The football season is coming to an end, and you know what that means—it’s officially “vegan chicken wings time.” Yep, you read that right—intelligent, playful chickens don’t want to end up on your plate this season (or any other time), so choosing vegan wings is the way to go. If you’ll be attending the Bengals vs. Chiefs AFC championship game on January 29, you might be wondering where you can find animal-friendly wings before or after the big event. Here are some places near Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, serving tasty options that are kind to chickens:
Do you crave variety? The vegan wings at Topnotch Vegan Vittles are available in a whopping 17 flavors: Buffalo, BBQ, Garlic Jalapeño, Garlic Parmesan, Sweet Chili, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Sriracha, Korean, Bourbon, Garlic Rosemary, Chili Lime, Spicy BBQ, Jerk, Tequila Lime, Mango Habanero, and Original. They’re served with a side of creamy, nondairy ranch dressing. This spot also offers a ton of comfort food favorites, so come hungry!
The “I Am Zesty” Buffalo Cauliflower Bites at Café Gratitude are healthy and delicious, with a crispy, gluten-free coating that’s baked and then tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce before being grilled for extra crunch and flavor. They come with a cashew ranch dipping sauce and celery sticks, of course.
Yard House is a sports bar chain with a menu full of vegan options, including its Gardein Wings, which come in three flavors: Buffalo, Ancho BBQ, or Whiskey Black Pepper. Plus, it’s a great spot to watch the game if you can’t attend in person.
Ahead of the big 49ers vs. Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, January 29, PETA is announcing the top vegan wings in the City of Brotherly Love. Football fans in Philly can enjoy the “meaty” morsels listed on this page during the NFC championship and beyond, trusting that no chickens were harmed or killed for a fleeting moment of taste.
The vegan wings at Triangle Tavern come with either Buffalo or Country Sweet sauce. The restaurant also offers vegan mozzarella sticks, vegan pizzas, and an array of vegan sandwich options.
Veganish has more than one way to satisfy your cravings for vegan wings. Check out its Crispy Chik’n Tenders (available in Buffalo, Spicy Agave, or BBQ sauce), or order its delicious Buffalo or BBQ Cauliflower.
Front Street Cafe offers Buffalo cauliflower wings, but don’t sleep on its other sauce options. You can also order vegan wings tossed in garlic-Sriracha aioli, General Tso sauce, or a tangy whiskey BBQ sauce.
If you’re not sold on football, this café features an array of tabletop and board games to keep you entertained while you enjoy its seitan wings, which are available in a variety of sauces.
Not only are vegan wings healthier and tastier, they’re also kinder. Considering that virtually all chickens raised for food spend their whole lives in confinement, the compassionate choice should really be the only choice. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 restaurants across the country to find vegan wings, so the next time you’re in one of these cities, make it a point to chow down!
Cozy sweater season is upon us once again, and you might be looking to add some new knitwear to your wardrobe. Not all of it is the same, however, as some kinds are made with materials that aren’t friendly to animals. Wool, angora, cashmere, mohair, and other materials are taken from sheep, alpacas, rabbits, and other animals who experience pain, fear, love, and joy. The industries that use these animals treat them like objects, not the individuals they actually are. Make sure you aren’t supporting this cruelty by choosing only vegan fall knits made from vegan fabrics such as cotton, hemp, microfiber, bamboo, and linen.
We’ve gathered these vegan knits to help you find your favorite:
By choosing vegan materials in your wardrobe, you’ll be helping to save the lives of countless animals. Going vegan is also the best personal change that you can make to help protect the environment and to improve your personal health. For more information about vegan style, see our guide:
Many vegan options are available at both Universal CityWalk locations in California and Florida. These shopping, dining, and cinema centers are attached to the Universal Studios parks in Hollywood and Orlando, but you don’t need a ticket to enjoy everything they have to offer. We’ve identified some of the best cruelty-free offerings at both locations to help make your day a little easier!
HOLLYWOOD
Nondairy Ice Cream at Ben & Jerry’s
Stop in for a scoop of almond milk– or sunflower butter–based ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s has tons of vegan options, and the shop always offers a few of those flavors.
At Buca di Beppo, many of the pastas are vegan, as are the marinara and garlic olive oil sauces. You can even add some toppings for free—we love spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and poached garlic.
A picture perfect lunch, featuring our favorites: Spaghetti Marinara and Mixed Green Salad. pic.twitter.com/4c5RVyKmhr
Beyond Paradise Burger at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Ready for a vegan cheeseburger in paradise? This one comes with dairy-free American cheese and a flavorful egg-free “paradise island” sauce, so it’s friendly to cows and chickens. Don’t forget the margarita, of course!
For a healthy option, try this bowl, which is packed with mixed grains, snow peas, sweet potato, tofu, and avocado and topped with a spicy peanut sauce.
Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets and Popcorn at Universal Cinema AMC
You have to have a snack at the movies, so pick up some animal-free chicken nuggets and popcorn with dairy-free butter at AMC. Pro tip: Order ahead using the AMC app for express pickup.
Both CityWalk locations have Voodoo Doughnut stores, where you can choose from a variety of tasty vegan doughnuts. The Portland Cream is one of our favorites.
Right Side Up Shake at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
You’d better come ready with your sweet tooth—this massive vegan milkshake is topped with whipped cream, pineapple, and a hefty slice of pineapple upside down cake.
Beyond Smokehouse Burger at NBC Sports Grill & Brew
NBC Sports Grill & Brew serves a Beyond Burger that’s stacked with BBQ jackfruit for a pig-friendly take on pulled pork. It even comes with a slice of vegan American cheese.
Hot Vegan Sandwich at Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
This hot grilled sandwich comes with veggies, vegan pepper jack cheese, and a dairy-free basil pesto sauce. Bread Box also serves an indulgent and chocolaty vegan brownie.
