This is a powerful trailer. Watching it was, admittedly, challenging for me. But, it’s important that as human animals we face the realities of factory farms, and what happens in every industry where animals are used for our gain.

From the documentary site:

THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE – DOCUMENTARY is a cinematic feature length film that illuminates the lives of individual animals living within, or rescued from, the machine of our modern world.

Learn more about this very important film at their site.

I absolutely love the short animated video series by RSA. This particular video, The Power of Quiet, inspired by Susan Cain’s book is one of my favorites, as is the topic of introverts.

Watch this. Then, grab the book.

The book Main Street Vegan by Victoria Moran is a no nonsense, very practical guide to becoming vegan. Because to be a main street vegan one must simply be—

a real person with a real life, who cares enough about her own health and well-being, and that of her family and society, that she’s willing to make some changes—changes some people consider radical—in the way she eats and lives.

Moran’s writing and approach is clear, grounded and persuasive without any preach. As a long time vegetarian, I know the value of showing and doing, versus excessive telling.

I used to take friends to a vegetarian restaurant (mostly vegan) in San Antonio called Green. The vegan Buffalo “chicken” sandwich was so good and the vegan cupcakes so decadently delicious, that my non-vegetarian friends would actually ask me when we were going to the “veggie restaurant” again?

Moran shares similar stories and writes from decades of experience so that when she discusses the challenges and obstacles of choosing a vegan lifestyle she can speak as one who has truly walked the path.

While dense, the book is fun reading, the recipes are great and the information excellent, well-sourced and motivating.

As a long-time vegetarian who is 95% vegan, vegan at home, and who struggles with a few latent hang ups regarding dairy and eggs, I found this book to be profoundly cathartic. In fact, it has be the catalyst for much deeper contemplation on my own philosophy about animals, food, ecology, agriculture and farming and the politics of eating.

If you’re veg-curious, give it a read. Then, when you’re done, read these books, too:

Vegan’s Daily Companion by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau (A fun, colorful and entertaining daily guide)
Animal Liberation by Peter Singer (Philosophical, ethical, and moral arguments abound)
Thrive by Brendan Brazier (If you’re athletic and vegan leaning)
Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero (The definitive Vegan cookbook. Yum)

Then, eat a salad. Maybe some Tempeh if you’re felling brave. It’s truly delicious.