A few weeks ago, President Obama addressed this rising concern in his weekly video conference from the White House – “But we can’t just drill our way out of this problem. While we consume 20 percent of the world’s oil, we only have 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves. We’ve got to develop new technology that will help us use new forms of energy.”  (To read the entire transcript from Obama’s update, click here)

This resonates with me. Domestic drilling in Alaska presents a host of environmental issues – it is less than ideal. However, we cannot continue to depend on foreign oil as we have in the past. What do we do, then? Get creative. Focus on the alternatives. Think long-term rather than short-term.

And people are beginning to do just that! I was thrilled when I read this week that in California, more than 75 governmental officials voted ‘yes’  to “endorse [a] pioneering vision to build 12,000 megawatts of clean energy—enough solar energy to cover a million solar roofs—by 2020.” This is a very promising step, as 12,000 megawatts is the equivalent of 24 coal-fired power plants (EcoWatch). Image the implications? The opportunity?

What are your thoughts? Should government invest more in alternative technologies, or is there another solution? What can each of us do to further the cause? I would love to hear your thoughts below!

Image courtesy of Flickr J.N. Stuart

The post America’s Energy Alternatives appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I am thrilled to be joining Chic Vegan, and penning a regular column to address sustainability.  I would like to share with you the pressing environmental issues of the day – small things that we can do to make a big difference. Whether it is how we vote with our dollar (the things we buy) to the way we consume energy, there are always steps to take. Promoting wellness does not end with our health, but the health of the world around us.

Everything we do, everyday, has a larger impact than many of us realize. The clothes we wear, the skincare products we use, the electronics we rely on, all have an impact on the environment. By making more informed choices – thinking not only cruelty-free, but destruction-free, as well, we can make a big difference.

What I love most about this lifestyle – this movement – is that one facet of activism is linked so closely with another: health and environment, fair-trade and sustainability, humane practices and organics. I look forward to having you join me on this journey, where we will become chicly and sustainably vegan!

The post Chic, I Mean Green, Vegan appeared first on Chic Vegan.

There is little doubt that a plant-based diet is better for you, the planet, and of course, the more-than 100 animals saved each year by a single vegetarian/vegan individual (and with the estimated 7.3 million vegetarians in the U.S. alone, we’re doing a great job!). Aside from ethics and compassion, health is a great incentive to be a veg-head, too!

But as with any ‘specialized’ diet, there is extra diligence needed, as well as new habits that need to be adopted to maintain optimal and, let’s face it, superior health over our meat-eating counterparts. One concern for vegans can be the Omega’s. Vital for heart-health, the Omega’s are also important for hair, skin, and nail health, plus can be helpful in treating depression, etc.

Many people receive them through diet and supplementation from a fish source. While this is the most prevalent and bioavailable source, it is obviously not the only one. Think about the fishies…how do they make it anyway? From algae. A plant source. Imagine that!

The go-to Omega source for most veggies are flax seeds. They provide a good amount of Omega 3’s (specifically ALA), but because it is contained in such a sturdy shell it is hard to breakdown and access. We all love flax, but believe it or not – there is better out there!

Enter, SaviSeeds. These seeds (that’s right…seeds, not nuts!) are actually called Sachi Inchi, and per one ounce serving they contain more Omega 3’s than WILD salmon. How much more? Thirteen times! A single ounce has 7000 mg of Omega 3, compared with salmon which has 565 mg, and flax which has about 6300 mg.

SaviSeeds are also a complete protein, offering 8 grams of protein per ounce, plus 5 grams of fiber, high amounts of vitamin E, and 29 mg of tryptophan, which is a natural mood enhancer.

From their site:, “When we say SaviSeed, we mean premium, organic sacha inchi seeds – the super food of the ancient Inca peoples. Not just your average seed, sacha inchi seeds, also known as the Inca Peanut, are native to the Amazon rainforest and have been cultivated and consumed for centuries in Peru. SaviSeeds are the fruit of sacha inchi plants, herbaceous vines that produce star-shaped green pods which yield edible seeds – SaviSeeds. Our premium SaviSeeds are sustainably and organically grown and proudly produced in partnership with indigenous Peruvian farmers.”

They come in lightly salted, caramel and chocolate covered varieties, and have a mildly nutty flavor and a great crunch. They make a great midday snack, or chopped addition to oatmeal, granola bars, or any other recipe that calls for nuts. Yummy and oh-so-good for you….what more could you ask for?

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My name is Abigail. I am a student, a writer, an animal lover, a foodie, and a dedicated pursuer of all things natural and eco! I began blogging in 2009 on Bold As Nature and since then I have shared my passion for natural health, wellness, and animal rights with as many people as I can reach. As a member of this world, I think we have a responsibility to all creatures and the environment to preserve and protect it. A vegan diet is an important aspect of this, but there is always more we can do! From the foods that you eat, to the supplements you take, and the clothes that you buy, we can all make a difference. As a contributor to Chic Vegan, I hope to empower you to reclaim and improve your health naturally with supplements and nutrient rich recipes and foods that are not only good for you, but good to the planet and everything on it. Together, we can all live life as Bold As Nature!