Beyond the Original Orange Chicken at Panda Express
A classic Panda Express dish made without harming chickens? It is a sweet-tangy option we love and can be served alongside Panda’s other vegan options like the chow mein, white rice, and super greens.
Note: There may be other vegan options that aren’t included on this list, and items are subject to availability, so be sure to check with each restaurant to see what’s on the menu when you visit.
Simply by choosing vegan options, you can help spare the lives of countless cows, chickens, pigs, fish, and other animals who are used for food. Learn more about going vegan by ordering your free vegan starter kit today:
While you’re getting your thrills at Universal Studios Hollywood, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, it’s easy for compassionate visitors to find dining options at several establishments around the park. So if you’re wondering whether Butterbeer is vegan, we have the answer to that and other questions about cruelty-free options. We’ve put together this guide to help you find some of the best vegan food at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Butterbeer (Without the Foam) and Pumpkin Juice at Hog’s Head
That’s right—thanks to The Protego Foundation and PETA supporters, all you have to do is ask for no foam and poof, you have vegan butterbeer! Both iced and frozen versions are vegan without the dairy-based foam. The tasty pumpkin juice is vegan as is and tastes a bit like apple cider.
At Krusty Burger, you can order the vegan Mother Nature Burger, which comes on a whole wheat bun with egg-free mayo. Be kind to cows by ordering a side salad instead of the fries, which contain dairy.
Irish Stew at Three Broomsticks
This hearty vegan beef and potato stew will make you feel like you’re dining at Hogwarts. It’s served with a fresh garden salad.
Beyond Meat Tacos, Sopes, Nachos, Burritos, and Taco Salads at Cocina Mexicana
You can sub Beyond Meat in almost every Cocina Mexicana dish, including the nachos, which come topped with vegan sour cream. Simply ask for black beans and request no cheese or rice, which is made with chicken stock.
This Beyond Meat burger is topped with Follow Your Heart cheddar cheese and a creamy sauce. Just confirm that the fries are vegan when you order, since they may be made with dairy.
Vegan Bánh Mì at French Street Bistro, Palace Theater Café, and Studio Café
You can pick up this Vietnamese-inspired sandwich at three locations for a quick bite. The French bun is filled with a blend of veggies and vegan mayo.
Norman’s Fruit Bar and Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade at Universal Tower Snack Bar
Stop by Universal Tower Snack Bar for a sweet frozen treat. Norman’s Fruit Bar is a strawberry-passionfruit popsicle, and the Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade is available in regular and strawberry flavors.
Veggie Sushi Roll at Panda Express
This roll comes filled with a refreshing combo of cucumber, carrots, and avocado. The Panda Express inside the park doesn’t offer the Beyond the Original Orange Chicken (you can find that at the Universal CityWalk location), but it still has other options like chow mein, super greens, and veggie spring rolls.
Throughout the park, you can easily find vegan snacks and small plates, including fruit cups, potato chips, side salads, and even some of the candy at Honeydukes in Wizarding World—just be sure to check the ingredients list or ask a staff member to make sure there isn’t any “hidden” dairy, egg, or honey in them.
Theme parks make changes to menu offerings frequently and add new items all the time, so we highly recommend asking about the availability of vegan options at each establishment.
Simply by choosing vegan options, you can help spare the lives of many cows, chickens, pigs, fish, and other animals who are used for food. Learn more about how to go vegan by ordering your free vegan starter kit today:
Ask anyone what they love about fairs and chances are that the food is going to be a popular answer. “Fair foods” like onion rings, corn dogs, and funnel cakes can be found at state fairs and carnivals across the nation, and vegan options are popping up more and more. With these fabulous vegan fair food recipes, you can have your favorites without leaving the house or exploiting animals.
This delicious recipe is free from all the “mystery ingredients” found in flesh-based hotdogs, so you can enjoy it without wondering whom you’re eating.
Apples covered with vegan caramel? Sign us up! You don’t need butter and dairy milk to make a delicious caramel sauce. Check online or at the grocery store for premade vegan caramel sauce if you don’t feel like making it.
There are many store-bought vegan options for the base cookie of this fair favorite. This recipe also uses store-bought vegan crescent rolls for an easy-to-make version of this sweet treat.
Funnel cake is another fried fair food staple that’s easily made vegan. This recipe gives you all the fried goodness without any animal-derived ingredients.
Those looking for something ever so slightly healthier may opt for a jumbo soft pretzel. This recipe will have you in carb heaven, without the chicken periods.
In 2022, we saw many of our food trend predictions come true, so we know we’ll be seeing more exciting vegan food news this year, too! Of course, we can expect new vegan products to hit shelves, new cookbooks to be filled with inspiring recipes, and more options to be added to fast-food menus—but what else? We’ve looked into our crystal ball to make a few predictions for the year ahead:
Caffeine Alternatives
While we’ll still be sipping on coffee, we can see caffeine alternatives becoming more popular this year, since they can be enjoyed all day and generally have other health benefits as well. FigBrew is one option—it’s made from figs and similar to coffee, but it won’t make you jittery. Other options might be made with chicory, maca, or even mushrooms.
Flavorful options like the Giant Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce and Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley from Trader Joe’s are examples that have been around for a while, but we think tinned marinated beans will become extremely popular this year. They’re easy to prepare for a quick lunch or for entertaining guests and full of protein, but they aren’t made from the bodies of intelligent individuals.
Lab-grown meat is sure to make animal agriculture obsolete soon, and one place you’ll start to see it this year is in companion animal food. The companies Because, Animals and Wild Earth are both working on high-quality cultivated meat options for dog and cat food.
