Happy Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Waste-Free (1.065 kg!) Birthday! <3

by Burcu Yavuz

Happy Birthday Ethan Howley, Min Long , Sri Mohana Rangan!

Today is an important milestone in our efforts towards keeping a tradition of sustainable celebration. Carole managed to get us a cake that was free of animal products, as well as free of wheat and soy — two increasingly common allergens (huge shout out to Red Apron Bakery in Tempe who provided a 2nd yummy cake for our monthly celebrations!). We have decided to continue that tradition so that everyone can participate in singing a full chorus of happy birthday. ❤

Some important points:

(1) NO NEW (VIRGIN) PLASTIC RESIN was needed to celebrate today

  • no plastic containers of any kind!
  • re-used old plastic forks

(2) Only PLANT-based products!

  • paper for plates
  • paper for cake box
  • paper for napkins
  • the cake
    • gluten-free all purpose flour
    • baking powder
    • baking soda
    • cinnamon
    • nutmeg
    • salt
    • apple sauce
    • almond milk
    • vanilla
    • coconut oil
    • carrots
    • frosting — lots of sugar!

(3) Minimal waste!

  • we COMPOSTED all of our organic waste ( 618g, 58% by mass)
  • recycled the only other waste which as PAPER — (445g, 42% by mass)

(4) 5-10 paper plates were used and unfortunately thrown into municipal solid waste.

Ongoing, Carole and I will buy reusable materials for our celebration!  Thanks so much everyone.