Here’s what’s been happening for the vegan and plant-based advocacies around the world in the 3rd week of October 2022. All features have been sourced from vegnews.com, plantbasednews.org, totallyveganbuzz.com, and vegansociety.com. Visit their sites for the full stories, and to be updated on more news that’ll help bring us to an even better world, and make us connected even more to our environment.
The types and benefits of mushrooms
Photo credit: Paula
On October 15, vegnews.com featured the versatile and nutritious mushroom, and its numerous types that make it ideal for a myriad of food preparations.
Excerpts from the story:
“Not only are brands packing mushrooms into adaptogenic coffees, lattes, and other superfood-infused products, people are munching on mushrooms more than ever before. Between 2019 and 2020, mushroom sales increased by 20 to 40%, and they gave kale and cauliflower a run for their money as a top food trend last year.
‘“Mushrooms are a nutrient powerhouse that bring a filling, comforting taste,’ Eric Davis, spokesperson for the Mushroom Council, an industry organization, told VegNews. They’re also one of the most sustainably produced foods at the grocery store, so adding more shrooms to your diet is a win for your body and the planet.
“Every supermarket is likely to carry the big three—white button, cremini, and portabello. This is an extremely poor representation of the wide variety of mushrooms in the world; varieties of fungi reach over 10,000, though not all of them are edible (or palatable). While the common white button mushroom is perfectly serviceable, here are the other mushrooms to add to your shopping list: Shiitake, which add a robust flavor to vegetable stocks and soups; Enoki, fairly common in many broth-based East Asian (or Asian-inspired) soups and stir-fries; Maitake, excellent when crisped up and served over a risotto or mixed into a wild rice stuffing; Oyster, ideal for pairing with pasta or frying for a vegan po’boy filling; Lion’s Mane, often used in powdered form to infuse coffee, chocolate, and other superfoods; Royal Trumpet, to make vegan scallops or chewy, toothsome medallions in a hearty winter stew.
“Mushrooms are nutrient-dense and calorie-poor, meaning they deliver the vitamins and minerals your body needs without the extra baggage of harmful things such as excess calories, fat, or cholesterol. While the exact nutrition varies depending on the type of mushroom, the general nutritional profile includes a good amount of B vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, selenium, potassium, copper, fiber, protein, and some vitamin D. For example, a single portabello cap only contains 19 calories and 0.3 grams of fat, and yet it provides two grams of protein, 313 mg of potassium, and just over one gram of gut-friendly fiber.” (Tanya Flink, vegnews.com)
Read the full story here: https://vegnews.com/2022/10/the-benefits-of-mushrooms-vegan-recipes
Activists from 43 countries memorialize factory farming victims
Photo credit: TessDrive Philippines
On October 17, plantbasednews.org featured the animal activist group Our Planet. Theirs Too. as it released a new video documenting its 12th National Animal Rights Day (NARD) event, which took place in June 2022.
Excerpts from the story:
“Every year, the group, founded by Aylam Orian, hosts NARD on the first Sunday of June. The idea is to honor all of the animals who have been killed in the food industry. Protestors stand silently while they hold posters of factory-farmed animals, and on some occasions, they hold real dead animals.
“This year’s event took place in 43 countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Germany, Nigeria, Norway, Iran, and Israel. Our Planet. Theirs Too. posted a new video on social media of the events, with a thank you to everyone who has taken part.
“Every year, billions of animals are slaughtered in the food industry. In the United States, research suggests that 99% of farmed animals live in factory farm conditions. But industrialized farming is prevalent around the globe. In the United Kingdom, a recent investigation noted that the country is home to more than 1,000 mega-farms, where thousands of animals are kept in intensive, industrialized conditions to maximize profit and turnover. Just one mega-farm can host more than 125,000 broiler birds.
“Our Planet. Theirs Too. believes all of these animals deserve a chance to be remembered, and its NARD serves as a memorial service for them. But it’s also about education. Most people don’t know what the conditions that produce their food are really like. In fact, in 2017, one survey found that 75% of American adults believe that their animal products come from places that treat animals ‘humanely.”’ (Charlotte Pointing, plantbasednews.org)
Read the full story here: https://plantbasednews.org/news/activism/activists-43-countries-memorialize-factory-farming-victims/
Vegan concession stand teams up with NBA
Photo credit: Wopke
On October 17, vegnews.com reported that the Target Center, home of NBA team Minnesota Timberwolves, just opened its first vegan food concession and dairy-free ice cream cart in partnership with Wicked Kitchen.
