Today, I want to talk about making a difference.
As many of you know, I eat a primarily plant-based diet. To me, this is an embodiment of my values – living with the least amount of harm to others (ahimsa), with care and respect to all of God’s creation (Psalm 50:10-11), and contributing to a culture of life and compassion instead of suffering.
HOWEVER, I know that many people do not feel the same way I do. That is the nature of life – people disagree, and that is not something anyone can change. It would be foolhardy of me to attempt to convince every single person I know to become vegan, and I accept that. However, through respectful advocacy and informed discussion, I think there is a place for bringing important information to light. Information like:
1// 67% of all crops grown in the U.S. are used to feed livestock, whereas only 27% of all crops are eaten directly by humans (the remainder goes to biofuels and like uses).
2// For every 100 calories of grain fed to beef cattle, only 3 new calories are created via their meat.
3// The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations forecasts that meat consumption will grow to 455 million metric tons by 2050, especially in developing nations, creating an increasingly unsustainable demand on crops used to feed livestock + land used to house livestock.
4// In addition, 51% of all global greenhouse gas emissions are created by livestock.
5// Because of the inefficiency of growing crops to feed livestock to feed people, and because of the dire environmental impacts, the United Nations has made the following statement:
Although two-thirds of the world’s population depends on cereal or tuber-based diets, the other one-third consumes significant amounts of animal food products. The latter group places an undue demand on land, water, and other resources required for intensive food production, which makes the typical Western diet not only undesirable from the standpoint of health but also environmentally unsustainable.
However, what I think is the saddest statistic of all is that every day, 795 million in the world people go hungry. Hunger kills more people than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Yet if all of the crops used to feed livestock were instead given directly to people, it would feel 4 BILLION PEOPLE.
795 million people do not have enough food every day, yet we currently already grow enough food to feed an extra 4 billion people.
Unfortunately, all of that excess food goes to livestock.
But with all of that being said, I still concede that the whole world going vegan isn’t a realistic goal. However, what I do think is realistic is to encourage others to make smart decisions about their food, and to take part in movements like #MeatlessMondays or #MealForAMeal. Although vegans get a bad rap for proselytizing, I don’t see how promoting #MeatlessMondays is inherently worse than encouraging people to recycle, or to adopt a rescue animal, or to donate old clothes to the Salvation Army!!
But where I start to get discouraged is when people say they can’t make a difference. That, as one person, they will not make a lasting impact on the world, or for a cause. This upsets me because it could not be more untrue. For example, take #MeatlessMonday – this movement involves giving up meat for one day, once a week. That’s it. Just one day. But if every American did #MeatlessMonday every week, it would save 1.4 BILLION animals a year. Billion with a B. Currently, there are about 319 million people in the U.S. So this translates to every single person – just by giving up meat for one day a week – saving four animals. And if that person goes vegetarian, that translates to 28 animals a year. This isn’t even including the environmental and health impacts of eating less meat! But for me, personally, if you can even save one life, THAT is making a difference.
Another benefit of going meatless – it saves money. Take these falafels – they were made with a can of chickpeas that cost 89 cents at the store, and a bunch of kale that cost $2 at the Farmer’s Market (#GirlOnABudget). While a jar of tahini can go for six or seven dollars, with just a bit drizzled on veggies or falafels, I can make it last for a a few months!
But in the end, if you take anything away from this post, it’s that vegan food is not only delicious and healthy, but eating in such a way can make a tangible difference on the environment, on your health, and on animal rights. Even by going meatless just one day a week, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
YOU are empowered to make a real change in the world!
Lemony Summer Harvest Falafel w/ Smoky Sriracha Tahini
Ingredients
Falafel
- 1 1/2 Cups Cooked Chickpeas or 1 15oz can
- 2 Cups Packed Summer Greens I used half kale, half collard greens
- 1/3 Cup Fresh Parsley + Cilantro together
- Juice from 1 Lemon
- Zest from same lemon
- 1 Small Clove Garlic finely minced
- 4 Tbs Chickpea Flour besan
- 2 Tbs Hemp Oil or sub Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 Tsp Cumin
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1/8 Tsp Salt
- 1/8 Tsp Smoked Paprika
Smoky Sriracha Tahini
- 1/3 Cup Tahini
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 1/2 Tbs Sriracha
- Juice from 1 Lemon
- 1 Clove Garlic
- Pinch of Salt + Pepper
- 1/4 Tsp Smoked Paprika
Putting It All Together
- Lacinato Kale as a wrap
Instructions
Falafel
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a food processor, add in garlic by itself and pulse until garlic is minced. Then, add in the greens, parsley, and cilantro and pulse until the greens are minced too.
