Tag: Vegan

  • Choosing Organic: Why Organic is Better for You and the Environment

    Choosing Organic: Why Organic is Better for You and the Environment

    Organic products have gained popularity in recent years, but what exactly makes them better? From improved health benefits to reduced environmental impact, choosing organic can have a positive impact on both your well-being and the planet. In this guide, we will explore the reasons why organic is the better choice and how it can benefit you and the world around you.

    Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals.

    One of the key benefits of choosing organic products is the reduced exposure to harmful chemicals. Conventional farming methods often involve the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can leave residues on the crops and ultimately end up in our bodies. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and even certain types of cancer. By opting for organic products, you can minimize your exposure to these harmful substances and protect your health. Additionally, organic farming practices prioritize the use of natural fertilizers and pest control methods, which are safer for the environment and promote biodiversity.

    Better for the environment.

    Choosing organic products not only benefits your health but also has a positive impact on the environment. Organic farming practices prioritize sustainability and work in harmony with nature. Unlike conventional farming, organic farming avoids the use of synthetic chemicals that can harm soil quality, water sources, and wildlife. Organic farmers focus on building healthy soil through composting, crop rotation, and natural fertilizers, which helps to maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion. Additionally, organic farming promotes biodiversity by providing habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. By choosing organic, you are supporting a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural system that helps to protect our planet for future generations.

    Higher nutritional value.

    One of the key benefits of choosing organic products is that they often have higher nutritional value compared to conventionally grown counterparts. Organic fruits, vegetables, and grains are typically richer in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This is because organic farming practices prioritize soil health, which leads to nutrient-rich soil that nourishes the plants. Additionally, organic livestock is raised on organic feed and has access to pasture, resulting in meat and dairy products that are higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. By choosing organic, you can ensure that you are getting the most nutritional value out of your food while also supporting sustainable farming practices.

    Support for sustainable farming practices.

    Choosing organic products not only benefits your health, but it also supports sustainable farming practices. Organic farming methods prioritize soil health, using natural fertilizers and avoiding synthetic pesticides and herbicides. This helps to maintain the quality and fertility of the soil, ensuring that it can continue to produce healthy crops for years to come. Additionally, organic farming practices promote biodiversity by avoiding the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and by preserving natural habitats for wildlife. By choosing organic, you are supporting farmers who are committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable agriculture.

    Safer for farmers and workers.

    One of the key benefits of choosing organic products is that they are safer for farmers and workers. Conventional farming often involves the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, which can have negative effects on the health of those who work in the fields. Organic farming, on the other hand, avoids the use of these toxic substances, creating a safer working environment for farmers and workers. By choosing organic, you are supporting the well-being and livelihoods of those who are involved in the production of your food and other products.

    Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

  • Why Camino Chocolate is the Perfect Gift for Chocolate Lovers

    Why Camino Chocolate is the Perfect Gift for Chocolate Lovers

    If you’re a fan of chocolate and ethical sourcing, you’ll want to try Camino Chocolate. This delicious treat is made with high-quality ingredients and sourced from fair trade cooperatives in South America. Learn more about why Camino Chocolate is a must-have for any chocolate connoisseur.

    Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing.

    Camino Chocolate is committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. They work directly with fair trade cooperatives in South America to ensure that farmers are paid fairly for their work and that their communities are supported. By choosing Camino Chocolate, you can feel good about supporting a company that values both the quality of their product and the well-being of the people who produce it.

    High-Quality Ingredients.

    Camino Chocolate uses only the highest quality ingredients in their products, ensuring that every bite is a delicious and satisfying experience. From the rich, creamy texture to the intense, complex flavors, Camino Chocolate is a true indulgence for any chocolate lover. Plus, with their commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing practices, you can feel good about every purchase you make.

    Delicious and Unique Flavors.

    Camino Chocolate offers a wide range of delicious and unique flavors that are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. From classic milk chocolate to dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds, there is something for everyone. They also offer specialty flavors like spicy chili and cinnamon, as well as seasonal flavors like peppermint bark and pumpkin spice. Each flavor is carefully crafted to provide a truly indulgent and satisfying experience.

    Perfect for Any Occasion.

    Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, a thank-you present, or just a sweet treat for yourself, Camino Chocolate is the perfect choice. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also ethically sourced and produced. Camino Chocolate is made with fair trade and organic ingredients, ensuring that the farmers who grow the cocoa beans are paid fairly and that the environment is protected. So, not only will you be giving a delicious gift, but you’ll also be supporting a good cause.

    Supporting Local Communities.