The post Vegan Superfood: SaviSeeds! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

As vegans, vegetarians, and eco/animal conscious readers, I know you are all aware of the importance of making ethical and kind decisions when it comes to the things you eat, wear, purchase, and use on a daily basis. You read Chic Vegan in an effort to make responsible clothing purchases, and you’ve adopted a plant-based diet to do your part in saving animals. This is a beautiful, courageous, and noble way to live life, and I feel such a strong connection to individuals who choose to be cruelty-free.

With this, though, there are still important aspects of diet to keep in mind. Most vegans cannot get adequate vitamin B12 through diet alone. Depending on the amount of greens and the like that you eat, you may not receive as much iron as you’d like, and perhaps you live in a cold, darker climate throughout the winter and your body is not supplied the necessary amount of vitamin D3 for optimal immune health.

The easy answer for this is supplementation. But when you’re living a cruelty-free life, it can be harder to navigate the supplement aisle at your local health-food store. For example, natural sources of B12 come from animals and (for vegetarians) fermented foods such as Red Star Nutritional Yeast and kimchi. The most easy to access, however, for supplement manufacturers is that which comes from an animal source. There is no sense in supplementing with B12 for an animal source when you are supporting a cruelty-free diet!

The story is the same with vitamin D3 (be sure to take D3 rather than D2 – for the full story and more on D3, see an article here). D3 can be found in dairy (usually fortified), shellfish, and various other animal sources. While this nutrient is vital for health, it is important it comes from a reputable source that is vowed vegetarian, and preferably of course, vegan!  Unfortunately there are no vegan versions of D3 on the market, so it is important that vegans get out in the sun on a regular basis. Just 5 minutes a day can give you all the D3 you need and more.

Then, of course, every one should be taking a multi-vitamin. Some doctors will tell you it is unnecessary, but it is an important addition to an already healthy diet, where it adds to your natural nutritional intake rather than supplying is single-handedly. It it is high-quality, it can only help, not hurt!

So today, I am going to provide you with a list of the most eco and animal friendly supplement companies so that next time you reach for a multi-vitamin or other supplement, you know you are getting high quality AND cruelty-free!

Megafood: This is the best quality supplement you can purchase. Made in NH from 100% organic produce, these WHOLE FOOD supplements are all 100% vegetarian, with many being completely vegan (the label is easy to read and lets you know that it is animal-friendly)! The vitamins come from natural foods in their natural state, so they are completely recognized and absorbed by the body. Plus, their formulations are created to combine the perfect balance of nutrients so that each is optimally absorbed!

New Chapter: Another whole-food supplement, many of New Chapter’s vitamin products are vegetarian/vegan, with an exception to their herbal products, many of which are housed in a gelatin capsule – again, however, this is very clearly labeled and easy to find out! While the company is not 100% veg, their products are highly effective and of great quality.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest: A very responsible herbal supplement company. I have yet to see a single product of theirs housed in a gelatin capsule – they are all vegetarian! Also, the herbs are grown organically and sustainably, making them great for you, and the environment!

Doctor’s Best: Not as high quality as Megafood or New Chapter, Doctor’s Best offers isolated vitamin formulas clearly labeled as vegetarian. (Note: very few supplement companies use the term “vegan” and so a vegan-friendly supplement is still typically referred to as “vegetarian”. A quick look at the label will let you know if you are all set!)

Gaia: Same story as Wild Harvest, these products are often liquid herbal extracts in veg. capsule form, making them more potent and more quickly absorbed!

Rainbow Light: Not 100% whole-food (so not as high-quality) Rainbow Light as a vegetarian multi-vitamin line, specifically designed to target the different nutritional needs of vegetarians.

And now you know! When you’re on the hunt for the most ethical, animal-friendly, and high-quality supplements, look no farther! Healthy, happy living!

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My name is Abigail. I am a student, a writer, an animal lover, a foodie, and a dedicated pursuer of all things natural and eco! I began blogging in 2009 on Bold As Nature and since then I have shared my passion for natural health, wellness, and animal rights with as many people as I can reach. As a member of this world, I think we have a responsibility to all creatures and the environment to preserve  and protect it. A vegan diet is an important aspect of this, but there is always more we can do! From the foods that you eat, to the supplements you take, and the clothes that you buy, we can all make a difference. As a contributor to Chic Vegan, I hope to empower you to reclaim and improve your health naturally with supplements and nutrient rich recipes and foods that are not only good for you, but good to the planet and everything on it. Together, we can all live life as Bold As Nature!

The post Responsible Supplements for the Ethical Eater appeared first on Chic Vegan.