Episode description

Every Wednesday on the Hippie Haven podcast, learn how to live harmoniously with yourself, others & the planet. We talk about all things hippie, including eating vegan, reducing your trash, starting an ethical business, eco-activism, gardening, beekeeping, tiny house living, and so much more.

My guest today is Lauren Ornelas. She's the founder and president of the food empowerment project, an organization working to create more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one's food choices. Lauren has been active in the animal rights movement for more than 30 years in cooperation with activists across the country, Lauren persuaded Trader Joe's to stop selling all duck meat and achieved corporate changes within Whole Foods Market, Pier One Imports, and others. Lauren also helped halt the construction of an industrial dairy operation in California, and she served as campaign director with the Silicone Valley Toxics Coalition for six years. Today, Lauren and I are talking about ethical and unethical food practices, environmental racism, the impact our food choices have and so much more.

The Hippie Haven Podcast is hosted by Callee - a zero waste activist & business owner. Formerly a translator for the US Navy, Callee was honorably discharged as a conscientious objector in 2017 following an episode of severe depression & alcoholism fueled by not living in alignment with her core values. That same year, at age 23, she started Bestowed Essentials, a handmade line of eco-friendly beauty & home products that are now stocked in over 100 stores around the US & Canada. Callee began hosting this free podcast in August 2018, as well as speaking at events and teaching educational workshops across the country, as part of her life mission to arm you with the knowledge & tools you need to spark positive change in your community. In December 2019, she opened The Hippie Haven in Rapid City, South Dakota - a zero waste retail store & community space with a little free library - the first of its kind in the state. She’ll be opening a second Hippie Haven in Salem, Oregon in Feb 2021.

Follow along on Instagram - @ahippieinavan & @hippiehavenshop & @bestowedessentials
Shop zero waste home goods at www.hippiehavenshop.com
Read podcast transcripts at www.hippiehavenpodcast.com