Los Angeles, along with many food-centric and progressive metropolitan areas, has become saturated with vegan restaurants and festivals in the past few years. Of course, this is a stellar phenomenon for the plant-based movement; it demonstrates the increasing interest and demand for vegan food. However, many have found these events to be much of the same. People crave variety. Like it or not, city society is constantly on the prowl for the newest, latest, most innovative “thing” to buy or experience. Circle V, a Mercy for Animals event, has revived the festival scene by combining live music, celebrities, vegan food, and activism into one not-to-miss event.

The third annual Circle V will be held at The Regent in Downtown Los Angeles on November 18th. Attendees can expect a few celebrity sightings, guilty pleasure vegan food, rocking live and DJ’d music, as well as inspiration from the leaders of the plant-based movement. Although entertainment is at the forefront of the event, the goal is to raise awareness and funds for animal rights issues. The profits from ticket sales will benefit Mercy for Animals’ mission to save the animals that are mistreated and destroyed by the animal agriculture industry. This non-profit welcomes all to attend, vegan or not. They stress inclusivity in hopes of introducing the vegan lifestyle to the masses and creating a positive change for farm animals.

The lineup of speakers has been thoughtfully curated to support this mission. Over thirty prominent vegan CEOs, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, social media influencers, chefs, and activists have been invited to speak. Active attendees may find interest in the athlete’s panel, which includes ultra endurance icon Rich Roll and Olympic Silver medalist Dotsie Bausch, among others. Business leaders include Bruce Friedrich (The Good Food Institute), Dominique Barnes (New Wave Foods), Ethan Brown (Beyond Meat) and Kat Von D (Kat Von D Cosmetics). Kip Anderson (What the Health, Cowspiracy) and Mark Ching (Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation) will also share their unique perspectives. The list goes on; you can find all the speakers and their bios on the Circle V line up page.

One of the factors that sets this festival apart is the live music. A longtime supporter of Mercy for Animals, musician Moby was charged with securing the musicians and DJs. In addition to performing himself, Waka Flocka Flame, DREAMCAR, ANML, Raury, Reggie Watts, Moon Honey, and DJ Valida will entertain the crowd from the early afternoon until midnight. This is not just a food festival with music. People come for the music.

Of course, exceptional vegan food is a major draw. Thanks to its growing popularity, many people are new to the vegan diet and the festival scene. For this crowd, their primary goal is to taste, sample, and discover all the vegan options they can get their hands on. By providing over a dozen different sweet and savory food vendors, Mercy for Animals and Moby hope to convince non-vegan attendees that plant-based foods are just as exciting, comforting, and delicious as any animal product out there. Like the music line up, the vendor list is extremely diverse. There will be multiple cupcake and Mexican options, as well as Soul Food, doughnuts, brownies, savory stuffed croissants, ice cream, and more. Moby’s fine dining, non-profit restaurant, Little Pine, is also participating. Although the menu has not been released, everyone is hoping he brings back that creamy, bread-crumb-topped mac-n-cheese.

To accompany some of the best vegan food in Los Angeles, a beer garden will serve brews from the top vegan-friendly beer companies in the area, along with non-alcoholic kombucha options for those intending to drive home. Wether you are a connoisseur of ales, stouts, or ciders, Circle V will provide.

It is not too late to purchase a ticket. Although General Admission has sold out, VIP options are still available. VIP is recommended, as it includes early admission to skip the lines and entry into the exclusive after party. Even those bored of the festival scene will find a renewed energy and engagement at Circle V. Its not just the food, or the live music, or even the A-list speakers and celebrities. Circle V cultivates an environment of shared passion, excitement, and community.

Find Tanya on Instagram and The Vegan Potluck Podcast. 

Related on EcoSalon

5 Chic Festival Backpacks
Why Animal Sanctuaries Matter
Mercy for Animals Finds Perfect Balance Between Entertainment and Activism

The post Disrupting the Festival Scene: Circle V is the Triple Threat of VegFests appeared first on EcoSalon.

