Eco Columbia

Don't miss next week's screening on campus!

Forks Over Knives is a brand new documentary about the affect food has on our health. Exploring the claim that a diet of animal-based and processed foods are responsible for the sky-rocketing rates of obesity, heart disease, and strokes in this country, the movie features interviews with leading researchers.

Though the film won’t be released in theaters until mid March, a special benefit screening will be hosted on campus next Thursday.  A reception featuring vegan refreshments will begin at 5:30PM, with the screening itself starting at 7PM. After the film, guests are invited to stick around for a panel discussion (8:30-9:15PM).

Tickets can be reserved online for a $10 donation, with all proceeds going to Mercy for Animals and Mindful Citizen. Seats are going fast so make sure to RSVP soon!

More information about the film can be found on the official website.

EPIC's baked goods are both organic and vegan friendly.

In need of a snack between classes? Want a yummy treat for your study break? Student group EPIC is hosting a Bake & Crafts Sale to raise money for an urban garden on campus.

All of the items were made with organic ingredients and include vegan options such as trail mix, puppy chow, and brownie tops made with applesauce.

There will also be student art work for sale at the table, as EPIC has partnered with artists on campus who have agreed to donate a portion of their profits to the cause. This includes letterpress prints, screen-printed t-shirts, bottle cap jewelry, and soy candles.

They group will be at 618 S Michigan Ave today until 6:30pm.  Tomorrow, they’ll move on to 623 S Wabash Ave and camp out in the lobby from 12-7. Make sure to stop by for a treat in support of the good cause.

Blair Mishleau is a Junior at Columbia and the webmaster of Chicago Noms, a blog that aims to review local restaurants from the student perspective. As part of an ongoing series within Eco Columbia, he will be reviewing restaurants that are vegan, vegetarian, or ones that use sustainable practices.

The country-fried steak was yummy, but not so warm.

“Meat free since ’83,” has a nice ring to it. So does a vegan country-fried steak. The Chicago Diner (3411 N Halsted St) has both. Having served their delicious non-meat items for 17 years, they make food that could make a carnivore go veg.

I’ve been several times, and have been consistently happy. On my latest trip, however, my buddy and I were a bit let down.

Venturing there on a slightly chilly September night, the wait was a good 30 minutes. We were eventually seated in the outdoor patio, which was a new experience for me. (more…)