Mocktails Galore
Canned mocktails and other nonalcoholic liquor alternatives have been on the rise for years, but we think 2023 will bring a boom for these products. We’re especially excited about options like Kin Euphorics, which use adaptogens and botanicals that relax you without a buzz or a hangover. Booze-free bottle shops and bars are even popping up in cities across the country, and we’re sure more will be on the way soon.
This year, it’ll become even easier to satisfy your craving for nostalgic snacks. Vegan Babybel is already in stores, meat- and dairy-free “lunchables” kits are coming soon, and the grocery store aisles are already filled with cruelty-free options along these lines. Which veganized snack are you most hoping to see?
Convenience will always be trendy, but so is having a satisfying breakfast. Brands like MorningStar, Alpha Foods, and Field Roast have recently launched tasty frozen vegan breakfast items, and we’re sure even more options will be on the market this year.
These days, there’s a vegan version of almost anything you can think of, including steak. Juicy Marbles’ and eat meati’s options cook up just like meat, but they aren’t made from the flesh of a playful cow. Beyond Steak is already hitting stores and should be popping up on more Taco Bell menus soon.
Did you join the at-home gel nail polish and dip powder manicure craze during the lockdown? When everyone was stuck at home and nail salons were closed, many people turned to at-home options. Salons are now open, of course, but you can still get a great mani-pedi at home, with the seemingly endless choices out there.
Unfortunately, some nail polish companies still pay for inhumane and entirely unnecessary tests on animals. These cruel tests can involve forcing animals to inhale or ingest large amounts of chemicals, dripping different substances into their eyes, or applying products to their shaved skin. Once the tests are complete, most often the animals are killed. These countless rabbits, mice, and rats are thinking, feeling individuals, not laboratory equipment. Luckily, plenty of cruelty-free options really nail it:
PETA Business Friend L.A. Colors offers a great vegan gel nail polish palette that you can find online or at multiple big-box retailers. With a collection like this one, who needs a salon?
Available online and at multiple brick-and-mortar stores, the products of this PETA Business Friend offer a color choice for every occasion, including black light–activated, glow-in-the-dark options for a fun Halloween look or your next club night.
This cruelty-free company and PETA Business Friend has a line of gel effect nail polishes that you can purchase on its website. Choose from a simple nude like “Cynthia,” or make a statement with a brighter option like “Gershwin.”
A certified vegan company and a PETA Business Friend—what more could you want?! Created for both at-home and professional use, its extensive gel nail polish line ranges from cat eye gel polish to glitter and holographic options.
This 100% cruelty-free brand takes it a step further by donating a percentage of its sales every quarter to animal shelters, sanctuaries, and nonprofits. Go to its website to stock up, and be sure to check out its Activist Essentials collection!
These companies all prove that you can get a great gel nail polish manicure without causing sensitive animals pain and suffering. Next time you buy nail polish, other makeup, or skincare products, make a compassionate choice and check for PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies logo so you know the product doesn’t exploit animals. To find out whether your favorite brands test on animals, check out our database:
A whole latte love is heading to Stumptown Coffee Roasters—PETA is giving the coffee chain, based in Portland, Oregon, a Compassionate Coffee Chain Award for its decision to make oat milk the default option! This is a huge move that helps prevent newborn calves from being torn away from their mothers in the dairy industry, a top producer of greenhouse gases. Stumptown also belongs to a growing list of businesses that don’t charge extra for vegan milks, unlike Starbucks, which still charges its customers extra for choosing the compassionate option.
More people than ever are choosing plant-based milks, and dairy milk consumption declined by 40% over the last 50 years. Stumptown said it made the switch to oat milk as its default option because of oat milk’s creamy deliciousness, increasing customer demand for it, and its smaller impact on the climate.
While Stumptown, Blue Bottle Coffee, Panera Bread, Pret A Manger, Noah’s New York Bagels, Philz Coffee, and other chains offer dairy-free milk at no extra charge, Starbucks charges more, despite agreeing that vegan milks are better for the planet than dairy milk. PETA, along with more than 140,000 supporters, has been calling on Starbucks to end the price hike on vegan milks.
Vegan sensation and PETA’s 2020 Person of the Year Tabitha Brown has teamed up with Target for her third exclusive collection. This one includes nearly 100 new items, with everything you need for vegan cooking and entertaining, from meat-free sausages, snacks, and dairy-free dips to serving dishes, cooking utensils, and even a cutting board etched with one of Tabitha’s iconic catchphrases. These items are sure to sell out fast, so scoop them up while you can.
From her simple recipes to her words of encouragement and positive nature (she compares potato wedges to a warm hug, and she’s not wrong), Tabitha shows the world that going vegan is not only easy but also fun!
So what else will you find in the “Tabitha Brown for Target” collection? Here’s a preview of some of our favorite items that you can scoop up once the line launches on January 8:
Tabitha’s collection features several flavors of ravioli, including this pizza variety that’s made with a cashew béchamel sauce, not cow’s milk or butter.
Tabitha shows just how easy and delicious going vegan can be, which is what makes her videos so popular. Help countless animals by making the transition yourself. Order your free vegan starter kit to kick-start your journey today:
Whether you’re participating in Dry January or Damp January or you just want a tasty drink to sip on at any time throughout the year, mocktails are what you need. These refreshing beverages are a bit fancier than your standard soda or sparkling water, but they’re still alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy them.
Many of these types of drinks are already vegan (including several store-bought options), but keep an eye out for ones made with ingredients that harm animals. Honey—which is stolen from industrious bees who work hard to produce it—is one common ingredient you might see, along with cow’s milk and even sometimes eggs.
But we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite vegan mocktail recipes to help spark your creativity:
Even non-alcoholic whiskey sour recipes sometimes contain egg, but this one is made with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead. It’s also made with Spiritless Kentucky 74, a vegan whiskey alternative.
