Homemade Vegan Breakfast - Broccoli Sprouts

My favourite breakfast to start my day.

Freshly grown #BroccoliSprouts on homemade bread, a little hemp oil, cayenne pepper, turmeric & black pepper and the special hack to maximise and activate the #sulfurane in the broccoli, a little sprinkled English mustard powder.

By the way, dogs love broccoli sprouts, it is an easy and cheap way to add valuable nutrients to your pooches meals.

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Hemp Milk Recipe: The Cruelty-free, Non-dairy, Vegan Alternative to Cow’s Milk that you can make at home in under 5 minutes

by Pilar Bueno

If you are considering making the switch to non-animal milk, either for ethical reasons (animal welfare), health reasons (e.g. lactose intolerance, allergy) or environmental reasons, you will find that making your own Plant-based alternative takes very little effort or time. All you require are three things: hemp seeds (or your chosen nut/cereal), filtered water and a blender.

Homemade Plant-based milk is preferable than the commercial dairy-free varieties, as these often contain artificial sweeteners, colours and preservatives. This spoils what would have been a very healthy drink. You will also find that making your own milk is healthier for your pocket.

The most popular varieties of plant milk are Soya, Almond and Rice Milk, but here I am going to share with you my recipe for making my favourite of all, Hemp Milk.

I love the taste of Hemp milk, it is also an incredibly nutritious plant very rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, antioxidants, live enzymes, chlorophyll, 9 essential amino acids, protein and is very rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, 9 and GLA - vital for mental health).

Hemp is a species of the Cannabis Sativa, it is predominantly grown for its seeds and fibre to make a variety of industrial and commercial products such as food, clothes, paper, rope, and even eco-building materials. It is one of the oldest crops and it is incredibly sustainable as not only does it grow very quickly, it doesn't need pesticides, it naturally regenerates its own soil and, quite incredibly, every single part of the plant can and is used.

But before going any further, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Drinking hemp milk is not going to get you “high” and you are not going to turn into a “pothead” for adding it to your cereal or coffee every morning.

Whilst the recreational marijuana plant contains high levels (anywhere from 5 to 30%) of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is credited to be the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis), the Hemp plant contains minute levels of this psychoactive chemical (less than 0.3%) and higher concentrations of CBD (which stands for Cannabidiol). Rest assured, therefore, that hemp products will NOT get you high, as they are NOT psychoactive.

Incidentally, you may be aware of the incredible uses of CBD oil and medicinal marijuana as a powerful natural substitute of pharmaceutical painkillers and as a treatment for an array of serious medical conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, to name a few.

Research still continues but in many states in America, where medical marijuana has been legalised, and the health benefits have become more accepted in society, more studies continue to be published supporting its use, much to the distress of Big Pharma who fears to lose their monopoly because let’s face it, a healthy population is not good for profits!
I realise I am digressing here, so let me get back to it.

Making your own Hemp milk doesn’t take much effort at all, but if you are using unshelled seeds, I would recommend that you do soak them for 3 to 4 hours. Although not essential, soaking them not only helps with digestion but it enhances the flavour significantly. I personally use whole hemp seeds i.e. they still have the natural shell covering, which is edible and also a great source of fibre. But if you want to make the process even easier and faster, you can use the same amount of hemp seed hearts (shelled hemp seeds) and skip the soaking and straining process.

The following recipe is just a guide. Add more hemp seeds and/or water depending on the consistency or nutty taste you prefer.

Ingredients:

(Makes approximately 1 Litre)

125g of Whole Organic Hemp Seeds (soaked for 4 hours and drained)

1 Litre of Filtered Water

Pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to your Blender / Food processor

Blend for approximately 1 minute or until smooth

Filter the milk using a cheesecloth, fine strainer or nut milk bag

The residue that is left behind (essentially the shells) can be fed to the birds or put straight into your composter.

You can store it for up to 4 days in the fridge in a glass jar with an airtight lid. Remember to shake it well before use as you will notice some separation due to the fact that there are no additives or fillers in the milk.

Some Optional extras (for enhanced / sweeter flavour):

1 tbsp of Natural Vanilla Extract. Please be aware that Vanilla “Essence” is NOT a natural product, but a synthetic (chemically produced) vanilla flavouring.

2 tablespoons of Maple Syrup or 4 pitted dates

2 tablespoons of cacao powder (for a chocolate version)

Not so keen on Hemp?