Mercy for Animals is on a roll. Within the short three month span of September to November, this LA-based animal rights non-profit will have launched a new book penned by its founder, hosted its extravagant Hidden Heroes annual fundraising gala, and pulled off its second vegan festival and benefit concert, Circle V.

Mercy for Animals is plowing full steam ahead, and thanks to the $1.8 million dollar fundraising success of the Hidden Heroes Gala last month, the organization has the financial support and influencer endorsement to fuel its forward momentum.

On September 30th, an exclusive crowd of plant-based celebrities, influencers, food industry leaders, and activists gathered at the gorgeous Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles for the Hidden Heroes Gala. The goal was to raise funds for the organization’s operations, thank its supporters, and honor the individuals who have made significant contributions to the cause – often at a great sacrifice to themselves.

The evening featured a robust silent auction, an engaging reception,a four course vegan dinner, an entertaining awards presentation, live auction, and finally, a starlit after party, complete with vegan sushi and a silent disco. In short, the night was a true red carpet event – the Academy Awards equivalent of the animal rights non-profit world.

Dozens of vegan leather stilettos and dress shoes graced the event’s red carpet, adorned by some of the most famous plant-based influencers. Celebrities included Evanna Lynch with Elliot Knight, Carrie Ann Inaba, Leona Lewis, Moby, and Diane Warren, among others. Plant-based industry leaders such as Miyoko Schinner, Kat Von D, and Micah Risk also attended. To round out the crowd, activists and social media influencers like Constantin (Vegan Club) and Tim Moore (Vegan Fat Kid) completed the star-studded guest list. All were dressed to impress, decked out in statement making gowns and expertly tailored suits.

Guests mingled and nibbled on plant-based bites prior to entering the grand ballroom of the Vibiana. Standouts include the Treeline cheese plates and delectable hors d’oeuvres provided by Tofurky (we’ll admit to chasing down the server with the puff pastry-wrapped vegan sausage topped with sauerkraut). Attendees also stealthily attempted to outbid each other over the silent auction items, taking breaks to pose for the interactive photo booth. The four-course dinner began with hot rolls served with delightfully rich Miyoko’s vegan butter, in addition to a generous sampling of Miyoko’s vegan cheeses. The meal continued with a compressed watermelon salad, a savory rosemary risotto cake and spicy Italian sausage from Hungry Planet –– run by brother and sister co-owners Jody and Todd Boyman –– and finally, a chocolate olive oil cake.

The gala was both glamorous and inspiring, indulgent yet purposeful. Despite the multiple entertainment aspects, guests did not lose sight of the mission to end factory farming. The dinner and awards program recognized the true “hidden heroes” within Mercy for Animal’s undercover investigation staff. These dedicated individuals put themselves at risk to reveal the atrocities of factory farming. Their work has led to increased awareness and even some changes within the inhumane industry. Various video clips from these investigations were projected throughout the hall, adding a very sobering element to the environment. However, these images also served to remind guests that there is still work to do. The awardees were each given the opportunity to speak, and they all elevated the mood by inciting hope amongst the audience. By practicing and sharing compassion, we can create lasting, positive change. Mercy for Animals Founder, Nathan Runkle, echoed their sentiments by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”

The formal program concluded with a rousing call to action in the form of donating dollars. Runkle was joined onstage by Ari Solomon, Vice President of Communications, and the evening’s honorees. Together they energetically asked the audience for their financial support. The pledges began at one hundred thousand dollars, which would fund an entire undercover investigation. Hands were raised, pledge cards distributed, and the room livened up. Runkle slowly made his way down in major increments (50K, 25K, 10K, 5K, 2.5K, 1K, and 500), and each amount was tied to a specific cost. For example, 25K will fund an entire drone investigation, whereas $500 will cover the costs of the masks, boots, and protective clothing needed by the undercover investigators. Encouraged by the cause and Runkle’s dynamic stage presence, guests enthusiastically opened their wallets, raising over one million dollars within twenty minutes. The evening was an astounding success.