A favorite for weekend brunch, this Bloody Mary recipe leaves the liquor out but retains all the flavor and nutritional benefits of this savory drink. And by using a vegan Worcestershire sauce, you won’t be mixing fish into your drink, either.
Who says you have to stop drinking eggnog after the holidays? This rich, creamy mocktail can be made with your favorite store-bought vegan nog, but it’s elevated with a homemade coconut caramel sauce. Mmm.
This take on a classic highball cocktail uses Kin Euphorics’ High Rhode non-alcoholic liquor, which is made with a combination of adaptogens and botanics that are gently relaxing but won’t give you a buzz.
If you want a better-for-you nightcap, this hot toddy–inspired recipe has all you need. Plus, it doesn’t use honey, which is stolen from hardworking bees.
Seedlip’s Spice 94 beverage gives this margarita mocktail a lovely, complex flavor. Plus, this brand doesn’t use fish bladders or gelatin for filtration. (Yeah, some brands do that. )
There are countless vegan mocktail recipes out there to choose from, whether they’re made with non-alcoholic beer, wine, or liquor or just juices and sparkling waters. Be sure to choose ones that don’t use animal-derived ingredients such as honey, eggs, and milk.
For more recipe inspiration and tips for going vegan, order your free vegan starter kit:
Traveling to Africa to admire animals in their natural habitat is on many bucket lists, but it used to be the norm for safari guests to find native animals they saw during the day—including giraffes, oryxes, and wildebeests—served up as dinner each night. Thankfully, that’s changing. Studies show that a quarter of safari guests are now either vegetarian or vegan, and safaris that cater to guests who want to photograph animals—not exploit them—are on the rise.
If you’re planning a trip of a lifetime, we’ve got you covered. These top animal-friendly African safaris offer delicious, satisfying vegan food options, and the lodges are free from animal skins and trophies and are stocked with cruelty-free products, including toiletries. Safari guides take guests to protected reserves or national parks, where the animals’ safety and comfort are paramount. Small groups always maintain sufficient distance and visit during specific times of the day so as to minimize stress. These companies are also eco-conscious and participate in projects that support their local communities. Some offer excursions to reputable wildlife rehabilitation facilities and even allow guests to join in on rhino protection efforts.
Keep reading to learn more about PETA’s top animal-friendly African safaris.
Vegan Safari Africa owner Helene Forward went vegan six years ago and has changed her business to reflect her values since then. The lodges and mobile camping safaris offer delicious meals made with fresh, whole-food vegan ingredients that are sourced locally. The company also supports responsible tourism—for example, travelers can visit the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site where wildlife is protected by both the Moremi Game Reserve on its eastern edge and the numerous wildlife concessions within Ngamiland.
From luxury lodges to quaint inns, World Vegan Travel has an experience for everyone, with tours, meals, and activities that are handpicked by vegans for vegans. You can take guided walks through a forested primate sanctuary, an afternoon cruise up a river to view birds and monkeys, and lessons in rhino conservation, and you can even learn how to prepare traditional African vegan cooking with a local chef. World Vegan Travel also offers lodging with Desert & Delta Safaris, a three-time award winner in WTM Africa’s Responsible Tourism Awards. Every aspect is monitored for its animal and environmental impact and was specifically built with the goal of having as small a footprint on this fragile ecosystem (and the animals who depend on it) as possible.
Kings Camp is a luxury safari experience with gourmet vegan cuisine, cruelty-free spa amenities, and even vegan wine and cheese tastings. It’s located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, facing an open savanna with an active waterhole visited by a wide variety of wildlife, day and night. The camp employs a certified vegan hospitality consultant and a vegan safari guide, who ensure the best experience possible for visitors. You can visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, participate in rhino anti-poaching flights, or take a flight to spot wild horses from the air.
In 2021, Alluring Africa partnered with Vegans, Baby CEO and founder Diana Edelman to create ethical tours that protect wildlife and the ecosystem. The lodges on Alluring Africa’s vegan safari tours offer animal-free bedding, cruelty-free toiletries, and vegan food—and there are no animal skins or trophy heads displayed in any of the lodges. Unique vegan guest experiences include a multicourse gourmet dinner at award-winning restaurant La Colombe, high tea overlooking Cape Town’s captivating landscape, and a wine tasting. The tours also limit disturbance of the animals by giving them the space and respect they deserve.
Destinations: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
Air Safaris 269 owner J.C. De Klerk has been vegan for more than a decade, and he personally coordinates with lodges to offer vegan meals, cruelty-free toiletries, and rooms that are free from animal skins and trophies. He named his company in homage to a calf whose ear was tagged “269” and whose rescue started an animal rights movement in Israel. De Klerk reports that he found it “so strange and sad when after a wonderful game drive, to then find the very animals that you just saw, on the menu.” PETA agrees!
For more information on why animal-friendly safaris are vital for the protection of wildlife, check out PETA’s investigation into South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s connection to the trophy hunting industry:
When you’re booking any travel experience, always be sure to keep animals in mind. More than half a million animals are exploited worldwide in the tourism industry. Don’t participate in any activities that use and abuse sentient beings for entertainment—avoid elephant rides, tiger cub petting, dubious roadside zoos, “swim with dolphins” encounters, and anything else that promises an up-close and personal experience with animals.
According to the national media, New York has joined other US states by approving a bill allowing for the conversion of human bodies into compost after death.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Saturday, authorizing the natural conversion of corpses into compost in the state, according to the New York Post.
The legislative move makes the state the sixth to do so since 2019 and gives New Yorkers access to an alternative, green method of burial deemed environmentally friendly.
