3 reasons why veggie is the new black

World Vegetarian Day on October 1 kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month which ends on November 1, a.k.a. World Vegan Day. These celebrations promote joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism, and bring awareness to the benefits of a meat-free lifestyle.

The times of bland tofu and tasteless quorn mince are over. On the catwalk, fur makes way for its animal-friendly variant ‘faux fur’. Nowadays, we’re making more conscious choices and the alternatives to animal products are endless. Here are 3 reasons why banning animals out of your diet and attire is the way to go.
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1. Great for the planet

This season, GUESS showcases its collection of eco fur by playing with timeless styles and innovating with cutting-edge technologies to create beautiful, fashion-forward garments that don’t harm the planet. Eco fur is the perfect outerwear to complete the GUESS look and, thanks to the irresistible proposals in the Fall Winter 21 GUESS collection, never has faux fur been so elevated and glamourous! GUESS offers statement pieces for woman, men and kids. Inspired? Discover GUESS' eco fur collection right here.

^{From top to bottom:
​GUESS Eco fur collection - women
​GUESS Eco fur collection - men
​GUESS Eco fur collection - kids}

Proud Belgian brand Wasted Atelier is known for creating unique statement pieces from deadstock. Wasted Atelier loves colorful prints and patterns and makes sure sustainable does not equal boring. The latest fall drop holds short boxy jackets with shimmering golden touches, powerful jumpsuits, one-of-a-kind kimonos and so much more.

^{Wasted Atelier}

Reuse to Create, one of the mottos by which Unisa developed the ECOWOOL collection, has been extended this year with a number of new styles in shoes and bags. These items are made with fabrics from plastic bottles waste, that imitates wool. Now it's even easier to do right by the planet, without losing out on design, comfort, or versatility.

^{Unisa ECOWOOL collection}

Sage Appliances’ FoodCycler reduces your ‘foodprint’ by more than 80 percent. This groundbreaking appliance can reduce household food waste by more than 80% and eliminate 100% of greenhouse gas emissions typically generated by food sent to council landfill. The FoodCycler transforms household food waste into nutrient rich EcoChips using an intuitive three-stage cycle. The system pulverizes and dehydrates nearly all types of food waste, reducing it to small particles, while simultaneously aerating and heating, which helps decompose and sterilise the waste. The FoodCycler is odourless, quiet, uses minimal energy and is easy to clean.

2. Great for animal welfare

"Vegetarianism is a philosophy that has compassion and nonviolence at its heart." - Unknown

Aoste is tricking our tastebuds with healthier snacks with their meat-free range of sandwich spreads, vegetarian patties and vegetable balls. Thanks to the carefully selected veggies, the structure, taste and colour of the products remains the same. In other words: you won’t taste the difference. It’s healthier, better for the environment and just as tasty. Get ready for some guilt-free snacking!

Together with EVA (Ethisch Vegetarisch Alternatief), Aoste is one of the founders of the new business network 'The Next Food Chain', which aims to accelerate the supply of plant-based products in the grocery shop.

In the Naturino world, the vegan segment is consolidated with the Flower Mountain for Naturino line. No animals were harmed during the production process of these children's shoes. This capsule, which has come from the collaboration with Japanese designers, keeps the promise made with its sustainable DNA by offering super cool sneakers with uppers in tartan fabric, faux fur and synthetic leather combined with linings in recycled materials, cork insoles and ultra- light EVA bottoms, all strictly animal free.

^{Naturino children's shoes}

3. Great for your own health

Small steps towards a sustainable world and big leaps when you go out into nature with the whole family. JBC's sustainable I AM collection in natural materials and colours goes merrily along for the ride. In this way, together we can take care of each other and the planet. The new I AM collection is dyed with natural colourings from plants, fruit and vegetables. No chemicals are used, which makes the attire also good for your skin.

^{JBC I AM collection, from top to bottom:
​Top left: T-shirt €24,95 - sweater €59,95, ​ top right: T-shirt €22,50
​Bottom left: sweaters €39,95, bottom right: sweater kids €39,95
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​Vegetarian diets typically involve consuming lots of good stuff you can’t always find in meat: fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, magnesium, unsaturated fat and tons of phytochemicals. This translates into lower cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and a healthier weight. Keto-brand OKONO got the message. Their snacking range of chocolate, granola and bread is 100% vegan, keto, and lactose and gluten free. Living healthy has never tasted so good!

^{OKONO Keto Granola range}

World Animal Day

With Veggie Day still in mind, we celebrate World Animal Day on Monday October 4. On this day we pay more attention to animals. Not only do we snuggle extra long with our pets, but we also pay attention to animal welfare. This date is marked in the diary of many animal activists who fight against animal cruelty.

Tip to take home: Teach ‘em young. Involve your child(ren) in World Animal Day: let them bring a pet or a cuddly toy to school. Best to check with the teacher beforehand!