The Plaid Zebra
The Plaid Zebra
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The Plaid Zebra is an alternative news and entertainment website for the curious and inquiring focusing on the independent lifestyle. Broadening the horizons of possible lifestyle choices.

If you’re a liar you probably have higher self-esteem and more friends

BY: PHILIPPE DE JOCAS  In Carlo Collodi’s classic children’s book Pinocchio, the eponymous puppet finds himself caught in an awkward predicament: trying to explain to the Blue Fairy how he got captured while simultaneously trying to absolve himself of guilt.…

Floor plans for your tiny house on wheels (photos)

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of the tiny house movement is mobility. Many tiny homes can be built on a trailer, which allows for easy transportation from one place to another. A tiny house on wheels allows those…

Road tripping around the world: The most affordable countries

What could be more relaxing than to hit the open road whilst soaking up the different sights and sounds that each country has to offer? More and more people are looking to embrace the mantra of ‘it’s the journey that…

Vegetarian bodybuilding: 5 things to consider before getting started

I remember going to the gym on my first year of university. The basement (because that is what it was) hidden in a small building at the edge of campus had a narrow set of stairs that would take you…

10 things everyone learns on their first backpacking trip

The decision to fill up a backpack and travel the world has the ability to change your life. Every single place you go and every single person you meet along your journey will impact your life in ways you may…

Study shows that having a dog can protect your child from allergies and obesity

BY: DUSTIN BATTY Dogs have long been considered “man’s best friend,” the best non-human companion that any human could ask for. Indeed, animal studies scholar Donna Haraway describes the intricacies of the human-dog relationship in her Companion Species Manifesto, explaining…

This is what happens to your brain during a panic attack

BY: NADIA ZAIDI I used to be one of those people who thought panic attacks were over-dramatized for the sake of attention seeking. I know how horrible that sounds, but admittedly it was a reflection of my ignorance on anxiety…

This tiny house B&B encourages you to explore the traditional land of the Esk’etemc people

BY: DUSTIN BATTY One of the most inspiring aspects of the tiny house movement is the sense of community and helpfulness that it promotes. Tiny house builders and residents are often willing to provide advice for others who want to…

Cruelty-free shoes: should you be buying them?

It is awkward to admit that as I write this I feel the glare of a hundred vegan eyes judging me through the computer screen. The truth is, I am a vegetarian that owns a leather pair of shoes and…

Camping: 5 ways to make it an eco-friendly camping trip

BY: SAMANTHA TAPP Summer is upon us, which means so is camping. If you’re an expert camper or it’s your first time, camping is one of the best parts of summertime. Pitching a tent, sleeping in a sleeping bag, swimming,…

Smoke pot? Researchers looking for 25,000 recreational cannabis users for study

BY: JARED BEAUBIEN-TAYLOR Researchers are looking for 25,000 participants to take part in a recreational marijuana study. It aims to study the effects of pot on long-term recreational users. Berlin’s Research initiative on Cannabis Consumption submitted the “Scientific Study on…

Polyamory could revolutionize the way we look at relationships

BY: ELIJAH BASSETT For most people, discussions of the ideal romance might center around the idea of “the one”. Your other half, the person with whom you have a bond that you couldn’t possibly share with anyone else. But in…

Pros and cons of camping without a tent

Summer’s just about here. As the days grow longer, the weather grows warmer, and the nights grow less chilly, outdoorsmen and women are heading back out into the wilderness to take in the sights, sounds, and (sometimes) smells of a…

What to look for when booking the perfect hostel

Booking the perfect hostel can seem an impossible task with all the endless options. Nothing beats experience when it comes to getting it just right but for those new to #HostelLife these are the key specifications to look for. Price This…

Is it easier for vegetarians and vegans to lose weight?

It seems to me that people are trying to lose weight in more ways than ever. Whether it’s with strict dieting, subscription meal plans, surgery, or even checking out a sexy butt on instagram to stay motivated – there are…

9 foods that improve your mental health

What you put in your body doesn’t just affect your physical health but also your mental health. Certain nutrients and minerals like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and tryptophan have significant effects on the neurotransmitters that affect our mood and…

Luxury trends are shifting as people become more self-aware and eco-conscious 

BY: JAMES HALE  Luxury. It’s a phrase that, for many, conjures images of extravagance: Growling sports cars, champagne in hot tubs, caviar, and priceless jewelry all spring to mind. For centuries, the basic concept of what luxury is has remained…

How a group of women are increasing access to education in Nicaragua

BY: ADAM THRUSH A new social initiative has launched in Nicaragua that focuses on the organization of communal spaces for the purpose of hosting makeshift libraries in rural Nicaraguan villages. ‘Barriotecas’ (literally translated to ‘neighbourhood libraries’) simply aims to provide…

5 ways disconnecting improves your mental health

A millennial needs their smartphone the same way a hat needs a head. A whopping 86% of Americans aged 18-29 own a smartphone while over 68% of the general populace also do according to the PEW Research Center. Head down, ear phones on…

Sustainable tourism: How to create a positive impact while travelling

Tourism industry is flourishing now more than ever. With industries and brands expanding worldwide, and the aviation industry making it possible for us to travel around the world in the blink of an eye, the world almost seems to fit…