Want to experience a Mercy for Animals event for yourself? Those in the Los Angeles area will have the opportunity to support the organization and enjoy a full day of top notch entertainment at the November 18th Circle V festival and concert. This inclusive, far more casual affair, will feature some of the most crave-worthy vegan food in Los Angeles, speaker panels, and musical performances. Purchase your ticket and check out the extensive line up of vendors, speakers, and musicians. Nosh on some delectable vegan food, meet your favorite plant-based influencers, and dance the night away while promoting compassion and an end to factory farming. With Mercy for Animals, its always a win-win.

Find Tanya on Instagram and The Vegan Potluck Podcast. 

Related on EcoSalon

These Vegan Mercy for Animals Cheerleaders Make it Easy to Go Plant-Based
Here’s the Huge Problem With All That ‘Humane’ Meat
Meet the Woman Protecting Animals and Diversity With One Organization: #NowWhat

The post Mercy for Animals Finds Perfect Balance Between Entertainment and Activism, Raises 1.8 Million at Annual Gala appeared first on EcoSalon.

When you’re spreading holiday cheer and giving gifts this year, remember that domestic animals and rescued wildlife could use a little help, too! Believe it or not, your clothes can help animals in need, and not just due to avoiding common retail items with materials made from byproducts. 

Whether you’re donating the old or buying new, it’s important to keep our furry friends in mind. So even if you’re not sure exactly where to start, we’re here to help! Plus, it’s easier than you might think to incorporate the act of giving and receiving with the right retailers and charities, and here are a few reasons why you should.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.” And sadly, of those 7.6 million, approximately 2.7 million are euthanized. There are thousands of no-kill animal shelters and even wildlife rescues that operate solely on donations. As a result, many of the founders sacrifice their own needs in order to provide for the animals in their care.

So let’s make the lives of animals in need a little brighter this year by checking out these great retailers and charities where your clothes can help make a difference.

Where to Buy 

Arm the Animals

Arm the Animals (ATM) is all about “making activism fashionable.” ATM is a t-shirt and apparel company intent on helping small independent shelters. Established in 2010 after the founder’s sister’s untimely passing, ATM has been donating to animal rescues because of her dedication to animal advocacy. ATM claims that it is not a non-profit organization, but a regular apparel business with the core goal of giving back. And although it doesn’t say exactly how much is given, the business does profess that it provides these shelters with a steady stream of donations.   

Hendrick & Co.

Hendrick & Co. is an apparel company that was established in 2011 by William David Hendrickson in Anaheim, California. The company views itself as a “vehicle that connects local animal nonprofits with people, from all walks of life.” And through the purchase of apparel and accessories, it has given nearly $500,000 to save animals. Every product purchase from the site triggers a $10 donation to support local animal rescues and shelters.

Vaute Couture

Vaute Couture is an apparel company that was launched in 2009 and specializes in vegan outerwear, but also happens to have a great selection of tanks, tees, and sweatshirts that benefit various animal rescues. When a portion of the sale is donated, the item will be clearly marked in the description, that way you’ll know exactly where your money is going. The clothes on here are so cute, don’t be surprised if some styles are sold out, so be sure to do your holiday shopping from Vaute Couture early. 

Where to Donate 

Born Free U.S.A.

Born Free U.S.A. is a national animal advocacy nonprofit organization with the mission to “end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, rescue individual animals in need, protect wildlife – including highly endangered species – in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.”

The organization’s “Fur for the Animals” campaign is a donation drive to collect coats, hats, and other accessories made from animal fur, where they are then distributed to wildlife rehabilitation centers across the country, which are listed on the website. Not only will these donations assist animals, but they will also help the organization’s goal of reducing the supply, demand, and social acceptance of fur in fashion. The coats are used to comfort rescued animals, mimicking the warmth and feel of mom. 

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores established to benefit nonprofit animal rescues are great places to donate used clothing and other acceptable goods. These rescues often rely on donations and from the sale of those items, which is why every little bit helps. Most major cities have thrift stores like these, so be sure to check them out next time you need to get rid of some gently used clothing or when you’re on the hunt for a cool vintage piece of furniture.

