate eating, I would invariably eat too fast and not chew each mouthful enough.
Ups and Downs During the first two months of my raw food diet, my training sessions both on the track and in the gym went better than ever. However, as I moved into my third month, I became aware of a reduction in my strength and stamina. I put this down to the radical change in diet, but in truth it could have been any number of factors. An X-ray later showed that the tumours had continued to grow, which I am sure contributed to my training problems. This was a difficult time, not only for me coming to terms with the diet, but fitting it into the day-to-day activities of my wife and our two children. Mealtimes took on a new dimension with new and varied fruits and vegetables. I would also eat at totally different times to the rest of the family. Making at least one family meal a week totally raw seemed one solution, but after my son asked where the "real f o o d " was and spent the evening singing the M c D o n a l d ' s advert
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 24
of others. As well as a new sporting interest, in as far as running with one leg (and a prosthesis) was new, the loss of my leg gave me new meaning for life. More than ever before I felt a growing empathy towards all life. It probably came out of an acceptance, also for the first time in my life, of my own mortality and fragility. That confrontation with death helped put in perspective my being suddenly confronted with disability.
£ a 3 = g t" £ 3^ c
s© 2o
s
Tony Thomas-Hall
theme, I knew the idea needed tuning!
At One During the months of raw food and fasting, my body went through such a deep detoxification that, as others have found, a kind of spiritual cleansing occurred. Purging the
Whether for physical or overall health or well-being, the benefits of a wholefood vegan diet are beyond doubt toxins and putrid animal matter brought down the barrier to my spiritual side. I liken it to being exposed to nourishing sunlight for the first time. Feelings of joy and happiness repeatedly washed over me, so comforting and warm that all sorts of emotions erupted to the surface. I was left with such a feeling of peace and serenity that I found it impossible to imagine anything more beautiful or satisfying. Buddhists talk of the spaciousness of being in your heart and the interconnection at that moment with your fellow man. I am not sure if an interconnection occurred during my experience but I was aware of a deeper compassion for, and understanding
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
It was through joining the British Sports Association for the Disabled that I began to understand the nature of disability — not only in sport, but also education and the dichotomy of attitudes and perception of children and adults towards disability. When I was told that I would lose my leg, thoughts of being excluded from playing my part in society and becoming a burden to my family had terrified me. Later I realized that the richness and variety of life was still available to me, although not on a plate. It is with those memories still fresh in my mind that I am leading a project investigating how best to support schools in providing lessons which are totally integrated and inclusive of disabled children. I and a small team are working with teachers, parents, charities and industry to bring our society closer together — starting with children, our future. Glaxo Wellcome is already backing our efforts and we are looking for others to join us.
Adjustment In July last year, I modified my diet due to certain deficiencies hampering my cancer battle. I adopted a modified version of 'The Gerson Therapy' (a cancer-specific therapy) — consisting of raw fruit and vegetables, baked and slowly steamed vegetables, and juiced fruits and vegetables. Steaming vegetables makes it easier for your body to obtain certain vitamins and minerals from the foods by breaking down the cellulose of the plant cell walls, making
chewing each mouthful until liquid less important. By slowly steaming vegetables in pots with tight lids, far fewer vitamins and minerals are destroyed than in normal steaming. Although, for the most part, I enjoyed my time on raw food, I did have cravings for hot cooked food, especially on those wet, winter nights after a training session on the track.
A Silver! By the end of seven months, training was going well again. The change in my diet was timely, as I was about to compete in the U S Summer Amputee Games in Baltimore and the International Paralympic C o m m i t t e e World Championships in Berlin. You cannot be sure what food will be available and eating cooked vegetables increased my choices. Despite suffering an injury, I returned f r o m international competition with a silver medal in the long j u m p , but then faced a tough few months, as my cancer seemed to take a stronger hold and left me with barely enough energy to prepare my daily meals. But there were positive times too: my B B C Video Diary p r o g r a m m e about my health a n d sporting hopes was broadcast in September 1994 and p r o v o k e d a lot of response. T h e n c a m e a gradual improvement.
Feeling Good Since mid-1994 my diet has changed very little, except for the introduction of baked potatoes, lentils and oats. A typical day might consist of a breakfast of fruit — usually soaked raisins with raw garlic and some other fruit, or porridge; then various steamed vegetables, brown rice, baked potatoes and a salad for lunch, and lentil soup for dinner — all organic, of course. T o date, my diet and holistic therapies seem to be having a positive effect on my cancer. Recent X-rays have shown no growth in the tumours for at least three, and maybe as much as nine months. Improvements in my energy levels and general vitality give me confidence to hope for a total regression. Only time will tell. In the meantime, I have the energy to write articles, work on my study of disability a n d education, visit schools, give radio interviews, pitch TV and film ideas, meet new people from a broad range of disability charities, and look for sponsors. Although poor health prevented me q u a l i f y i n g for the Atlanta Paralympics in 1996, I ' m hoping to go — funding permitting — as a journalist or commentator. Whether for physical or overall health or well-being, the benefits of a w h o l e f o o d vegan diet are beyond doubt. Tony welcomes your comments. Please send them to the Society's office
25
Reviews shellfish. But if you want a reasonably-priced and convenientlysized basic guide, then this remains one of the better ones around. • Ken Fern
Il
Food For Free
i1
The Food System A GUIDE 11 S ^ g f c "
Richard Mabey HarperCollins £7.99, Pbk, 240pp First published in 1972, Food For Free was substantially revised in 1989 and has just been reprinted. I was quite a student of the first edition and was very keen to see how this revised version had changed. Visually, it is much more attractive. I particularly like the colour illustrations accompanying each entry. The order has changed — gone are the separate chapters based on how the plant is used, to be replaced with a list of all the trees (though why hops are included here is a mystery), the other flowering plants, then fungi and seaweeds. The text has also been updated and many of the plants from the first edition have been excluded. Although very readable. Food For Free does have drawbacks. Too little attention is given to the possibilities of poisoning. Whilst I agree that this is fairly unlikely to happen, it would be good, for example, if readers were told that some people are allergic to the sap of cow parsley. The author often does not give enough information on the taste of the food — golden saxifrage, for example is unpleasantly bitter, but no mention is made of this. There are also strange omissions — why go into all the details of making soup from mallow leaves yet not say what a wonderful salad they make? Don't buy this book for the recipes, since most are not vegan. You can also forget the last section which deals with
26
I! G e o f f
H
T i n i e y
&
T o n y
W
