This week’s recipe we are taking it back to the beginning with a traditional breakfast favorite! Just one bite of these sweet breakfast treats and your palate will be brimming. These make one great way to start a weekend morning or any day of the week! After all its the most important meal of the day, why not make it count?!
Vegan French Toast
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
4-5 Slices of your favorite bread (we suggest sourdough or whole wheat)
3/4 to 1 Cup of Vanilla Soy Milk
1 Tbl of Flour
1 tsp of Cinnamon
1 tsp of Sugar or other sweetner
1/2 tsp of Ener-G Egg Replacer (optional)
In a large mixing bowl combine the soy milk, flour, cinnamon, sugar, and egg replacer. Whisk together the ingredients until fully liquefied. Heat a frying pan with a little cooking oil or use a griddle with the temperature at 350 degrees. Dip each piece of bread in the mixture, coating both sides. Cook bread in pan or on griddle. Flip after several minutes and cook until both sides are golden brown. Serve with maple syrup, fruit, soy ice cream, or any of your favorite toppings. To put a fun fall twist you can add pumpkin spice or nutmeg. Now dig in!
A few weeks ago we did a post on the Top Green Colleges, however the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh did not make our list. We now think they not only should be on the list, but they deserve their very own post! We want to congratulate the university for becoming the very first US Fair Trade University! In September of this year, UW Oshkosh announced they are making a commitment to Fair Trade. Europe already hosts 70 Fair Trade universities, but UW Oshkosh’s announcement makes it the first American university to climb on board. The university has pledged to sell Fair Trade certified coffee, tea, and chocolate campus-wide, as well as sell handicrafts and other certified fair trade products. They also plan to educate and encourage their students to purchase Fair Trade products as much as possible through their newly-formed department the Campus Sustainability Council . They have also become members of the Fair Labor Association, meaning they only work with companies and vendors who are certified by the FLA as not working with sweatshops. On top of their new Fair Trade commitment, UW Oshkosh has made several awesome moves to become a fully green university. They are a part of the EPA Green Power Partnership and source some of their energy from renewable resources. They also have chosen to have all eggs supplied on campus from cage-free chickens. And just a few days ago the school announced another first! They are doing a comprehensive assessment of their carbon footprint and analyzing how each part of the university emits carbon into the atmosphere. Once the analysis is complete the administration will implement a plan to fully change campus operations to lessen their carbon footprint.
We are so excited about UW Oshkosh’s moves to lessen their emissions as well as becoming a Fair Trade University! These are the exciting changes we love to hear about and look forward to following their plans as they unfold in the coming years. So everyone, tip your glass and send a “Cheers!” to the students, faculty, and administration that made this possible!!!
The 2nd Annual Fair Trade LA Festival is taking place this weekend on Sunday September 28th at 1500 Vine St, Hollywood, CA from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. So for all you Los Angeles area folks, come check out a festival of Fair Trade companies including, Autonomie Project. Not only can you shop for Fair Trade and Sweatshop Free products, but you can learn about Fair Trade and worker support from numerous organizations, including Oxfam. For a full list of sponsors, check out Fair Trade LA’s blog.
So please if you are in the LA area stop by and chat with us and the many other Fair Trade supporters! See you there.
With the election coming up and the candidates are voicing their opinions on everything from abortion to the wars, and even evolution. So let’s make sure they talk about major issues affecting us all: the Environment and a Responsible Energy Plan.Power Vote is organizing thousands and hopefully millions of citizens and young people to make a Pledge that in November they will choose the candidate who will expand the green economy, as well as green jobs, cut down on pollution and dependence on “dirty energy” and create a sustainable energy policy. We want to welcome all of you to sign their pledge and join the movement!
Power Vote does not back any political party and works through grass roots movements to bring awareness to the candidates and Washington in general about the Green Movement and how it is important to the sustainability of our economy, job market, and planet!! This is the future of our country and world, so please take a moment to check out Power Vote and sign the pledge.
Also, there are a ton of localized groups and events related to Power Vote throughout the country! You can also create a group and get involved in outreach. Think about getting involved and making sure both candidates hear the message.
A quick reminder that this Saturday, September 27th is Green Jobs Now Day of Action!! Let the country know how important Green Jobs are and demand whoever wins the election pay attention to our needs as the concerned youth of this nation!
We know its been said over and over again, but this is a historic election and the time for change has never been more eminent. With the economy falling apart, two wars waging, and the environment on the brink, its time to take a stand!! It is clear, this year it’s extra important to make sure your voice is heard. Plus how can you complain about the government come 2009, if you haven’t cast your vote?
So please if you have not done so already take the time to Register To Vote. There are a number of ways to register including your local Post Office, DMV/RMV, or online. There are two awesome organizations that allow you to register online: Rock the Vote and Declare Yourself. Both are dedicated to making sure no one is disenfranchised and that all people have a voice.