Washington became the first state to legalize human composting in 2019, followed by Colorado and Oregon in 2021, then Vermont and California later in 2022. New York’s legislation, A382, passed both assemblies over the summer.
Also known as natural organic reduction, the practice sees a body decompose over several weeks after being shut in a container.
The remains of the deceased will be placed into a reusable container together with plant materials like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw as part of the procedure to form the ideal environment for naturally occurring bacteria to decompose the body, which takes roughly a month.
According to the national media, 16000 nurses spread across eight hospitals plan to walk off the job in 9 days, unless they reach a contract deal before then.
They are all represented by the ‘New York State Nurses Association.’
The union says it is giving advance notice so the hospitals can prepare.
The eight hospitals where the nurses could strike include New York-Presbyterian, Montefiore, Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside and West, Maimonides, BronxCare, Richmond University Medical Center, and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.
Nurses say hospitals are short-staffed and are not doing enough for patients as COVID, RSV, and the flu run rampant.
The union claims the hospitals have increased fees for healthcare services, but not filling staffing gaps or properly paid nurses for their work throughout the pandemic.
The NYSNA held a vote over a week ago in which nearly 99% of nurses voted to authorize the strike.
Preparations are being made to celebrate the arrival of the New Year around the world.
The preparations to install the crystal ball at Times Square have also reached the final stages.
According to the national media, In New York, Times Square starts the final preparations for New Year’s Eve, which means the piecing together of the famous ball.
The ball is 12 feet in diameter and weighs over 11,000 pounds. The ball is covered with 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles that vary in size, and range in length from 4 ¾ inches to 5 ¾ inches per side.
The 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles are bolted to 672 LED modules which are attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball.
The Ball is illuminated by 32,256 LEDs. Each LED module contains 48 LEDs, 12 red, 12 blue, 12 green, and 12 white for a total of 8,064 of each color.
The Ball is capable of displaying a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns that creates a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square.
Every year thousands of people gathered at Times Square to watch the Ball Drop and to celebrate the New Year.
Have you considered making a switch to ditch speciesism and go vegan in the new year? A resolution that benefits animals—including humans, the planet, and your own health—is a great way to awaken with more kindness, awareness, and sense of purpose on January 1! And going vegan has never been easier, with all the latest cruelty-free personal-care products, food, fashion, entertainment, and more at your fingertips. Now let’s get you geared up to melt the icy vices of human supremacy and help 2023 be more animal-free.
This New Year, Peruse Our Top Picks for Vegan Personal-Care Products
There are so many options for cruelty-free makeup, shampoos, soaps, and so on. Let us lead you through a few brands whose products will be easy to find. Learn why checking the labels on personal-care products is important before making a purchase, as no animal should ever be used for experimentation or exploited for cosmetics testing.
For further guidance, access our Beauty Without Bunnies page to discover which items are animal-friendly and the companies that make them.
Start Finding Your Vegan Way in the New Year With PETA’s Top Food Pointers
Ready to begin with easy, delectable vegan meals? Here are PETA’s most popular recipes for you to prepare, savor, and share. Once you’ve explored a few of those, treat yourself to the newest animal-friendly options in select stores and restaurants. We got the tasty scoop on vegan innovations while attending Natural Products Expo West in May.
However you begin pursuing plant-based platters, pause when you can and take a fun, reflective quiz that matches animal-free food with your personality: Which vegan recipe are you? Also, download the HappyCow app to help you find the nearest vegan-friendly restaurants. And while all these tips are a solid start, also be sure to keep up with PETA’s regular posts on vegan food and drinks for our take on the latest delights.
Refurbish Your Fashion With Budding Compassion in the New Year
Now that you’ve dipped into delicious vegan food, flip through our animal-friendly fashion tips. As you start to work on updating your wardrobe, consider why animals should never be used for clothing. The cruelty they endure for fleeting fashion is unconscionable, especially as countless vegan fabrics are now available and being developed.
Protesters raised a ruckus outside an Urban Outfitters store in Philadelphia, urging the company to help save animals and the planet by selling products made of only sustainable, vegan materials.
We wish you a stellar start to 2023, as the new vegan you begins to feel ready and steady prioritizing compassion for animals. After all, we’re animals, too, and being kind to our fellow creatures is simple—especially with a reliable guide. If you’re seeking further advice, check out these vegan-friendly apps, which may make all the difference.
Take one last tip from us and order our free vegan starter kit. And for extra motivation in going vegan, team up with a friend and send them one as well.
Can’t get enough of peppermint-flavored foods this winter? Your craving is covered, since a seemingly endless number of vegan peppermint foods are on the market these days! We love this refreshingly cool flavor, especially when it’s paired with vegan chocolate. Just be sure to choose items that are free from animal-derived ingredients like cow’s milk, because cows are loving, playful individuals who don’t want to be used for their milk.
Here are some of our favorite vegan peppermint picks that we think you’ll love, too:
Most of the year you can enjoy NadaMoo!’s Organic Mint Chip flavor, but it also has a seasonal Peppermint Bark pint with bits of peppermint candy and a fudgy swirl.
There’s nothing like topping your vegan hot cocoa with some gelatin-free marshmallows, and these mini peppermint-flavored ones rank among our favorites.
Going vegan is the best thing you can do for animals, the planet, and your health. Learn more about making the transition by taking our 3-Week Vegan Challenge and ordering your free vegan starter kit:
Whether it’s innovative cruelty-free meats or vegan versions of iconic snacks, we live for trying the newest items on the market. Having more options on grocery store shelves means there are even more ways to help animals in our daily lives, simply by choosing vegan products. Here are just some of the new cruelty-free products you should start seeing on grocery store shelves in the coming year:
Fish feel pain, too, yet the fishing industry robs them of the opportunity to enjoy their rich, complex lives. That’s why we’ll be buying vegan seafood from brands like Omni, Current Foods, Save da Sea, and TMRW Foods.
