Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 2

The Truth About Seed Oils and Your Health

Over the last few years, you might have heard about how seed oils are “toxic,” causing inflammation, and basically ruining our health. And I get it—some oils are super processed, and we don’t want that in our beautiful, nourishing food. But how bad are they? And which ones are harmful? Is canola the same as sesame oil?  

Which Seed Oils Are Causing All This Drama?

Not all seed oils are being lumped into the controversy. The ones at the center of the debate include canola, soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, grapeseed, and rice bran oils. These oils are often used in ultra-processed foods and fried fast food because they’re cheap, have a long shelf life, and hold up well under high heat. 

Some people call these the “hateful eight,” blaming them for everything from inflammation to obesity. Canola oil, for example, is bad for the environment and does cause inflammation in the body, whether you use organic oil or not. But before we go throwing out all our oils, let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on.

What Does Science Actually Say About Seed Oils?

“The real first issue is balance,” says Leona West Fox CN, CH, FMCHC. “When we get way more omega-6s than omega-3s (like the typical 15:1 ratio in a Western diet vs. the more ideal 3:1 or even 1:1), it can nudge the body toward a more pro-inflammatory state.” She says that  while seed oils often get the blame, grain-fed meats and dairy are also big contributors. “That said, people eating a healthy plant-based diet are typically getting more omega-3s and aren’t consuming those animal-based omega-6 sources anyway.”

The seed oils under attack are high in omega-6 fatty acids, and some believe that these fats promote chronic inflammation, which could lead to diseases like heart disease and diabetes. But here’s the thing—scientific research doesn’t back that up.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that increasing omega-6 intake while maintaining a good balance of omega-3s does not increase inflammation. In fact, the American Heart Association still recommends seed oils as part of a heart-healthy diet because they help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

The problem isn’t necessarily seed oils themselves—it’s like West Fox says, that many people eat too many processed foods loaded with these oils, while not getting enough omega-3-rich foods like flaxseeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds.

Not All Seed Oils Are Created Equal

There’s a huge difference between organic, cold-pressed seed oils and the highly refined, industrialized versions used in fast food. Take sesame oil, for example. It’s a staple in Asian cuisine and has been used for centuries. Studies show it has powerful antioxidant properties and can even help lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar control.

Sunflower oil, especially the high-oleic variety, is rich in vitamin E and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. And then there’s avocado oil—technically not a seed oil, but often lumped into the conversation—which has been shown to support cardiovascular health.

The real issue is refined vs. unrefined oils. Highly refined oils go through chemical processing and bleaching, which can strip away beneficial compounds and leave behind trace amounts of processing chemicals. But if you’re using organic, cold-pressed versions, you’re getting the nutrients and healthy fats without the junk.

What About Fast Food?

One of the biggest talking points in the anti-seed oil movement is that fast food restaurants should switch back to using beef tallow or other animal fats instead of seed oils. Some restaurants are even making the switch—Steak ‘n Shake recently announced that it’s frying its food in beef tallow again, and Sweetgreen is phasing out seed oils in favor of olive oil. The truth is, as Americans, we eat far too much saturated fat as it is already, and beef tallow is absolutely not the answer. It is steeped in cruelty and is awful for human health. Dr. Neal Barnard explains the science here.

But focusing only on the oil in fast food misses the bigger problem: fast food itself. Even if McDonald’s switched to cooking in tallow, that wouldn’t magically make a Big Mac healthy. The bigger issues are the artificial additives, low-quality meat, excessive sodium, and overall lack of whole, nourishing ingredients. Making fresh quality food is the answer, not swapping one bad fat for another.

Should You Cut Out Seed Oils?

If you feel better avoiding seed oils, go for it! But if you’re using organic sesame, sunflower, or avocado oil in your home cooking, there’s no need to panic. The key is choosing high-quality, minimally processed oils and maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of whole plant-based foods.

West Fox says the bottom line is this: Omega-6s are essential. The focus should be on quality, processing, and keeping them in balance with omega-3s. And for someone eating plant-based, it’s more about “which oils you’re using, how they’re made, and how you’re cooking with them.”

Prioritize fresh, unprocessed foods, avoid ultra-processed junk, and make sure your fat sources are coming from whole, healthy ingredients. That’s the real secret to glowing health. You can get healthy omega fats in ground flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts. They’re easy to add to smoothies, baked goods, atop cereal, non-dairy yogurt, salads and bowls.

