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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14 Brands Selling Eco-Friendly Curtains For A Cozy, Sustainable Home
 

image from MagicLinen

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in!

The Best ECO-FRIENDLY, sustainable CURTAINS

Curtains play an important role in any home. They give your space a relaxing and cozy atmosphere while ensuring your privacy from the outside world. They add warmth to your rooms in the winter, and give you shade when the sun is too bright. 

Curtains are also a decor accessory and they can be an easy yet efficient way to style and elevate your interiors. 

You can find them in most furniture and home goods stores, but the problem with mass-produced items is that they’re usually not sustainably made and they’re unhealthy to have around. 

The majority of curtains are made using synthetic materials, the most common one being polyester, a non-biodegradable fabric. They’re often made with PVC, which contains harmful chemicals such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds. 

Many other chemicals are used to produce home textiles, and you might be inhaling them on a daily basis. So buying conventional curtains is not good for you or the environment! 

If you want to buy more sustainable versions, here is a list of 14 brands selling eco-friendly curtains that will make your home feel cozy and luxurious! 

Some of these are bigger brands that aren’t perfect in terms of sustainability, but they’ve made progress and started selling greener products. They’re generally often more accessible to most people, that’s why we’re including them in this list.

WHAT MAKES CURTAINS SUSTAINABLE?

Sustainable curtains are made with eco-friendly materials, preferably using plant-based dyes and non-toxic treatments. 

Try to avoid “stain-resistant” or “wrinkle-free” curtains. They may contain toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, like perfluorochemical or formaldehyde, and those might not break down in the environment.

Also, make sure that the brand is sweatshop-free, paying its workers fairly, and not using forced labor nor child labor. The supply chain should be transparent and traceable. Even better if the brand is Fair Trade certified!

WHAT SUSTAINABLE FABRICS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable curtains are made with natural and biodegradable materials, like linen, cotton or hemp. Recycled polyester is another great alternative you shouldn’t ignore.

Try to look for fabrics that are Oeko-Tex certified to make sure they do not contain harmful chemicals. And if you can, choose ones that received the GOTS certification

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY, Sustainable CURTAINS:

1) MagicLinen

Materials: Linen

Price: $68-90

MagicLinen is a brand that creates all kinds of linen home textiles, from bedding and towels, to clothing, curtains and tablecloths. 

The brand sells a range of semi-sheer and sheer curtain panels, all made of linen. They are designed to fit various headings, have unique design details, and are available in many colors. They are perfect to create subtle lighting and ambiance in your home!

MagicLinen’s curtains are handcrafted in Vilnius, and all the fabric is sourced within Lithuania and neighboring countries. The brand’s products are Oeko-Tex certified, so they’re free of toxic chemicals and substances.  

MagicLinen has been making progress minimizing its waste by reusing most of the textile leftovers, like it did last year to create Christmas tree decorations.

All the brand’s mailers are 100% compostable, made out of corn starch and a bio-based polymer.


2) Made Trade

Materials: Cotton, Linen

Price: $54-120

Made Trade is a sustainable online store featuring 130 ethical and conscious brands that sell clothing, accessories and a wide variety of home goods. Most curtains available on Made Trade are made by the brand Ichcha. Ichcha offers a great selection of bohemian-style curtains that are made of chemical-free cotton. Its curtains are colored with natural vegetable dyes made from flowers, spices, bark, minerals, and leaves.

Ichcha works with artisan families who create the brand’s products using traditional techniques, like hand weaving, block printing and hand embroidery.

You can also choose a set of curtains by the brand Soil to Studio. These Fair Trade linen curtains are handwoven and block-printed by weavers and artisans in India. They’ll add a minimalist touch of natural color to your home! 

Made Trade is climate-neutral certified: the company offsets its entire carbon footprint and supports several forest conservation projects around the world.

(use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+)


3) April Notes

Materials: Linen

Price: $85-145

At April Notes, they create timeless home textiles made from natural materials, including linen, organic cotton, and merino wool.

From the fabrics they use to how they design, craft, and deliver the products; they work to advocate for a more mindful home.