A good tofu scramble will never go out of style, but we also love the new vegan egg products that have revolutionized breakfast and made it much kinder to chickens. Pourable liquid “eggs” like Spero Foods’ Pepita Egg and the Zero Egg make it easy to whip up a savory scramble or omelet.
We’re also hoping to see Zero Egg’s Plant Based Egg Patty hit stores soon—it contains 10 grams of protein and can be ready in less than a minute. And of course, the WunderEggs from Crafty Counter are still on our list as one of the “must have” products of the new year.
Healthier Convenience Meals
Quick frozen meal options are always good to have on hand, especially if they’re better for animals and for you. Planet Based Foods’ Taquitos are crunchy, delicious, and packed with nutrients from hemp seeds.
Frozen entrées from Strong Roots (Greek Orzo Pasta Bake and Thai Green Veg Curry) and Wholly Veggie! (Cheezy Cauliflower and Broccoli, Southwest Chili, and Thai Curry) will help you achieve your health goals in the new year.
Mighty Yum’s vegan “lunchables” kits will be a go-to for kids and adults alike, with three tasty varieties that are nostalgic and satisfying. You’ll be saving cows, pigs, and turkeys by choosing these vegan lunch kits—plus, they’re higher in protein and lower in fat than similar animal-based options.
We’re willing to bet that airy, crispy, flavorful Snacklins will be one of the biggest snacks of 2023, along with Outstanding Foods’ Cheese Balls. Both are made without dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so you can snack happily.
It’s 2021. You’ve been thinking about going vegan, and we’re here to help. If you need inspiration, look no further than this guide, which offers reasons to go vegan, the easiest ways to make the transition, and how to make it last a lifetime.
Order a free copy of our vegan starter kit. It’ll guide you through the transition to a healthier, happier, and longer-lasting life. It has everything from recipes and tips on eating out to health information.
Going vegan is easier than ever before, but we’re here to make it even easier. Check out this guide to going vegan in three steps: what to buy, what to make, and where to eat.
Not sure what to eat? Our two-week sample vegan meal plan is designed for new vegans who aren’t sure what to eat as well as longtime vegans looking to try something new.
These services come in all sizes and cater to all budgets and cooking skill levels—whether you still want to get your hands dirty in the kitchen with DIY recipes or want all the guesswork removed with prepared meals. They also offer a great way for people curious about vegan foods to transition to plant-based eating.
The meat industry’s rampant abuse of animals is the number one reason to go vegan. Whether it’s chickens, pigs, cows, fish, or any other animal, no one wants to die to end up on your plate. By going vegan, you won’t contribute to the suffering that’s inherent when animals are bred and killed to be eaten. You’ll also no longer support the mass culling of male chicks in the egg industry or the removal of baby cows from their mothers for dairy milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
There’s no nutritional need for humans to eat anything derived from an animal—in fact, all of our dietary needs are best supplied by a meat-free diet. Eating vegan can reduce the risk of suffering from many chronic degenerative diseases and other conditions, including heart disease, cancer, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Check out our guide to getting all your essential nutrients and vitamins from plant sources:
Raising animals for food requires massive amounts of land, food, energy, and water. By some estimates, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gases than all of the world’s transportation systems combined. The absolute best way to combat the worst effects of climate change is to go vegan.
The vegan revolution is here, and these iconic food brands are ready for it! We aren’t just talking vegan Babybel, either. These companies have introduced products without cruelly obtained ingredients like milk stolen from caring mother cows, who often mourn the loss of their calves and call for them for days after being separated. Instead, the ingredients include delicious cruelty-free options like oats, nuts, and legumes. These brands have stepped up for animals and the planet by introducing vegan products.
Vegan Babybel
These mini, wax-wrapped cheese wheels first hit the scene in the 1970s. In 2021, the company introduced a vegan Babybel, so now everyone can enjoy the on-the-go snack without supporting the cruel dairy industry.
The iconic Baileys brand, known for its Irish cream liqueur ditched dairy for its first vegan option. PETA hopes this almond milk–based liqueur is just the first of many cruelty-free products from the company. Fingers crossed for plant-based Irish Cream.
Nondairy Ben & Jerry’s
Who doesn’t love a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream? Thanks to the more than 15 nondairy flavors the company now offers, animal-loving ice cream fans have plenty of pint options available. Don’t worry—classics like Cherry Garcia and Phish Food are covered and no baby cows had to suffer.
Brought to you by the same company that gave us vegan Babybel, this delicious dairy-free spreadable cheese, flavored with garlic and herbs, can be found at various grocery stores across the country.
This ice cream brand offers four dairy-free options, including Mint Chocolate Chip and Cookies & Crème. Fingers crossed for even more varieties in the future.
Established in the early 1900s, Hellmann’s added a vegan variety of its signature mayonnaise to shelves after consumers demanded a creamy spread that leaves eggs—which are produced by exploited hens kept in horrific conditions—off the ingredient list.
Rounding out the trio of famous snacking cheeses, this spreadable cheese joined its fellow Bel brands, vegan Babybel and Boursin, in late 2022. Bring on the vegan cheeseboards! Cows don’t really laugh, but at least this product won’t make mother cows cry when their calves are taken away by the dairy industry.
Creamy, delicious dairy-free ice cream? Check. Crunchy vegan chocolate coating? Check. This ice cream bar, known for its hard-shell chocolate coating, got a vegan upgrade, so people can now indulge without exploiting playful, intelligent cows.