And when using oils, keep this breakdown in mind:

Best for high heat

Avocado oilRefined coconut oil

Best for low heat/raw

Extra virgin olive oilCold-pressed sesameUnrefined sunflower

Avoid heating

Flaxseed oilWalnut oil

12 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Mom and Mother Earth Will Love

It’s almost Mother’s Day. I’m not a big one on more stuff. Personally, I would love a handwritten letter and maybe a day when I don’t have to leave my bed! But these are all things that I regularly use or need (or love as a treat!). Perhaps they would be nice gifts for your mom. If you love giving gifts, your mom will surely love some of these. And, because they’re sustainable, they’re gifts to Mother Earth, too.

Love, Alicia

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Lettuce Grow self-watering, self-fertilizing system!

Great for patio gardens!

Find it here.

2. Miomojo bag

This cute spring bag is made from apple skin and food waste. I love the summery feel of the woven strap.
Miomojo is one of my favorite eco handbag designers! 

Find it here.

3. Toning Mist

The prettiest-smelling and lightest toning mist. I’ve been enjoying this for years. 
Full Bloom Fog Toner from Garden Apothecary, $48

Find it here.

4. Ilia Mascara

A vegan mascara that doesn’t flake and looks incredible on!
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara, $28

Find it here.

5. Hu Chocolate

Can’t go wrong with delicious chocolate! And, if you haven’t tried this, you are in for a serious treat! My favorite flavors aren’t featured here, but I’m in love with the cashews covered in chocolate, the hazelnut bar, and the raspberry almond butter bar.
Hu Kitchen Variety Pack, $40

Find them here.

6. Vegan Birkenstocks

A stylish vegan shoe for summer! I wore these to death! Time for a new pair. I love them! Live in them! Perfect with all sundresses. 
Vegan “Arizona” sandal, Birkenstock, $110

Find them here.
7. Mate the Label Sweatshirt

So comfy! I love mine! Organic cotton sweatshirt in a pretty soft color for spring! 
Mate the Label, $128

Find it here.

8. Two Dawson Sheet Set

The chicest and comfy linen sheets!
Two Dawson, from $120

Find them here.

9. Coyuchi Blanket

A pretty, organic throw blanket! Perfect for cozying up with your beloved child, no matter how big.
Topanga Organic Matelasse Blanket, Coyuchi, $248

Find it here.10. Hammock

I love an organic cotton hammock, perfect for the summer weather! $249

Find it here.

11. Wearable Weights

For the active mom: wearable 2 lb weights that look super chic
Bala Bangles, $55

Find it here.

12. Flower Cookies

These vegan cookies don’t look real!
Shortbread cookies, $60, Loria Stern

Find them here.

How Doing Laundry Contributes to Ocean Pollution

Many of our closets contain clothes made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and rayon. These synthetic materials make our clothes more stretchy and less wrinkly and can be found in everything from yoga pants and leggings to dress shirts and socks.

When you wash clothes containing these materials, they shed up to millions of microfibers — tiny strands of plastic. These microfibers are often too small for many filters to catch, so they travel down the drains and into the wastewater system. Experts have found that these microfibers heavily contribute to an already huge issue in our waterways — microplastic.

An estimated eight to ten million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year, and about 94% of that plastic pollution is made up of microplastics — these tiny plastics are created by larger plastic waste products breaking down in the environment, but many of our everyday household products already contain microplastics. Many laundry detergents contain microbeads and microplastic fragments. Some tests found that one of the most popular brands of laundry detergent contained roughly 178,000 microbeads in one milliliter of detergent, which leads to more than 2.5 million microbeads per load of laundry! And that’s not even counting the microfibers!

The newest laundry detergent pod packets are worse, with many pods not fully “dissolving” and contributing further to microplastic pollution. Additionally, Laundry Pods are often made of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) or other derivative chemicals — which have been found extremely damaging to aquatic life. Pods are another scheme by Big Oil and their plastics company offshoots whose profits increase with the proliferation of more single-use products — at the expense of choking our waterways and killing aquatic life.

The Impacts of Wastewater

Our community’s wastewater is “treated” and then discharged into our waterways, but these microfibers and microplastics slip through the treatments and end up in our natural waters such as rivers and streams.
These microplastics are then consumed by microscopic organisms called zooplankton. They are eaten by small aquatic animals, who are eaten by larger animals, and so on up the food chain.

This process is called bioaccumulation and can result in large aquatic animals containing dangerous and often deadly amounts of plastic in their systems. Studies have shown humans are ingesting thousands of these microfibers annually from our water, air, and food. Textile fibers are often found in seafood and fish on sale for human consumption.

So, what can you do to ensure you are not contributing to the problem? The easiest thing is to adjust your buying and washing habits. Buy clothes made from plant-based materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Buy used. (New apparel sheds more than old.) Repair clothes. Use cold, quick wash cycles. Avoid delicate cycles. Avoid “pods.” Support additional filters such as GuppyFriend or Cora Ball. Wash less.