Be sure to register as soon as possible, as the deadlines are approaching fast. Make sure to check with your individual state for deadlines. Some states like Idaho, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming allow you to register the day of the election at the polls. For full information and answers to any question regarding voting, try Google Voter Information and type in your home address!
Remember we aren’t just voting for a new President, there are also many House of Representatives and Senate Officials up for election as well as your own State and Local laws. Also, we control the government through the power of voting, so let’s make it known we want to see actual change! And no matter what your political beliefs arePLEASE REGISTER NOW!!
Already a registered voter?Spread the word to friends, classmates, or anyone willing to listen!! Get involved in your local area or post on your Facebook/Myspace page encouraging people to get out and register. Here are some helpful hints on how to get involved.
It’s voting time again for Co-op America’sPeople’s Choice Green Business of the Year Award! Please take the time to cast your vote for your favorite nominated Green Business by October 9th. The Nominees are all Co-op America Certified Green Business that have shown exceptional commitment to the Green movement in the last year. This award is very prestigious and the company chosen will be looked at as an example to all others in the country. There are several great companies nominated and we suggest you take a look at each business as they range from Fair Trade goods to Natural Food Co-ops and even recycled pet products!
Since starting Autonomie Project last winter, we’ve been avid fans of Zaproot, a somewhat sarcastic, always fun, always chock-full of interesting eco tidbits, 3-4 minute online video series. No matter how hectic our busy days can get tending to our baby start-up, we always stop everything to watch Jessica Williamson tell us the latest, greatest, and most horrific developments in the eco revolution.
The show is produced by Viropop, a “green video network” that also features a cool blog and a super active community site where you can join the action, create your own page, and hey, even your own video show!
Below, check out one of our favorite episodes. An amusing, and somewhat scary, report on peta2’s work with KFC Canada and the astounding lengths China went to in order to “green” themselves for the Olympics!
We most certainly couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Want to see more? Make sure to check out www.viropop.com and become a subscriber.
As a follow up to last week’s, Top Veggie Friendly Colleges post we wanted to also suggest eco-friendly colleges. Many Universities are making changes not only to improve the environmental impact of the college itself, but also prepare a new generation to fill the Green Collar Market. So we have put together a list of Top Green Colleges! There are several different sources that have ranked Green Colleges based on their sustainable campus life, school policies, and green curriculum. We found four main rankings: Princeton Review, Grist, Sierra Club, and The Daily Green. We have used these lists as a guide and have come up with the following list (and we are proud that both our Alma Maters made the cut!):
Top Green Colleges
#1 Warren Wilson College: Amazingly this school has worked in the Green life into every aspect of the school. Not only do they have an amazing recycling program, but the school is self sufficient (sustainable farms and forest), and they even have soy fueled chainsaws and bio-diesel fuels!!
#2 Oberlin College: Oberlin college boasts a slew of Green programs and has made an active effort to reduce waste as well as educate. The campus has a car sharing program, supports locally produced food in its cafeteria, uses a ton of solar electricity, and their graduation ceremonies are completely eco-friendly including bio-degradable utensils and programs.
#3 Middlebury College: Not only does the Green activist Bill McKibben teach here, but this school has been very active in climate change. They have even put forth a plan to make the school carbon-neutral by 2016 as well as a state of the art recycling center. They even have energy saving competitions between dorms!!
#4 Harvard University: Harvard usually tops everyone’s academic and sports lists, but now they can add Green rankings to their impressive resume. Harvard has recently changed all school vehicles over to veggie fuel from the cafeteria, they have the MOST eco-friendly buildings certified by US Green Building Council, and is one of the largest purchaser of Green and Renewable energy.
#5 Duke University: Duke has now required all new buildings to be certified by the US Green Building Council and is making an active effort to improve their green energy through wind and hydro-power projects. They are also pushing a biking campaign and discouraging its students to use cars.
#6 University of New Hampshire: UNH located in Durham, NH boasts an Office of Sustainability and in 2009 80-85% of their energy will come from a landfill source. They have also developed an organic dairy farm and a Sustainable Horticulture department, where they work with children in the area on developing a new Green Generation.
#7 Tufts University: Tufts was the first university in the country to pass a green initiative and won the US Climate Change award in 2005. They are committed to meeting the demands of the Kyoto target for emmissions and continue to develop solar panels! Also, this is one of our Alma Maters!
#8 Universities of California: Ok. We realize this includes 10 schools, but if we evaluated all ten separately they may have taken over the list! Every campus in this system has made efforts to use renewable power by 2014, increase use of low- to zero-emission vehicles by at least 50 percent, and achieve zero waste by 2020!! Also each campus has their own initiatives they are focusing on: UC Davis (our other Alma Mater) has sustainable and organic agriculture programs, UC Berkeley has an all organic cafeteria, and UCLA has really pushed the bicycling movement.
#9 Yale University: Yale has developed a superior alternative energy plan including: solar, wind, and geothermal energy produced on campus. They also promote using biofuels in cars and have incentives to employees who use a carpool system. And lastly they have developed a new school of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
#10 Evergreen State College: This public school hosts a large organic farm complete with composting facility. On top of this, the school purchases only 100% clean power, is in the process of switching to electric cars, and is building Green Buildings for future use.
