How to Have A Green and/or Vegan Valentine's Day

photo and cookies by Kristin Kolnacki

I wasn't planning on writing about V-Day this year because there's already so much coverage on other sites/I haven't had time, but decided to do a quick video summarizing my thoughts and tips. Additionally, I asked the Eco-Vegan Gal community for their advice and got some great responses, so here are some resources for you:

Video: Recipes for an Organic, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Sugar-Free Vegan Christmas

I'll be honest, even though Christmas is only 2 days away I have no idea what I'm going to do for it, let alone what I'll eat. I guess that's what happens when work prevents me from being with my family for the holidays... but shall I decide to cook on December 25th I've got plenty of delicious recipes to choose from that are free of animal products, gluten, sugar and soy - all thanks to an ebook.

Video: How To Turn Black Friday Green

Black Friday is right around the corner. Some people prefer to call it "Buy Nothing Day". While I try not to consume too much, it is a good day to save money on holiday gifts. So why not look for deals on  eco-friendly presents (or items for yourself that you can't normally afford)? Here are some tips for greening the whole day, in video and bullet point form:

Thanksgiving Ideas: Make This One (Eco) Friendly

Aside from getting a day off, the thing people most look forward to on Thanksgiving is eating. Even though most of the ingredients for the dishes are available year round, or at least for a few months in the season, there are specific foods we only eat on this late November day. Mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie...and turkey. Many call this holiday Turkey Day because it's all about eating the bird. In fact, over 300 million turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving each year, after living a miserable life with no room to move, standing around in their own excrement, and being pumped full of antibiotics - doesn't sound so festive.

How about we call it ThanksLIVING instead? Focus on making the world a happier, more loving place. A healthier, more eco-friendly alternative would be to leave out the meat and focus on all the delicious dishes made from vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds. Looking for ideas? Check out this video:

Q&A: Giving Up Meat for Lent

Question: I gave up meat for lent. Can you tell me some "Whitney approved" recipe websites?

Answer: My favorite foods to eat are steamed vegetables, pastas, beans & rice dishes, salads, and soups. I read through a ton of sites every week and pick my favorite recipes, then post them on my Greenwala Meatless Monday series. My current favorite recipe sites:

• Manifest Vegan
• Oh She Glows
• Healthy. Happy. Life

Eco-Vegan Valentine's Day: digital simplicity

Two of the keys to being eco-vegan are:

• simplicity
• cutting out waste

This even applies to Valentine's Day, and I'm happy to report that this February 14th was in line with my standards. I created a digital card for my boyfriend using Photoshop and posted it on his Facebook wall for him to see when he woke up in the morning. Then we each surprised each-other with video messages via email, since we don't live in the same city. In his video he was planting some vegetables and herbs in his San Fran window-sill garden - talk about a perfect guy for me!

Eco-Vegan Green Friday Deals

I hope your stomach is recovering from all the eating yesterday! Now that the stuffing is done with (pun intended), let's talk Green Friday.

First of all, I'm a big supporter of Buy Nothing Day. I believe one of the best ways to be eco-friendly is to consume less, only buying what you need. Black Friday creates a lot of unnecessary spending and anxiety - in the past I felt like I had to go shopping even if I couldn't think of anything I needed to buy. Step back from the mindset and gain some perspective.

However, Black Friday can be a good day to get deals, especially for holiday gifts, so here are a few from companies I support.

Robert Cheeke is offering 50% off of his new book Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness - it's only $10 today. This is a fantastic read for anyone interested in learning how to get in or stay in shape on the plant-based diet. 

Healthy Spot in West Hollywood is having a sale. I love this privately owned pet shop - they have lots of eco-friendly products and vegan dog food. Check out my review for more info.

Humanitaire is having a going-out-of-business sale from now until they close on December 27th - all items are 40-80% off. I am super bummed, but this is a great opportunity to get some of their amazing products. They'll be open from 11am-6pm.

I only listed deals that were sent to me, so if I missed something please email me or comment below and I'll add it.

What more tips on how to be green today? Check out my post from last year.

Thanks-Giving: Turkey Appreciation Day

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you enjoy some delicious and at least slightly healthy food today. I'm celebrating by attending the Annual Vegan Potluck Picnic in Los Angeles. I'm bringing Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Quinoa, which is gluten and soy free.

Have I mentioned how much I love turkeys? Click here to read about my childhood turkey Friendly. And here are some recent photos of some adorable gobblers I met this year at Farm Sanctuary and Animal Acres.

Great Reasons Not to Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving (or anytime)

I just finished writing an article for Greenwala on Save a Turkey Day: Why You Should Pardon the Bird This Thanksgiving. Within it is an excellent link to an article called The Trouble With Turkey. I highly recommend you check both out to understand the negative effects the fowl has on our health and the planet.