Their sourcing of earth-friendly materials minimizes the environmental impact, while the on-demand model eliminates textile waste.

From the smallest button to the plant-based packaging, April Notes pushes the envelope on sustainability, evoking feelings of happiness, comfort, and warmth.


4) Pottery Barn

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Polyester

Price: $40-772

Over the years, Pottery Barn has been taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of its products. 

The brand has a great selection of curtains that are made in different materials.

While they’re not all sustainable, you can easily find curtains made from eco-friendly materials like cotton or Belgian linen. 

Pottery Barn uses cotton that is Fair Trade certified, sustainably sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative, and that received the Oeko-Tex certification. 

The brand’s curtains are available in a variety of neutral colors, which is ideal to give a modern yet cozy feel to your home! You can also find curtains that are perfect for children’s rooms.  

Most Pottery Barn’s blackout curtains have a polyester lining, but you can easily choose some that have a lining made of cotton.


5) Parachute

Materials: Linen

Price: $169-189

Parachute is a brand creating various types of sheets, towels, rugs and other textiles for around the home. Available in three neutral colors, Parachute’s curtains are made of 100% linen, with cotton lining. They are produced in a family-owned factory in northern India. The brand’s curtains are certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, so they are free of toxic chemicals. And unlike most brands making home textiles, Parachute does not artificially soften its fabrics. 

If you need them, the company also sells curtain rods and curtain rings with hooks that are modern and have a matte black finish. Perfect to pair with Parachute’s curtains!  

Parachute has partnered with the United Nation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to send life-saving bed nets to prevent those in need from getting infected by malaria.


6) West Elm

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Polyester

Price: $25-890

West Elm has been taking the initiative to offer more sustainable products to its customers in the past few years. 

The brand offers a variety of curtains and blackout curtains, in different neutral colors.

Some are made using polyester, but many others are made of cotton or European flax linen. 

More than half of West Elm’s curtains are made in a Fair Trade certified facility, meaning that workers have access to fair wages and safe working conditions. It’s so cool because it’s rare to find Fair Trade certified curtains!  

If you want, you can also choose to order these curtains without the blackout lining, which is made of polyester. 

The brand also sells window hardware, like wooden or metal rods that have an adjustable length.


7) Crate & Barrel

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Hemp, Silk, Polyester

Price: $70-230

Like other bigger brands, Crate and Barrel has been taking action to transition to selling more eco-friendly products. This is especially true for its curtains! Even though the brand sells some polyester curtains, the majority of curtains you can find at Crate and Barrel are made from natural materials, like linen, cotton, hemp and silk. The linings are also made of cotton, instead of polyester. 

For a big brand, it is unusual to find as many curtains made using natural materials, especially sustainable fabrics like hemp or linen.   

You can choose from a large selection of semi-sheer, sheer and blackout curtains. They’re mostly available in neutral colors, like whites, beiges, blacks, and greys. I love how simple their design is, and that they add a peaceful feel to any room!


8) Rough Linen

Materials: Linen

Price: $94-160

Rough Linen is a brand making linen wares for the whole house, as well as linen clothing for women and men. 

The brand sells a variety of curtains in many colors, and they are all made of 100% linen fabric, woven from European flax.

The curtains are individually handcrafted in small batches by a team of women in California. 

Rough Linen offers five different types of linens, and each has a different texture and weight. All these curtains are 5-star rated by almost all verified buyers! 

The company practices small-scale and flexible production to make sure it meets the demand without creating unnecessary textile waste. It uses off-cuts to create smaller items, like napkins, quilts and storage bags. 

Rough Linen sends its products in minimal, plastic-free packaging, using tissue, ribbon and recycled cardboard boxes. 


9) Ikea

Materials: Cotton, Recycled Polyester

Price: $10-90

Ikea isn’t the most eco-friendly home goods store out there, but it’s more affordable and accessible to many people. Fortunately, the brand has been making progress towards sustainability and has been sourcing more sustainable materials for some of its products. 

When typing “sustainable curtains” on Ikea’s website, you will find a great selection of curtains made with more eco-friendly materials. 