Excerpts from the story:
‘“Wicked Kitchen is a wonderful addition to our concession lineup at Target Center, providing delicious and approachable plant-based options for our fans,’ Ryan Tanke, chief operating officer for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, said in a statement. ‘A gourmet and chef-driven offering, there is something for everyone from Wicked’s sandwiches to ice cream. We are so excited to introduce Wicked Kitchen to Timberwolves fans this season.’
“The new vegan concession stand, according to Wicked Kitchen CEO Pete Speranza, capitalizes on the momentum building within the sports industry to offer more plant-based options to both meet demand for animal-free foods and improve carbon footprints at stadiums.
“Minneapolis’ Target Field—home of MLB team Minnesota Twins— has had vegan concession options for some time thanks to local vegan company The Herbivorous Butcher, the first vegan butcher shop in the United States. Now, it’s time for Target Center to bring vegan food to basketball fans.
“Wicked Kitchen was developed with a culinary forward approach by chef brothers Chad and Derek Sarno. With the concession menu, Chad Sarno wanted to create out-of-the-box options to give basketball fans something to be truly excited about. In addition to the concession, Wicked Kitchen will operate an ice cream cart at Target Center offering its unique vegan ice cream novelties (made from a base of lupini beans).” (Anna Starostinetskaya, vegnews.com)
Read the full story here: https://vegnews.com/2022/10/wicked-kitchen-nba-vegan-food-concessions
New study finds 70% of animal populations wiped out by humans since 1970
Photo credit: Jeswin Thomas
On October 18, plantbasednews.org reported about a new research revealing the huge human-driven loss of species in the last 50 years.
Excerpts from the story:
‘“The Living Planet Report,’ which is published every two years by the WWF and Zoological Society of London (ZSL), found that wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69% between 1970 and 2018. Two years ago, the figure was at 68%. Four years ago, it was 60%. The report says that the total loss is equivalent to losing the human populations of Europe, the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and China. The report states that land use change is the key driver of biodiversity loss.
‘“The staggering rate of decline is a severe warning that the rich biodiversity that sustains all life on our planet is in crisis, putting every species at risk—including us,’ the report states.
“The new report is its most comprehensive to date on trends in global biodiversity and the health of our planet. The authors are urging world leaders to reach an ambitious agreement at this year’s COP15 biodiversity summit, which takes place in Canada in December.
“The report found that the Caribbean and Latin America—including the Amazon—have all seen the biggest decline. Wildlife populations have decreased an average of 94% in these areas in 48 years. The report also found that Africa has lost 66%, Asia and the Pacific 55%, and North America 20%. Europe and Central Asia both lost 18%.” (Polly Foreman, plantbasednews.org)
Read the full story here: https://plantbasednews.org/news/environment/humans-wipe-out-animal-populations/
UK city council votes to ban live animal prizes
Photo credit: Hatice Baran
On October 18, plantbasednews.org reported that the city council of Huntingdonshire has voted that fairgrounds and other establishments in the city will no longer be able to offer live animals as prizes.
Excerpts from the story:
“The district, located in east-central England, follows in the footsteps of 22 other councils in England, five in Wales, and the whole of Scotland.
“Fish have famously been offered as prizes in plastic bags at fairgrounds throughout the United Kingdom. But the tradition has repeatedly been blasted by animal rights groups. According to PETA, many goldfish won at fairs will die within days. This is due to the fact that they are given to people who aren’t able to look after them. PETA adds that animal prizes are often thrown off rides, tossed into rubbish bins, or left to starve or suffocate inside the tiny plastic bags they were handed over in.
“Councilor Simon Bywater said such prizes were an ‘outdated practice,’ adding that having pets is a ‘big responsibility and is often costly’.
“It will now be illegal for any animal to be offered as a prize on Huntingdonshire land. The ban will cover social media prizes, as well as businesses. Animal rights groups are calling for an outright ban on live animal prizes throughout the United Kingdom.” (Polly Foreman, plantbasednews.org)
Read the full story here: https://plantbasednews.org/culture/ethics/huntingdonshire-council-votes-ban-live-animal-prizes/
New research finds vegan diet relieves menstrual cramps better than other diets
Photo credit: Sora Shimazaki
On October 19, vegnews.com reported about new research suggesting that a vegan diet could help tame period pain, while eating meat makes it worse.