The Food System — A Guide Geoff Tansy & Tony Worsley Earthscan £15.95, Pbk, 259pp If you are obsessed with the politics of food as I am this is an invaluable guide into the intricacies of the contemporary food system. It might seem an expensive paperback but it is packed full of information, amply illustrated with tables and statistics, so that one can go armed into any argument with bland government spokesmen and neatly take the earth from under them. Both authors are academics and have worked on different aspects of food policy, but the prose is thankfully free of elitist jargon, hence is written in plain easily assimilated English. The Food System is comprehensive, covering food and the biosphere, over-fertilization, water depletion and sustainability of the soil, food history and trade routes, food fraud and adulteration, food culture and the needs of the population forever burgeoning. The second section deals with agriculture and the distribution to the consumers; the third with food control, science, technology and management. The book covers the power of the media as a powerful influence over what people eat, food laws
and food policies. Throughout, there are many disturbing facts: though we produce more food than ever before in history, 750 million people suffer from malnutrition. McDonald's serves 23 million people daily. There is a prediction that by the year 2000, 90% of food will be convenience food, leaving a large majority of the population unable to cook at all. The authors' stance is one of cool observers, they have analyzed the food scene, explored it in depth and present us with the facts. Vegetarianism is talked about briefly and without judgement, veganism is not mentioned at all. I find this somewhat surprising as it seems to me that veganism is the logical political step to take, considering the environmental pollution caused by the yearly rearing of 15 billion livestock worldwide. But pollution too only gets a brief cool mention. One longs in fact for the authors to take sides and to conclude this splendid work upon a radical soap box. But this was not within their brief, they hope that their book will lead to greater understanding so that the right decision might be made in the future for a well-fed world. This writer does not share their optimism. • Colin Spencer FEMINISM, ANIMALS AND SCIENCE LYNDA BIRKE
tal. In Feminism, Animals and Science, Lynda Birke makes explicit the need to rethink this position in relation to feminist theory. For though her book is primarily about the social construction of 'the animal', the debate occurs within the structures of feminist critiques of science and an understanding of the ideology of speciesism as a whole. Lynda Birke asks the fundamental questions: what are animals to humans? what functions do they serve in human society? and how does the scientific community utilize and perpetuate this understanding of them? Central to this analysis is an understanding of the way in which both women and animals have been objectified, defined as 'other', commodified and exploited as resources. Discussions of both women's and animal's bodies have been grounded in biological determinism, reductionist logic and essentialist discourse. Through history, clear parallels exist between the language which has been used to normalize the exploitation of women and animals. Both have been refused any cultural, social or intellectual dimensions to their beings, both have been denied agency, and ultimately both have been recognized as unjustly oppressed. Though this is not an explicitly anti-vivisection work, it goes a long way to asking, and answering, the sorts of questions integral to a clear understanding of the discourse of speciesism. Furthermore, this is a highly accessible text, which expresses clearly the need to ask in what ways our conception of 'the animal' has been indispensable in our self-conception of what constitutes humanity. • Jane Harris
Feminism, Animals and Science — The Naming of the Shrew
Reviewers Ken Fern has r e s e a r c h e d the
uses of plants for the past 15 years
Lynda Birke Open University £11.99, Pbk, 167pp
Jane Harris is a p o s t - g r a d u -
The tendency to think in terms of single issue politics has rendered feminist contributions to the animal rights debate largely inciden-
Colin Spencer is a f o o d
ate student at Edinburgh University
writer and broadcaster
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 26
Postbag
other sufferers about their experiences. • Francesca K Stout, 11 Polden Rd, Salisbury, Wilts SP1 2JU
From the House of Plamil . . .
Contributions to Postbag are welcomed, but accepted on the understanding that they may be edited in the interests of brevity or clarity. Send your letters to: The Editor, THE VEGAN, Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA, UK
A Puff Too Far? Amazingly, Dr Michael Klaper omitted to mention perhaps the most important risk factor for coronary artery disease ('Have a Heart', The Vegan, Autumn 1995): cigarette smoking. A recent paper published in the British Medical Journal showed that non-fatal heart attack rates are five times higher among cigarette smokers as nonsmokers at ages 30-49, three times higher at ages 50-59 and twice as high at ages 60-79. Differences of this magnitude are unlikely to be achieved by dietary means, so that a vegan who smokes is almost certainly at greater risk of a heart attack than a non-vegan who does not. Perhaps Dr Klaper was assuming that readers of The Vegan have the good sense not to smoke. I hope he is right! • Paul Appleby, Oxon
Hands Off! I was rather surprised to see the reactions of your correspondents (Autumn 1995, Postbag) to Andrew Luke's 'And the Hyenas
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
Laughed No More?'. They obviously took it at face value. I assumed the article was a parody of the writings of philosophers such as Tom Regan and Peter Singer, questioning the philosophical basis of animal rights by the well-known technique of reductio ad absurdum. In fact, it was only partly successful in that; Tom Regan has already tackled the questions raised by Andrew Luke and demonstrated that the 'rights' view is basically 'hands off and 'let Nature take its course'. • George Rodger, Aberdeen
ME I am an ME sufferer of six years who turned to vegetarianism in 1993 for health reasons. My symptoms lessened and continued to do so when I adopted a vegan diet a year later. I suspect that meat toxins and dairy products were the problem and I now feel less 'clogged up' and almost ready to return to part-time work. I know of one other ME sufferer, who also feels better for following an animal-free diet, and would like to hear from
Anna Folland is to be commended on her sterling achievement in being chosen for Great Britain in the Triathlon World Championship in Mexico ('Going For Gold', The Vegan, Autumn 1995) and we all wish her well. However, I notice the article describes Vandemoortele as a "vegan food company". This is incorrect; it is a Belgian-based company whose range extends beyond vegan fare. Plamil Foods is celebrating its 30th anniversary by producing another Healthy Vegan Infant/Children booklet. The new edition has reports on over 20 vegan youngsters. Perhaps one or two of them might follow in Anna's footsteps? • Arthur Ling, Plamil Foods
Wondering Why I was surprised, not to say wounded, by Lesley's Dove's attack on a fellow vegan — namely me — in the new 'Family Matters (The Vegan, Autumn 1995). Whilst Lesley's contributions are appreciated, I feel the Society's magazine is not an appropriate place in which to air personal grievances. As a former Council member the effect has been particularly discouraging and demoralizing. I'm beginning to wonder why I spent three years attending meetings, chairing AGMs and helping to create Truth or Dairy. In future, please ensure that named individuals are at least offered the opportunity to respond. • Louise Wallis, London [Ed. If I had believed that Lesley's observations constituted a personal attack on Louise I wouldn 7 have published them. It would be impracticable — and rather tedious for the reader — to include a response from everyone whose views or contributions were remarked upon. Of course, they could always write to Postbag!]