Try these other non-dairy alternative milk recipes below. They are all made in the same way and I would recommend that you soak them for 3 to 4 hours. 
Remember that soaking them can help to properly digest them. Nuts, like grains and legumes, contain phytic acid, often referred to as an "anti-nutrient" because it can bind minerals in the gastrointestinal tract before they are fully absorbed.

ALMOND MILK: 150g raw almonds / 1 Litre of filtered water

CASHEW Milk: 125g raw cashews / 1 Litre of filtered water

Earlier on, I said that apart from its nutritional advantages, it also makes financial sense to make your own milk at home. I always buy Organic hemp seed and since we make it on a regular basis, I buy it in 1kg or 2.5kg bulk from our wholefoods supplier Buy Whole Foods Online. This way, 1 litre of organic hemp milk costs me as little as £0.71 instead of £1.60 - £1.99 (non-organic) in leading supermarkets and health food stores.

Another reason to enjoy your deliciously fresh and nutritious milk. Use it in tea, coffee, porridge, cereals, cooking or, as I love it, drink it on its own.

Cheers and Good health

Pilar Bueno

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We Are The Glass Walls

Birmingham Wildlife Festival - 16th June 2018

"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian" 

Paul McCartney

I couldn't agree more with the above quote from Macca except I think everyone would turn vegan if they realised what actually went on during the production of meat and dairy, more on that later.

Last Saturday, June 18th we attended the annual Wildlife Festival in Birmingham, hosted by Badger Trust West Midlands. The weather gods were in our favour and held back the threatening rain clouds, but as usual, the parking was a nightmare; next time we take the train. The event was held in Victoria Square with many representatives from the #VeganWorld, #AnimalProtectionOrganisations, #HuntSabs and #AntiBloodSports groups. There was also a large selection of amazing #VeganFood options and ethical, #CrueltyFree products ranging from clothing to personal hygiene products. 

As anyone that knows me realises #AnimalRights and welfare is a driving issue in my life and always has been. In the 21st century, it is almost inconceivable to me that the human collective consciousness has not woken up to the abhorrent suffering and cruelty we are still inflicting on sentient beings by the millions every day around the World. Somehow people are able to compartmentalise their choices and actions to the suffering equation which in turn empowers the barbaric industries and practises that are going on all around us.

Maybe I'm weird, as I'm frequently reminded by my friends and loved ones, but the moment I realise that my personal actions and choices inflict any kind of suffering there is no turning back, I reform my will and actions or I can't live with myself. Too me, it's that simple.

The way we produce our food on industrial levels is not only sickening but also terrible for our environment and human health. The corporate propaganda machine spends hundreds of millions a year overloading us with pictures of 'happy chickens', smiling pigs and dancing cows and stops us thinking about the process of how these animals are 'produced' for the supermarkets. It never ceased to amaze me the disconnect. I've met so many people who don't realise that ham is from a pig or tinned tuna is a fish, I'm not joking. 

While travelling and eating in a variety of restaurants along the way, I've lost count of the number of dishes I've had to send back. Even after explaining my dietary choices, in detail if necessary, I've been served a salad or even an advertised veggie option with tuna or cheese in the dish. So many countries do not think of fish as animals, it's a real palm smacked on the forehead moment.

Anyway, that's all for now about the reason for my #veganism. I have lots of blog entries here talking about my reasons and health benefits. In this entry, I want to highlight some of the great work being done by ordinary people to help preserve and save animals all across the planet.

Go To Website

Upon arriving at the festival in Victoria Square, I was immediately drawn to a stand promoting an amazing project helping save the remaining Bengal Tigers. I was greeted by the very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate Tiger Awareness founder Phil Davis. Phil was manning the stand for Tiger Awareness who are a UK charity reaching out and working with Indian communities to help save the world's largest feline.

Here is an example of some of the amazing and vital projects they've implemented so far. There is so much more to do to the help guarantee a future for the wild Tiger.

1. Tiger Awareness has built a school in Sundarbans (Bay of Bengal) helping and educating 150 children.
2. They have built boundary walls around vital water wells in the Pench National Park to protect wildlife including Tigers that often fall in and perish when looking for water.
3. They have set up Tiger Squads in Sundarbans which is helping reduce animal and human conflict.
4. They have set up Animal Squads in the Pench buffer area to reduce animal and human conflict and crop raiding.
5. They continually support forest staff with training and equipment such as solar lighting, health check-ups, first aid kits and vital water filters.
6. And last of all but probably the most effective deterrent is the funding of the Anti-poaching dogs and handlers.

