Traveling Vegan

Lessons learned from my first experience away from home

I was visiting my son Ben at Conserve School in northern Wisconsin.

We stopped at a restaurant on the way up...I picked it because I liked the name  "Shady Sue's"
There was one "vegan friendly" item on the menu ...the dinner side salad.  It certainly made choosing dinner easy.   At least it was a good salad.  ( I did have some of my friend Mary's french fries!)

At Conserve School, it was very easy to eat vegan.  They eat healthy and plant strong in general...there is always a vegan option and an amazing salad bar ( the photo does not do it justice...sorry Scott)

I will be more prepared next time I am on the road.  I will pack snacks...healthy,  fun and easy to get to.   I used to pack snacks all the time when the boys were little...so this is returning to a habit not starting a new one.

 I am paying attention to food in a different way!  I am much more appreciative of healthy, beautifully prepared food.

Traveling Green...or trying

I had a guilty moment over breakfast ( I'm staying at the Crown Plaza in Chicago for a work related training)

I did ask where their meat and eggs came from...and to her credit the waitress was honest....she had no idea.. So, I decided to not get the eggs ....but when my yogurt and berries arrived...I have to admit I felt guilty. (hard to say that fresh berries in the midwest was a sustainable choice :(

Fortunately, I know the research and guilt is not a motivating emotion...so moving on.

Two positives from the trip....

The Crown Plaza has a plain paper bag that they leave in your room for your recyclables...I love this! It is the first time I have seen it ( not that I stay in hotels that often)

And the training is at Catalyst Ranch which bills itself as the most eco-friendly training site in Chicago. The food is amazing and when I asked the staff where it was from...they knew and have made a very intentional effort to buy local. They recycle everything...and the decor ( as you can see from the photos) is Chic Garage Sale. It is a fun and funky place.

We're off!

Yesterday was the first day of No Car/Low Car Challenge!

My son Ben rode to school for the first time...with his friend Micah.

I heard from several families who walked and rode..to school, to work, to Walgreens, to the
library. Obviously a little friendly neighborhood competition has inspired us to get moving. We are off to a great start!

I also know several readers, who are not able to participate in the full challenge but are trying to find at least one "travel action" they can take. My colleague Jill didn't renew her parking space and is now taking the bus to work on a regular basis. Go Jill!!