STAR LETTER Whilst I appreciate the Food Commission's reasons for calling for the withdrawal of soya infant formula milks due to the possible detrimental effects of the phytoestrogens in soya ('Soya Spotlighted', The Vegan, Autumn 1995), an interesting question arises: what happens to Chinese or Japanese children who consume relatively large amounts of sqya? Some oriental adults consume 55-60g soya protein daily. Oriental girls commence menstruation aged roughly 16-17 years and have a cycle of about 30 days, while their western sisters start at about 12-13 years and have a 28-day cycle. (Do they start late or do we start early?) Do young oriental girls have menstrual problems or become infertile? I doubt it. Indeed, menopausal women out there have a very mild 'change' compared with western women. Phyto- or plant oestrogens (present in some peas and beans) are very weak compared with body oestrogens and compete with the body oestrogens for the oestrogen receptors, and so, in effect, reduce oestrogen activity. By having a lower body oestrogen profile Japanese women at menopause have a reduced 'hormone dip' and hence fewer and milder symptoms. Since breast and prostate cancers are hormone dependent, it is not surprising that the incidence of such diseases (including osteoporosis) is reduced in oriental people. Another factor is the low fat content of a plantbased diet, since visceral (inner fat) also produces oestrogens and most people on a plant-based diet are usually slim. Dr David Ryde, Kent Dr Ryde wins a voucher worth £10 off a holiday at Taigh na Mara
27
Publications & Merchandise PUBLICATIONS SELECTED TITLES Animal Free Shopper
letes and celebrities. £9.00 (305g)
A DIET FOR ALL REASONS
Vegan Society Third edition of the ever-popular shopping guide for those wishing to buy goods which are free of animal ingredients and involve no animal testing. Includes products listings sections — Food, Drink, Toiletries & Cosmetics, Remedies & Supplements, Baby & Infant Care, Footwear & Clothing, Home & Office, Animal Care, and Garden & Leisure; useful contacts; mail order addresses; and information on animal substances and additives. £4.95 (163g)
Benjamin Zephaniah Fun poems by the presenter of Truth or Dairy. Includes 'Vegan Delight' (recited during the supermarket scene in Truth or Dairy). £8.99 Hdbk (213g)
Food for Free Richard Mabey First published 20 years ago, this is the wild food forager's bible. Details of over 240 edible, berries, nuts, fungi and leaves are given - many illustrated in colour. (Warning: contains a short section on shellfish.) £7.99 (318g)
Margaret Elphinstone & Julia Langley A comprehensive and practical guide to the subject — including plenty of information and advice suitable for green-fingered vegans. £9.99 (441g)
Vegan Nutrition
Feminism, Animals and Science-The Naming of the Shrew
'he Naming of the Shrew LYNDA BIRKE
28
Lynda Birke Begins with ways in which animals are defined and with feminist concerns about non-humans as fellow sufferers, and moves on to how ideas about animals are constructed in biological science and how these intersect with feminist critiques of modem science. £11.99 (292g)
REMAINING TITLES
Truth or Dairy — who, what, where, when, how and why vegan Vegan Society/Word o Pictures V H S Video (PAL) An upbeat, informal introduction to the vegan diet — the thinking behind it and the health and environmental benefits. Presented by vegan poet Benjamin Zephaniah and featuring a host of vegan ath-
Michael Klaper MD Paulette Eisen Nutritional Services VHS Video (PAL) A recording of an illustrated lecture given by Dr Michael Klaper, author of Vegan Nutrition and Pregnancy Children and the Vegan Diet. £15.99 (227g)
Talking Turkeys
The Organic Gardener's Handbook
Gill Langley Vegan Society A substantially updated second edition of the most comprehensive survey of scientific research on vegan diets. Ideal for vegans, would be vegans, and health care professionals. Includes highlighted key points, easy-to-follow tables, chapter summaries and a brand new section on vegan mothers and children. £8.95 (339g)
A Diet For All Reasons
Animal Rights / Liberation
All titles are paperback, unless otherwise indicated A number of titles listed here lack a vegan perspective but have nevertheless been included on the basis of their informativeness
Animal Liberation, Peter Singer £12.99 (550g) Animal Liberation: A Graphic Guide, Lori Gruen, Peter Singer & David Hine £4.95 (265g) Animals, Politics and Morality, Robert Garner £12.99 (380g) Animals' Rights. Henry Salt (hdbk) £12.00 (430g)
The Vegan, Winter. 1995 28
The Dreaded Comparison: Human & Animal Slavery, Maijorie Spiegel £3.95 (I30g) The Savour of Salt, George Hendrick & Willene Hendrick £12.95 (400g) Why Animal Experiments Must Stop, Vernon Coleman £6.95 (200g)
Forest Gardening, Robert A de J Hart £8.95 (340g)
£5.99 (220g) The Vegan Cookbook. Alan Wakeman & Gordon Baskerville £7.99 (375g) Vegan Cooking, Eva Batt £5.99 <270g) Vegan Health Plan, Amanda Sweet £6.95 (375g) The Vegan Kitchen Mate. David Horton, Vegan Society (NSW) £3.25 <140g)
Nutrition & Health
Reference Guides
Foods That Cause You to Lose Weight, Neal Barnard MD £8.99 <J98g) Pregnancy, Children & the Vegan Diet. Michael Klaper MD £7.95 (355g) Vegan Nutrition: Pure & Simple. Michael Klaper MD £7.95 (250g)
The Animal Welfare Handbook. Caroline Clough & Barry Kew £8.99 (315g) The Cruelty-Free Guide to London, Alex Bourke & Paul Gaynor £4.95 (J70g) The Extended Circle, Jon WynneTyson £7.50 (580g) The Pocketbook of Animal Facts & Figures, Barry Kew £6.99 (225g)
Home & Garden
Cookbooks 365 Plus One Vegan Recipes, Leah Leneman £6.99 (270g) An Allergy Cookbook (vegetarian edition) Patricia Carter £6.25 (170g) Cook Vegan. Richard Youngs £5.99 (170g) Gourmet Vegan, Heather Lamont £5.99 (145g) The Caring Cook, Janet Hunt, Vegan Society £3.45 (165g) Simply Vegan, Debra Wasserman & Reed Mangels £6.95 (3I5g) The Single Vegan, Leah Leneman
Fiction Anything Within Reason, Jon Wynne-Tyson (hdbk) £14.99 (397g)