You can choose from a variety of room darkening curtains, blackout curtains, as well as normal curtains allowing the daylight to sprinkle through the fabric. 

They’re made of 100% cotton or recycled polyester, made from plastic bottles. Ikea also sells some sustainably made curtains for children’s rooms with beautiful and fun patterns. 

Ikea’s curtains have a simple yet stylish design, and they’ll make your home feel minimalistic and cozy! 


10) I Love Linen

Materials: Linen

Price: $189

I Love Linen creates a wide range of bedding, towels, clothing and home textiles for the dining and living room. 

The brand sells a curtain set made from 100% French linen that has a simple yet stylish design. These curtains are sold in a natural beige color and are shipped in their own linen storage bag. I Love Linen makes its products in limited quantities to meet the demand and avoid waste.

The brand does not use formaldehyde to set its dyes, which is healthier for you and the environment. 

All the fibers are Oeko-Tex certified, meaning that they do not contain any harmful substances. They also received the ECOCERT certification, which certifies that the fibers have been 100% organically grown. 

I Love Linen is very transparent about where its products are made, and works closely with a factory that is SA8000 rated, which guarantees the fair and ethical treatment of workers.


11) Barn & Willow

Materials: Linen

Price: $210-764

Barn & Willow is a brand specializing in the creation of high-quality custom-made curtains and shades for homes. 

You can choose from five different styles of curtains that are all made of 100% Belgian flax linen. Barn & Willow’s linen is made in a Belgian factory that has been producing linen for 150 years. 

It is certified by the Masters of Linen Club, which is a sign of excellence and quality for linen 100% made in Europe, from field to yarn to fabric. 

The great thing about the brand’s curtains is that they’re entirely custom-made. It means that you get to choose the exact measurements you need, the style, the color, the texture of the fabric and the type of lining. 

Barn & Willow’s curtains are available in a large selection of neutral colors, and they’re all 5-star rated by verified buyers.


12) Epic Linen

Materials: Linen

Price: $107-157

Epic Linen is a family-owned business selling linen home textiles and clothing for women and children. The two founders are the fourth generation in their family working in the linen industry, making them experts in the field.

The brand makes a variety of curtains, all made of 100% linen. For some curtains, you have more than 20 colors to choose from, and you can pick the exact hanging method you need.

You can also choose among various length and width measurements. And since each set of curtains is made by a tailor, Epic Linen can make different sizes according to your needs!

All Epic Linen’s products are cut and sewn by hand in the company’s workshop located in Lithuania. The company buys its linen fabric from a local manufacturer that is Oeko-Tex certified.


13) Hemp Gallery

Materials: Hemp, Organic Cotton, Linen

Price: $133-1,785

Hemp Gallery has been a pioneer in the Australian hemp industry since the late 90’s. The company sells all kinds of products made of hemp, from homewares and bedding, to clothing for the whole family and food. The brand’s curtains are handmade in Australia, and you have a range of fabrics and colors to choose from. These curtains are made to order to prevent any fabric waste. They are chemical-free, non-toxic and perfect for allergy sufferers. 

Hemp Gallery also sells unique ready-made curtains that are on the pricier side. However, they look luxurious, elegant and they’re made with high-quality organic cotton and hemp fabric! 

Since 2005, the company has been using off-cuts to produce tea towels, nut bags, beeswax wraps and produce bags. It also has a recycling program to which we can send used textiles.


14) Wayfair

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Polyester, Recycled Polyester

Price: $13-360

While home goods store Wayfair isn’t ideal when it comes to ethics and sustainability, it recently added a filter on its website to make it easier for customers to find more eco-friendly products. When looking for curtains, check the “shop sustainably” filter and you’ll find a huge selection of more eco-friendly curtains. You can choose more specific filters, including“organic”, “recycled” or “made clean”. 

Many curtains available on the website received official and trustworthy certifications, like Fair Trade, Oeko-Tex, USDA, GOTS, Bluesign, and many others.

Wayfair offers curtains in multiple styles, shapes, colors and materials. Most of them will provide a modern and elegant look to your room! 

There are also curtains for all budgets, so you don’t need to break the bank to buy a set of greener curtains.


About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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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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