Long before I became a vegetarian my family raised 2 turkeys, a male and a female.

Fire Up The Grill: gluten and soy-free recipes for a healthy summer

A reader asked if I knew of any veggie dogs that were free of gluten and soy, and I was stumped. Though I don't often eat veggie dogs, something about the summer (especially July 4th) makes them sound so appealing. After a quick search I was unable to find any pre-made dogs (here's a list of the major brands), but I was able to find a bunch of recipes that look promising:

Ode to Joy: a Mother's Day post

I wouldn't be who I am today without the influence and support of my mother, Joy. She inspired me to follow my dreams since I was a little girl and has believed in me throughout all of my endeavors, constantly saying how proud she is of me. Her favorite line has always been, "you don't ask, you don't get" and I remember that whenever I need the courage to try something bold. With that encouragement, I became a filmmaker, moved to Los Angeles, found amazing opportunities, and started this site.

My love and respect for animals began on her farm in Massachusetts where she provides a beautiful life for horses, dogs, cats, chicken, and geese. At one point we had pet turkeys, and because of that the entire family stopped eating turkey. When I went vegetarian and later vegan, my mom fully accepted my decision and eventually stopped eating meat herself.  She too gets excited about natural cleaning products (especially Mrs. Meyers) and loves to buy me eco-friendly clothing.

My mother is a strong woman who stands up for herself and has always found a way to get what she wants out of life - she is an incredible role model and I am so grateful to be her daughter.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Mother (Earth)'s Day: how to be eco-friendly on May 9th

May 9th is Mother's Day, so why not do something that will benefit both your mom and Mother Earth? Here are some ways you can make this Sunday eco-friendly:

• Donate to a great cause or organization in her name. There are so many places, so do a web search for causes you or your mom care about. For example, donate to an animal rescue or shelter, or to help with the Gulf oil spill.
• "Adopt"/sponsor an animal from Farm Sanctuary or Animal Acres in her name.
• Make her a local, organic, healthy meal. Try to use ingredients with the least amount of packaging. Check out these cute ideas from VegNews
• Buy her a potted plant or seeds and plant together (check out Garden in a Bag). If she doesn't have a garden, start one! Check out this cool gadget - Easybloom helps determine which plants will grow best in your area .
• Go for a hike - get some exercise and fresh air.
• Set up a spa in her home with non-toxic products like No Miss and Elliott's Ethos  
• Make her a card out of recycled materials that you have around your home, or send an eCard to support Breast Cancer Research
• Clean her home with all natural cleaning products like Seventh Generation, Begley's Best, or simply baking soda & vinegar.
• If you're set on getting her flowers, check out Organic Bouquet - they're offering 10% off. Or, be creative and make these Recycled Newspaper Roses for Mother’s Day
• Does your mom love jewelry? If so, there are some eco-friendly options for that too. 
• If you'd like to buy something, check out my green gift guide from the holidays. Look for products with minimal packaging and make organic and local your top priority. 
• Empower your mom to be Hot, Rich and Green - get her the book and watch her take charge of her passion(s)...or nag you until you take charge of your own. ; )

Other ideas:

• Your Daily Thread: Mother’s Day: Coming Up Roses
• Planet Green: 7 Perfect Mother's Day Gifts That Help Other Moms Around the World
• Inhabitat: 14 Smart, Green ECOnomical Mother's Day Gifts
• Treehugger: Green Gift Guide for Mother's Day
• EcoSalon: 5 Eco Outside the Box Gifts That Moms Will Love for Mother’s Day
• Green Options: Mothers Day Green Gift Guide
• Gifts.com Mother's Day Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas

Got any more ideas? Leave them in the comment section below.


Let me know what you end up doing and how your mom(s) react! : )

Compassion Over Killing Valentine's Day Party

Featuring:

• Compassion Over Killing
• CobblerMania
• da Vinci's Delight
• Fakery Bakery

The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons, Boston

My family goes to The Bristol Lounge at The Four Seasons, Boston every Christmas Eve, and in 2009 they were prepared with some vegan options.

I enjoyed:

• humus
• tomato soup
• risotto with vegetables
• a delicious cocktail

Taste: 8/10

Unique menu & flavors: no, but it was tasty

Organic: not sure

Local: not sure

Healthy: yes (very simple, well prepared)

Customer service: fantastic

Atmosphere: upscale, well decorated, nice lighting

Location: across from Boston Common

Parking: valet, but we park on the street

Price: expensive

Portion Sizes: small/medium

"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas"

While it is a little late in the game, there is still time to green your holidays. If you're looking for some inspiration and advice, check out "I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" by Anna Getty. The book shows you how to make "gifts, decorations, and recipes that use less and mean more", and it is a joy to read. It has beautiful pictures and illustrations that remind you why the holidays are so special. It's a very well laid out book: each recipe and set of instructions are easy to follow, and I love that it has flaps on the cover to allow you to bookmark your place. Simple tips, green facts, and notes from Anna are mixed in throughout the book, giving readers more insight into why it's important to make eco-friendly choices.

