Sidecar for Pigs Peace
More and more Seattleites, with a gradual increase, are living greener lifestyles. Some Seattleites are even taking a step further by adopting “conscious” eating habits; meaning they aren’t eating as much, or if any, meat. They are either cutting their meat intake in half, becoming vegetarian, and even becoming vegan!
While on the hunt to find the best green establishments in Seattle, I came across a gem called “Sidecar for Pigs Peace”. Sidecar is a self-sustaining non-profit all vegan boutique nestled on the north side of the U-district. Not only does it promote healthy green living, it is owned by Pig’s Peace Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a home for rescued factory farmed pigs that once terribly abused, now find comfort and love in their sanctuary.
The store has a very welcoming feeling and attitude about it. It doesn’t discriminate if their customers are meat eaters or non-meat eaters. In fact, many omnivores shop at Sidecar because they want to shop locally, prefer to support a non-profit with a positive mission, or just like the selection of products. It seems as though they get curious passer-bys all the time. I admired how Sidecar did not proselytize, but gladly answered questions about veganism.
The store offers everything from cinnamon pecan vegan marshmallows, to environmentally friendly handbags and wallets, to tasty vegan food; they even carry several brands of vegan pet food and treats!
I know the benefits of a vegan diet for humans but had never heard of pets being “conscious” eaters too! We asked the store manager, Doh, one question that I’m sure she gets questioned daily, “Pets can be on a vegan diet? What are the health benefits?”
Her answer was “Customers report that their pet's allergies clear up with a switch to vegan food, and others have said their seriously-ill pets' health improved and they lived many years longer than their original prognosis. Many tell us about their companion's continued good health".
Having a pug at home with terrible allergies, I was excited to give the vegan pet food a try!
If you live in the suburbs like me, finding parking in the city is never a treat. I was relived to find that the parking around sidecar was not bad at all. There is plenty of parking near the store.
Sidecar has around 18-20 regular/fill-in volunteers. The store volunteers provide customer service and keep the store stocked and clean. I asked Doh how somebody who wanted to volunteer at Sidecar would get started. She answered “Come in and introduce yourself”. She likes to meet people in person first, so she can discuss the store's needs and schedules. There is also an application for volunteers. Make sure you have references as well.
This is such a wonderful local store that supports a great cause. I love the caring positive people that volunteer here. I also love that it is not for profit and that it is owned by a loving sanctuary that would make even “Wilber” from the movie “Charlette’s Web” want to move in! Please stop by and show some Seattle support.
Sidecar is located at 5270 B University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (206) 523-9060. They are open every day except Monday between 10am to 8pm.
by Codi Ventura, Local Green Circle, July, 2009; Photos courtesy of Pigs Peace Sanctuary and Sidecar.
home
articles