Posts in Lifestyle Three
What Are Carbon Emissions? (& How You Can Offset Them)
 

A Guide to Carbon Emissions & Carbon Offsets

Within my own sustainability journey, it’s felt as if I “level up” every so often as I educate myself, keep an open mind, and listen to the voices of so many leaders within this movement.

One of those level-ups was learning about carbon emissions, and in turn, carbon offsets.

Sometimes it can feel as if you’re just getting the hang of being more eco-conscious - remembering your reusable bags when grocery shopping, purchasing from small businesses when you can, making sure your household doesn’t have food waste - and then you learn about a new way you can be doing “better”. And that can be overwhelming.

But let’s get something straight: imperfect sustainability practiced by many is better than perfect sustainability practiced by few.

It’s a popular phrase within the sustainability community, but that doesn’t make it any less important. It’s important to remember that while one person’s actions can make a difference, there are still massive corporations that need to change, too. It’s not all on your shoulders. As a community, we’re here to support one another through each level-up moment and to continue to build momentum until our communal actions and demands shift the tide, with corporations taking responsibility for their actions. 

But I digress. Kinda.

So let’s dive into carbon emissions. 

What are carbon emissions?

Carbon emissions go by another name you may recognize: Greenhouse Gases.

Basically, “Greenhouse Gases” is the umbrella term, encompassing carbon as well as methane and other gases. The term “carbon emissions” is just specific to carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. But carbon is by far the most polluting gas.

According to the EPA, carbon emissions account for 79% of all GHG. Methane is in second place at 11%, nitrous oxide in third at 7%, and fluorinated gases in fourth at 3%. So, obviously, carbon is the big hitter here.

So where does carbon come from? Fossil fuels, specifically when they are burned. Burning coal and oil puts a ton of carbon into the atmosphere, but burning almost anything else does too. You’d think that burning wood wouldn’t be a big deal, but trees and organic matter store carbon, and when they’re burned, those gases are released. This is why deforestation is such a major problem, on top of decimating local ecosystems. 

According to the EPA, “Human activities are responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years.” Yikes. But not super surprising, right?

Wondering what we’re doing about it yet? Let me tell you.

What are carbon offsets?

You know that viral video where someone is showering, rinsing the shampoo out of their hair, and each time they go to rinse it out someone else pops over and puts more shampoo in their hair?

In a weird way, carbon offsets are kinda like that.

The basic idea of carbon offsetting is to take action to remove carbon from the atmosphere that you/your company has caused. So, when you shop online and it takes a plane, a train, and a car to get delivered to you, think about the carbon that creates. It needs to be offset.

Carbon offsetting is a great solution right now because, as a society, we are still tremendously reliant on fossil fuels, and therefore we continue to create carbon emissions.

We’re going under the showerhead to rinse out that shampoo, to offset our carbon emissions, but then major corporations (read: the fossil fuel industry) add more shampoo, and we rinse and repeat. (See what I did there? Ha!)

The obvious solution is to just get rid of the person continuously adding shampoo to our hair, but we’re simply not there yet.

So are carbon offsets even worth it?

Yes.

Working continuously to offset our emissions is still a vital task in order to combat the climate crisis. It is necessary. Without it, the climate crisis will only get worse. Which yes, is still possible.

How can you offset emissions?

There are a handful of different ways you as an individual can offset your personal carbon emissions. Let me give you a few tips

  1. Taking a flight? Offset with Chooose.

    When Chooose first got started, they focused solely on offsetting your plane rides. This was the first carbon offsetting program I discovered, which I found super helpful. As a college kid going to school in Chicago, with my whole family back in California, I took a lot of flights. Now, Chooose has three different tiers: ChoooseClimate for companies, WeChooose for organizations, and MyChooose for individuals. 

    2. Put your money where your mouth is with Aspiration

    This is a two-fold awesome way to offset your carbon. First and foremost, when you switch to Aspiration, you’re divesting from the fossil fuel industry and massive corporations, like Chase. Secondly, with each purchase, Aspiration plants a tree. You can track your progress toward net-zero carbon, and they’ve even incentivized it; if you hit carbon zero that month, you get 1% cash back on all purchases.

    3. Shop locally whenever you can

    Buy your produce from a farmer’s market. Get your pet food from the local pet supplies shop. Bike to your local target for your skincare refills instead of ordering online. Take public transportation downtown to run your errands. The point is: the less the product has to travel to get to you, the fewer carbon emissions it creates.

    4. Don’t forget about the electricity!

    Over 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions are due to the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation.” So switch those lights off when you’re not home, or when natural light is good enough. And don’t let that sneaky phantom power get you! Unplug (yes, like from the wall) any devices that aren’t in use. I’m looking at you, the toaster, phone charger, guest bedroom lamp, etc.!

    5. You can also shop from Certified Carbon Neutral companies

    Shopping locally is great, but sometimes it’s simply not an option. When you need to get your shop on, look into the ethics of where you shop. Do they have a page outlining their sustainability efforts? Are they using recycled materials? Are they working with 1% For the Planet, or are they Certified Carbon Neutral? These are questions we as consumers can ask and demand of companies, and by doing so put pressure on other companies to put in the work to do better - for our people and our planet.