Best Laundry Detergent to Use

To avoid microplastics, it helps to pick clean detergent brands — Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap (100% plant-based since the beginning!), Eco Nuts, and Dropps are all cleaner options. Dropps is the original plastic-free laundry detergent pods packaged in a compostable and recyclable box. There’s also Ethique that makes waste-free stain-remover bars and you can also DIY your own detergent if you want to control the ingredients.

Easy Vegan Lasagna

By Melissa Berg

I found a recipe like this one on HappyHerbivore.com, and I thought to myself, “I can do that. Better.” Haha! A few tweaks here and there, a few adjustments, and it tastes (and smells) great! Enjoy

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Yields: 12 servings

Ingredients
16 Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
14 ounce firm tofu
20 ounce marinara Sauce
14 ounce artichoke hearts
4 cup fresh spinach
3 cup Dairy Free Mozzarella Cheese

Directions
Lay first layer of lasagna noodles in a casserole dish.

Drain tofu. Once drained, put in food processor with marinara sauce, artichoke hearts, and 1 cup of spinach.

Process until thoroughly mixed.

Add tofu mixture on top of the layer of lasagna noodles. Then add 1 cup of spinach, then 1 cup of dairy-free cheese.

Repeat this process until the last layer, then spread remaining tofu mixture, spinach, and cheese. Top with one last layer of lasagna noodles.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Once heated, put lasagna in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with vegan Parmesan, fresh spinach salad, and garlic bread, and a vegan red wine.

Enjoy

The Very Best Chocolate Brands, From Bars to Truffles

Is there anything better than a rich, velvety smooth bite of chocolate? Of course not! I’ve tried them all and these are my favorite vegan chocolates, hands down. Whether you’re gifting them or eating them all yourself, you can’t go wrong with the offerings on this list.

We love it from childhood, but do we even know where chocolate comes from? It’s actually pretty fascinating stuff: Chocolate is the bean (seed) of the cacao fruit. Shaped like a small football, cacao pods grow on trees throughout Central and South America, as well as across Africa and Asia. Inside the fruit, there’s a white fleshy pulp (you can eat this! it’s sweet!) and hidden inside the pulp are the chocolate beans.

One cacao fruit can contain as many as 60 beans! The chocolate bean is big for a bean — about the size of an almond or even a Brazil nut. When it comes out of the pod raw, it can be dark purple. It doesn’t taste much like chocolate at that point — it is strong and bitter. But once fermented, dried, and roasted, it starts to take on that warm and nutty flavor we all know and love.

Dairy is added to the vast majority of chocolate. And it’s totally not necessary! First of all, it makes chocolate inedible for a large percentage of the population as more than 65 percent of Black and Asian people are lactose intolerant. 

Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, dairy can cause health issues including congestion, inflammation, and acne, among other serious conditions.

But dairy is also an exploitative industry that keeps female cows pregnant and forced to give their milk away. Their babies are taken away from them (so humans can have the milk) — and for male calves, this often means a death sentence as a veal calf. Then, after years of milk production, cows aren’t sent to retirement, they’re slaughtered for cheap beef. 

Best vegan chocolates

So there’s every reason to opt for vegan chocolate, right? You’re in luck. These days, there are more vegan chocolate and confectionery options than ever before. Even Hershey’s and Cadbury now offer vegan chocolate. But if you want the best of the best, try these — my favorite.

Amore di Mona has insane caramel. They also make versions of caramel with fruit inside like cherries, which are also so fantastic. Their dark chocolate is really good but I preferred their caramel. Their chocolate is Fair Trade, organic, and uses raw agave nectar.

Hu is the best! My favorites are Cashew Butter + Raspberry Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate, Chocolate-Covered Hunks Cashews + Vanilla Beans, and Chocolate-Covered Hunks Sour Goldenberries. Hu’s chocolates are sweetened with coconut sugar so after eating it you get a less buzzy sugar high!

Nohmad Snack Co.‘s Creamy Coconut Milk Cacao and Coffee Crunch Cacao bars are tasty and worth mentioning because of their simple clean ingredients: organic raw cacao, organic raw cacao butter, and organic maple sugar!

Lagusta’s Luscious turtle bar is fun! If you’re a Snickers fan, it’s basically three snickers in one. Super heavy and yum! They also make this maple honeycomb bar that I love! If you’re familiar with the British candy bar “Crunchie Bar”, it’s very similar except vegan of course, with maple syrup and no honey! Added bonus, they’re both made of Fair Trade, organic, and non-GMO ingredients.

Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Almond Sea Salt is great. The packaging looks so cool.