With approximately 3000 wild Bengal Tigers left in India every animal counts. The population is showing signs of recovery but this means we should not become complacent. The pressure for Tiger body parts in Asia and especially China is growing and the governments are dragging their feet implementing legislation and deterrents to stem the flow of Tigers out of India and S.E. Asia.

Phil Davis and his team and many others like him need support both financially and with help spreading the message. 

Can you imagine a World without the King of the Jungle? I can't, the idea appals me to the core, we can all help prevent this unimaginable tragedy.

This is real 'feet on the ground' conservation work, the real deal and they deserve our support. True conservation starts with education and action and these guys are leading the way by example and hard work. I hope we can work together in the future. I'd be honoured to be a small part of your bigger picture and the continued preservation of The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).

© Phil Davis at the Tiger Awareness stand

I've been very fortunate to explore parts of beautiful India photographing its amazing and diverse wildlife and habitats, including Tigers. These projects are integral to India's future. The Indian people are very proud of their natural heritage and with our help, India and the Tiger has a bright future. We save the Tiger, we save India's biodiversity and the whole planet will benefit.

Contact Here

Another issue that's very close to my heart is the Dog and Cat meat festivals and trade in Asia. This is a very current and hot talking point and debate that in recent years has gained momentum and media coverage with big celebrity support such as comedian Ricky Gervais who has openly been challenging the S.E Asian governments. I do see a change coming but it does not mean we can ease off the pressure.

Every year in South Korea alone 2.5 million cats and dogs are systematically tortured and killed for human consumption. The brutality involved is truly shocking and makes traumatising reading and images. Nevertheless, this is happening right now and every day. 

The best way you can make a difference is to withdraw your spending power from the big companies like Samsung, Kia and Hyundai who are South Korean companies and have big business and trade deals with the South Korean government. Write to these companies and tell them why you are boycotting their products. Even better write to the London Ambassador Sungnam Lin, here's a link to the address: South Korea Embassy.

On the one side (my side) of the argument that "well it's their culture, it's the same as eating cows", this weak argument does not hold water. In the UK we used to burn, drown and stone women accused of being witches, that was our culture for hundreds of years, wasn't it? Well, thankfully we've become less ignorant and realised it was a bad idea for all kinds of obvious reasons. Just as well or myself and my friends would be living on a lonely, male-dominated island....I jest ladies.

The ladies I met at the weekend from the UK Rehoming for Dog CAt Meat Trade Survivors are doing tireless and self-funded work. They are finding homes for dogs rescued from the South Korean Dog Meat Trade. The dogs have been through quarantine in South Korea through Jenny Kim of KDS. All the dogs are ready to go straight into their new homes when they arrive. This is hostile and emotionally challenging work. They need our help desperately so please reach out any way you can at the above link or here.

We were delighted to meet one of the doggie ambassadors whose life has been saved. Jane, a large and gentle friendly dog adopted by Jane Bronte, and her companion Frankie.  These animals have been treated in the most horrible ways imaginable by humans and yet here they are, happy and trusting to all they came to say hello on this overcast and busy Saturday afternoon. How much we can learn from these animals. They are just like us in so many ways. They require love, kindness and compassion with family, food and a safe environment to rest their heads. I'm not ashamed to say, that Jane brought tears to my eyes.

Please get involved and join the UK Rehoming For DCMT Survivors I promise there are no graphic images just ways to help, from holding a fundraising coffee morning to opening your family and home to these wonderful animals, or contact me and I'll make an introduction for you.

DCMT Survivors Jane and little Frankie with Pilar Bueno and myself

IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING EVENT

We are hosting a Wellness Day to raise funds for our amazing Charity which helps the survivors of the Dog and Cat meat trade in Asia. We are a non-profit organisation so all funds raised, go directly to our work in rehoming these animals. 

On the day we will have a Reiki Practitioner, a Thai massage therapist, Acupressure & Deep Tissue massage therapist, Crystal Therapy, Reflexology, Yoga instructor who will hold introduction classes into Yoga, Ashtanga and Yin, Tropics skincare and facials therapist, Spiritual Healer, Tarot Card Reader, Colour & Image Specialist, Children's face paint and special effects artist, Vegan Cake stall and a full bar also serving Tea & Coffee. More stalls to be added. Tickets for entry are on sale now & prices are £3.50 adults and £1.50 children, babies free. 

It is a dog-friendly day too with beautiful grounds to even just walk your dog in with a coffee and cake. All treatments are discounted and 20% of the profits come to us. Some therapists are donating 100% of their proceeds and we are non-profit so it all goes directly to our cause. 