Background Reading Abundant Living in the Coming Age of the Tree, Kathleen Jannaway, Movement For Compassionate Living £1.50 (55g) Beyond Beef — The Rise & Fall of the Cattle Culture, Jeremy Rifkin £8.99 (550g)
Compassion: The Ultimate Ethic (An Exploration of Veganism), Victoria Moran £4.95 (190g) Food For a Future. Jon WynneTyson £4.99 (150g) Realeat Encyclopedia of Vegetarian Living, Peter Cox (hdbk) £16.99 (925g) Why Vegan, Kath Clements £6.95 (142g)
The Vegan Magazine (Quarterly — Prices include p&p) Current and back issue/s £1.75
MERCHANDISE 'Feed the World — Go Vegan' T-Shirt — 6-coIour design based on cover of Autumn 1995 Vegan. Unbleached, XL £10.95 (218g) Embroidered Sweat Shirt — Yellow vegan sunflower emblem on bottle green shirt. 70% cotton/30% polyester, XL £15.95 (445g) 'Vegans Are My Cup of Tea' Mug — 3-colour cow design on white, V2 pint mug £4.45 (275g) Writing Pad —- 50 leaves of recycled paper incorporating the international vegan logo and 'From a supporter of the Vegan Society' £2.50 (I39g)
Four-issue subscription. Please slate first issue. £7.00 50th Anniversary (Aut 94) bumper issue. Includes history of the Society. £2.25
Leaflets
(Prices include
p&p)
A5: General • Join the Human Race to Good Health • Leather — More Than Just Skin Deep • Poor Calf/Poor Cow. 100 — £1.75; 500 — £5.95; 1,000 —£10.50; 2,000 — £19.25
Vegan Nutrition Chart — Wipe clean £2.50 (31g) 'Vegans Welcome' WindowSticker — Incorporates the international vegan logo. Green on yellow, 110mm 75p (6g) Festive Postcard — 4-colour, pack of 8 £1.95 (30g) Multi-Purpose Cards — Four original vegan-oriented cartoons by Pete Donohue. Blank inside. Recycled card and envelopes. Black and red on white 95p (50g) Vegecat — Supplement which is added to recipes (supplied) to provide complete meals for vegan cats £8.25 (233g) Vegekit — As above but for kittens up to 12 months and lactating queens £8.25 (245g)
K.
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Eire and overseas: C u s t o m e r s must increase T O T A L p a y m e n t by 4 0 % to c o v e r additional surface rate postal c h a r g e s . Payment m u s t be m a d e by sterling International M o n e y Order or by sterling c h e q u e d r a w n on a British bank. C h e q u e s / P O s should be m a d e payable to ' T h e V e g a n S o c i e t y ' . Name
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R e t u r n t o : T h e V e g a n Society, D o n a l d W a t s o n H o u s e , 7 B a t t l e R o a d , S t L e o n a r d s - o n - S e a , E a s t Sussex T N 3 7 7 A A , U n i t e d K i n g d o m . This form may be
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
photocopied
29
Noticeboard
Diary Dates 1 lam. Details: 01423 523826. 26 Dec Boxing Day Anti-Hunt Demos. Contact: HSA, 0115 959 0357.
2 Dec Vegan Society AGM, Conway Hall, Red Lion Sq, London WC1, 1pm. 4 Dec 'Stress-Free Christmas Vegan Cookery Course', Part 1, Country Life, lb Heddon St, Regent St, London W1. Details: 0171 434 2922. 9 Dec Kingston Cruelty-Free Xmas Fayre, Richard Mayo Hall, Kingston, Surrey, 10am-5.30pm. Vegan food! Details: 01932 242136. Demo Against Slaughter of Marine Life, meet Leicester Sq fountain, London, 2.30pm. Details: 01589 173033. Animal Charities Fayre, Old Town Hall, Horsham, W Sussex, 10am-4pm. 11 Dec As 4 Dec but Part 2.
Suggestions, Please Council would appreciate members' help in finding a central London venue suitable for holding a Vegan Society AGM on a Sunday. The Society's requirements are: hall capable of holding 150-200 people, smaller rooms for a creche and meeting of Contacts, area for locating a bar, area for preparing and serving vegan food (or availability of reliable in-house catering), PA system, 9.00am- 10.00pm hire period.
Vegan Passport — an international phrasebook to ensure vegans to get fed! If you are a native speaker of a language other than English (or have a sound knowledge of it) and could provide a written translation of a 135-word English master text, contact:
Caribbean cookery
Know How
vegans
For details of 12 person courses or private tuition on vegan cookery contact:
(•-'•.
Exotic & Festive
Passport to Food More translators are required to help with the production of the bTnj
I
£ IT
30
Caribbean Cookery for Vegans is a newly-published, 52 recipecontaining book available for £3
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16 Dec Christmas Without Cruelty Fayre, Kensington Town Hall, London, 10am-5.30pm. Major attraction: Vegan Society stand with new merchandise! Details: 01732 364546. 25 Dec Hazelton Laboratories Xmas Vigil, Otley Rd, Harrogate.
(p&p incl) from the author: Peter Mason, 30 Wynter St, London SW112TZ. The 64-page Animal Friendly[\egan] Festive Cook Book is available for £2.95 (p&p incl) from Hillside Campaigning Sanctuary. Details:
Women Wanted An Edinburgh University postgraduate research student wishes to interview women in the British animal rights movement as part of her investigation into the relationship between animal rights and feminism. Contact: Jane Harris, Science Studies Unit, Department of Sociology,
6 J a n Vegan Children's New Year Party — food, games, music, central London, 2-5pm. Please bring vegan food and drink. RSVP: Cath, 0171 7083056. 26 J a n Green Screen 95 — The Ethics of Eating. Showing of successful submissions (including Truth or Dairy) to the Internationa] Environmental Film Festival. Followed by discussion between panellists and audience. Venue: Oxford Playhouse. Details: 0171 379 7390. 3 Feb Live Exports Rally & Memorial for Jill Phipps, Birmingham, noon for 1pm march. Details: 0121 643 2445. 23 M a r Anti Procter & Gamble Day. Details: Uncaged, 14 Ridegway Rd, Sheffield S12 2SS. For a comprehensive list of events, send an SAE + two first class stamps to: The Animal Rights Calendar, 180 Mansfield Rd, Nottingham, NG1 3HW.
Scottish Guide Edinburgh Vegans has produced the Cruelty-Free Guide to Edinburgh. Details: c/o Scottish Action For Animals, PO Box 14006, Edinburgh EH9 1 YE.