Homemade Applesauce

This applesauce would make a great accompaniment to your latkes. With no sugar added, it looks pretty darn healthy too!
Ingredients

3 lbs apples1 tsp cinnamon1 pinch nutmeg1 1/2 cups water2 lemon (thin, slices)1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Peel and core apples (you can leave the skin on a few of them because if you like the taste and texture).Cut apples into approximately 1 inch cubes.Add all ingredients to pot, and turn heat on high. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the apples have softened significantly.Stir frequently, making sure that the apples are not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add more water if necessary. Remove lemon slices.Mash with a potato masher or use a food mill for a smoother consistency. Serve warm or at room temperature.

My 41 Favorite Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays are here again, and, if you’re like me, it can all be a bit overwhelming sometimes. Mostly in good ways, of course, but also — all the busyness of the season, especially the gift-gathering. It’s a lot!

I’ve pulled together some suggestions that I hope can help with some meaningful gift ideas and products I’ve personally tried, tested, and loved.

And for the person on your list who insists they don’t need anything (good for them!), why not consider a donation to a nonprofit organization doing meaningful work for others? You can read about charities I love, here.

Meaningful gifting Ideas:

Bake assorted desserts (from my book or any other vegan recipe book) and gift them in boxes or decorative jars. Be sure to include the recipes (printed on recycled paper of course), so your friends and loved ones can recreate the kind treats.Pay the donation fee to an animal shelter or rescue group for your giftee to adopt an animal of their choice (when they are ready to adopt, of course!).A package of online or IRL yoga classes to a favorite studioHand-make caramels or granola and package them in vintage jars (be sure to send me some! My favorites!)A Gift Certificate to The RealReal for stunning, eco-friendly gently used high-end fashion.

Might I add that the Kind Diet and Kind Mama make excellent gifts?

And if you’re looking for a super cool, super eco way to wrap your gifts, I recently found this dissolvable wrapping paper. How cool is that? No recycling needed. Just let this eco paper rinse down the drain when you’re done. And don’t worry; it’s safe for our waterways.

Now, on to the gifts!

Holiday gift ideas1. JW PEI Mini Flap Crossbody Bag, $89 

How cute are these crossbody bags from JW Pei? Made with vegan materials like upcycled plastic bottles, these bags can be dressed up or down. Perfect for the fashion lovers on your list. 

SHOP BLACK CROC  SHOP IVORY LIZARD2. Eslla Vegan Bag, $455

I love this handbag (I have it in black and green!). It’s made from upcycled cactus leaves! It’s so sexy and so sustainable. It’s Fair Trade certified, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful PVCs. This will be a holiday highlight for the bag lovers on your list.

SHOP NOW3. Frida Rome Wallet + Bags, $150-$514

Frida Rome makes the most chic bags. The little one is for going out at night and running around. The bigger one I use for travel, business, and anywhere else I want to bring an elevated look. I also love the wallet, too — so cute. Everything is made from vegan materials like cactus and pineapple leather and the company has a sustainability commitment so you’ll feel extra good about gifting these.

SHOP NOW 4. Miomojo Backpack + TECLA Bag, €175.00 to €365

I love the bag and backpacks from Miomojo and use them all the time. The bags are made from corn leather and sure to wow the eco-conscious giftees on your list. The bio-based material is PETA-approved and non-GMO. The backpack is made from 35 percent recycled nylon. Other materials are made from Forest Stewardship Certified viscose or post-consumer recycled polyester. So cute!

SHOP BAG SHOP BACKPACK 5. Terra Thread Cadera Fanny Pack and Duffle, $35

How about an organic cotton fanny pack for your friends who love to hike? They can wear this over the shoulder or around the waist so they’re hands-free. It’s another great practical gift that will keep on giving. (It’s perfect for air travel, too.) Terra Thread also makes a super cute duffle bag you can use for travel, camping and so much more.

SHOP FANNY PACKSHOP DUFFLE6. Daughters of India Dresses, $299

Aren’t these dresses lovely? The naturally loose fit makes them a great choice if you’re not sure about sizing. They can be easily dressed up with a belt and boots. They’re also great for traveling, especially if you’re headed someplace warm.

SHOP NOW7. Tradlands Relaxed Button-Up Shirt, $96

I love this cute button-up cotton gingham shirt. You can dress it down with jeans or cargo pants, or dress it up under a blazer or with a skirt. A fun gift for mom or the fashion lovers on your list.

SHOP NOW8. Alohas Watercolor Black Boots, $120

Black boots are a winter-style must — they go with everything. The only problem? They go with everything, which means they wear down quicker and need replacing. For the boot lover you’re shopping for, I live and die in this cute pair from Alohas. It’s affordable but luxe and for the girl who wears black boots with everything, she won’t miss a beat.

SHOP NOW9. Katari pointed knee boots, Lulus, $56

These faux crocodile leather knee-high boots are showstoppers. For the shoe and boot lovers on your list, you can’t go wrong with these.