You will get to meet some of our Korean meat trade survivors on the day too who is now happily settled in the UK. Please use our Paypal link dcmtrehome@gmail.com using the ref "July 8th event " and add your email address for the tickets to be sent. 

We will be running a Silent Auction for some incredible prizes including a Derbyshire Cottage break, a Professional child's photo shoot and print, Afternoon tea at The Warbrook House Hotel with doggy treats and NLP coaching course & Diploma. There will also be a raffle. I can't thank you enough for your support on this day, it really means the World. 

Thank you

Louise Trevatt

Facebook Event Page

BREAKING NEWS - Next event 11th July, a vigil outside the South Korean embassy

Click Here: Badger Trust

This year's festival was hosted by the Badger Trust West Midland. With the government's bounty now being placed on each badger (£50 an animal) their tireless and brave work is more important than ever. 

It was fantastic to meet so many representatives of the regional Badger Trust groups from around the country. We are making a difference and the day will come when these beautiful mammals can live out their lives in peace. The people are waking up to our barbaric and corrupt government's policies, misinformation and propaganda machine. 

The unsupported link between the badger and Bovine TB is a now scientifically proven without a shadow of a doubt as a fallacy. I'm most probably preaching to the choir here, but if you'd like more information on the findings and how you can get involved please go to the Badger Trust website here. I've also recently published on this blog more information about the current state of affairs concerning this issue.

It does seem that our wildlife is under attack like no other time, whether it's the badger and foxes, our raptors, raven or fish stocks. It seems everything is fair game. Make no mistake we are at war, we are the army of soldiers defending the innocent and defenceless. I take this personally as I know most of you do. This is all of our countryside and our wildlife. 

The #PowersThatBe treat the public with contempt and indifference and mock the general apathy. But the tide is turning as more and more are getting involved and raising their angered voices. The Powers That Be's arrogance will be their downfall, but until that day comes we must never give quarter. 

Get involved

Take a Stand

Make a Difference

Links will be listed at the end of this article

Myself and my niece Ellie Bonehill at the Animal Equality stand

Click Here: animalEQUALITY

I had a great chat with the guys at the Animal Equality stand while the ladies with me immersed themselves in the virtual reality presentation exposing the reality of the UK's meat and dairy industry. The tears flowed as I expected. 

For the newbie, these videos are very shocking but as most of you know the real horrors are just too much for the general public to deal with. These videos present an introductory doorway into the real issues concerning the farming and food industry where sentient animals are treated without compassion as mere commodities. 

In my time I've seen mountains of footage that has caused me to weep openly and lose sleep. As a wildlife photographer and naturalist, I've always been aware of these issues and apart from the health benefits, the reason I'm a 10yr vegan is that I've made a personal pledge to cause no more suffering....ever. 

I admit that it took me a long time to be honest with myself and a serious health issue forced my hand to re-evaluate my dietary choices. Going vegan is the best thing I've ever done with my life, the benefits have been huge and life-changing. Thankfully it seems this sentiment is spreading fast as country after country is switching to a #cruelty-free, #plant-based diet.

Latest UK figures show that veganism is on the rise and now approx 7% of the UK population has gone vegan. The numbers are staggering, that's 3.5 million vegans and rising in the UK alone!

Our planet and all life will be the benefactors.

There is no humane animal farming no matter how it is argued. When you take down your prejudices and programming and look into the eyes of a cow, a sheep, pig or chicken you recognise the same emotions that we humans feel. The nightmare that every animal goes through when being raised and then prepared for slaughter is not something I can be a part of.

Abigail and Luke promoting the Vegan lifestyle

The rest of the afternoon I spent walking around a talking with the other stallholders, sampling vegan treats and scoffing an amazing Jackfruit vegan cheeseburger. If you haven't tried one of these and you get a chance grab one, I highly recommend it.

For the sake of brevity (I've waffled enough), I'd like to thank all the organisers, speakers and fantastic musicians that took part in making this festival a memorable and informative event.

Special thanks to Mandy Bonehill for use of her camera and the use of her photos.

Please feel free to leave comments, your feedback is always valuable to me.