Excerpts from the story:
“Can what you eat affect menstrual cramps? A new analysis of studies related to menstrual pain (also called dysmenorrhea) suggests that diet may be a key contributor. The research shows that while diets high in inflammatory foods such as meat, oil, sugar, salt, and coffee can make the pain worse, eating vegan has been shown to tame the pain by reducing the inflammation that contributes to it. The results of the research were recently presented at the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
“This research was designed to study the effect of diet on menstrual pain and identify which foods contribute to it and which can reduce it. Research was conducted through a literature review that found approximately 20 studies that examined dietary patterns that resulted in menstrual pain. They were comprised of questionnaires, randomized trials, and nested control studies.
“In general terms, these studies found that diets high in omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids reduce it. Additionally, other inflammatory foods such as meat, sugar, salt, and coffee worsen cramps by increasing the prostaglandins, which constrict blood vessels in the walls of the uterus, causing cramping.
“The research also shows that some foods have the opposite effect. Notably, it was found that those on a vegan diet had the lowest rates of inflammation, and eating a plant-based diet can reduce cramps long term. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Further research has shown that both a vegetarian and plant-based eating pattern work to decrease inflammation in the body, likely because of the high number of antioxidants found in plant foods.” (Nicole Axworthy, vegnews.com)
Read the full story here: https://vegnews.com/2022/10/vegan-diet-menstrual-cramps-research
Burger King in Bristol to go all-vegan Oct. 26 to Nov. 9
Photo credit: Momoland
On October 19, totallyveganbuzz.com reported that Burger King on The Mall site in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol would offer only vegan food starting October 26 to November 9.
Excerpts from the story:
“Following the immensely successful trial of its Leicester Square vegan takeover earlier this year, Burger King is now ditching meat at one of its Bristol branches. The move is part of the fast-food giant’s commitment to becoming 50% meat-free by 2030 in a bid to cut carbon emissions. Adding to the hype, the outlet will sell the new plant-Based Bakon King with vegan cheese and bacon for the first time ever.
“Burger King will in total have 24 vegan menu items including favorites such as the Vegan Cheeeze Royale, Vegan Nuggets, Vegan Chilli Cheeeze Bites and Ben & Jerry’s Cookie on Cookie Dough Non-Dairy Ice Cream.
“In recent years, Burger King has been leaning heavily into the plant-based movement and has been actively promoting the notion that plant-based meat is quickly becoming the new norm. To date, the international chain has rolled out plant-based burgers in 70 countries. Its ultimate goal is to have plant-based options on restaurant menus all over the world.
“To celebrate the takeover, Burger King will also be giving away 100 tasty Vegan Royales absolutely free on October 26.” (Mohsina Dodhiya, totallyveganbuzz.com)
Read the full story here: https://www.totallyveganbuzz.com/news/burger-king-is-going-totally-vegan-this-time-in-bristol/
The Vegan Society joins talks at COP27 Nov. 12 and 13 in London
Photo credit: Rachel Claire
On October 20, The Vegan Society announced that it would be teaming up with some of the United Kingdom’s other leading plant-based charities, authors and campaigns, to deliver a number of talks as part of the event’s COP27 “Collaborating on Positions” Conference taking place at Olympia Grand in London on November 12 and 13.
Excerpts from the story:
“The new conference will showcase solutions to climate change with a particular focus—that of utilizing plant-based options and switching to plant-based food systems as a matter of priority in the quest for Net Zero.
‘“Animal agriculture is a leading factor in driving emissions, and if we are serious about reaching Net Zero targets in time, we have to address these issues. We know what the issues are—the science is clear on that—and the need to transition to plant based systems has never been of more urgency. The most effective solutions lie at the heart of the intersection of climate, food and animal justice,’ say the conference organizers.
“The Vegan Society, which is sponsoring the event, has long been highlighting the environmental harm of animal agriculture and advocating for a future food system that doesn’t include the use of animals.
“Claire Ogley, head of campaigns policy and research, explains: ‘Time is running out. More than ever we need individuals, decision-makers and public and private organizations to really understand the links between animal farming and environmental damage, sustainability and food security. A plant-based diet is better for the planet, our health and the animals. We are proud to be sponsoring Vegfest’s COP27 ‘Collaborating on Positions’ conference to really drive this message home.’” (vegansociety.com)
Read the full story here: https://www.vegansociety.com/news/news/vegan-society-joins-plant-powered-collaboration-presenting-climate-change-solutions-vegfestuk-london-next-month