- Add in all other ingredients to the food processor, and pulse until a textured meal is formed. Be careful not to overprocess - the mixture should still have small clumps of chickpeas in it!
- Using an ice cream scoop or by hand, separate falafel mixture into about 10-12 balls. Use palms to flatten into little disks.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly space out falafel disks.
- Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, carefully flipping halfway.
- When falafel are done, they should be lightly browned on each side.
- Let falafel cool COMPLETELY when done... they will be very fragile and still soft when out of the oven.
Smoky Sriracha Tahini
- Combine all ingredients into a high speed blender, and blend until smooth. Taste + adjust seasonings as necessary.
Putting It All Together
- I served my falafel in big leaves of lacinato kale, drizzled with plenty of sriracha tahini. But these would be delicious in pita or naan wraps, or just on their own!
Notes
Quote of the Day:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi
Song of the Day:
Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson
53 Comments
Gin
August 27, 2015 at 2:08 pmWhat an inspiring and thoughtful post! Really good vibes here. Also, these falafels look DELICIOUS!! And with the Sriracha tahini…get oytta town! Now I’ll be sure to restock on Sriracha next time I’m at the store!
Sarah
August 27, 2015 at 6:28 pmThanks Gin! :D
Erica
August 27, 2015 at 3:48 pmI love your song of the day! I’ve been on a huge Michael Jackson kick.
And your words are inspiring! I’m in the global health student interest group in our medical school and the words you spoke at the beginning are something we address at this annual fundraiser called the Hunger Banquet. We really do waste so much food as a nation, and that needs to change.
These falafel sound so flavorful, and that sauce looks dreamy. Love reading your recipes!
Sarah
August 27, 2015 at 6:32 pmThat’s so awesome, Erica! It’s really inspiring that health institutes are talking about global hunger in this light. Thanks for being part of the change :)
Kimberly/TheLittlePlantation
August 27, 2015 at 8:39 pmI think every plant-based food blog can make a difference. Even a tiny difference. So keep doing what you’re doing girl.
As for the recipe. Looks SO good. I’ve never made my own falafels but it’s totally on my to-do list now.
Thanks for sharing.
Sarah
August 27, 2015 at 9:39 pmThanks Kimberly, I really appreciate it :) But you should definitely make your own falafels, they’re so easy and delicious!! :D
Hannah | The Swirling Spoon
August 28, 2015 at 12:15 amSarah, your photos are absolutely stunning!!! And I really appreciated your thoughts in this post. Sometimes choosing to do one or two small things to make a difference can be all the difference. I think it’s great that you support #meatlessmondays and other campaigns to reduce meat consumption rather than just completely not being able to see eye to eye with non-vegans. That’s compassion and understanding in a nutshell! People are all at different stages of the journey. Xx
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 8:10 amThank you so much for your note Hannah. I genuinely appreciate it. As a vegan, I’m really passionate about my cause, but it’s just not reasonable for everyone else to feel the exact same way about something, you know? But that’s why it was so important for me to express that you don’t HAVE to be vegan to still make a real, tangible difference! :)
Kathryn
August 28, 2015 at 10:42 amAlthough I am nowhere near vegan (and can’t imagine ever becoming vegan), I really enjoyed + appreciated reading your perspective and I particularly love the emphasis you’ve put on the fact that we can all make a difference. I think that’s one of the great things about the #meatlessmonday movement because it really encourages you to appreciate just how big an impact swapping out one day’s worth of food can make. Plus I’m pretty sure I could eat falafel every day for the rest of my life and be happy ;)
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 12:55 pmHaha who can be unhappy when tahini is involved? ;) But I really appreciate your comment Kathryn… being vegan is right for me, but I know that it may not be the best for everyone. But that doesn’t mean they can’t make a difference! Every single person is empowered to make a change and that’s what I was trying to get across :)
Rachel @ Bakerita
August 28, 2015 at 11:16 amThis is a wonderful and thoughtful post – love it! And these look absolutely delicious. Definitely trying these for a Meatless Monday dinner soon!
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 12:56 pmThank you so much Rachel! Let me know how they turn out :D
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
August 28, 2015 at 11:19 amO my goodness. This recipe is beyond stunning! It is the perfect dish to celebrate the last of summer! And that smokey tahini sauce….that is what I’m about! You are such a rockstar dear!