Vegan options in grocery stores are constantly expanding, and PETA is thrilled to see these familiar brands adding vegan versions of products that customers already know. Compassionate consumers can now enjoy these popular snacks and sweets without causing sensitive animals, such as chickens and cows, to suffer.
Is there an iconic food you’d like to see have a vegan glow-up? Head to social media and ask your favorite brands to add a vegan option!
According to the national media, seven-foot-tall 2023 numerals arrived in Times Square ahead of the annual New Year’s Eve celebration.
The four numerals arrived Tuesday morning following a cross-country trip that started in Los Angeles and included several stops along the way. The coast-to-coast tour started at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, California, and visited holiday events in Nevada, Tennessee, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania, giving people across the country an opportunity to cheer the arrival of 2023.
Photo Courtesy: Times Square NYC/Instagram
The four numerals are lit with a total of 602 energy-efficient LED bulbs; the numeral “2” contains 145 bulbs, the “0” contains 164 bulbs, and the “3” contains 148 bulbs.
The numerals will stay on the Times Square plaza for the public to have the opportunity to take photos with them through noon on Friday.
They will then be placed atop One Times Square and will light up at midnight on December 31.
According to the national media, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer ask food and Drugs Administration to investigate the nationwide drug shortage affecting Children.
Parents are now concerned over empty shelves at pharmacies instead of toy stores this time of year.
During a news conference in Manhattan, the New York Democrat said there are “spot shortages” of basic kids’ needs across the region, including Tylenol, Robitussin, and ibuprofen amid a tridemic of viruses around the country.
He said the basic drugs are hard to find because three viruses COVID, flu and RSV, are hitting New York at the same time, and noted parents in NYC and on Long Island are having trouble getting what their kids need.
“The spot shortages are becoming serious problems for parents, caregivers, so we’re asking the FDA to investigate the problems locally and nationally and determine what official action they will take,” Schumer said.
“Today, I am urging FDA to investigate the shortages and consider several actions to reduce those shortages,” Schumer said. “These shortages are temporary; they are supply chain shortages, but we need to alleviate them.”
Schumer has been in touch with the FDA about this and has a few possible solutions in mind, starting with asking for permission to get help from overseas.
The FDA could expedite the importation approvals of foreign manufacturers and work with industry to target chemical and material shortages for making drugs, he said.
They should consider temporarily licensing new companies under the strictest of safety conditions to produce these drugs in the short term,” Schumer said.
Three cheers for alpacas! After hearing from PETA, footwear company Deckers Brands has added alpaca fleece to its list of prohibited materials and will phase out all alpaca fleece by fall 2023! Its brands—including UGG, Koolaburra, HOKA ONE ONE, Teva, and Sanuk—have now joined the growing list of those that have banned alpaca fleece after learning about our investigation into the alpaca fleece industry. Others include Victoria’s Secret, Chico’s, and Overstock.com.
Don’t Pull the Fleece Over Your Eyes
PETA informed Deckers of our first-of-its-kind investigation into one of the world’s largest alpaca fleece producers, which showed workers hitting, kicking, tying down, and mutilating pregnant alpacas, who cried out and vomited in fear. We also informed the company of the failure of the “Responsible Alpaca Standard” to stop any of this suffering.
Alpacas are gentle, curious, and social animals who are protective of their young and spit, shriek, and huddle together when they sense danger. They simply want to live without fear and pain, instead of being abused and killed by humans who want to wear their coats.
Urge Deckers Brands to Move Toward an Animal-Free Future
Deckers’ list of banned materials also includes fur, angora, exotic leathers, and anything from endangered species. While this is a great start, we’d love to see it drop all animal-derived materials, including sheepskin, wool, and leather made from cows.
Urge Deckers’ brand UGG to stop using sheepskin for its boots and slippers, which are made from the skin of gentle, intelligent individuals. Its vegan shoe line was a great first step, but there’s no reason to continue making shoes out of sheep when there are so many environmentally friendly vegan materials making waves in the world of fashion.
While many brands have banned alpaca fleece, a few holdouts remain. Take action for alpacas by telling Anthropologie to drop its fleece items immediately. And as always, check tags and be sure to buy only vegan fashion and home furnishings.
French dairy company Bel Group—which owns Boursin, Babybel, and The Laughing Cow—has launched yet another vegan cheese. The Laughing Cow plant-based cheese is available at Whole Foods stores in two tasty flavors: Original and Garlic & Herb. Both contain individually wrapped wedges of creamy, spreadable vegan cheese perfect for packing in lunches or enjoying as a midday snack.
The new offering follows the launch of two other vegan versions of Bel Group’s iconic cheeses. Boursin Dairy-Free Cheese Spread Alternative debuted in stores in 2020 and has been a hit ever since, expanding to several grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s and Sprouts.
Babybel cheese also got a cow-friendly makeover in early 2022, and it even features a peelable green wax coating to set it apart from the dairy version, which comes with red wax packaging. The massive success of these two launches encouraged Bel Group to expand its vegan offerings with The Laughing Cow wedges.
The move shows that there’s no need to use cows to create delicious, creamy, and satisfying cheese. Cows are loving, playful individuals who make milk for their babies, not for humans. The dairy industry exploits and abuses mother cows, who only want to nurture their calves.
Workers on today’s farms take calves from their mothers—typically, days after birth—so that humans can drink their milk and use it to make various other dairy-based items, including cheese.
According to fox5ny news, more than 100,000 students in the NYC public school system are homeless. That alone is considered a crisis. On top of that, nearly three-quarters of those children are chronically absent from school, a report says.
Advocates for Children of New York project director Jennifer Pringle said the city needs to urgently address this “huge problem” if it wants to break the cycle of homelessness.
“We know that kids who don’t graduate from high school are three and a half times more at risk of experiencing homelessness as young adults,” Pringle said.