Please feel free to follow and share

Regards

John Hodges
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For more information on any of the topics I've touched on, here is a list of websites and contacts:

Badger protection Groups and information
Blog - Badger Cull A State Sponsored Sadistic Genocide EXPOSED

Blog - #StopTheCull by Mark Plummer
worcsbadger@gmail.com

Gloucestershire against badger shooting

Cheshire Against The Cull

Badger Trust West Midland

Animal Aid UK

League Against Cruel Sports

Emily Lawernce - LACS Regional campaign Manager

Hunt Investigation Team

Three Counties Hunt Saboteurs

Hounds Off

Dog Rescue

DCMT Survivors

Candy Cane Rescue - Greyhound Rescue

Birmingham Greyhound Protection

Blue Cross Animal Shelter

Dog Trust

Battersea Dogs Home

Big Cat Conservation

Tiger Awareness

Claws Out

Born Free Foundation

Veganism

The Vegan Society

Vegan Vybes

SPEAK NEWS - A Voice for the Rights of Animals

Click Here: Vegan Society

Click Here: Wildlife Trusts

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#KillTheCull @WildlifeTrusts @ChrisPackham @BBCWildlife #WeWantWildlife @BBCSpringwatch @SupportBrianMay

An inspirational and uplifting morning at the Birmingham Vegan Festival

A Cruelty-Free, Vegan Day Out

by Pilar Bueno

For the last 10 years or so now, both John and I have been strong advocates of Green and Healthy living and we rejoice on the realisation that we are incredibly lucky to be able to make a living sharing our lifestyle, our passion and respect for nature, gaining knowledge and experience as we continue to evolve and learn to live more ethically and sustainably.

I will not lie to you that at times it gets tiresome to be looked at as a freak and questioned endlessly about our life choices and particularly dietary intake.

‘Yes, I do get enough protein (plant protein that is, that I get from the “source” which incidentally is more bioavailable than animal protein)’…,
‘No, I am not malnourished’ (and my latest blood tests results can vouch for that)….,
‘No, I don’t just eat lettuce’ (as a matter of fact, I probably get more variety and nutritionally rich foods in a day than most people would have in a whole month!).

Our visit to the Vegan Festival at the Edgbaston Cricket Grounds in Birmingham on Saturday 14th April was just what the doctor ordered. An event that filled us with positivity and inspiration, seeing all wide selection of delicious foods, creative crafts made out of recycled or otherwise waste materials and such enthusiasm and passion for a Cruelty-Free Life. Inspirational talks and lots of information was at hand, in order to allow us to make informed choices about improving our health, becoming aware and preventing animal cruelty and protecting our environment for us and future generations.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the place for full of “lentil-munching hippies”, “feeble looking sandal-wearing weirdos dressed in hemp” shouting for animal rights. Gone are the days of these stereotypes, instead we were delighted to be amongst healthy looking people, engaged, informed and interested in ways to enhance their consciously Healthy and Ethical life choices.

Veganism has taken social media by a storm. Veganuary inspired people to try being Vegan for the month of January (and throughout the rest of the year). It is undeniable that there is a huge shift towards plant-based diets and everything indicates that this is not just as a fad but it is here to stay.

Food Revolution shares some very interesting statistics on their website, such as the fact that in the UK, the number of Vegans has increased by 350% compared to 10 years ago. It fills me with great hope because the choices you make don’t just affect you; they have a wider effect on other people, the animals and our whole planet.

The £3 ticket event in Birmingham was all in aid of Farplace Animal Rescue, a charity based in Bishop Auckland with a mission to rescue and re-home abandoned animals and also to create environmental improvements for all the animals via education.

If you think a Vegan Festival is not your scene, think again, because this proved to be a great day out for us. You can bring all the family, they even have a children’s area so the kids can play safely while you go and sample some of the goodies on sale. What follows is just a handful of what we experienced:

Who says that if you are Vegan you are missing out? OR … you can’t indulge in delicious treats?

I thought I had died and gone to heaven! There were so many stores tempting you with delicious looking treats for those of us with a sweet tooth. Amongst them, Scrummy Crumb stood out for the large selection of cakes on display and their great smiles (I would be smiling too if I were surrounded by all those yummy vegan treats!). Based in Hull, they are a small family run business that I hope will take the Vegan world by a storm. Their delicious bakes can be ordered on Etsy which will deliver your purchase straight to your door. Anyone for cake?

I can highly recommend their chocolate brownies and Cherry Bakewell slices. I dared anyone to tell the difference between these vegan options and the “real thing” – Amazing.

Plastic Free and Zero Waste

John and I are making conscious decisions every day to reduce, reuse and recycle everything in our lives, and in the process, to avoid at all cost buying products that are made out of plastic or come packaged in plastic. An incredibly hard task because everything seems to be overly packaged in the supermarkets – my bugbear being cucumbers wrapped in those obscene clear plastic sleeves… Arghhh

I know we all try to do our best to recycle plastics at home, but as we all know, not all types of plastics are recyclable and end up in landfills in our oceans and take thousands of years to decompose, all the time leaking pollutants into the surrounding soil and water and killing the wildlife. If you saw David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II television series, you will be aware of the devastating threat that we are facing.

