Veggie Bits
Dr. Martens Expands Its Line of Vegetarian Shoes
Dr. Martens has announced the expansion of its line of "vegetarian" leather-alternative shoes. First introduced in January 2000 in only basic black, the company is now introducing its classic 1460 boot in red, green, and purple, as well as a classic Mary-Jane in burgundy, brown, and royal blue. Dr. Martens is expanding its offerings based on consumer requests and the success of its initial offering. The company intends for the expansion to meet the needs of, and reaffirm its commitment to, the under-served, non-leather-seeking, consumer niche.
Since the initial Dr. Martens vegetarian product release, prominent and active vegetarians/vegans such as Chrissy Hynde of the band The Pretenders have thanked the company for taking the initiative to develop a non-leather product based on mainstream styles. In fact, during the initial launch of the product, the line was presented to Hynde, who insisted that her entire band and road crew be outfitted in the product and that leather not be allowed.
The quality of the shoes is a large part of what has helped make them a success for the company. According to the company, the shoes are made from a material superior to the typical non-leather alternatives. They are cellulose-based and manufactured with a highly specialized Lorica microfiber. In essence, they are a true leather alternative, not just a cheap imitation.
The styles Dr. Martens is releasing in the new "vegetarian" leather include a new 5026 Classic Mary-Jane, the Classic 1461 Oxford, and the Classic 1460 — the company's original boot, named for the date on which the first pair was manufactured: April 1, 1960. All three products will be available in select boutiques beginning in October 2001, including: Allston Beat, Boston, MA; Fashionation, Denver, CO; Bovvers, Pittsburgh, PA; The Future, Portland, OR; Chalk Gardens, Salt Lake City, UT; Sugar Feet/Red Zone and Toxic Footwear, Los Angeles, CA; and Trash and Vaudeville, New York City.
You can visit the company's website at: <www.drmartens.com>.
Seal of Approval
You may have recently noticed this sign on some of your favorite products. It began appearing on product labels in August 1999 to identify vegan items as those which are free of all animal-derived ingredients — as per People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' (PETA) list. Although the mark is primarily used by Edward & Sons Trading Company (famous for their "Let's Do...Organic" product line), they have made the mark available to other natural products manufacturers who agree to adhere to the same vegan definition and standards. There is a $1.00 fee associated with the mark usage; but there is an invaluable return on investment, as the recognition of the mark grows and vegan clientele associate it with cruelty-free goods.
Please note that the mark is a copyrighted symbol, and cannot be reproduced for promotional purposes without permission from Edward & Sons.
Tofu Hero from Mori-Nu
It may be well known that Mori-Nu makes tofu that does not have to be refrigerated and keeps until the date that it is opened, but Mori-Nu has now introduced Tofu Hero, a quick way to prepare delicious and convenient tofu-based meals. Four flavors of Tofu Hero will help make even the worst or least inspired cook into a tofu-whiz. Choose from Eggless Salad, Garden Scrambler, Italian Herb Medley, or Shanghai Stir Fry. A couple cartons of tofu and a set of packages of Tofu Hero is a great addition to a care package for a starving veggie college student. Afterall, they are easy to prepare.
Find Tofu Hero and Mori-Nu Tofu at your local natural foods store, or call (800) NOW-TOFU?(669-8638). You can also learn more by visiting the company's website at <www.morinu.com>.
What Would Jesus Eat...Today?
This is one of the questions that a new informational booklet from the Christian Vegetarian Association attempts to answer. They have designed the booklet to aid Christians in their vegetarianism by addressing difficult issues such as, "Does vegetarianism equate animal and human life?" and "What would happen to butchers, cattle ranchers, and others who depend on animal agriculture for a livelihood?" A sample copy is available free from the association, or you may place a bulk order for distribution to your church, parish, religious school, or other congregation. Contact the Christian Vegetarian Association at 3200 Morley Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44122.
Van's All-Natural Egg-Free Waffles are vegan and Kosher-certified. These pop-in-the-toaster breakfast treats are available in organic, lowfat, wheat-free, and original varieties. And even Belgian waffles are available in family packs. Look for these waffles in the frozen foods section of your local natural foods store. For more information, contact Van's International Foods at 20318 Gramercy Place, Torrance, CA 90501, or call (310) 320-8611. You can also find them on the web at <www.vansintl.com>.
Meatout 2001
March 20, 2001, is the next annual Great American Meatout. Since 1985, FARM (Farm Animal Reform Movement) has coordinated the meatout, calling upon Americans to "kick the meat habit" for at least one day a year. Public support has come from celebrities, sports figures, and writers such as Berke Breathed, Rue McClanahan, Jeremy Rifkin, and Tony LaRussa.
You can celebrate as well by educating others about the event or perhaps hosting a meatless dinner party. Or you could reach out to the entire community by hosting or helping to host a Meatout festival; there may already be one planned in your local park, plaza, shopping mall, community center, library, church, or school.
To find out how and where you can help, or how to conduct your own event, contact: FARM, Box 30654, Bethesda, MD 20824, or call (800) MEATOUT. You can also find info on the web at <www.meatout.org>.
