Curiosity, Compassion & the Future of Living
Curiosity, Compassion & the Future
Beyond the Label: A Month for Curiosity and Compassion
November always feels special to me. After nearly a decade dedicated to veganism, I've learned that World Vegan Month is not just a celebration of a movement but a chance to invite more people into understanding this lifestyle.
Guest-edited by Sara Bessa (@veganeabessa) for the November 2025 print edition.
This is VegOut Magazine's first online edition under Brown Brothers Media, and as the invited Editor for this feature, I'm excited to share what we've built. Our mission is rooted in authentic journalism, credible storytelling, and mindful exploration of what it means to live more consciously. In this issue, you'll find a deep dive into the emotional infrastructures that keep activists from burning out, a fascinating look at how veganism emerged as a radical break in human thinking, and some uncomfortable truths about what "clean beauty" really means. We're also spotlighting the community organizers and independent businesses creating real alternatives.
Curiosity and compassion are the foundation of every section in this edition. Whether we're examining the hidden costs of our consumption or celebrating the people doing the work to change things, we're approaching each story with both critical thinking and care.
I hope you enjoy the four recipes I shared for this edition and that you'll join the conversation - your insights could shape our upcoming features. Share your stories of everyday activism, your discoveries of businesses that truly care and let us know how you're going beyond the label in your own life.
7 features
What Does Their Consciousness Feel Like?
The scientist paused the footage. On screen, an octopus named Heidi shifted through a cascade of colors—ochre to burgundy to pearl—while apparently asleep. "If she is dreaming, this is a dramatic moment," said David Scheel, the Alaska Pacific University marine biologist studying her.
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Lifestyle & OpinionWhen Activism Turns Gentle: The Infrastructure of Kindness
When did caring about the world start to feel like drowning?
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Health & WellnessThe Hidden World Within: How Modern Life Shapes Your Microbiome
The old ten-to-one claim is wrong: current estimates put bacterial and human cells in roughly the same numerical range. The microbiome matters, but it cannot read your biography,…
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Sustainability & PlanetI Live in the World's Greenest City
Living in Singapore means seeing how deliberately a dense city can build nature into daily life, and how quickly the phrase 'greenest city' becomes more complicated when you…
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Fashion & BeautyWhat Your Beauty Routine Says About You (and the Planet)
Your beauty shelf tells a story. Make it one that cares for you and the planet.
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Top 5Top 5 This Month
If you're looking for a plant milk that feels intentionally crafted rather than mass-produced, Edenesque is worth knowing.
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RecipesSeasonal Recipes — November
Four Brazilian recipes for the November issue: pão de queijo, brigadeiro, a nori-crusted tofu filet, and split pea burgers.
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- 5 in-depth articles
- Insights across Lifestyle, Wellness, Sustainability & Beauty
- Our Editor's Monthly Picks
- 4 exclusive Vegan Recipes