This time we are joined by Karenna Love who runs Vegan Green Planet- a website dedicated to vegan recipes, animal advocacy, lifestyle, environment, beauty, and health. As part of our Vegtravelbuddies Interview series, Karenna took time to answer questions about her passion for plant-based foods and as an animal advocate among others.
Q: How long have you been a vegan and what made you decide to make the switch?
Aproximately 9 years. My Girlfriend who worked for PETA asked me to go vegan for her birthday and gave me the book, “Quantum Wellness Cleanse, 21 day vegan Challenge, by Kathy Freston, and I immediately went vegan from vegetarian.
Q: Was there someone who inspired you to make the transition to veganism?
Jannette Patterson
Q: What is the biggest challenge traveling as a vegan? And what is the greatest satisfaction you get from it?
The language barrier. Just being able to see what chefs or other vegan restaurants cuisine around the world is intriguing.
Q: Do you have a list of the most vegan-friendly places you have visited so far?
Turkey, Africa, L.A., N.Y., Portland, Seattle, India
Q: What was the least veg-friendly place you have visited?
Paris, France
Q: What’s the best vegan meal you’ve had so far and where?
That’s difficult to answer, so many! I’d have to say Crossroads Kitchen in L.A. Love their take on seafood being from Florida originally, their shrimp and crab cakes are divine!
Q: What was the hardest place for you to travel as a vegan? What made it hard for you?
Paris, France, the language barrier and their rudeness, albeit this was at least 10 years ago, maybe it has changed by now. I thought my husband said he would practice the French, but when we got there it was apparent he did not. I know the French appreciate it if you have that down. On the good side of France ~
We also rented a castle in the Loire Valley, where I purchased organic produce at the Farmer’s Market and made the most amazing meals, I will never forget the taste of the potatoes! The soil is so rich and different there, just amazing!
Q: Tell us about your advocacy for animals and the planet. What for you would be an effective way to communicate your message as an animal rights and plant-based advocate?
I’ve been an animal rights activist for over 25 years, since I read “Diet for a New America” the book that changed my life, I’ve attended Animal Rights Marches, Protests, but find myself blogging on the internet just as effective for me on my page, Vegan Green Planet, working on my website to make it more up to date also. Speaking to people in the grocery store, leafleting locally, getting the message out whenever possible using a bit of humor since it is a touchy subject. Instagram I share my vegan recipes, so every avenue possible. Shining a light on their darkness is critical.
Q: Can you tell us more about your experiences with other vegan travelers?
The other vegan travelers would be my adult children ages 27, and 21, my other son is 19 and Is vegetarian. What I see with them is they find it hard to ask for instance what kind of broth is in that polenta? But hopefully they will realize it is important to know and not be shy about asking.
Q: How would you describe your website – Vegan Green Planet?
It will soon be in the up and up with current news, currently looking for writers. It is a platform for information on lifestyle, recipes, animals and the environment.
Q: What can vegan or non-vegan travelers learn from it when they visit your site?
Unfortunately did not blog about my journeys especially our recent trip to Africa last summer 2017, I did a little blogging about it on the page, but thanks for reminding me how crucial it is to share!
Q: What have you learned about the animal rights and veganism movement since you started running your site?
I’ve learned that the most change I’ve seen is from the graphic photos or graphic videos, I get so many people telling me that’s it I’m not eating it anymore or consuming dairy products either. I show them by meme, then video, then show them the plant-based alternatives and the animal In a sanctuary. It has a flow like that.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to vegan travelers, what would it be?
Polish up your language by learning French if going to France, it will make a huge difference!
English is spoken almost everywhere but to show them you care, it makes a difference.
Be polite an courteous and don’t be picky about oils, etc. Vegan is already enough.
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Follow Karenna on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Website: www.vegangreenplanet.com