Planning Ahead The 1996 Vegan Camp will be held in Dumfries & Galloway, 10-24 August. Details: VCV, 180 Mansfield Rd, Nottingham NG1 3HW. Chris Sutoris reports that this year's Vegan Summer Gathering (held in Exmouth) included dis-
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The Vegan, Winter. 1995 30
cussions on health, vegan-friendly therapies, home education of children, Vegfam, vegan growing and a public meeting — at which, Truth or Dairy was shown.
To View . . . For a list and prices of the 32 VHS-PAL video recordings of the proceedings of the 8th International Vegan Festival, San Diego, write to: American Vegan Society, 56 Dinshah La, PO Box H, Malaga, NJ 08328-0908, USA. For a copy of the 30-minute anti Shamrock Farm video send £6.00 to: Anti-Shamrock Campaign, PO Box 307, Ship St, Brighton, E Sussex.
help it sell its courses to the general public, hotels, hospitals etc. Details: 01458 835233. :
Information Exceptional demand on space has necessitated the removal of the "Information' section from this issue.
Local Groups (See also 'Contacts
News')
Born Free Karl Plant would welcome your custom at his vegan shop, Born Free. Pop along to: 15 Main Rd, Holmesfield, Sheffield SI8 5WT.
Corporate Critic For details of the Ethical Consumer Research Association's on-line database of the environmental, human rights and animal rights records of 20,000 worldwide companies, Corporate Critic, contact: ECRA, 5th Floor, 16 Nicholas St, Manchester Ml 4EJ. 0161 237 1630.
Discounts Update • Paragon Health Foods 4 Bakery Ct, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leics LE65 1AL. 01530 560601. 10%.
Training for Sharing Ploughshares, the first (and only) City & Guilds/NVQ accredited training establishment for vegan and special diet preferences, will pay a commission to those who
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31
Classified ACCOMMODATION D O N A T I O N S R E Q U I R E D to help purchase sheltered accommodation for elderly vegans in need. Contributions to: 'Homes For Elderly Vegetarians Ltd', Chancery House. St Nicholas Way. Sutton, Surrey SMI 1JB. 0181 652 1900. Specify 'Vegan Fund'.
P O R T S M O U T H , Orchard Cafe. Francis Ave. 01705 614666. Vegetarian/Vegan, organic, cooked food. 3 courses under £6.00. Take-away available. Tues-Thurs: 9am-5pm, Fri and Sat: 9am- 9pm.
FOR SALE B R I S T O L . Profitable, expanding vegan food business (not retail). Established customer base; unique nationally-known product with unlimited potential. Sale due le.
001, South Africa. Phone 27-
M E A T - F R E E C A T S ! Vegan supplements for home-made recipes. In use since 1986. SAE: Vegecat, The Vegan Society. Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA, UK.
COURSES W E E K E N D C O U R S E S at Lower Shaw Farm include yoga, permaculture, circus skills, writing and more. SAE: Lower Shaw Farm. Shaw. Swindon SN5 9PJ. 01793 771080.
Shiatsu T h e E u r o p e a n Shiatsu School has branches in London & throughout the UK & Europe For prospectus, please send 3 first class stamps to: ESS C e n t r a l Administration (Dept VE) High Banks, Lockeridge, Nr Marlborough Wilts SN8 4EQ Tel: 01672 861362
EATING OUT
BAR C A F E V E N U E 80 Glassford Street Glasgow G 1 1VR 0141 553 1638 C o m e a l o n g t o T h e 13th Note a n d experience our delicious home-cooking. T h e r e is a 10% d i s c o u n t for all Vegan Society m e m b e r s . T h e 13th N o t e caTe is completely anim a l / d a i r y f r e e a n d is t h e r e f o r e suitable for b o t h v e g a n s a n d vegetarians.
Opening hrs: Noon-11.45pm, Cafe: Noon-8pm Mon-Sun
32
L A K E DISTRICT: Delightful accommodation in 18c vicarage. With exclusively vegetarian/vegan cuisine. Modest tariff. Beech Tree, Coniston. Tel: (015394) 41717. MID-WALES. Stredders Vegetarian Guesthouse. Park Crescent, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6AB. Telephone 01597 822186. Vegan and special diets a speciality-
~ SEAPOINT ~ EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK Comfortable Edwardian guest house with spectacular views across Foriock Bay and \et in the heart of Exmoor's wild heather moorland. Delicious traditional vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Fine wines. Log fires. Candle-lit dinners. Luxurious bedrooms, all en-suite. ETB 2 crowns Highly commended A A 3Q Recommended 2 day break Nov-Feb incl - £49 pp/DB&B
BLACKPOOL
WILDLIFE HOTEL Open all year round Licensed. 100% non-meat. Small friendly hotel. (Exclusively vegan/vegetarian. Special diets catered for — all freshly made.) No smoking throughout. Situated two minutes from the sea. Near ble.
SCOTLAND. Solway coast. Homely B&B. vegetarian/vegan on request. Walks, beaches, bird-watching. C.H., Pr. parking, large garden, tea/coffee all rooms. Phone 01556 640269.
V E G A N ? I N T O animal rescue? Would you be interested in living in a shared household with othe activists? Write to:
L O V I N G A N D P A T I E N T home in Scodand required for demanding, vegan, adult neutered dog. Box 346.
ISLE O F WIGHT B&B. Peaceful home of vegetarian/vegan owners. Picturesque valley village. Tel: (01983) 731279. Evening meals available by request.
O L D RECTORY H O T E L , Maentwrog, 01766 590305. Three acre riverside garden. Main house/budget annexe. All ensuite. Informal atmosphere, home cooking, vegan & Italian menu. Reduced 2+ nights. Dogs welcome.
21-4614101.
A N I M A L CARE
at picturesque Prospect Cottage. Two or more nights £13 p.p.p.n. Tel: 015242 41328.
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS. Near Kyle of Lochalsh. Vegan B&B in modem bungalow with spectacular views. Ideal centre for exploring Skye and Wester Ross. B&B £14, EM £8.
B&B, V E G E T A R I A N / V E G A N . Near Heathrow, Windsor, Henley, Reading, Berkshire. Bath Rd. A4. £35 double, £20.00 single. Tennis school for lessons. Bradfords, Maidenhead 01628 29744.
SOMERSET. Exclusively vegetarian guesthouse. All meals vegan. Bordering Devon and Dorset. It is an ideal base for touring, walking or relaxing in our I6th century house. Crewkeme 01460 73112
C O R N W A L L . Spacious self-contained holiday flat over-looking picturesque estuary. Sleeps 4, vegan owners. SAE: Blackaller, Meadowlands, The Saltings, Lelant. TR26 3DL (01736) 752418.