"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" is mainly composed of instructions for how to make your own decorations and gifts. Some of my favorites are: the newspaper stocking, decorated matchboxes, recycled t-shirt pot holders, and silver leaf wire window ornaments. There are some fantastic tips covering topics like green gift wrapping, shipping, entertaining, and energy efficiency. The book also includes several vegetarian recipes, such as delicious looking soups and salads, and most of them can be modified to be vegan.

"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" has a beautiful message to share with the world and it will bring the joy of green to many families for years to come! Zem Joaquin said it best in the forward: "Amid a sea of consumption, we need Anna's thoughtful perspective on celebrating a green Christmas".

Holiday giveaway: a set of Go Max Go candy bars!

Winners: Steve Patsy & J Bretzman

As promised, here's your third (and last) chance to win a set of Go Max Go vegan candy bars!

TWO lucky winners will get 4 Go Max Go bars, one of each flavor. If you've never had these before they will blow your mind, even if you're not vegan. They are what vegans have been missing out on for years, because they taste just like popular non-vegan candy bars.

As with most of my giveways, you must give the bars as a gift. These would make a great stocking stuffer or even a random surprise gift. And maybe they'll share one with you... ; )

Holiday giveaway: a set of To-Go Ware!

Winner: Josiane

This giveaway is the perfect holiday gift: a set of bamboo utensils from To-Go Ware!

To-Go Ware is one of my top favorite eco accessories. I carry my utensils everywhere, even switching them out whenever I change bags (you've probably seen me using them in my restaurant reviews). They come in handy all the time, such as when I'm eating out or having lunch at work. I get so many compliments on them too - people think they're so cool!

Most importantly, using To-Go Ware keeps so many pieces of single-use plastic cutlery out of landfils and oceans. Even though there are alternatives made out of corn, it is better to have products that you can use over and over. To-Go Ware makes it easy by including a carrying case, that is compact and easy to toss in a bag, purse, briefcase, backpack, etc.

Here's a video I did a few months ago on waste I found on Venice Beach - an example of why companies like To-Go Ware are so important!



One lucky winner will receive a RePEaT utensil set, which includes a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks and RPET wrap. But you must give this away as a gift.

Holiday giveaway: cupcakes from Luscious Organic Desserts

Winner: Polly

If you missed out on the Luscious Organic Desserts contest last year, here's your second chance!

One dozen vegan cupcakes from Luscious Organic Desserts! Click here to see all the flavors you can choose from. "We are a local baking company offering top quality, gourmet desserts using only the finest all natural and organic ingredients with no hydrogenation, no refined sugars, and no bleached flours. All of our delectable treats are made by hand in small batches."

But before you start salivating, remember my main rule for the giveaways. You must give these cupcakes to someone as a gift. They would be perfect for a holiday party as well. Perhaps pick someone who will share them with you!

In case you're not familiar with Luscious, here's an interview I did with one of the owners at World Fest 09 (sorry about the audio quality).

Conscious Holiday Gift Bazaar

If you still have shopping to do, or are simple looking for something to do this Sunday, check out the Conscious Holiday Gift Bazaar near LAX. The first 200 people to walk in get a free vegan buffet. There's live entertainment and a variety of vendors, the majority of which are eco-friendly.

Here's my video summary, featuring:

• Arbonne
• bgreen apparel
• The Bliss Bar (chocolate goji bliss balls are amazing!)
• The Farmer's Kitchen
• Innerwear Clothing yoga calendar
• Pure Bamboo
• SilverMoon chocolate (dark chocolate fudge is delicious!)
• Sita sustainable fashion
• Smart Glass
• VegKids.org
• Visionary Boutique
• Zen's Purple Garden

Holiday giveaway: $25 gift card to Pizza Fusion, Santa Monica

You probably already know how much I love Pizza Fusion in Santa Monica. I have reviewed them five times! They have delicious vegan pizza (with Daiya or Follow Your Heart), vegan brownies, vegan alcohol, a great atmosphere, and the staff is incredibly nice. Therefore, I am thrilled to announce this contest:

Two $25 gift card to Pizza Fusion in Santa Monica! (not valid at any other location)

Two lucky winners will be able to give one of these cards as a holiday gift (perhaps to someone who will bring them along)! Yes, that's right, you can't keep the card for yourself - you must give it away. The holidays are all about sharing and spreading the love...and pizza!