Love Your M🌍ther

Saguaro National Park

I’ve listed my favorite films, books, and products that support transformations towards sustainability. Watch, read, listen and learn, these are resources you can access immediately in honor of Earth Day.

FILMS

Eye-opening documentaries that bring environmental awareness:

Cowspiracy - explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, and investigates the policies of a few environmental organizations on this issue. The film looks at various environmental concerns and suggests that animal agriculture is the primary source of environmental destruction.

Seaspiracy - seeks to expose the fishing industries impact on the world's oceans.

Forks Over Knives - highlights a plant-based diet and has influenced millions around the world, including me.

Mission Blue - is about legendary oceanographer, marine biologist, environmentalist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle, and her campaign to create a global network of protected marine sanctuaries.

What the Health - is an investigative documentary about our nation’s health and how big business influences it. I watch this film once a year. It’s that good.

We The Power - is a film about the citizen-led community-energy movement in Europe and the visionaries lighting the way.

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BOOKS

Explore the link between diet and planetary health in these two books. Both are doctor approved.

How Not To Die - This book changed my life for the better. I’m so grateful I discovered this while I was in school studying nutrition. Dr. Michael Greger, the internationally-recognized lecturer, physician, founder of NutritionFacts.org, and also known as the ‘Health God’ in my home, examines the top causes of death in America and explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can sometimes trump prescription pills and other pharmaceutical and surgical approaches, freeing us to live healthier lives - and save our planet.

The Disease Delusion - Dr. Jeffrey Bland uses functional medicine to treat chronic diseases and offers a roadmap to a lifetime of wellness.

CLOTHES

Brands that seek to do the right thing and are good for you and the planet:

PANGAIA - Pangaia thinks planet-first and strives to use responsible and innovative materials. They make the coolest loungewear sets in the most dreamy colors.

Patagonia - is in the “business to save our home planet.” The brand uses sustainable materials and supports environmental non-profits. Look good and do good in their classic logo tees.

SKINCARE

Biossance - EWG verified, Biossance offers skincare that is safe without harming the environment or animals. Their rose oil is hea-ven-ly.

PANGAIA’s Sakura Pink Capsule

FOOD

Diets that are good for the planet tend to be good for people too. Livestock products are among the most resource-intensive to produce - diets that include meat require about 3 times more water, 13 times more fertilizer, more than twice the energy, and 40 percent more pesticides than those that don’t. Some fantastic plant-based alternatives listed below:

For meats: 

BeyondMeat - strives to make a positive change in our health, and the health of our planet by offering plant-based meat alternatives. This was the first plant-based meat I tried and I never looked back.

Impossible Foods - works towards a more sustainable food system, attempting to turn the clock back on climate change and halt biodiversity collapse.

For milk:

Oatly - Oatly’s oat milk is delicious. Hands down, it’s my favorite AND the brand is dedicated to upgrading the lives of individuals and the well being of the planet. Major heart eyes.

For cheese:

Follow Your Heart - Follow Your Heart makes vegan cheese that actually melts. Enough said.

Kite Hill - Their ricotta tastes as close to real ricotta as you’re going to get. The brand also makes vegan dips that are gone in one sitting. Whoops but also thank you, Kite Hill.

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I would encourage you to make your own meat-like alternatives, “milk” beverages, and plant-based cheeses to feel your best and live the healthiest life. The food brands listed above have all been processed, which can add unnecessary calories and provide less nutrients than whole foods (whole foods are generally those that remain close to their state in nature). The reason I’m recommending them is because they can make the transition to a fully plant-based diet much more seamless. One of my favorite activities is going to farmers markets which supports local businesses, allows you to eat more seasonally, and gives you visibility into where your food is coming from - a win for you, and a win for our planet.

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There are, of course, hundreds of more ways to help our planet, and we have a lot to learn still - these are just of few of the brands and resources I love.

Happy Earth Day, every day!