SHOP NOW10. Brave Gentleman New Lover Boot, $240

The guy in your life will be so thrilled to get these vegan boots! Not only are they made from the highest-quality vegan materials, but just look at them. These stunners need to go out, and that means a fun night on the town for you both. 

SHOP NOW11. Mate the Label Men’s Fleece Sweatpants, $138

For the guy who loves to cozy up in a pair of sweats, this is the ultimate pair from a brand I love, Mate the Label. Made from premium 100 percent organic cotton, these are so soft and luxe the guys on your list will want to wear them everywhere.

SHOP NOW12. Idle Silk Robes, $178

These sexy, chic robes are so comfortable to wear — everyone will love them. Men love to rub their hands all over them, by the way! And, bonus: they’re eco and sustainably made from deadstock materials. But all your giftee will care about is how comfortable it is to wear. I have one in black and one in pink and I am obsessed with both.

SHOP NOW13. Please Don’t Eat the Homies Sweatshirt, $98

Enough said, right? Don’t eat the homies. For your animal-loving friends, this is going to be a favorite. I will be getting this for my son’s Hannuka gift. It’s so good for young people and all people, really!

SHOP NOW14. Bamboo Pajama Set, Cozy Earth, $85

For the women on your list, PJs are also a thoughtful holiday gift, especially when they’re made from sustainable bamboo. It’s a super soft material that’s renewable and this set comes in so many cute colors. 

SHOP NOW15. Kids Organic Cotton Pajama Set, City Threads, $23.99

For the littles on your list, cozy PJs are a holiday essential. It’s a physical representation of the comfort of the season, right? Your kids want to put these soft, organic pajamas on immediately, and you’ll feel good knowing they’re wearing something better for their bodies and the planet. These come in tons of colors and sizes up to 16 for kids of all ages.

SHOP NOW16. Votch Watches $100-$120

Watches are always in style and they’re an excellent choice for those on your list who are stylish but hard to shop for. All of Votch’s watches are made with cruelty-free, vegan materials, so you’ll feel good about gifting this timepiece. They’re affordable, too, under $120.

SHOP NOW17. Solios Watch, $295

This is such a cool watch! It is charged by the sun; all you need is 2 hours of sunlight exposure to power the watch for six months — that’s 180 days of power. So innovative, right? You can forget swapping in new batteries or looking for chargers. Plus it comes in great styles that will work for everyone on your list.

SHOP NOW 18. Aurate White Sapphire Tennis Bracelet, $260

Tennis bracelets are all the rage right now, but skip the mined diamonds and opt for a sustainably made option from Aurate that uses white sapphires and recycled gold instead. Gift clean jewelry for the clearest conscience like this one.

SHOP NOW19. Idyl Jewelry, from $345

Made from lab-grown diamonds and traceable gold, Idly prides itself on being an ethical jewelry label. There’s so much to choose from! I love the popular Lena necklace and Lucia diamond stud earrings. I live in these — I never take them off.

SHOP LENA SHOP LUCIA20. Etnia Sunglasses, $255

Whether you’re shopping for Anna Wintour or someone who looks equally as cool in sunglasses, put Etnia at the top of your list. I really like all of the options, especially these cute green ones. I wear them a lot. This is an extra nice gift for someone traveling to warm weather soon.

SHOP NOW21. P.F. Candle Co., $24

Candles are so easy to gift to anyone. But just be sure you’re gifting a stunner that’s also free from toxic ingredients phthalates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, like these PF Candle Company options. So cute and the scents are really fun.

SHOP NOW22. Makana Candles, $25

It’s difficult to find candles that are made with essential oils and not chemical fragrances. and I appreciate how Makana is that they are using coconut and soy waxes, lead-free cotton wicking, and phthalate-free fragrances blended with pure essential oils instead of artificial fragrances.

SHOP NOW 23. Pact Sheets and Towels, from $20

We spend a third of our lives in bed. Did you know that cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed agricultural crops? We can do better than that like these organic sheets from Pact. All of my fancy guests have enjoyed them. There are some great towels as well.

SHOP SHEETS  SHOP TOWELS24. Scent Beauty Fragrance, $24.99

This lovely-smelling toilet spray is free from harsh chemicals bad for us and the planet. Made from upcycled and sustainably sourced ingredients and those sustainably sourced. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and PETA-approved. It’s also free from synthetic colors, as well as parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

SHOP NOW25. Bkr Insulated Cup, $42

Don’t underestimate the power of a reusable cup, mug, or bottle as a holiday gift! Gifting practical and reusable items is truly the gift that keeps on giving. These are such great gifts for everyone on your list, especially those hard to shop for. This insulated cup is a must for the coffee, matcha, or tea drinkers on your list. And it works for cool drinks, too, once the warmer months come back around.

