My Story

Every day we wake up with a choice. We can choose to believe in ourselves and our actions, or we can choose to change them. A few years ago I woke up, metaphorically and literally. All around me I saw things that were not making me a better person, or the world a better place. And so, my journey began.

I started small. My diet was the easiest thing to adjust as I was a student and the only thing I really bought was food ... and alcohol, of course. I reduced my meat intake to almost zero, and dairy soon followed. I also made the mistake of labelling myself vegan after a month of eating plant-based. This placed me in a box, and replaced my dietary freedom with expectation and judgement.

​While I was 'vegan' I was constantly asked why I chose to live that way. In the beginning I never knew what the right answer was. I was afraid that what I said may offend the person asking me, or make them see me in a negative way. The most common answers I heard other vegans giving were, "for the animals", 'for my health" or "for the earth". I felt that I was under pressure to choose one of the above, even though I felt that I was vegan for all three reasons.

After much thought I decided that of all the reasons to be vegan, "for the earth" seemed to me to be the most important one. I love animals and know that the way we eat them needs to change. I care about my body and want it to be healthy. But, I care about our earth even more. I believe that without a healthy earth, we won't be able to have healthy bodies, and our relationships with animals will not improve.

However, being vegan does not mean that you automatically receive a smaller green footprint. Despite not showing my support for the meat and dairy industry, I found that I supported the single use plastic industry and used non-renewable resources even more. Hummus comes in a plastic container, as does almond milk. Legumes take more electricity to cook and veggies use more water to wash. I was at a crossroads, and new that I needed to find ways to shop smarter, and that avoiding the meat isle does not make my shop much greener.

Today I try shop at zero-packaging shops for groceries, only buy what I need, use beauty products that will not pollute water and buy clothes from shops which locally manufacture sustainable clothing. I actively participate in beach and river clean-ups and pick up litter when I see it on the floor. I have found a happy balance between enjoying modern conveniences without as many environmental consequences. I am always looking to improve, and invite your suggestions and thoughts. My goal is to live a 100% eco-friendly life. I challenge you to join me, and watch the whole world flourish.