    You can find a list of all 301 (as of right now) companies here

    Here are just a few more ways to take action to get you started 

So hopefully you understand carbon emissions and carbon offsets just a little bit more, and feel confident going about your next “level up” in your sustainability journey :)


About the Author:

Paige Annelayne is a freelance writer and digital media specialist currently based in Alabama, who loves to cook, learn about intersectional sustainability, and read a lot of books. Her cat, Gnocchi, her plants, and a good cup of matcha bring her joy. You can connect with Paige on Instagram @vitality.blog and at www.vtltyblog.com


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11 Vegan Food Bloggers to Follow in 2023
 

The Best Vegan Food Blogs

Being vegan definitely doesn’t mean eating a bland bowl of boiled veggies or a limp tasteless salad all the time anymore. If you’re looking to switch to a plant-based diet, or try out some new vegan recipes, the internet is your best friend. Food blogs are the quickest and easiest way to get information, recipes, and tips to start your plant-based journey.

And there is no shortage of vegan food bloggers these days. With the explosion of interest in veganism, the space has become very saturated. Don’t get us wrong, we absolutely love to see this. But it can also get very overwhelming, very quickly. 

So, how do you know who to follow and who to give a miss? Well, we did the work for you. In this post we’ve shortlisted some of our favorite vegan bloggers that are sure to delight. From Indian to East Asian to Balkan cuisines, from healthy salad and grain bowls to hearty Southern comfort food, and of course a lot of desserts, we’ve got all your bases covered. Happy cooking!

The Benefits of eating Vegan meals:

Environmental Benefits

It should come as no surprise that going vegan is good for the earth. But did you know that research has shown that switching over to a plant-based diet may just be the single biggest way to reduce our impact on the environment? Here’s how:

  • Reduced carbon emissions: A study published by researchers at the Universtiy of Oxford found that we can cut our individual carbon footprint by a whopping 73% if we cut meat and dairy from our diets. And producing plant-based meats can result in 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than producing conventional meat.

  • Reduced energy consumption: Plant-based sources of protein like nuts and beans require much less processing than meat, making them a much more energy-efficient alternative.

  • Reduced water usage: We can reduce our individual water footprint by 55% by switching to a vegan diet.

  • Preventing deforestation: Animal agriculture is a major cause of mass deforestation. The Good Food Institute estimates that a plant-based meat can use up to 99% less land than regular meat. If all of us switched over to vegan diets, up to 75% of the world’s farmland can be saved.

Health Benefits

It’s a total myth that you can’t get enough protein from a vegan diet. There are plenty of delicious, nutritious sources of plant-based protein: Tofu, lentils, seitan, beans, and nuts, to name a few. And studies have shown that a vegan diet actually has an amazing number of health benefits:

  • Better heart health: Plant-based diets have been shown to lowering cholesterol levels in your body, which can help prevent heart disease.

  • Reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Going vegan can lower your blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

  • Lower risk of certain kinds of cancer: According to the National Cancer Institute, eating higher quantities of plant-based foods can reduce your risk of several types of cancers. This includes stomach, lung, mouth, throat, and colon cancers.

  • A balanced diet, rich in nutrients: Plant-based diets tend to be more balanced overall. They provide more antioxidants and fiber, and are rich in potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E.

  • Reduced pain from arthritis: Some preliminary studies suggest that vegan diets may help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (pain, joint swelling, morning stiffness). However, further research is needed to establish this claim.

What we love to see:

All food bloggers are not created equal. Here are some things we looked out for when creating our list of favorite vegan food bloggers!

  1. A personal touch. We’re big fans of bloggers who’s dishes are inspired by their backgrounds and cultural heritage. It’s also great to see bloggers who talk about their own personal experiences into veganism and the challenges they faced along the way. It makes their content real, more relatable, and definitely inspirational!

  2. Beautiful photography. If the photo isn’t beautiful, no one wants to try the recipe. The blogs we’ve selected provide some high-class food porn.

  3. Health first! We love bloggers who go beyond just ticking off the “vegan” box from their checklist. We’re all about nourishing recipes that celebrate whole, fresh foods and seasonal, local produce.

  4. Easy-to-follow recipes. Let’s be real. As much as we would love to, we don’t always have time to cook an elaborate meal. Sometimes we just want a quick dish that we can throw together after a long day at work.

Now, our top picks for vegan bloggers to follow:

1) Veggiekins

Creator: Remy Park

Instagram: @veggiekins

For: Vegan recipes and lifestyle

What we love: Remy’s blog is all about holistic wellness, with recipes that are nourishing for your body and mind (many inspired by East Asian flavors), as well as tips and tricks for non-toxic living. If you need some inspiration to get you back on your plant-based kick, head over to her Instagram page. Plus, her aesthetic is on point. Easily one of the most beautiful blogs on this list! *chef’s kiss*

Our picks: Avocado Green Goddess Salad with Miso DressingBlack Sesame Smoothie, and Hojicha Panna Cotta


2) Heartful Table 

Creator: Maša Ofei

Instagram: @heartfultable

For: Balkan-inspired dishes

What we love: A lot of Maša’s recipes are inspired by her Slovenian, Serbian, and Croatian roots. Her plant-based versions of traditional Balkan dishes are so different from the usual vegan recipes out there. 