SOMERSET, W E L L S . B&B, 2 - 3 minutes walk from cathedral and city centre. Beautiful countryside, ideal for walking the Mendips. En-suite facilities, wholly vegetarian and vegan. Tel: 01749 677181.
C U M B R I A . Vegan B&B, 2 rooms. Strictly no smoking. Children very welcome. Good local walks and marvellous vegan food! Tel:
TORQUAY. Brookesby Hall Hotel. Exclusively vegetarian. Glorious sea views. Quietly situated next to extensive area of coastal woodland. Close beach and town centre. Established reputation for delicious vegan meals. Please contact res. props, for brochure and further information. Tel: 01803 292194. Note: Not open for Xmas.
D E T A C H E D C O U N T R Y H O M E in quiet hamlet near Wimbome, Dorset. Exclusively vegetarian/vegan B&B. Spacious comfortable twin en-suite T/C facilities, TV. Ideal touring, walking, cycling area. No smoking. £15 per person per night. Tele: 01202 841561. D E V O N (Lydford). S/C for N/S visitors at VEGFAM" s HQ. SAE to: The Sanctuary ', Nr Lydford, Okehampton EX20 4AL Tel/Fax: 01822 820203. G O V E G A N IN D E N M A R K A former vicarage is the homely frame for your Danish holiday experience. Our wholesome delicious food — only the best, ecological grown raw materials — awaits you at the charming island of Langeland. Unspoilt woodlands and countryside, clean beaches, fairytale casdes, cultural activities and mix with the friendly Danes — almost everybody speaks English. Let the relaxed atmosphere at SundgSrden' invigorate soul and body.
I N G L E T O N , North Yorkshire. Vegetarian/Vegan B&B, £14.50 p.p.p.n.
W E S T CORK. Self-contained accommodation. Cooking facilities and en-suite bathrooms. Peaceful wooded area close to the coast. Ideal for walking, cycling or as a base for touring. Green Lodge. Trawnamadree, Ballylickey, Bantry, Co. Cork. Tel: 00 353 27 66146. WHITBY Falcon Guesthouse. B&B, vegan/vegetarian. Quiet location, seven minutes walk from centre and harbour. Lounge and sunny breakfast room. TV in lounge. Parking near house. Tea-making equipment. £14 (plus child reductions). Tel: 01947 603507. Y O R K . Vegetarian/Vegan wholefood, non-smoking B&B. Comfortable en-suite accommodation. 10 mins walk centre. £17. Mrs Moore, 21 Park Grove, York. 01904 644790.
COME & GO AS YOU
"E VEGETARIAN/VEGAN GUEST H O U S E Delicious Home-Cooking, Special Diet Catering, Non-Smoking, Open Fires Explore Yorkshire Dales and Famous Settle/Carlisle Railioay
gj
Tel. 01729 823840
taigh na mara guesthouse
Tel/Fax or write: Taigh na Mara. Freepost tV 1229. Lochbroom. Via Carve. Highlands 1V23 2HK
The Old Post Office Llanigon, Hay-on-Wye
IMPORTANT S p r i n g 1996: 25 J a n u a r y 1996
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* Gourmet Scottish Vegan Farmhouse cooking . Idyllic secluded Lochside Location near Ullapool • Wildlife and Walkers Paradise — open all year • Inverness Anpon/Bus/Train only I Hour away * £33 including Dinner — Credit cards accepted • Vegan Info, service and guides • New Cookbook — Rainbow i Wtilus £ 14.95
NEAR
Final c o p y date f o r
PLEASE
Vegetarian/vegan. Cussens cottage, en-suite rooms with own entrance, tv. tea-making. Residence sunlounge/dining room. Vegetarian/vegan 3 course dinner when req'd. Peaceful rural setting, pub. shop, p.o .restaurant, lOmin. walk. Cycle hire, riding, mountain walking. Nearby 13th century historic Kilmallock. Easy drive to Kilamey, Tralee, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Shannon Lakes, Atlantic coast. Relax in secluded lawns and organic kitchen garden. Brochure and booking details. Phone: ha, 010353 6398926.
A very special, distinctly different, 11 tb century listed house at the foot of tbe Black Mountains Only two mile fnm the famous book toum of Hay-on-Wye. Separate guests sitting room, lovely bedrooms & relaxed atmosphere. Exclusively vegetarian/vegan. From £14 pp. Tel: 01497 820008 .
BEECHMOUNT SAWREY, AMBLESIDE, CUMBRIA LA22 0LB
Vegetarian/vegan B&B, delightful country house accommodation. Situated in Beatrix Potter's picturesque village with its olde woride inn, 2 miles from Hawkshead, Lake Windermere (car feny) 2 miles. Delicious breakfast, lovely bedrooms. Superb lake/country views. For brochure tel.
The Vegan,Winter.1995 32
Quiet Country Hotel overlooking beautiful tidal estuary and bird sanctuary. Britain's oldest vegetarian/vegan hotel stands in its own grounds close to beaches and unspoilt coastal walks. Woodcote'. The Sailings. Lelant, St Ives. Cornwall Tel. 01736 753147 y
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MAIL ORDER A P S Y C H O L O G I C A L ZODIAC. The book of self-exploration. Jung/Astrology: a revolutionary view of self and society. 383pp. £10.25 post free. Waterweaver Press (D7), Whistleberry Lane. Montrose DD10 OTJ. DOLMA, incorporating CHERISH SKIN CARE, offer a fine range of Vegan perfumes, skin care and toiletries. Send SAE for new extended brochure, including two new perfumes and special Christmas offers, to: DOLMA, 19 ROYCE AVENUE, HUCKNALL, NOTTINGHAM NG15 6FU. HERBAL INCENSE. Totally vegan. Various blends, ill jars and refill bags. Send SAE for list to: Patchwork Dragon, The Croft, Whiston, Staffordshire ST10 2 HZ. MUSIC/MEDITATION TAPES. £6.50 each (incl. p&p). For free brochure, write/phone: FF Cassettes, 29 Roundwood Road. Hastings TN37 7LD. 01424 753792.
GROW MORE FOOD in less space and with less effort by using perennial plants. You can experience a much wider range of foods and also be kind to nature. Send 4 x 25p stamps for a catalogue to: Plants for a Future (TV), The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 ONG.
