VegBlogger - a vegan / vegetarian blog

A sad day for "The Senator" tree in Seminole County, Florida

Back in May 2010 I blogged about a 3,500 year old tree that is not far from where I live here in Florida.
 The tree is called "The Senator" and is located in Longwood, which is in Seminole County. You can read about my posts here and here.

I'm a treehugger, so maybe I'm a bit bias when I say that the tree was absolutely amazing. It was huge, beautiful, and filled with more history than any of us have ever seen. It stood through slavery, depressions, occupations, wars, and more. It was the oldest tree in the state, the oldest Cypress in America, and the 5th oldest tree in the world.

As of the this morning, "The Senator" is no more.

Breaking news came out this morning that the tree burned down and has been destroyed. You can read about it here. Seems to be the only tree in the forest over there that burned down in this tragic fire. They do not know how it was started yet, but my guess would be arson. We didn't have any storms or lightening last night, so it seems like it can't really be natural forces that sparked it.

I am really interested in hearing the reason that is announced for what burned this old strong tree down and will watch for the news on that. If it is our fellow man, which I fear it may be, I feel even more saddened. The thought that there are people out there so apathetic and callous that they would burn down a 3,500 year old tree is astonishing and sad.

One thing is for certain, I'm greatful I got a chance to see it in all its glory. And it will be missed...

"Even trees do not die without a groan." -- Henry David Thoreau

Update: Here's the latest from the news: "And state investigators believe the fire was set intentionally."

2011 Central Florida Earth Day Festival

Today we spent a few hours over at the Central Florida Earth Day Festival. This was our fourth year attending and we really enjoy it. One of the things that I love is that all food there is vegan, so they really make sure that what is being preached is also being practiced. I have been to "Earth Day" events in the past where they will selling meat and dairy products, which really shot a hole through their credibility on the issues.

So all vegan food, lots of free samples, booths to peruse and plenty of information and education. A great time!

We ate some food from Ethos Vegan Kitchen, Loving Hut, and Raphsodic Bakery. All was wonderful! We also has samples of Sun Chips and Stacy's Pita Chips with Sabra hummus. We left there so stuffed, seriously! But it was hard to pass up tasting several vegan food options.

If you want a convenient store bought hummus, Sabra rocks! We have been buying it since I visited my sister about six months ago and she had it at her house. Even though I usually make my hummus myself, theirs is awesome and saves time. Plus, they have more flavors than I ever made (my favorite is the spinach and artichoke, but the plain one today was awesome as well).

Here are some pictures from this year's event, including of all the vegan food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day, and if you are like me, it's one of your favorite days of the year. I know, I'm a bit odd  
like that, but I can't help it. I love the idea of a day that celebrates our planet and gets people to consider all they are doing to help, or hinder, the planet.

I have been busy this month promoting the connection between eating animals and what it has done to our planet. Here are some of the things that I have personally been involved in:

• Along with my veg group, held a special awareness event at the library. We invited the public and had a screening of the movie "A River of Waste." If you are not familiar with it, I highly recommend it. While there are a few things I don't care for in the video (the guy is wearing what looks like a leather coat and he says he likes to eat chickens), the overall message of the movie is solid and needs to be heard. It demonstrates the vast amount of environmental damage that is being caused by the meat industry. There, we also gave away vegan food samples (thanks to VegFund) and a variety of literature on the issues.
• I was interviewed for an article in the local newspaper about our "cookprint" or amount of damage we cause by what we cook/eat. You can read the article here.
• Today I was interviewed for a half an hour on a local FM radio station. The focus was vegetarianism and especially the environmental impact of eating meat/animals. This will air on Saturday morning. They are also going to send me an audio recording of it. After I get that I will post it so others can listen.

Additionally, my veg group particpated in the DeLand Green Affair (I arranged it, but did not attend). At the Green Affair we also gave away lots of brochures on how meat harms the planet, as well as making compassionate choices and vegetarian starter kits. This month I also wrote an article on veggie burgers for a small local paper, as well as one on Earth Day. I also wrote an article on raising green kids for our local parenting magazine.

Whew, it's been a productive Earth Day this year. We have gotten out lots of information to people and hopefully some take it in and make changes. Saturday we are going to the Earth Day festival in Orlando, for our fourth year in a row. It's a great event!

Have a great Earth Day!