Marin VEG
May 2024


 I love watching the new leaves on trees, whose bright green show- especially in the wind -  is the best ticket in town.   So many shades of green, I revel in wonder.  May this month and next bring you many reasons to smile.


Saturday, May 4
Humane Hoax Chicken Webinar
10:00 - 1:10; Free on  line
Learn about micro-sanctuaries, bird flu, cage free chickens and other good, bad, and promising news for chickens at this half-day webinar from The Humane Hoax.  May 4 is International Respect for Chickens Day, and this event is being dedicated to the memory of Karen Davis, an extraordinary advocate for chickens and founder of United Poultry Concerns. No charge to attend, but contributions are welcome.  Details and registration at https://www.humanehoax.org/the-humane-hoax-chicken-webinar

Sunday, May 12
Mother's Day Vineyard Brunch
Rancho Compasion
Tour the sanctuary and then enjoy a delicious brunch prepared by Miyoko to celebrate mothers of all species on Mother's Day at Rancho Compasion in Nicasio.  Details and tickets at  https://givebutter.com/RanchoMothersDay2024


Saturday, June 1
Compassionate Eating Conference
Novato 1:00-5:00
This afternoon of expert speakers on food justice, advocacy and agriculture is a fundraiser for Compassionate Living and the Sonoma County VegFest.  There will not be a June newsletter to remind you, so put this in your calendar today.  The conference will be held at the Marin Humane auditorium (171 Bel Marin Keys, Novato).  Purchase tickets  ($35) at https://compassionate-living.networkforgood.com/events/70234-compassionate-eating-conference


Animal Agriculture and Climate Change
Dr. John McDougall Shares a Webinar and Article
I just came across this article and webinar from Dr. McDougall about the impact animal agriculture has on pollution and climate change.  You probably already know much of this, but it's good to be reminded of the ongoing, lethal consequences of the standard American diet.  Share it with friends who think of themselves as environmentalists, but still eat meat and dairy.   https://www.drmcdougall.com/education/environmental/environmental-impact-of-animal-agriculture/

Male Chicks May No Longer Be Killed Before Hatching
I am taking this news with a few grains of salt.  But the New York Times reports that through a new technology, by next year (please pass the salt shaker), the sex of chicks will be determined before hatching.  Currently, male chicks are killed within hours of hatching (ground up while very much alive or suffocated), because they are of no use to farmers raising egg laying birds.  There is no humane way to eat eggs, and this technology would be an improvement.  Tune in on May 4 to the Humane Hoax Chicken Webinar (see above) to learn more about why these kinds of improvements miss the mark.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/28/climate/chickens-egg-industry-humane.html?unlocked_article_code=1.oU0.FsYQ.B5ISNkmE7d0M&smid=url-share

Vegan Cheese Was Supposed to Win Prestigious Award
A vegan cheese, competing with dairy cheeses, was chosen to win an award for being the best, but was pulled from the competition without good reason.   I suspect that embarrassing dairy cheese makers was deemed reason enough.
https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/climax-blue-vegan-cheese-good-food-awards-1235599179/

Bird Flu and Dairy Cows
Just when I think that raising chickens and cows for human consumption cannot get any worse, here comes news about "culling" infected birds.  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/science/bird-flu-aid-animal-welfare.html?unlocked_article_code=1.oU0.l3Hc.zavcunvuCpHA&smid=url-share

"Steak from dairy cows could offer a lifeline for farmers"
I was saddened and disgusted by this recent article from the New York Times, reprinted in the Marin Independent Journal.  There seems to be a desperate effort to rescue dairy farmers from failing businesses, and one "solution" is to sell the flesh of the dairy cows for human consumption. Talking about cows in terms of the cost per pound of their flesh turns my stomach.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/24/dining/beef-dairy-cows.html?unlocked_article_code=1.oU0.MnYi.aCzCY2dencc2&smid=url-share

Great Ways to Meet Vegans
When a friend recently asked me how to meet other vegans, Francie S. came up with a brilliant answer.  Here's what she suggests:
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/678528729189159  
Meetup:   https://www.meetup.com/northbay-vegan/
and my favorite: Consider volunteering at Rancho Compasion in Nicasio. Get on the list to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
https://www.ranchocompasion.org/volunteer