SHOP NOW26. Fellow Carter Coffee Mug, $30

This sleek coffee mug heat-locks your coffee or tea for a drink that will stay warm all the way to the office and then some. Plus, its cool design will make you feel like you’re from the future. Gift it to the coffee lovers on your list and get one for yourself, too.

SHOP NOW 27. Hawkins New York Glassware, from $28

Glassware is another gift that works for the hard to shop for on your list. It’s especially lovely for new homeowners or newlyweds. And this very pretty set is all hand-blown for a gorgeous look. Use them for wine, lemonade, seltzer, oat milk or anything else. Nab the matching pitcher if you really want to impress.

SHOP NOW28. Bindewerk Journals, from $10

Some thoughts flow better on paper. And l’m guessing a journal is perfect for someone on your list. I like these notebooks from Bindewerk. I have the wood one and it’s very nice. The linen ones are cute, too. Bindedwerk creatively reuses waste through recycling and donations. It also uses FSC-certified paper and runs on green energy. It’s a super green company worth checking out.  

SHOP WOODENSHOP LINEN29. Ikaati Tea, $20

Prepare for all the oohs and aahs when this package is opened. Ikaati Teas are so, so yummy and fragrant. You will stun your giftees and make others jealous! So maybe gift a selection from Ikaati to everyone on your list this year. I love the Jasmine and the Royal Breakfast, too.

SHOP NOW30. Nibel Vegan Charcuterie Box, contact for pricing

If you’re in Los Angeles and think charcuterie is the opposite of vegan food, just look at these boxes from the local plant-based charcuterie company Nibel. They are loaded with yummy plant-based meats and hand-crafted cheeses. Plus, there are spicy mustards, fresh fruits, crisp crackers, and so much more. Bear gobbled this up so fast! Check out the Nibel grazing boxes — they will absolutely wow your friends and holiday guests. So, so good!

SHOP NOW31. Hu Chocolate, $49

I love Hu Chocolate. The company promises “no weird ingredients” and while weird can be fun, I get what they’re promising here. They mean no risky ingredients like artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors. All you get is a delicious, creamy chocolate that’s healthier than the majority of the junk out there. Put this chocolate in a box as a gift on its own or stuff it into stockings. You can’t go wrong with either. I love the Cashew and Vanilla Bean Hunks and the Sour Golden Berries Hunks, but there are many to choose from!

SHOP NOW32. Glow Chocolate

Another yummy chocolate that’s healthier than the conventional stuff. Glow has no refined sugars and very clean ingredients. The Truffles, Bark, and Nut Butter Cups are some of my favorites. The whole line is very pretty and you can even buy a truffle mix and make the chocolate at home yourself for a fun treat.

SHOP NOW33. Spunky Pup Clean Earth Collection recycled dog toy, $10

Pups are part of the family, too, and kids love making sure there’s something for them. This cute plush toy will bring your dog hours of fun while helping to use up ocean-bound plastic.

SHOP NOW34. Mountain Dog Leashes, $39.95

For dogs and dog parents, the leashes from Mountain Dog are such a nice gift. I’ve been using them on my pups for years — they’re sturdy and comfortable. 

SHOP NOW 35. Hero Gift Set, ILIA Beauty, $144

For the beauty lovers on your list, Ilia is a delight — a clean ingredient kit that packs in all the basics: a Super Serum Skin SPF Tint for dewy-looking skin, a multi stick for pops of color on lips or cheeks, a buffing brush, and Ilia’s award-winning mascara (contains beeswax).

SHOP NOW36. Carter + Jane Everything Oil, $128

Carter + Jane says that the Everything Oil replaces all other skincare products in your routine. It’s an incredible oil made from prickly pear seed oil (those purple fruits on the cactus). You can use this one all over your face, eyes, lips, neck, and décolletage for deep moisturizing without clogging skin or leaving it greasy. This smells so weird at first. I made such a fuss about it, but trust me – stick with it and you’ll love it in a week or so. Once I got used to it, I became obsessed with the smell. Made with 100 percent USDA-certified organic, sustainably sourced, high-purity, cold-pressed prickly pear seed oil. Gift this to the skincare lovers on your list — including yourself!

SHOP NOW37. Garden Apothecary Toner and Serum, from $48

The Full Bloom Fog toning mist has been in my skincare regimen for years. It’s so yummy and delicous smelling — reminds me of chocolate. Who doesn’t love a good spritz of botanicals to refresh and hydrate your skin? And add Garden Apothecary’s serum IS made from a blend of plant oils including sesame, jojoba, rosehip, and borage, among others for a silky smooth moisturizing finish. 

