On Wednesday, panelists Robert Egger, Gooding, Alicia Robb and Keith Harmon Snow spoke at the Conference on World Affairs’ event entitled “Veganism: We Have to Stop Meating Like This.” As dozens of people filed into the room, seats filled up fast and nearly 20 people sat on the ground to listen to and participate in the panel.

Robert Egger
-”Americans throw away 40 percent of food that is produced.”
-Egger also noted that people, especially younger generations, are starting to become more aware of what they are eating.
-L.A. Kitchen, founded by Egger, is working to create a waste-free kitchen, and he aims to minimize waste.

Gooding
-Gooding described himself as a “cheating vegan.” He is always vegan at home, but on the road, he said, it is sometimes difficult.
-He described how well, physically and emotionally, he felt after adopting a vegan diet.

Alicia Robb
– “I could be a vegan and drive a Hummer around the world a couple times and still have a lower environmental impact than a meat eater.”
– She is a vegetarian who tries to eat mostly vegan, and she hasn’t eaten meat for over 25 years.
– She emphasized buying organic and local.
– She stated that a vegan diet is good for health, for the planet and for the animals.

Keith Harmon Snow
– Snow discussed how items labeled “cruelty-free” by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) only refer to animals being treated humanely. He pointed out that the items do not mention the human slave-labor behind the products and that it is something to be aware of.
– Snow recommended that people raise their own food to minimize their environmental impact.

Contact CU Independent Assistant Breaking News Editor Alyx Saupe at Alyx.saupe@colorado.edu.