A report from the nonprofit said 64% of students living in shelters were chronically absent from school last year. That means they missed more than 10% of the school year. One of the primary reasons the students miss school is a long commute.
“40% of kids in shelter are placed in a shelter far away from their schools,” Pringle said, “in a different borough from where their school is.”
The city has hired about 40 Department of Education community coordinators who are working in shelters to help students get to school. The city plans to hire about 60 more.
“We’re urging the city to get those folks in those jobs as quickly as possible so they can start supporting families,” Pringle said.
According to the national media, New York City faces high levels of Covid-19, flu, and RSV cases in the following holiday season. To slow the transmission of viruses, NYC health officials issued a health advisory strongly urging New Yorkers to use masks.
New York Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said that the rise in respiratory viruses is the reason why the city’s health office is recommending, not only the use of masks but also vaccinations and boosters.
The advisory recommends New Yorkers use high-quality masks when indoors and in crowded outdoor settings. This is especially important for those who are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19, RSV, or the flu, such as those ages 65 and older and immune-compromised people.
“Wear a high-quality mask, such as a KN95 or KF94 or an N95 respirator, for additional protection,” city health officials say.
The Advisory also urges people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu, even if they have been vaccinated previously.
What is Yule? It’s a pagan celebration of the winter solstice, the longest night of the year and the point at which the days start to get longer again. Customs and myths vary from culture to culture, but some of the most common ways of celebrating it include decorating interiors with evergreens, burning candles or Yule logs, and, of course, feasting! Yule is a tradition that honors the Earth, so why not make it kind to all our fellow Earthlings?
Here are some ways you can make your Yule celebrations friendly to animals:
Decorate With Animal-Safe Greenery
Evergreens, mistletoe, and holly are traditionally used to decorate the home during Yule because they symbolize the continuity of life, even during the darkest part of the year. However, if you share your home with animal companions, it’s best to choose artificial greenery instead (just make sure it isn’t made with wool or silk), since these plants can cause irritation, vomiting, and potentially serious illness when ingested. You can also make garlands with dried oranges and apples.
Our tips for animal-friendly holiday decor can help you decide what is safe to bring into your home when you have animal companions—whether it’s a yule tree, wreaths, or garlands.
Burn Vegan Candles or Yule Logs
It’s common to keep a fire lit throughout the 12 days of Yule to represent the sun, whether with candles or Yule logs. Some believe this practice chases bad spirits away, ensures good luck, and guarantees the return of the sun in the cycle of seasons.
When you choose candles for your celebration, be sure to pick soy-based options instead of ones made with beeswax. Bees work hard to build their honeycomb, which is stolen from them to make beeswax.
Flameless options are also wonderful and safer for your animal companions. Of course, never leave a candle or a Yule log burning unattended.
Host a Feast With Your Loved Ones
Gather with those you love to celebrate life and the lengthening days ahead. Host a dinner feast and serve vegan versions of traditional yuletide eats. Here are some of our favorite recipes:
Birthday parties just became a little more fun! Ice cream chain Carvel has launched two flavors of vegan ice cream cakes, available exclusively at Publix. Although tons of creamy vegan frozen treats are available in grocery stores, these are the first ice cream cakes to hit the market.
Choosing nondairy treats helps spare loving, playful cows who are used for their milk. Instead of allowing mother cows to nurse their own babies, the dairy industry tears calves away from their mothers shortly after birth—workers then steal their milk so that they can sell it. This cycle of abuse is nothing to celebrate, which is why we’re happy to see that brands like Carvel offer oat milk–based treats for compassionate consumers.
Carvel’s vegan ice cream cakes come in two flavors:
Going vegan is the best thing you can do for animals, the planet, and your own health. Order your free vegan starter kit to start making the change today:
Animals are someone, not something—that’s the message of PETA’s collaboration with award-winning illustrator Betsy Baytos, who puppeteered and performed as Betsy Bird, created for her by Jim Henson for The Muppet Show in London. She also created campaigns such as the Coca-Cola polar bears, consulted for Walt Disney, and is currently developing a children’s book series with a focus on the climate catastrophe and African wildlife. Her exclusive T-shirt designs for PETA feature heartwarming scenes of mother animals and their babies declaring, “We’re Someone, Not Something!”
Shop the collection here and learn more about the special relationships represented on these T-shirts as well as on tote bags and mugs.
In nature, orcas can spend their entire lives with their families, swimming more than a hundred miles a day and diving deep beneath the ocean’s surface.
Cows are loving mothers who form strong bonds with their babies, but the dairy industry tears them away from each other—typically only days after birth. Farmers steal mother cows’ milk to make cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream, even though innovative plant-based options are tastier and more popular than ever.
In the chicken flesh and egg industries, baby chicks never have the chance to meet their parents, let alone be raised by them. They also never have the chance to grow up with their families, take dust baths, or bask in warm sunlight.
All these scenes remind us that animals are not ours to use. They are individuals who are capable of feeling pain and joy, fear and love.
Shop the limited-edition collection today and grab a shirt for a friend or family member who should know that animals are someone, not something.
According to Spectrum News ny1 news, the 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade went off without a hindrance in the city with tons of new additions and old favorites.
The parade began at 9 a.m. at Central Park West and 77th Street and proceeded down a 2.5-mile route. The parade ended in front of Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street.
Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
This year’s parade featured plenty of favorite balloons, but there were also several new additions, including popular children’s characters Bluey, Stuart the Minion, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and DINO and Baby DINO. A Baby Shark float also made a debut this year.
The event was also star-studded, as usual, with appearances by Paula Abdul, Sean Paul, Jimmy Fallon, The Roots, Mario Lopez, Jordin Sparks, the cast of the Muppets, and more.
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