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 12:56 pmAww thanks Rebecca!! :D
Victoria
August 28, 2015 at 5:09 pmHi Sarah! I loved this post. I’m vegan too, and I just loved reading all the facts here, reassuring myself that I’m making the right choices :) It would be awesome if everyone would know all these facts. Imagine if it would be taught in schools!! Victoria
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 9:44 pmI know!! How different of a world would we have if everyone knew about the state of global food / hunger? Or even if they knew that they were empowered to make a difference themselves!! But even if I can help ONE person realize that they can make a difference, then in my mind, I’ve succeeded :D
Dani @ Dani California Cooks
August 28, 2015 at 5:32 pmThis looks amazing! Earlier this summer I posted a falafel/collard wrap combo, but I love your smoky sriracha tahini. I kind of want to put it on everything. Yum!
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 9:36 pmThe smoky sriracha tahini IS pretty addicting! ;)
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
August 28, 2015 at 6:21 pmYeah girl!!! What a read to start my day. It bothers me so much when people say that one meatless meal or one vegetarian/vegan can’t make a difference (ahem, my dad) because it simply isn’t true. Going plant-based is better for my wallet, health, the animals, and the planet. It’s all win-win! I was just listening to the Food52 podcast Burnt Toast, and they had Gena from Choosing Raw on their most recent episode. She talked about how even if people are “flexible vegans/vegetarians”, just a few meals each week made a huge difference., and I couldn’t agree more. Falafel is one of my favourite things to make for meat eaters, actually, because of how hearty they are. They’re so yummy when wrapped up in veggies and that smoky sriracha tahini sounds like my kinda sauce!
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 9:36 pmYASSS to all of this!! Choosing Raw is one of my favorite blogs, can you send me a link to Gena’s podcast? I’m so thrilled that people are talking about making a difference with food!! People don’t realize how much power they have to change the world for the better! Even small changes – like #MeatlessMondays – can make a big difference. :D And falafels are really great to make for even the most diehard carnivores because they’re so filling!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
August 29, 2015 at 12:44 pmYes! I’ve been meaning to reply your email so I’ll include the link in there :)
Amanda Paa
August 28, 2015 at 7:54 pmthese…. a falafel dream! gorgeous pictures and what a wholesome lunch or dinner. i really appreciated all your info on livestock, veganism, and our world. a powerful read. xo
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 9:29 pmThank you so much, Amanda!! I’m a huge fan of Heartbeet Kitchen so I’m thrilled you stopped by :)
Christine // my natural kitchen
August 28, 2015 at 11:02 pmThis is such a thoughtful post! I really appreciate your points, and while we aren’t strictly vegan in our home, it’s a conversation my husband and I have been having lately about moving more towards “mostly” plant-based. I can also never get enough falafel recipes. I think it’s one of those perfect foods – yours look delicious! xo
Sarah
August 29, 2015 at 9:28 amThank you so much for your note, Christine! I hoped to convey in my post that you don’t have to be 100% vegan to still make a difference :D
Sophie | The Green Life
August 29, 2015 at 12:24 amGreat post Sarah! I eat vegan meals 90% of the time and I like to think that every single one of those meals make a small but valuable difference in the world. If everyone could only replace one of their meat-based meals by a vegetarian or vegan one, it would make such a HUGE difference for our planet! I like to believe that we’re heading towards a more thoughtful way of living and that things are slowly shifting. Let’s just keep on spreading the word. :)
These falafels and this sauce (!!!) sound amazing!!
Sarah
August 29, 2015 at 9:26 amThank you Sophie!! You are making a difference not only by eating in such a thoughtful way, but also by creating delicious plant-based recipes! :D
Meg @ Noming thru Life
August 30, 2015 at 2:04 pmThanks for sharing some of the facts revolving around livestock and hunger in this country. The amount of blatant disregard for animals, humans and the environment alike is just disheartening and disturbing. Sometimes I get to wrapped up in it and feel like I’m living in a black hole of gloom because it’s really just too much.
These falafel though are just spectacular and the tahini sauce is spot on. Beautiful and delicious as always!
Sarah
August 30, 2015 at 3:10 pmI know, it’s easy to get down reading about the state of food culture / animal rights :( I certainly get sad quite a bit. But all I can do, as one individual, is live in the best way I can, and continuing spreading the word! :D Glad you like the falafel <3
Anna
August 30, 2015 at 2:52 pmCan you confirm the amounts of the parsley+cilantro mix and the tahini? For some reason, they’re showing up as empty white boxes on my screen. Looking forward to trying out this recipe!
Sarah
August 30, 2015 at 3:09 pmIt’s 1/3 cup of cilantro + parsley mixed! Or just 1/6 cup of each ;)
Pang {circahappy}
August 30, 2015 at 2:57 pmA wonderful post to remind all of us of the awareness, Sarah. :)
If only all of us can do our part, even just a little bit, the result would be much better for everyone & everything, really.