Bummed that your school didn’t make the cut?? Well then take matters into your own hands! It is after all the power of the student body itself that can have the most influence over university administration, so start talking to your professors and university staff and start making positive changes on your campus today!
Our hand bag collection and new winter accessories (coming soon this Fall!) are produced by a worker-owned cooperative in Peru called Northern Creations. The Co-op is comprised of 25 mothers that have joined together to improve the standard of living for their families. Located in rural Piura, a hot, desertlike area 3 hours north of Lima, steady employment is hard to come by – especially for women. The mothers of Northern Creations took matters into their own hands, did what they know best (knitting and crocheting), and decided to start their own Fair Trade business.
They started meeting informally in January 2007 and have since legalized their business, expanded their product line, and are busy filling orders for their US distributor, Autonomie Project! Indeed, their handiwork is beautiful and well-crafted. A true testament to the talent of these extraordinary women!
We thought it would be nice to highlight some of the women behind our products and get their perspective on how this cooperative has impacted their lives! These are interviews with a few key players of the coop conducted earlier this year.
Maria Dolores Febres Rivera (Loly), age 23
President
Children: Belen (age 2)
My biggest accomplishment so far as President has been getting to know myself. I have realized that I am able to make things happen through my talent for making crafts, which God has given me. In addition, I am learning how to operate more effectively as president. For example I am learning how to speak more directly and confidently which will ultimately help me and the rest of my coworkers. Also, I am learning how to better guide the association, specifically how to organize and complete quality products and do it with kindness. I am ready to continue facing challenges that appear, as President and as a member of the Association. My hope is that [Northern Creations] exists forever, that the Association grows in terms of its products and members, and that it is a source of employment for “Piuranos” with a stable market and consistent sales.
Magali, age 27
Treasurer
Children: Emmanuel (age 13), Paul (age 7)
I have learned that there is something inside of me that I did not know was there. It’s the ability to crochet and the knowledge that with my leadership I can help this association grow. I hope that everyone who started this association continues and achieves success. I hope to leave this association organized and well run. I hope that in the future [Northern Creations] is viewed as an example that anything is possible and that success can be achieved even by women. Clara, age 52
Quality Control
Children: Lisby (age 28), Victor (age 27), Jaime (age 26), Lilian (age 23), Franco (age21)
2 grandchildren
I have formed new friendships. I have learned that my age should not prevent me from learning and improving my life. Due to my position I have learned that I need to set the example and produce quality work to be able to demand that from my coworkers. I hope that [Northern Creations] grows and that I am able to continuously give the best of myself.
Juli, age 24
Vice President
Children: Yasuri (age 5)
My biggest accomplishment so far is that I have become friends with people I did not know previously in my own neighborhood. I have learned from their experiences and seen other perspectives on life. I used to think that only men could work and maintain the home financially but that is not so. Women also have the ability to do so, maybe even more than men. I hope that we continue working and developing as an Association. I hope that this lasts. I hope that we are able to sell products not just in the United States but around the world. I hope it continues so that there is work for the women of La Florida. We are leading the development and improvement of our neighborhood.
We are very excited to continue working with these women and hope to assist them in any way we can to build their business and watch their community and families thrive and succeed!
Its been a while since our last recipe and today we thought we would share a favorite supper recipe of ours, Red Bean Patties. Similar to a black bean cake or bean burger with a little Caribbean flare, they are healthy as well as simple to make. These tasty little cakes can be eaten alone, burger style in a bun or accompanied with Coconut or Tomato Sauce and a side of rice or veggies. Personally, we like to serve them with a tasty tomato sauce and a side salad.
Red Bean Cakes
Cook Time: About 30 minutes Serves: 4
2 Tbls Olive Oil
1 Small Chopped Red Onion
1 Small Chopped and Seeded Green Bell Pepper
1/2 Cup Chopped Celery
1 Minced Garlic Clove
1/2 tsp Sweet Paprika
1/2 tsp Thyme
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Salt and Pepper to Taste
15-Ounce Can of Kidney or other Red Beans
1/2 Cup Cold Brown Rice
In a frying pan on medium heat up 1 Tbls of olive oil, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, paprika, thyme, and cayenne. Cover and cook until soft, stir occasionally. This should take about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and let cool. Next, in a food processor or blender combine the red beans, rice, the onions and peppers you cooked earlier and a dash of salt and pepper. Blend but not liquify, be sure there is still texture to the mixture. Now heat up the sauce pan with the remainder of the olive oil and form small patties by hand. Fry the patties until brown on both sides. Serve immediately with your choice of side dish and again we recommend pouring a bit of tomato sauce to top it off! Or make it into a burger with all the usual fixings! Dig in!
As a follow up to last week’s, 
Our 
Autonomie Project's Blog 