When you’re making your list and checking it twice this holiday season, remember that your clothes can help animals in need. Consider giving a rescue-benefitting sweater or donating some old clothes to make room for new gifts – it may make more of an impact than you realize.

How did you like our ideas on giving back this season? Do you plan to give any of these a try? Let us know what you liked best on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

Related on EcoSalon 

5 Chic Pieces of Convertible Clothing for Every Wardrobe

Donate, Toss, or Repurpose Leather and Fur: The Herbivore’s Dilemma

3 Must-Have Luxury Vegan Fashion Looks for Fabulous Cruelty-Free Style

Image of Kitten via Shutterstock

The post Here’s How Your Clothes Can Help Animals in Need appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Gap is well known for being a fur-free retailer. It has taken a serious stance on animal welfare in the past, but according to animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the store is selling fur through its retailer INTERMIX. PETA slammed the move as false advertising and called on the clothing manufacturer to halt the sale of fur by any of its brands.

“Gap Inc. has used its fur-free policy to lure in kind consumers who otherwise would never have supported a company that subjects animals to beatings, miserable confinement, and live skinning,” Tracy Reiman, PETA executive vice president, said in a statement. “PETA is demanding that the company drop fur from all its brands immediately, for the good of animals and consumers.”

The Gap does have a pretty extensive animal welfare policy according to the company’s website:

We are deeply committed to the ethical sourcing of our product, which includes the humane treatment of animals. We expect all suppliers to make our branded and private label products in an ethical and responsible way. We require suppliers to only use skins, down and feathers that come from animals bred for food. In addition:

We do not use angora or real fur.
We oppose mulesing, and are phasing out the use of mulesed wool.
We prohibit feathers and down plucked from live birds.
We do not allow animal testing on our personal care products.

But PETA said that the Gap brand INTERMIX has been selling fur from rabbits, coyotes, foxes, minks, and Asiatic raccoon dogs. These animals are often killed in a particularly violent manner, according to PETA, “As documented by PETA, eyewitness investigations have revealed that in China—the world’s largest exporter of fur and where INTERMIX may currently obtain much of its fur—rabbits are hung upside down, screaming and kicking, and forced to watch those ahead of them die violently before their own throats are cut.”

Ecouterre reports that PETA currently has an online petition urging retailers like The Gap, Calvin Klein, Zara, and J. Crew to stop any sales of fur products. Thus far, 132,000 people have signed the petition.

According to The Dodo, the Gap has been slammed for this before. “In 2006, the company launched its franchise Piperlime, a chain that offered private-label and branded apparel, jewelry and handbags. Piperlime offers several items that feature real fur. Fox, mink and rabbit are among the furs offered.”

If you’re concerned about the sale of fur, you can make an impact with your dollars. Choose fur-free retailers and don’t buy fur. Once, you understand the pain these animals go through, it becomes more difficult to choose a product that could directly harm them–especially, when it’s so unnecessary. Fake fur looks just as good as real fur, if you can’t seem to part with it.

Related on EcoSalon:

Angora Wool is Finally on the Decline: Fashion Brands Ditching Cruelty

Dr. Bronner’s Soaps Does a Little Magic for Animals

Now Jon Stewart Can Add Farm Animal Savior to His Resume

Image: Mike Mozart

The post Is The Gap As Fur-Free As It Claims? appeared first on EcoSalon.

NBA star turned animal activist, Yao Ming is now working to protect our elephants. His mission? To turn public opinion on ivory, in his home land of China and around the world, from elitist to socially unacceptable.

It can be tough to fit in. Especially when you are 7’6”. But Yao Ming found his sweet spot on the basketball court where he had a massive fan following in both the US and China. Now he’s a hero off the court, taking to the African bush to aid in banishment of the ivory trade.

That’s right. Yao’s goal is to make the sale and purchase of ivory “socially unacceptable”.

Known as The Gentle Giant in his basketball days, Yao has said he was first drawn to Africa because many of the animals there are bigger than him. It seems more than the physical similarities, it is his big heart that has moved him toward this mission.

