International Vegetarian Union (IVU)
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A Spotlight on Vegan Companies and Businesses
throughout the United States and a few beyond - updated May 2006
by M. 'Butterflies' Katz
co-author of Incredibly Delicious; Recipes for a New Paradigm
by Gentle World www.gentleworld.org


Here, united in one space, we will shine a spotlight on those companies that have merged their ethics with bringing in a livelihood. I researched and have written this article in order to get more public support for these businesses, for the above mentioned reason, but also so that all of us can feel the heart-warming truth that the vegan lifestyle is spreading. We will travel throughout the United States in our search of vegan companies and businesses, and also go beyond U.S. borders to increase awareness that veganism exists all over the planet. Perhaps hearing other people's stories will inspire the birth of more vegan businesses.

I sent out a questionnaire to hundreds of vegan companies and businesses that I searched for on-line. As I read the questionnaires when they came in, I knew this article was going to be more interesting than I had even imagined. Pulling them together, from uniquely differing paths, but all achieving the same thing; A VEGAN BUSINESS OR COMPANY, made for very interesting reading. There are vegan boutiques, several vegan donut bakers, vegan bakeries, a vegan camp, vegan chocolate companies, vegan retreats and B&Bs, etc. I was pleasantly surprised to learn of so many vegan restaurants. However, most of the vegan restaurants did not reply. I know (from being the chef of The Vegan Restaurant on Maui, Hawaii when owned and operated by Gentle World) that having a restaurant means long hours of work, leaving little time for filling out questionnaires.

There were companies that replied to my questions that produce mostly vegan products that, for one reason or another, deserve to be mentioned. These companies will be listed at the end. There were many vegan companies and businesses that were too busy selling all their vegan wares to respond to my survey. However, all the companies mentioned in this article did respond to my questions. So sit back, and read each individual company's story. Then, think of the 'Bigger Picture' and what it represents that all these companies are emerging!

[note from the editors: Long distance shopping burns fossil fuels in ships, aircraft and trucks. IVU therefore encourages everyone to buy as locally as possible.]

In conclusion, I would have to say that the one thing all these people and companies have in common, is that they care.
They care about the sustainability of our planet and the cruelty shown to animals.
They care about not profiting off people exploited in sweat shops in foreign countries.
They care about helping people to a better and healthier life.
They care about being socially responsible and leaving this world better than its present condition.
Reading what these company or business owners had to say inspired me, as caring as I am, to care more about every little thing I purchase and do.
I hope it will have the same effect on you!
Support these caring companies and businesses and show that we care how our dollars are spent!