SHOP TONER SHOP SERUM  38. The Body Deli, from $16

This is meticulously handmade skincare crafted from raw plants and superfoods. It’s so fresh that some products need to be refrigerated. It’s a super fun and effective line and they all smell so delicious. I’m particularly fond of the blueberry scrub, the melon cleanser, and the vanilla body butter, but you’ll find plenty more to gift here as well.

SHOP NOW39. True Botanicals Radiance Oil, $110

The True Botanicals Radiance Oil ticks all the boxes for a luxe moisturizing oil rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It goes on sheen and soft without feeling greasy and leaves skin visibly hydrated and glowy. It’s a must for skincare enthusiasts of any age.

SHOP NOW40. Carasoin Cold Fusion Intense Moisture, $120

This cold-pressed moisturizing cream is as luxe as it gets. Made with a who’s-who of skincare superstar oils including shea butter, hemp seed, jojoba, rosehip, kukui, and pumpkin seed, this blend delivers superior absorption. All you need is a pea-sized amount for nourishing, hydrating protection.

SHOP NOW 41. Himalaya Mint Toothpaste, $7.99

Toothpaste as a holiday gift? Hear me out! Self-care is the gift that keeps on giving, and for the health-focused, it’s an easy option. Trust me, they’ll get it and enjoy this fluoride-free mint toothpaste from Himalaya.

SHOP NOW

Sweet Potato Delight

By Kelly Caldwell
I made this one up at the last minute for Thanksgiving desert. After cooking dinner for three hours I have to say this little 8 min. delight was the best part of the meal!
Ingredients
1 Sweet Potato
2 tbsp Vegan “Cream Cheese”
1 tbsp Black Strap Molasses
Directions
Preheat oven to 450
Wrap potato in foil
Bake for 1 hour
Split potato in half and put in two bowls
Smear “Cream Cheese” on each half (more if you like)
Drizzle molasses over each half

Civet Coffee: The True Cost of the World’s Most Expensive Coffee

Whether it’s kickstarting your day, or revitalizing your energy after a restaurant meal, coffee is a beverage we are all familiar with. Not only is coffee a daily ritual for many of us, but there is also an ever-growing interest in specialty varieties — coffee with unique taste profiles generated from meticulous growing, selecting, and brewing methods. However, you might be surprised to learn that the world’s most expensive and famous coffee comes from the back end of civets, a cat-like animal found throughout southeast Asia. 

What is civet coffee?

Civet coffee (also known by its Indonesian name, Kopi Luwak) is the most rare and expensive coffee in the world, due to its unique production method — pre-digestion by civets.

As the story goes, wild civets would sample from the coffee plantations that surrounded their forest home, selecting the ripest coffee cherries for consumption. The civets would then leave undigested coffee beans in their droppings, which pass through the civet intact. These beans were harvested and roasted like other coffee beans. Proponents of civet coffee say that the cat’s digestive enzymes alter the coffee’s structural and taste characteristics.

Today, civet coffee is marketed to consumers for its perceived rarity and smooth taste. Civet coffee was brought to international attention in 2003 by Oprah Winfrey and again in the 2007 film The Bucket List (starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman). Soon after, civet coffee became second only in value to oil with prices reaching as high as $50 per cup. Yet civet coffee is not what it seems; it is neither rare, best-tasting nor the most expensive.

What then, is the true cost behind the world’s most famous cup of coffee?

The rising demand for civet coffee has brought about a significant change in its production method. No longer do farmers rely on droppings left by civets visiting plantations at night. Now, civets are captured and caged for mass civet coffee production. This has led to civet coffee becoming a booming tourism industry. 

Across Asia, tourists are invited to curated attractions to see the bean-to-civet-to-cup production methods of civet coffee. In the recent documentary From Rare to Reckless, produced by The Civet Project Foundation, researchers traveled to Vietnam to uncover the truth behind civet coffee. In the award-winning documentary, which premiered earlier this year, the researchers made three discoveries:

1. Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is severely compromised in civet coffee farms and tourist attractions. As a nocturnal, solitary, and tree-dwelling species, a civet’s needs cannot be met in small, barren cages. In civet coffee farms and tourist attractions across Asia civets languish without access to suitable environments, exercise, and nutrition. The force-feeding of coffee cherries eventually causes death by caffeine toxicity. Existing in cramped cages for many years at a time, civets frequently suffer from psychological distress and physical trauma. Common symptoms include pacing and self-mutilation as civets bite their own tails in attempts to cope, and many endure painful injuries from when they were captured from the wild.

2. Conservation 

Civets are important species for their ecosystem. Their wide ranges and varied omnivorous diet combined with the physical properties of their digestive tract, make civets important seed dispersers and germinators. Removal of seed dispersers has a knock-on effect on many species of plants and the animals who rely on them. Without civets, forest health can be severely impacted. 

