What is a vegan? A vegan is someone who does not eat or use animal products. This includes eating dairy products, eggs, or uses products tested on animals. While some choose to go vegan for the health benefits, others choose to go vegan for ethical reasons. Among these is Leah Polvinale, a senior with a double major in Environmental Science and English and a biology minor. I was able to interview her and learn about her recent decision to make such a drastic change to her diet.
Q: I know your change to become vegan was recent, how long have you been completely vegan?
A: I have been vegan three and a half weeks.
Q: So, what caused your initial decision to become vegan?
A: Well, I’m taking environmental geology this semester and I was also talking with friends and I decided now I’m aware of the harm the meat industry I don’t want to be a part of it.
Q: Poor treatment of animals is part of becoming vegan, what other factors played into this?
A: I wanted to create as small a carbon footprint as possible, and if you add up all the small bits it makes a big impact.
Q: Why vegan and not just vegetarian?
A: The egg and dairy industry is just as harmful on the environment as the meat industry and just treats animals just as bad.
Q: What non-vegan food have you missed the most?
A: Probably pizza, but it's not worth breaking my veganism for it.
Q: What is the hardest animal product to avoid?
A: Milk.
Q: How difficult is it to be a vegan living on campus in college?
A: Extremely difficult, I don’t know what to eat. I’m pretty much limited to salads and junk food.
Q: Where do you get most of your vegan food? Are there any good local places?
A: The Lexington Co-Op, it has a great variety and most of it is really affordable.
Q: What advice do you have for people considering changing to a vegan diet?
A: Don’t start as vegan, start out as a vegetarian and ease into going vegan. Also, read labels very carefully. You would be surprised at what animal products can be found in.
Q: OK, last question for you: What has been something vegan that is surprisingly delicious?
A: Lentils and Quinoa is amazing.