    When you choose Camino Chocolate, you’re not just supporting fair trade and organic practices, you’re also supporting local communities. Camino works directly with cocoa farmers in Central and South America, providing them with fair prices for their crops and investing in community development projects. By choosing Camino Chocolate, you’re helping to create sustainable livelihoods for farmers and their families, and supporting the growth and development of their communities. It’s a gift that truly keeps on giving.

    Visit https://camino.ca/

  • The Naam – Vegetarian / Vegan Restaurant in Vancouver BC

    The Naam – Vegetarian / Vegan Restaurant in Vancouver BC

    The Naam is Vancouver’s oldest vegetarian and vegan restaurant. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Kitsilano Neighbourhood, The Naam has been serving vegetarian & vegan comfort food since 1968. Their sesame fries come in heaping portions and served with their infamous miso gravy. Their miso gravy is so popular it’s sold bottled in health markets around the country. One of great things about this place is that it is open from early to late, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner veg options. Another thing that almost instantly ensures my customer loyalty is that you can order up a serving of real maple syrup to drizzle on your pancakes (or whatever). Soy, almond and oat milk are available for your lattes and other barista beverages. They have a selection of veggie burgers, dragon bowls and plenty more menu options to satisfy a variety a tastes. Try their cashew cheesecake, chocolate cake or a number of other delectable vegan desserts, with a choice of dairy and soy ice cream option!

    Photo via The Naam
    Photo via The Naam
    Photo via The Naam
    Photo via The Naam
  • The Chicago Diner, Chicago Illinois

    The Chicago Diner, Chicago Illinois

    Photo Credit https://www.diningchicago.com/

    The Chicago Diner is a ‘must stop’ for me whenever I visit the Windy City. A vegetarian haven, you don’t find veggie eats like this just anywhere. The diner is true to form with red vinyl upholstered bar stools at the diner counter. The decor is decidedly retro Americana complete with neon signage, and the menu is filled with your choice of comfort food favourites served in heaping portions. Everything is vegetarian with plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Their ‘Radical Reuben’ is known world wide and I felt right at home with their Canadian classic poutine!

    Meat free since ’83

    The cake fridge will taunt you with an assortment of impressive cakes and pies but the idea of ordering from one of the many flavours of milkshakes may just be too good to pass up. You will be amazed to learn the milkshake you have sucked dry to the point of straw sucking sounds – is indeed completely dairy free!

    There are two locations in Chicago. One on Halsted (my usual) 3411 N. Halsted St. and the other at Logan Square 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave.
    Check out their website for more info http://www.veggiediner.com

    Interested in enjoying some of these food at home? They do catering AND have a cookbook! Order it online —>>

  • Dr.Bronner’s – Highly Recommend this Biodegradable Fair-Trade Soap

    Dr.Bronner’s – Highly Recommend this Biodegradable Fair-Trade Soap

    Dr.Bronner’s began in 1948 when master soapmaker Emmanuel Bronner, who descending from generations of soapmakers before him, combined soapmaking with a message; “We are All-One or None!”. Bronner’s Pure Castille Soap is a superb ecological and biodegradable soap who’s vision of social and environmental responsibility can be read all over the label. I choose Bronner’s because it is

    1. Biodegradable
    2. Certified cruelty-free
    3. Feels and smells great
    4. Economical
    5. Certified Fair Trade
    6. Certified Organic
    7. Commitment to Zero Waste
    8. One Bottle – Many Purposes!

    Their line of soaps include, pure-castille liquid soap which can be used for face, body, hair, food, dishes, mopping, pets & more, which comes in several scents (I like Tea Tree for that extra clean feeling). More soaps in their line include pure-castille bar soap & organic sugar soap which promise to be nourishing, no dryness! They also have organic lotions, toothpaste, shaving soaps, hair care products, balms, lip balms, hand sanitizer and more.

  • Common Loaf Bake Shop Tofino, BC

    Common Loaf Bake Shop Tofino, BC

    The winter of 2004 I dwelled in a camper in the rainforests of Tofino BC. It was one of the rainiest winters on record and this meant for a couple weeks we were paddling from our doorstep to the main road. In cold, rainy environments, the best thing to do is crank the heat and eat pastries. There were several cool business’ around the area at that time which contributed to Tofino’s legendary cool factor, appealing to surfer’s, outdoorsy types and traveler’s the world over. Common Loaf Bake Shop was then and still is now keeping the coast cozy with many of my in house comfort favourites. 15 years on, their veggie rolls are still calling me back to this popular Canadian destination and a top local Tofino bakery.

    https://www.facebook.com/Tofinowholefoodsbakeryglutenfreeveganorganic/