World Farm Animals Day, part 2: for the Chickens!

Make a Change for Chickens by Julia Feliz

When someone goes vegan they have the potential to reduce demand for farm animals, and ultimately save the lives of those animals which would otherwise have lived a torturous existence. This is one way in which veganism is a great way to stand up against the exploitation of non-humans.

One such group of non-humans are chickens – exploited, kept in horrid conditions, separated from their young before birth, and ultimately killed for their bodies and their unfertilized eggs. Sensitive humans know that chickens are much more than just products or objects to be used by people. For instance, did you know?:

• Avian brains are very similar to human ones and process information in much of the same way. (L. Rogers, University of New England)
• Chickens, and all animals, make memories. (L. Rogers)
• Chickens can learn to count and do geometry. (Vallortigara et al, University of Padua)
• Baby chicks learn behaviour instead of acting on instinct. (Kaplan, University of New England)
• Chickens have highly developed communication skills. (Kaplan)

Vegans choose to live as cruelty-free as possible because, like other animals, chickens are not so different to humans. We consider this each time we make a meal. We hope that this Un-Chicken Flu Blaster Soup will inspire you to think about your choices and moral code.

It is so simple to forgo that chicken and spare so many lives. Here’s your chance to learn how and get started!

Un-chicken flu-blaster soup by Neva Davis

The real reason people suggest "chicken soup" for flu is that the hot broth soothes throats and airways and helps open up the sinuses. I've created a vegan version that also provides lots of antioxidants and vitamins. This has water-cress in it, which is a superfood containing a ton of antioxidants and phyto-nutrients. However, any greens will do.

Ingredients:
• Vegetarian vegetable bullion, 3 cubes
• 4 cups water
• 1 16 oz package of extra firm tofu (cut into little cubes)
• 1 package of watercress, washed and chopped (or sub spinach - you can add more or less greens according to taste)
• 1 handful chopped cilantro for garnish (if you don't like cilantro, use basil or parsley, or leave off entirely)
• 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped into pieces
• 1 tsp fresh ginger minced
• optional: garlic cloves, to taste

This recipe is extremely simple, and you can change almost any element of it to match your taste. For example if you love garlic, you can add fresh garlic.

• Step one: put your bullion, ginger, garlic (if using), and water in a soup pot and heat slowly until simmering.

• Step two: Once the bullion is dissolved add your tofu and bring back up to a simmer; allow it to simmer for 15 or 20 minutes.

• Step three: Turn off heat and add your greens and tomato pieces.

• Step four: Scoop into bowls while still hot and sprinkle your garnish over the top.

Eat to your health!