It's the very first Fish Free Friday

We all know about Meat Free Mondays, but have you heard of Fish Free Fridays? It's the new campaign by the Vegetarian Society, which hopes to raise awareness of the fact that vegetarians don't eat fish (no, not even fishfingers!) and that the current commercial fishing industry is not sustainable.

If you want to join in and spread the word, visit the Vegetarian Society website

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Artificial meat - the end to world hunger....or not?

An article shared by Yeovil and Somerset Vegetarians on my Facebook page, prompted me to write this post. It stated that the Japanese are developing a new meat-like food stuff made with protein from bacteria, extracted from human waste. After reading the article, I had to check the date, to see if it was written on April the 1st!

Then, last Sunday, I read a very interesting, but scary article in the Sunday Times newspaper about in vitro meat (an update from this previous article.)  Apparently scientists have managed to produce small quantities in the lab and think that mass-produced cultured meat could be a reality within the next 10 years.

I was slightly surprised to find PETA are promoting this research, despite their reasoning that in vitro meat could save the unnecessary slaughter of farm animals, reduce carbon emissions and could help tackle famine.

Famine is something that we would all surely like to end. As far as I understand, and I could be wrong, it's known that if the entire world's population turned vegetarian, we would, in theory, all have enough food to eat - Around 70% of the world's agricultural land is currently used to grow food to feed and raise livestock, instead of being used to grow plant-based food for humans. As a bonus, carbon emissions would be significantly reduced, as farmed animals produce approximately 20% of our global greenhouse-gas emissions.

Now, I'm not saying that the world going vegan or vegetarian is likely, or even possible (as this is a totally idealistic argument), but a diet more like that of our ancestors, containing just a little meat or fish along side plenty of plant-derived foods, would surely go along way to feeding the starving millions, and would help to improve the health of people globally.

We already have the option of eating non-meat alternatives such as soya, tofu and Quorn which are all low in fat, high in protein and cheaper to produce than meat - so why do we need a version which contains animal cells? I'll certainly be sticking to my veggie diet, whatever the scientists come up with!

What do you think...are you for or against cultured meats and do you think they could be the answer to world hunger?

Read more about in vitro meat here.  Pin It

Vegetarian week challenge

It's National Vegetarian Week next week - the annual awareness-raising campaign promoting inspirational vegetarian food and the benefits of a meat-free lifestyle; I'm doing my bit to promote the event, by setting you all a foodie challenge (whether you're veggie already, or not!)

If you're not vegetarian, I'm challenging you to adapt a meat/fish based recipe to make it vegetarian, by swapping the meat/fish for a meat substitute, pulses, dairy products or just leaving it out and adding extra vegetables.

If you're already vegetarian, I'm challenging you to adapt a vegetarian recipe and make it vegan.

If you don't want to join in with these challenges, but you're featuring Vegetarian Week on your blog, or you have a vegetarian/vegan recipe you would like to share, then please link up too.

Edit - Thanks to everyone who linked up!

Linky posts:
Lynn's Cooking Blog - National Vegetarian Week
Farmer's Girl Kitchen - Butternut Lasagne
Inside The Wendy House - National Vegetarian Week
Peace, Love & Lots of Giggles - I Heart Being Vegetarian
Tofu Fun - End of Days
Gotta Run
Celebrating Mums - Family Vegetarian Recipes
Senses in the Kitchen - Courgette and Feta Bake

Thinking about going veggie? Then the first thing to do is to get your hands on a copy of the Vegetarian Society’s very aptly named – Going Veggie guide, it’s free and brand spanking new. Call 0161 925 2000 or visit www.nationalvegetarianweek.org for a free copy.

Image courtesy of the Vegetarian Society. Pin It

Peace Winds Japan - Disaster appeal fund

I wouldn't normally post to ask people to donate money, especially at the moment when so many of us are affected by the recession in some way or other; But like so many others around the world , I've been horrified at the tragic ongoing events in Japan, which have resulted from the earthquake and tsunami.

I've never been to Japan, and not wanting to appear or feel hypocritical, I need to say that I've never wanted to - partly due to the 'scientific' killing of whales from Japan's waters. Nevertheless, I have been almost transfixed by the harrowing images of the tsunami sweeping away whole villages and towns, and the impending nuclear situation, which has made me reevaluate my opinion of the country and its residents.

Without wanting to make sweeping cultural generalisations, I understand that the Japanese are known for remaining calm and dignified in the face of adversity, so I think that the images of mothers who have lost children, children who appear shocked and bewildered, and grown men shedding a silent tear, have moved me so much. 

I wanted to help in some small way, but didn't know which would be the best charity to donate to, until an email arrived from Jason Gissing (co-founder of Ocado) this week, which prompted me into action.

These are his words..."Japan faces its worst crisis since 1945. In the past week, many people have told me that they wish to help but do not know how to. My mother is Japanese and I have spoken to many family members and friends living in Japan. They have recommended that the best way to help is to make a donation via Mercy Corps to Peace Winds Japan, a local Tokyo-based NGO. We have pledged to match the first £20,000 of donations made by our team and customers. If you can, please claim GiftAid on your contribution so even more money goes directly to help the people of Japan."
Please think about donating here via the Ocado JustGiving page.

Find out more about Peace Winds Japan or donate directly here.

Thanks for reading.

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My pet hates

It's been a busy week in the Onykahonie household, so I've only just got around to reading my fellow bloggers' weird (in a good way) and wonderful posts on Kate Takes 5's listography. This week's list is on pet hates, of which I have many and could probably base a whole blog on them...

My top 5 pet hates this week are:

1. Tailgaters - I've witnessed several incidents of tailgating this weekend (luckily not behind me) and wonder why on earth do they do it? These invariably unattractive male drivers seem to get a kick out of harassing and intimidating other road users. Grow up and learn how to drive!

2. The economy - I've had enough of this whole recession/depression/economic down-turn or whatever we're calling it this week. Get out there girls and shop your way to a better economy.

3. People whispering, while I'm in the same room - How rude. If you want to talk about me, or don't want me to hear something, say it when I'm not there!

4. Winter - Sooo last season! I'm looking forward to welcoming in the spring, seeing some sunshine and dusting off the camping gear.

5. Shop assistants asking if I'm sure I want to use my own carrier bag - Yes I'm sure; That's why I said "I don't need a bag, thanks." I'm single-handedly saving the environment, geddit?

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