I admire veganism. I even sometimes aspire to veganism, but just can't comprehend giving up two of my favourite things in life: cheese and chocolate. (Not necessarily in that order. Or together.) However, with the launch of Sarah Kramer's new cookbook, Vegan a Go-Go, I just might have new motivation to make the switch.

These days, it's hard for health-conscious people to avoid making the connection between what we eat and what's happening to our environment. Several studies have shown that eating less meat can be one of the "greenest" things a person can do. A study at the University of Chicago found that the most energy efficient diet is veggie-based, considering that meat is the most resource-intensive food on the table, using 10 to 20 times more energy per ton than grain production. (Not all vegetables are created equal, of course, so making the switch to organic and local where possible can also reduce energy consumption, food miles, and exposure to pesticides.)

Named "The World's Coolest Vegan" by Herbivore magazine, Victoria resident Sarah Kramer's cookbook career began with a homemade zine given to friends and family and blossomed into three bestselling vegan cookbooks: How It All Vegan, The Garden of Vegan, and La Dolce Vegan. She's in Toronto on Wednesday to officially launch her newest title, Vegan a Go-Go, a cookbook for vegans on the road, full of easy-to-make recipes and advice for travellers looking for animal-free grub.

Where: Heart On Your Sleeve/Left Feet, 61A Bellevue Ave in Kensington Market
When: Wednesday, October 29, 7-9pm
What: Meet the author, win prizes, eat snacks, and rub shoulders with real-life vegans

Photo from viaveg on Flickr.