So don’t just recycle, try to avoid plastic in as many aspects of your life as you can. For instance, why not change your standard toothbrush for an eco-friendly one?

You might not know that your toothbrush is made from polypropylene plastic and nylon bristles (both non-renewable fossil fuel sources) and that around 50 million pounds of plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills every year in the USA alone – those are staggering numbers!

That is why we opted to buy an environmentally friendly bamboo toothbrush from Zero Waste Club.

I have been after one of these for a while but I wanted to make sure that my money went to an ethical company. I love their ethos and fully support their entrepreneurial spirit and passion to help save our planet. Their Replaceable Head Bamboo Toothbrushes are very innovative, simple yet beautifully designed and very importantly 100% Biodegradable. They are made from Sustainable Bamboo, a plant that grows super-fast in close proximity to each other (over 3 feet every day!)

The bristles are Bisphenol A (BPA) free and recyclable. I love the fact that I only have to replace the Head of the toothpaste generating, therefore, less waste (not that it will be wasted really, as it will help to “feed” my composter). They use plastic-free packaging for all their mail orders and all “unavoidable” packaging is 100% recyclable. On top of it, Zero Waste Club will plant a tree for every item you purchase!

If you want to explore more ways in which you can reduce your waste, take a look at Going Zero Waste website

Natural Beauty

I am always on the lookout for companies that provide natural, chemical and #crueltyfree cosmetics and personal hygiene products, that I can recommend in my Green Up Your Beauty Book. Today, I was in for a treat as the selection was wide, but in particular, one company stood out for me.

Siobhan is the woman behind The Artisan Soap Shack. They produce an incredible range of 100% Natural, Organic, Vegan Soaps and Organic Beard Oils, all handmade here in the UK.

Siobhan proudly tells me “We don’t Test on animals, We Test on our Friends! And I can tell that her fortunate circle of friends are more than willing to be her “guinea pigs” because the soaps are fantastic. I have tried the Oatmeal and Shea Butter soap with Frankincense and Clove Leaf. It has a beautiful subtle fragrance and leaves your skin lovely and soft. 

Siobhan tells me she is currently working on a new Solid Shampoo, so watch out for the new product range coming into the market by visiting her website.

You Will Not Miss Meat

Seitan’s Grill is a travelling Vegan Burger Grill that offers very exciting meat-free fast food meals, all 100% homemade from organic produce from local suppliers, wherever possible.

We had the most amazing Pulled Jackfruit chilli with a “quick-as” chilli sauce and a delicious Seitan sandwich. Their seitan burgers are by far the best we have ever tried. We purchased some pre-packed ones to cook back at home the following day, only wishing we had bought more.

Liam and his Seitan Grill will go far. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious and a force to reckon with. Thanks for such an amazing meal – like your logo says “tasty as hell”!

And because we needed to “wash down” our meal with a cold beverage, we headed straight to the Red Moon Brewery stall for a Hand Crafted (Chemical Free) Ale. Those of you who know me well, know that I am always partial to a swift half, and here I found my new brand: “Poison’s Pleasure”.

Their brewery is based in Birmingham but the great news is that they are currently in negotiations with Amazon to delivery their handcrafted beers directly to your door. 

Arts and Crafts

For the creative minds and those that like to wear unusual accessories and jewellery, the Vegan Festival is a treasure cave. You will be amazed at the creativity, genius ideas presented, all made from recycled and repurposed materials. Handbags, Belts, earrings and an endless list of beautiful creations made with cork, electric wires, inner tubes and old tyres! Check out Paguro Upcycle

Conservation in Action

Last, but not least, was a group of heroes under the name of Sea Shepherd who are campaigning hard to end the appalling destruction of our ocean wildlife and habitats. As a registered marine conservation charity, they rely on volunteers and word of mouth to carry their message and help them raise funds to continue their vital work. Please visit their Facebook page, like, share or even join their group of volunteers.

Have we got your interest? If so, I hope you will be tempted to visit a Festival soon. For all enquires about future Vegan Festivals, visit their Facebook page or email them at festivals@farplace.org.uk

Regards

Pilar and John 

Green Up Your Life by Pilar Bueno

Vidda Publishing

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