Alisa Fleming - www.GoDairyFree.org ~ On Tuesday, April 29, Ben & Jerry's will celebrate their 30th birthday with their annual free cone day! Trying not to leave anyone out, Ben & Jerry's offers five sorbet flavors which are made without dairy ingredients: Berry Berry Extraordinary™, Jamaican Me Crazy, Lemonade Stand - Lemon Sorbet, Mango Mango (New - Mango sorbet with a hint of lime), and trawberry Kiwi.  The free cones will be scooped out between noon and 8pm at participating scoop shops. 

Orlando, California - Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, invites animal enthusiasts to its May 3 Country Hoe Down at the California Shelter. One of the non-profit’s largest and most anticipated annual events, the Hoe Down boasts hayrides, meet and greet time with hundreds of rescued farm animals, inspiring presentations, down-home vegan cooking, a boot-stompin’ barn dance (led by celebrated Chico band, the Pub Scouts) and, of course, plenty of breathtaking scenery and fresh country air.

Alisa Fleming - www.GoDairyFree.org ~ Last week, two Dunkin Donuts stores in the Washington D.C. area (addresses below) began serving soymilk as an option for those who don’t consume dairy.  While the donuts may still be off limits, all containing milk in some form, vegans and milk-free dieters in the D.C. area can now enjoy the inexpensive convenience of bagels and a “creamy” coffee beverage of their choice at this institution of donuts.  Though this may seem small scale, the friendly people at Compassion Over Killing (COK) and SuperVegan have confirmed that Dunkin Donuts is listening to consumer requests …

When we think of dairy-free living, we often forget about skincare, after all, you are what you absorb.  Luckily, several brands like Pangea Organics follow a sustainable path with dairy-free and vegan products.  And ... in celebration of Earth Day Awareness Month (and in time for Mother's Day), Pangea Organics is offering 20% OFF of their full product assortment online at pangeaorganics.com and at participating stores throughout the United States.  To take advantage of this very special offer online, enter "GOGREEN08" in the discount code at checkout.  Or, for a complete list of participating stores, click here. Also in support of the sale, Pangea Organics will be doing in-store educational demos informing consumers of the planetary benefits of purchasing Pangea products.  Look for them at stores near you! 

Alisa Fleming, www.GoDairyFree.org ~ One of the most beloved crops our great earth has bestowed upon us is the sacred cocoa bean.  We have praised it in desserts and are now enjoying a good nibble or two each day in the name of healthy snacking.  But, in the name of Earth Day Every Day, I think considering the source of our chocolate is becoming ever more important.  Organic, Vegan, and Fair Trade are becoming the medals of honor in the cacao industry, and these companies are gladly stepping forward to accept an award or three …

Hannah Kaminsky, author of My Sweet Vegan, will be present at the Borders Bookstore in Stamford Connecticut this weekend for a Meet and Greet with customers.  The talented young baker will not only be sharing her photo-filled dessert cookbook, but she will also be sharing some sweet samples with hungry shoppers.  For the opportunity to meet Hannah, checkout her latest cookbook, and trial a bite of her baking talent, stop in between 2 and 4pm on Saturday, April 26.  The event is located at Borders Bookstore, 1041 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905.

Mount Crawford, Virginia ~ WhiteWave Foods has issued a voluntary recall of their 11-ounce plastic single serve bottles (the smaller bottle pictured at left) of Silk Soymilk Chocolate Flavor because it may contain undeclared milk protein. The recalled bottles  are printed with a "use by" date of "05 07 08" and a UPC of 2529360028 on the back of each bottle. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk protein run the risk of a health problem or illness if they consume this product. Some reactions have been reported ...

Alisa Fleming, www.GoDairyFree.org ~ I sacraficed the annual list of New Year’s resolutions long ago, but this year I am very excited about restarting the tradition. Only this time, January 1 isn’t my celebratory day, but rather April 22nd, Earth Day.  As I jotted down my goals for a greener earth, I noticed that my Earth Day Resolutions were reading more and more like a “how to save money” list … hmmm, interesting coincidence don’t you think?  Let’s see, simplifying, reusing, recycling … a recipe for a healthier environment and bank account!  Here are a few resolutions that we have already incorporated into our lifestyle and some on my to do list to start today: