...Vegans and veggie-lovers unite!
This past weekend, Wauwatosa's Hart Park held Milwaukee's very first vegan festival: Milwaukee Veg Expo.
And with the festival filled with delicious vegan food, neat vegan gifts and tons of information on the benefits of being vegan, we have a feeling this definitely won't be the festival's last.
But, let's back it up a bit-- what does it mean to be vegan?
VegExpo's Tim Swartz explains,
"Being vegan really goes beyond diet to really a philosophy of life that involves respect for all sentient life."
And with groups like Peesh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Heartland Farm Sanctuary represented at the day-long festival, this philosophy was openly shared via booths, food demos, as well as visiting speakers.
But.... if there's no meat and no dairy, what do vegans eat?
"It just involves eliminating the traditional meat products, dairy and eggs as well and replacing them with very delicious alternatives."
Being vegan really goes beyond diet to really a philosophy of life that involves respect for all sentient life.
And some of these delicious alternatives ranged from traditional Indian food and wheat-gluten BBQ to tacos and Italian food plus dairy and egg-free cupcakes and deserts to top off the day.
"We're really trying to lay the groundwork and get our message out and show people, hey, there are alternatives that are better for the environment, better for our health, and that benefit other species as well."
Want to learn more about Milwaukee Veg Expo? Check out mkevegexpo.com
And for kicks and giggles, I brought along two hesitant friends to the expo to try their first fully-vegan meal. Listen to the taste-test by clicking the podcast player above.