Due to the rising demand for civet coffee, civet coffee production is contributing significantly to Southeast Asia’s biodiversity crisis. Indiscriminate traps are placed throughout civet habitats which catch large numbers of civets as well as other, unintended, species.

3. Human Health

Although civets are important species for nature, they can pose a danger to humans when they are exploited. Civets, like many wild mammals, can carry diseases that can pass to humans. Civet coffee farms and tourist attractions are generally unhygienic. Cramped and dirty conditions provide the ideal environment for the emergence of disease. With so many workers and tourists handling civet feces, the risk of disease spreading from civets to humans is significant.

Is there hope for civets?

This year, for the first time, world-leading travel companies placed a ban on the sale of civet coffee attractions on their website. It is no longer possible to buy tickets to civet coffee attractions on Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Viator, TUI, AirBnB or Klook, thanks to the work of The Civet Project Foundation.

This milestone achievement for civets came from the first-of-its-kind Industry Leaders Report ‘Tackling the Civet Coffee Tourism Industry’, which launched alongside The Civet Project documentary.  In the report, the role of the travel industry in promoting and selling civet coffee was investigated. The report showed that despite 90 percent of world-leading travel companies having an animal welfare policy, all were still selling tickets to civet coffee attractions on their platform. This was not only unethical, but it misled consumers into thinking civet coffee was not an area for concern. 

Speaking of the travel industry’s boycott of civet coffee tourism, Founder of The Civet Project Foundation, Dr Jes Hooper explained: “We are extremely grateful and proud of the leading travel companies who have committed to the boycott of civet coffee. This is a world first for civet protection and will help protect travelers, civets, local ecosystems and communities.”

Is it possible to consume civet coffee ethically?

Despite the claims of some coffee suppliers that their civet coffee comes from wild collection methods, the likelihood of this claim being authentic is extremely doubtful. Without expensive and time-consuming laboratory tests of entire batches, there is no quick or economical way to test civet coffee authenticity. Whilst certification schemes for civet coffee may at first appear favorable, the inability to test for product authenticity means that certifiers rely on visiting establishments who can simply conceal their caged practices. 

Corruption is certainly no new phenomenon within the civet coffee industry. Undercover investigations have proved that regular coffee is commonly labeled as civet coffee to enter the international market where it will be sold at wildly inflated prices. Indeed, the global scale to which civet coffee is available for purchase should be indication enough that this product is not rare. The claim of civet coffee rarity is just a gimmick that secures an elevated economic status. A recent study found that even humans could produce human-digested coffee with similar characteristics to coffee predigested by civets!

Is civet coffee worth the cost?

A wealth of evidence concludes that civet coffee is bad for animals, the environment, and humans. With this in mind, we will be keeping our daily coffee ritual ethical and safe by opting for undigested varieties.

Dr. Jes Hooper is a postgraduate researcher in Anthropology at the University of Exeter, and a member of the IUCN SSC Small Carnivore Specialist Group. Learn more at www.thecivetproject.com and watch the film ‘Civet Coffee: From Rare to Reckless’ at Ecoflix. You can donate 100% of your Ecoflix subscription to The Civet Project Foundation.

Garlic Brussels Sprouts

By Katie O’Neil

This is a great recipe I created before I became vegan and adjusted it as I made the switch. It’s something simple and light that will keep you full. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy some of the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts. It has even convinced some of my Brussels sprout hater friends into Brussels sprout lovers. Hope you enjoy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients
1.5 pound fresh Brussels Sprouts
6 cloves garlic (sliced or minced)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil to taste
0.5 tsp Sea Salt
.5 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper
.5 tsp Garlic Powder
Seasoning Salt (optional) 0.5 tsp
2 cups water

Directions

Rinse Brussels sprouts. Cut off the bottom of the stem, then cut sprouts in half.Pour Olive Oil in a large skillet – use enough to coat the bottom nicely. Place the halved Brussels sprouts into the skillet and cook on medium heat.While the pan and sprouts are warming up, add 4-6 cloves of garlic (sliced or minced) into skillet. Stir. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and seasoning salt.Stir all together coating the sprouts with oil and seasoning. Once coated add 2 cups of water to the skillet and cover.Leave over medium heat for 15 minutes. Periodically check on the sprouts to make sure water hasn’t completely evaporated.After about 15 minutes sprouts should have a deep green coloring and be tender when poked with a fork. Taste test.Sprouts should be tender and melt when bitten into. Add additional seasoning if wanted.Allow the rest of the water to evaporate, then serve.*The garlic and seasoning proportions can be changed based on your taste level. I enjoy garlic, so I like to add additional garlic clove