MISCELLANEOUS ENGLISH VEGAN group, living in southern Spain, has space for light-minded souls, equipped with their own motorised homes, to share sunshine, meditation, cultivation and positive creation. Interested? Write to: Cerro Acebuchal, Tejada {do Gavin), Iznate. Provincia de Malaga, Spain 29719. FASTING WALKS! weight loss and better Only liquids. England Murphy. 41 Haringev 9JD. 01272 731308.
For rest, relaxation, health. (Groups). and Europe. Una Park, London N8
LONG/SHORT FASTS for healing. Vegans very welcome. Vegan diet used pre/post fast. All conditions, stress, general well-being. Successful, safe. Caring environment. SAE: The Purist Foundation, Goddards Green Stable. Angley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TNI 7 3LR. 01580 715851.
Commercial: £7.26 per single column centimetre Non-commercial: £4.95 per single column centimetre Display (non-classified boxed) & Inserts
THE ORDER OF THE CROSS SPIRITUAL A I M S AND IDEALS
Please ring for a rate card. Advertising M a n a g e r : Richard Farhall Advertising Sales Executive: Keith Bird
The order is an informal Fellowship, having for its service in life the cultivation of the Spirit of Love towards all Souls: Helping the weak and defending the defenceless and oppressed; Abstaining from hurting the creatures, eschewing bloodshed and flesh eating, and living upon the pure foods so abundantly provided by nature: Walking in the Mystic Way of Life, whose Path leads to the realization of the Chrislhood; And sending forth the Mystic Teachings unto all who may be able to receive them — those sacred interpretations of the Soul, the Christhood, and the Divine Love and Wisdom, for which the Order of the Cross stands.
PAYMENT Pre-payment please by cheque or postal order made payable to 'The Vegan Society". Eire and overseas: Payment must be by sterling cheque drawn on an British bank or by sterling International Money Order. PUBLICATION DATES March, June, September, December
PUBLICATIONS AHIMSA. Quarterly magazine of the American Vegan Society. Veganism, Natural Living, Reverence for Life. Calendar Year subscription £12. Address: PO Box H, Malaga. NJ 08328, USA.
Regular Services, Meetings and Retreats are held in London and elsewhere. For further information please contact: The Headquarters (VN), 10 De Vere Gardens. London W8 5AE, telephone 0171-937 7012.
VEGAN G U I D E to Paris £2.50, Hippy Cookbook £1.99, How to Write a Vegan Book £1.80 post free from: Alex Bourke, 11 Guinea Street, Bristol BS1 6SX.
NURSING HOMES
SITUATIONS VACANT
Bethany Vegetarian Nursing & Rest Home 7/9 Oak Park Villas, Dawlish, ^ Devon EX7 ODE. Tel: - (01626) 862794
SITUATIONS WANTED
Exclusively Vegetarian And Vegan Diets. Wholistic Care offered with a choice of Complementary therapies. A friendly, non-smoking home for Short or Long stay, Holiday and Respite Care
RATES AND CONDITIONS All prices inclusive of VAT Series discount: (4 consecutive insertions prepaid): 10% Box No: (per insertion) £2.00 extra Lineage Commercial: £6.60 for 20 words (minimum) Additional words: 39p each
CECMPKE
Non-commercial: £4.50 for 20 words (minimum) Additional words: 25p each
ALONE? Seeking Soulmate/Friends? Contact individuals with similar interests. SAE: Evergreen. PO Box 14 7. Waltham Cross EN7 6BZ. (01992) 632250.
Sponsor one of the rescued farm animals who live at Brook Farm. An Adoption pack is the ideal present for family and friends. T H E FARM ANIMAL APPEAL 46 Kensington Place. Brighton. Sussex B.N I 4EJ Tel: 01273 790039
The Vegan, Winter. 1995
-
ALL LINEAGE ADS MUST B E P R E - P A I D
CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE Advertisements are accepted subject to their satisfying the condition that the products advertised are entirely free from ingredients derived from animals; that neither products nor ingredients have been tested on animals; and that the content of such ads does not promote, or appear to promote, the use of non-vegan commodities. Books, records, tapes etc. mentioned in advertisements should not contain 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 reserves the right to refuse or withdraw any advertisement.
C09&A.CTCL9&1& CONTACT CENTRE is a caring, so lowfees friendship agency, quite different from all others catering exclusively for vegans and vegetarians both in Britain and abroad for any purposes. CONTACT CENTRE enables you to choose friend(s) from detailed adverts and/or to write an advert yourself without disclosing your name and address. CONTACT CENTRE gives full scope to your individual requirements; you don't even have to complete a form. Instead a friendly ear is leant to every member. As we cannot tell all in this advertisment, please write for membership details from:
(MV) BCM Cuddle, London WC1V 6XX
SHARE THE GIFT OF LIFE THIS CHRISTMAS!
25th Jan, 25th April, 25th July, 25th October
The submission of an advertisement is deemed to warrant that the advertisement does not contravene any Act of Parliament, nor is it in any other way illegal or defamatory or an infringement of any other party's rights or an infringement of the British Code of Advertising Practice.
PERSONAL
CONTACT
COPY DATES
When replying to an advertisement please mention that you saw it in . . .
Although every care is taken, the Vegan Society cannot accept liability for any loss or inconvenience incurred as a result of errors in the wording, or the late or nonappearance of an advertisement.
BOX NUMBERS When replying to a box number address your envelope as follows: Box No. , The Vegan Society. Donald Watson House. 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA.
ALL LINEAGE ADS MUST B E P R E - P A I D
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THE COUNCIL AND STAFF OF
CALLING AUTHORS & ARTISTS The Editor invites authors, artists and cartoonists to submit material for possible publication in The Vegan. Fees negotiable. Write to: Richard Farhall, Editor, The Vegan, Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA, United Kingdom To ensure return of your work please enclose an SAE.
Deed of Covenant SOCIE T Y
A Deed of C o v e n a n t substantially increases your gift or subscription to the Vegan Society, at no extra cost to yourself. because the Society is able to claim the income lax that you have paid.
WISH READERS OF THE VEGAN A HAPPY YULETIDE AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR
Annual Amounts
Provided you are a taxpayer, the Society can claim an additional 33p (at current tax rates) for every pound you covenant.
J
HII^—1-
HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION G R O W S Here are some examples:
The Deed need only apply for four years, assuring the Society of a regular income so that it can plan f o r the future. It is easy to complete and once made you have only to sign a claim f o r m which we send you in the first year.
Benefits over four years
£
£
£
10.00 50.00 75.00
3-33 16.66 25.00
53.22 266.64 400.00
For further information, please contact: Amanda Rofe, The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT ORDER FORM Please insert the following advertisement in the next
Tax Rebate
(LINEAGE)
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•
B o x N o . (£2.00 extra). T i c k if required
I e n c l o s e c h e q u e / P O for £
on a separate
sheet if necessary.
