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Animal Rights/A Good Reply When Asked "Why Veganism?"

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Expert: - 3/16/2010


Question
Hi Tina! I've been a vegan since 2007 and vegetarian since 1973. Can you help me come up with a concise 30 second ("elevator speech") answer to the question "why are you a vegan?" asked by many people. I'd like to be able to articulate my feelings about my reverence for life and how a plant-based diet is good for your health AND the planet, but without mind-boggling stats for them to calculate and get distracted with. Thank you, Carl from www.cpvegan.blogspot.com

Answer
Hi Carl -

Congratulations on your intelligent decision to go vegan!  

This is a tough one - we want to set a good example, and not push, but your reasons and mine are probably different.  I am only vegan because I am so overwhelmed with sadness at what happens with animals raised for food I couldn't possibly partake.... your answer may be different, however, my thoughts are - keep it personal- only about yourself when you answer, and short.  If they want to know more, they'll ask.  

If someone asks me - I generally state, "because I love ALL animals enough to not eat them"... and leave it there.  Most people will ask further, some will run as fast as they can... but I left them with dignity and planted a seed :)

Good luck, hope this helps!

Tina

Animal Rights

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Tina Volpe

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions about animals raised for food... and the horrifying truths of the abuse and torture these animals endure. Also, about the health ramifications of eating animals or their products, i.e. heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and a host of other diseases linked to our diets. Any questions on existing on a plant based diet, solely, raw diet and the health benefits.

Experience

Author of the book “The Fast Food Craze, Wreaking Havoc on Our Bodies and Our Animals” and co-author of the new book, "The Missing Peace, The Hidden Power of our Kinship with Animals". Health researcher, 34 year vegetarian, speaker, educator/consultant, television guest appearing all over the country, radio host of the top rated show “Wake Up America” on GlobalTalk Radio, and published columnist. Now affiliated with PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) as a "Heart Health" speaker, and SPEAK, as a Humane Educator.

Organizations
Mercy for Animals, Compassion over Killing, Friends of Animals, PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) Farm Sanctuary, Animal Acres, Catskill Animal Sanctuary.

Publications
LA Life Magazine, Personal Excellence Magazine, and several other misc. publications.

Education/Credentials
See above

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