Humans have killed 4.5 million elephants in the past 60 years. Over 20,000 elephants died last year alone, along with more than 1,000 rhinos. At this rate it is estimated that these two species could be extinct within the next ten years. Can you imagine your kids or grandkids living in a world without these animals?

In his documentary on the illegal elephant poaching and ivory trade, “Saving Africa’s Giants” which aired on November 18 on Animal Planet, Yao visits Africa to bring the message back home. The people there have no idea he is a mega star in his country. They do, however, share his love of basketball. And his mission to abolish the ivory trade. As he shoots hoops with the locals, one man explains how elephants used to pass through their village regularly. Now they are scarce. Instead roaming further away, scared, skittish and stressed out. Many with bullet holes in their bodies. He says this rampant poaching is killing not only their beautiful elephants, but their economy and their heritage.

These gentle giants are being destroyed for their tusks. Ivory is big business and demand is at an all time high. The highest since the beginning of the ivory ban in 1989. And China is the largest consumer. Once a symbol of wealth and power, the newly wealthier middle class has taken to collecting ivory too. But are they thinking about where it comes from in the first place?

In order to harvest ivory the animals must be killed. The ivory never falls off naturally or is taken from a living animal. Don’t let anyone selling ivory tell you otherwise.

Those doing the killing? Illegal poachers. And these are not the back alley renegades we may once have thought. Poachers of today are organized groups with serious ammo, night vision goggles, and the support of many parties throughout the world. An ivory mafia, of sorts.

The gangs, who move quickly and usually at night, spray the herds with automatic weapons hoping to kill a large elephant. Often babies are killed in these rampages, left to die for no reason. Once larger elephants are killed, their faces are crudely chopped off with axes and taken away. Their bodies litter the African landside.

Systems to defeat poaching have done little to no good in the past. So Yao is implementing a new idea…go to the source. He feels this fight should be fought in the marketplace. This means in Chinese trade rather than the fields of Africa. In order to make a difference in the senseless killing of these remarkable animals, the demand for ivory must cease.

Elephants, aside from being beautiful creatures, are emotional mammals. They live in families, love, and mourn. They also have personalities and look out for one another. They are not only becoming extinct but severely traumatized by this senseless carnage.

Elephant herds are led by a matriarch who knows where to go for food and water, and which areas are safe or should be avoided. Once these matriarchs have been taken from the herd by poachers, babies are left to themselves. When a family member dies the remaining elephants gather round the fallen animal, touching the body with their tusks and feet. This is a mourning period where the elephant family says goodbye to their lost member.

While in Africa, Yao and crew watched one elephant family who was left with only one female. The rest had been killed for their tusks. This last female, whose tusks were very long, showed visible scarring by poachers. She’d been treated three times by the local organization. It is likely only a matter of time before she is destroyed too, her family left to fend for themselves.

“If we buy ivory it makes all of us killers as well,” says Ming. He hopes the documentary shows those at home in China, and around the world, the realities of the ivory trade. When you see the carcass of a young elephant, face missing and life needlessly ended, it makes that ivory trinket seem absolutely pointless and ridiculous.

This past February, the Obama administration tightened the rules on the sale of ivory in the US. Vendors must prove that the ivory they are trying to sell was imported before the 1989 ban. Antique ivory is also exempted with proof of age, and no ivory sales are allowed across state lines.

Conservation groups feel any restrictions on the sale of ivory will help to end illegal poaching. Yao Ming backs them up and is doing what he can to send this message to the people of his country and around the world.

I don’t want to live in a world without elephants. Do you? Wondering what we can do here at home? Take the Ivory Free Pledge, donate or volunteer at WildAid.org.

Related on EcoSalon

Mass Extinction Imminent:  Half of All Wild Animals Diminished in the Last 40 Years

It’s a Start:  Zoological Park of Paris Eliminates Elephant and Bear Exhibits

Breeding Endangered Species:  Should We Be Giving Pandas Viagra?

Image by Tambako the Jaguar at Flickr.com

The post Yao Ming Works to Save the Elephants by Making Purchase of Ivory ‘Socially Unacceptable’ appeared first on EcoSalon.