This form may be
photocopied.
L i n e a g e c h a r g e s . S e e ' R a t e s a n d Conditions'. • C o p y . (E2.00). I require a c o p y of The Vegan in w h i c h my ad. will appear
p a y a b l e to "The V e q a n S o c i e t v Ltd."
Name
Address Post c o d e
Tel. N o .
Date Return to: The Advertising
34
Manager,
Signature The Vegan Society, 7 Battle Road, St Leonords-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37
7AA.
(Tel. 0I424
4273931
The Vegan,Winter.1995 34
ethical
Promoting a diet free f r o m all a n i mal produce a n d a m o r e c o m p a s sionate way of living that seeks to
WARES
avoid exploiting animals for any p u r p o s e S O C I E T Y
WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY
cruelty-free f o o t w e a r a n d c l o t h i n g
There must be many readers who would like to offer financial support to the Vegan Society in its unique work but have limited means at their disposal. The® is, however, an easy way of helping regardless of present circumstances — by including a legacy to the Society in your Will. Great or small, such legacies can make a real and enduring contribution to the promotion of vegan ideals. For those who would like to make a bequest to the Society the following form of words is suggested: I I I I I I I
a stunning range o f o u t d o o r and leisureware c o m b i n i n g the finest synthetic materials with quality craftsmanship and design. Suitable f o r vegans,
I bequeath to The Vegan Society, Registered Charity no. 279228, presently at Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA, United Kingdom, the sum of £ , and declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorized officer of the said Society shall be good and sufficient discharge of such legacy.
vegetarians a n d all t h o s e w h o care a b o u t the e n v i r o n m e n t F o r a F R E E full c o l o u r c a t a l o g u e c a l l o r fax 0 1 7 0 8 7 3 9 2 9 3 o r w r i t e t o : Ethical W a r e s , D e p t V M , 8 4 C l y d e W a y , R i s e Park,
Property left to the Society is another valuable contribution to our cause. If you wish to will land or property to the Society, please write for details of how to arrange this.
MONTHLY CASH DRAW RESULTS August 1995 1 st 48 Peter Gillard 2nd 365 Thea McLean 3rd 195 Steve Brown
September 1995 £43.12 1 st 191 Bob Baker £48.37 £25.87 2nd 187 Pamela McCann £29.03 £17.26 3rd 116 DBrotherton £19.35
October 1995 lst 255 Anthony Phelps 2nd 213 Mrs M P Hassan 3rd 165 Dawn Collinson
£58.90 £35.30 £23.55
The Overseas Aid Charity for Vegetarians & Vegans is
Romford, E s s e x R M 1
The Vegan Society's
MONTHLY CASH DRAW Cash prizes every month!
If you'd like to make a regular contribution to support the Vegan Society's work and stand a chance of winning a cash prize every month, then the Society's Monthly Cash Draw is for you. Each month, three cash prizes — comprising 50% of that month's total entry money — are drawn. A monthly entry is £1.50 but you may make as many entries as you wish. The draw takes place on the last working day of the month. A list of winners is published in The Vegan. There's more: Every year, the winners of the preceding 12 Monthly Cash Draws are entered into a 'Super' Cash Draw for a chance to win a new prize of £100! To take part just complete the form below and enclose your remittance for 3, 6 or 12 months as required. Don't worry about forgetting to renew — you will be reminded in good time!
VEGFAM (Registered Charity Nr. 232208, Inland Revenue Ref XN8555)
FEEDS THE HUNGRY WITHOUT EXPLOITING ANIMALS The Fragile Environment of Developing Countries cannot support T W O populations — Humans and their Food Animals. For nearly 30 years VEGFAM has provided short and long-term Relief to People who have been the victims of Drought, Rood, Cyclone or War in 30 Countries. Our Supporters control how much of their Donation goes on Administration since VEGFAM operates three separate Funds for the use of Donors/Testators the particulars of which are: • DONATIONS for PROJECTS* go to The Midland Bank pic Deposit a/c Nr. 73006921 Bedford Square, at • Donations for Administration TAVISTOCK, Expenses* = a/c Nr. 71117696 Devon, PL19 0AH • Donations for Office Building SORT CODE: 40-44-05 Fund* go to a/c Nr. 91125257 *Funds needed URGENTLY Please telephone Lydford {= 01S2 282) 203 {or Hitchin <= 01462)456294for more details — Covenant Forms/Bankers Order Forms etc. A (SC Visitors' Accom) or write (SAE appreciated) to: V E G F A M , " T h e S a n c t u a r y " , N r . L y d f o r d , O K E H A M P T O N , Devon, E X 2 0 4 A L T h a n k you for y o u r S u p p o r t
4UT
MONTHLY CASH DRAW Name Address Post code
Tel.
Please enter me for
entry/ies for
months
I enclose a cheque/PO payable to 'The Vegan Society' for£ 3 MONTHS—£4.50
6 MONTHS — £9.00
12 M O N T H S — £ 1 8 . 0 0
Return to: Cash Draw Organizer, The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA. United Kingdom
o
//v,
presents
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THE FIRST AND ONLY Q CITY & GUILDS/N.V.Q. COURSES IN NON-ANIMAL & SPECIAL DIET CUISINE ^
Gluten, sugar', salt, wheat and yeast-free modules; also Ploughshares 9-week diploma course, customised short courses, detoxification programmes.
v*
For info, send s.a.e. to 54 Roman Way, Glastonbury Som. BA6 8AD Tel. (01458) 831182
ETHICAL INVESTORS GROUP
CONCERNED ABOUT:
£5.00
ANIMAL EXPLOITATION INCLUDING
p o s t free
COSMETICS/DRUG TESTING AND THE MEAT TRADE? Ethical Investors Group are the Pioneers of cruelty free money in the UK and are recognised leaders in financial advice within this field. Uniquely, we also distribute at least 50% of our own profits to charities and groups chosen by our clients To date we have distributed over £100,000 We can arrange: Personal Pensions • Additional Voluntary Contribution Plans Life Assurance • Regular Savings • House Purchase Plans Lump Sum Investments
Includes:
• Action Points • Vegan recipes • Background information Directory of Organizations
THE LIVING WITHOUT CRUELTY DIARY 1996 Please send me copy/copies of The Living Without Cruelty 1996 @ £ 5 . 0 0 per copy post free.
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Lee Coates A.C.I.I., M S F A ETHICAL INVESTORS G R O U P : Head Office, Milestone,
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