Our picks: Spinach Pie with ‘Ricotta’Cherry Strudel with Cream Cheese, and Stuffed Peppers (Posne Punjene Paprike)


3) The Full Helping

Creator: Gena Hamshaw

Instagram: @thefullhelping

For: Healthy vegan recipes

What we love: Gena is a registered nutritionist and her plant-based recipes are super nourishing and wholesome. We’re obsessed with her clean, minimalist aesthetic. Each dish is a work of art, with fresh, vibrant colors and beautiful photography. It was hard to pick just a couple of favorites for this one!

Our picks: Broccoli TabboulehApple Cinnamon Waffles, and Miso Butter Brussels Sprouts 


4) Chocolate Covered Katie

Creator: Katie Higgins

Instagram: @chocolatecoveredkatie

For: Healthy desserts 

What we love: The name says it all. Katie’s deliciously decadent desserts leave little to be desired. And the best part? They’re all made with healthy, plant-based ingredients — you can now have cake for breakfast, totally guilt-free. Ooh la la!

Our picks: Cinnamon RollsPumpkin Workout Brownies, and Vegan Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies


5) Vegan Richa

Creator: Richa Hingle

Instagram: @veganricha

For: Indian-inspired vegan meals

What we love: Richa’s easy-to-follow Indian dishes are colorful and bursting with flavor. All vegan, of course, she also has some great gluten-free, soy-free, and oil-free options.  

Our picks: Cauliflower Tikka MasalaTurmeric Lemon Rice, and Ethiopian Inspired Mushroom Tibs Stir Fry 


6) Wallflower Kitchen

Creator: Aimee Ryan

For: Vegan British food

What we love: Check out Wallflower Kitchen (aka the Great British Vegan Cookbook) for vegan takes on some British classics. Think Shepherds pie, afternoon tea, and Sunday roasts. 

Our picks: Scones with Clotted CreamVegan Shortbread, and Pie with Creamy Leeks and Mushrooms


7) Veganosity

Creators: Linda and Alex 

Instagram: @veganosity

For: Southern & Midwestern vegan comfort food

What we love: If you’re looking for some hard-core comfort food, look no further. This mother-daughter duo has exactly what you need, from vegan barbeques to cornbread to mac and cheese. They also have a ton of recipes starring innovative meat replacements, so if you’re in the mood for something meaty and hearty, this one is for you.  

Standout recipe: Pulled BBQ CarrotsChicken & Waffles, and Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese


8) The Curious Chickpea

Creator: Eva Agha

Instagram: @thecuriouschickpea

For: Indian-inspired recipes

What we love: Half Sindhi and half American, Eva brings her multicultural background into her kitchen. Her Indian dishes are to die for, but we also love that she experiments with recipes inspired by other cultures, from Ethiopian to Thai to Italian. If you’re interested in the science behind her recipes, definitely check out her blog too.

Our picks: Tamarind Red Lentil SoupVegan Sheekh Kebabs, and Baingan (eggplant) Bharta


9) The Colorful Kitchen

Creator: Ilene Godofsky Moreno

Instagram: @thecolorfulkitchen

For: Plant-based recipes

What we love: Ilene’s vibrant dishes are sure to brighten up your kitchen. She’s a certified health coach and food photographer — a winning combination for a food blog! 

Our picks: Vegan Raw Pad Thai SaladCreamy Golden Milk Turmeric Overnight Oats, and Vegan Maple-Mustard Apple & Sweet Potato Melt 


10) The Green Loot

Creator: Kate

For: Vegan food guides

What we love: This is a great one for newbies. Kate’s vegan guides are super useful if you’re just getting started on your plant-based journey (or maybe you just need a quick refresher!). Her recipes are easy to follow, and of course, delicious.

Our pick: The 2021 Vegan Guide


11) Minimalist Baker

Creator: Dana Shultz

Instagram: @minimalistbaker

For: Simple, plant-based recipes

What we love: Although not exclusively plant-based, this blog has some incredible vegan options (which are clearly marked). The USP? Each recipe falls into one of three categories: 10 ingredients of less, 1 bowl, or 30 minutes or less to prepare. So if you’re looking for a quick, simple, and tasty option, check out this one! 

Our picks: Toasted Coconut PancakesMint Chocolate Chip Icecream, and Charred Serrano White Bean Dip


About the Author

Jyotika is a writer based in New Delhi. She writes about sustainable living and eco-friendly brands, covering fashion, food, travel, and wellness. Previously, she was the fashion manager at her family's bespoke fashion business, where in addition to her other responsibilities she worked on improving textile sourcing from local artisans to encourage grassroots production, as well as conducting sustainability workshops with employees regarding the eco-friendly disposal of fashion materials.


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