Btw, falafel w/ smoky sriracha tahini looks FANTASTIC. <3 <3 <3
Sarah
August 30, 2015 at 3:11 pmThank you Pang!! :D <3
Yuen Shan @ YuenShan.com
August 31, 2015 at 7:52 amHi Sarah, I really like this post on eating ethically. I am not a vegan, but I am aware of these facts, and have eaten less meat than I used to because of it. For me, it’s difficult to be completely vegan or vegetarian – but i do whatever I can – and I hope the little change that I make in my daily decisions would help.
By the way, I nominated you for the Liebster Award :) Please continue to write great posts.
Sarah
August 31, 2015 at 7:57 amI am blown away!! Thank you so much for the nomination!! :D
Sina @ Vegan Heaven
August 31, 2015 at 3:33 pmOh this looks so delicious, Sarah! :-) Love your pictures!
Sarah
August 31, 2015 at 6:01 pmThanks Sina! :D
Angie@Angie's Recipes
September 3, 2015 at 3:08 amThese baked falafel are not only delicious, also very healthy! The sriracha tahini dressing would be fantastic for some pan seared or grilled tofu too.
Sarah
September 3, 2015 at 7:45 amOooh that’s a great idea!
Sach
September 19, 2015 at 9:38 amthe recipe sounds fantastic. Like the Sriracha tahini dressing idea – it would add to the favors. Would be making it today!
Sarah
September 19, 2015 at 11:43 amThank you!! :D Let me know how it turns out!
Sabrina
September 25, 2015 at 10:09 pmYum! This looks delicious!
Sarah
September 25, 2015 at 11:14 pmThanks Sabrina!! :D
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Dakota
July 31, 2016 at 4:51 pmi recently began vegan a month ago and for the same exact reasons you’ve listed. being a vegan is interesting since i have my own personal reasons for converting — especially being an environmentalist and animal lover — but i know this is my own personal path and others must find their own.
you bring up so many valid points about world hunger and how the way the western world eats meat isnt sustainable. our ancestors never ate meat daily but it has been worked into nearly every american meal.
thank you for your insightful post and delicious recipe. i agree that as vegans who are concerned with ethical issues such as world hunger or animal cruelty, the first thing we should suggest to non-vegans is a meatless monday. that would greatly affect the meat industries if the western world just cut down on their dependency of meat.
thanks again for giving words to my feelings. excited to try more recipe from you!
Sarah
August 1, 2016 at 12:33 pmCongratulations on going vegan, Dakota!! I’m so glad this post resonated with you. Like you said, being vegan is a personal choice and it’s not the path for everyone. But even something as simple as suggesting a “meatless monday” can really make a difference for the environment, and for people’s health! :)
Dakota
July 31, 2016 at 4:55 pmsorry for the run on sentences and poor sentence structure! i wrote this on my phone, haha
Sarah
August 1, 2016 at 12:33 pmNo worries ;)
Caterina B
August 2, 2016 at 2:37 pmAll of your reasons for becoming a vegan are excellent! There is one more very BIG reason I would like to point out.
Heart disease and all of the other diet related diseases but primarily HEART DISEASE AND THE HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE THAT CHARACTERIZE IT.
My hubby narrowly missed having a massive, heart stopping attack at the end of 2015. He had been having symptoms, was rather
unaware of what they meant, and, by an enormous stroke of luck, read an article in the local paper about how people ignore the
warning signs. He read the article, put down the newspaper and called a doctor. The next day we went to the clinic, where the wonderful
PA did some tests and then said, “If you were my father I would put you in a wheelchair right now and take you across the parking lot
to the hospital! Holy smokes! That is exactly what we did and the next day, New Years Eve 2015, he had a life saving stent put in a major artery, the one called the “Widowmaker,” Yikes! I almost lost him. Five months ago we started our vegan diet and will never look back!
I will be looking for recipes here on your website and THANK YOU!
Sarah
August 2, 2016 at 3:16 pmWhat a close call! I’m so glad your husband turned out to be okay. But you raised such a good point, and one that I may address in future posts – the health reasons behind veganism. I try not to talk too much about health since I’m not a doctor or health professional, but it’s all but certain now that plant-based diets greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and other related illnesses. Study after study confirms this, and I think the American population is starting to wake up to the benefits of vegetarianism/veganism. That’s definitely worth talking about!
Again, I’m so glad your husband turned out to be okay, and I really appreciate you sharing your story with me. I hope you like the recipes you find here too! :) Hope you have a wonderful week, Caterina.
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