Kathy Freston, Vegan Author of The Lean
Me: What is your reaction to the explosion of the Vegan Movement?
Kathy: You mean aside from occasionally dancing a spontaneous little jig and howling with joy?! Ok, clearly I’m thrilled that people are moving away from eating animals and toward eating fabulous plant based food. It’s funny, but I still get shocked from time to time when I see baby back ribs or suckling pig or veal on a menu; I think “really?! Babies sound yummy?” I forget sometimes how far we have to go. So my reaction is mixed: I’m thrilled to see the forward movement, but I also get a impatient. I have to remember that it’s all about leaning in, both culturally and individually.
Me: I’ve been following you for a while and remember in your book you advocate eating 2 percent animal ingredients when dining out. Can you elaborate?
Me: What is your best EARTHDAY tip for Vegan AND Omnivores?
Kathy:
For omnivores: Go without meat for at least a day; look what you save by doing that:
● 1.5 billion pounds of crops otherwise fed to livestock, enough to feed the state of New Mexico for more than a year;
● 70 million gallons of gas–enough to fuel all the cars of Canada and Mexico combined with plenty to spare;
● 3 million acres of land, an area more than twice the size of Delaware;
● 33 tons of antibiotics.
Me: You seem to be everywhere, what projects can we look forward to from Kathy Freston!?
Kathy: I’m not sure what’s next! I’m loving OpenSky because I can track down amazing products – food, clothing, and accessories – that are super delish and conscientious. I love nothing more than finding fabulous swaps for things that traditionally were animal based. The idea that we don’t need to sacrifice our ethics to have great fashion or excellent taste makes my heart soar!
Me: What is your advice to someone like me, who is trying to bridge the divide between “the Meaties and the Meatless”?
Kathy: Here’s what I would say, in the words of Voltaire: The perfect is the enemy of the good. Keep pushing forward, but remain flexible. Be kind and search for common ground, and in that place, everything is possible!
And don’t forget to celebrate Earth Day with me at Green Fest this weekend at the Javits Center in New York City or just follow my adventure here online 
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Just be sure to leave a message below letting me know! (open to US residents only, so sorry!) A winner will be chosen on Tuesday April 24th, 6pm PST.
