Explainer
What Veganism Is, Why It Matters and How to Eat Plant-Based
A primer on the what, whys and hows of veganism.
Diet•10 min read
Seth Millstein
Seth Millstein is a writer and musician living in the Bay Area. He has helped launch several early-stage journalism startups, including Bustle and Timeline, and his work has been published in Bustle, Huffington Post, The Daily Dot and elsewhere.
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Seth Millstein's Posts
Explainer
How Much Protein You Need to Be Healthy, Explained
The answer depends on your age and situation, but in general, most people are worried about the wrong nutrient.
Diet•10 min read
Explainer
Conditions for Chickens in Battery Cages Are More Sadistic Than Most People Realize
You probably knew chickens in battery cages are crammed in tight — but did you know about the neverending light and reproductive control?
Food•11 min read
Explainer
Why Coconut Milk Isn’t the Most Ethical Plant-Based Milk
The plant-based milk might be more environmentally friendly than dairy — but that doesn’t make it automatically ethical.
Food•8 min read
Explainer
Plant-Based School Lunches Are in Demand — but Big Dairy Is Still Prioritized Above Student Health
Students of color are likely to be lactose intolerant — yet dairy-free options in schools are still the exception to the rule.
Nutrition•11 min read
Explainer
The Top Pork Producer in the U.S. Is Owned by China, but Harming Local Communities
Here’s what you need to know about the pork industry in the United States.
Food•7 min read
Explainer
What a Plant-Based Diet Is — and Isn’t — Explained
A plant-based diet isn’t the same thing as being vegan. Here’s how it differs.
Health•10 min read
Explainer
Mangroves Fight Climate Change, but Shrimp Farming Threatens Them
On a per capita basis, mangroves capture four times more carbon than the Amazon.
Climate•8 min read
Explainer
Do Plants Feel Pain? No, and Here’s How Scientists Know
It’s a question people love to throw at vegans and vegetarians — so here’s a thorough explanation.
Science•6 min read
Explainer
Amazon Deforestation Is Falling Under Brazil’s New President — but Is It Too Late?
Lula is much, much better for the environment. But can he reverse Bolsonaro’s damage?
Climate•9 min read
Explainer
The Best & Worst Protein Sources for the Environment, Explained
Most people know beef is bad for the climate. But how does tofu compare to other plant proteins, like almonds or hemp?
Climate•10 min read
Explainer
The Best & Worst Milks for the Environment, Decoded
From dairy to soy to oat to almond, these are the milks with the highest and lowest carbon footprints.
Climate•8 min read
Explainer
If Factory Farming Ended, What Would Happen to All the Animals?
It might be a faraway scenario — but it’s one worth examining.
Food•10 min read
Explainer
Animal Testing for Cosmetics Is Still (Unnecessarily) Common
More humane and effective techniques abound, but many brands remain stuck in arcane ways.
Health•9 min read
Explainer
How To Explain Lab-Grown Meat Simply (For People Who Aren’t Scientists)
The most common questions about cultivated meat, answered in plain English.
Food•11 min read
Explainer
Fish Feel Pain, Science Shows — But Humans Are Reluctant To Believe It
The research that fish feel pain, explained.
Science•9 min read
Explainer
Cows Play and Have Best Friends — But Are Rarely Given the Chance
When it comes to cows’ feelings and preferences, humans can find plenty to relate to.
Science•9 min read
Explainer
Why Going Plant-Based Makes a Good New Year’s Resolution
How one switch addresses both personal and environmental health.
Diet•6 min read
Explainer
Lobsters Feel Pain When Boiled Alive, and Here’s How Science Knows
The sentience of lobsters is being recognized by scientists — with ramifications for the culinary industry.
Science•8 min read
Explainer
Chickens Are Smart and Have Feelings, Contrary to ‘Bird Brain’ Stereotypes
Contrary to stereotypes, the science proves chickens are intelligent animals who suffer.
Science•10 min read
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