Tori is a passionate and artistic individual who has combined her love for design with her commitment to veganism, giving birth to the unique venture known as Plant Based Punk Rock.
Tori has been an illustrator for as long as she can remember, but her journey as a vegan began more recently. She often reflects on the fact that if she had known what she knows now, she would have embraced veganism sooner. It was a turning point in her life when she took a course called “Defining Critical Animal Studies” during her final semester of college in January 2017.
Meatless Movement had a chance to chat with her recently.
Please tell us more about yourself, please
I’m a vegan content creator from the New Jersey, USA area. I promote the vegan lifestyle by showing all of the great options we have available to us, as well as create detailed illustrations of all vegan related subjects.
Tell us what made you turn vegetarian or vegan. How long have you been one?
I took a course in college titled “Defining Critical Animal Studies” which changed my life for the better. A few years later I went vegetarian, and then in 2019, I went vegan. I am about to hit my 4 year vegan anniversary.
Any interesting stories during this period?
What caused me to stop eating meat was so simple. I had been out to dinner with my now fiancé and we ordered BBQ chicken wings. In the middle of eating them, I realized I was getting grossed out and suddenly made the animal/meat connection. There was no turning back.
What are some challenges faced in finding vegan/vegetarian food? or eating out with friends, etc. How do you overcome these?
When eating out with friends, I often suggest the restaurant. That way I know what’s on the menu. I usually recommend a non-vegan spot that has a variety of vegan options (because my friends don’t want to go to vegan spots).
How do you feel about being a vegan/vegetarian?
I have never felt better. My relationship with food has changed in a positive way and I feel like I have a purpose towards saving the animals and the planet.
How would you tell someone who’s not yet vegan/vegetarian to try meatless food?
My favorite thing to say is to either try one plant-based meal a week or challenge yourself to try doing a week/month of no meat.
What are some misconceptions about a vegan or vegetarian? How do you explain or educate?
There are many misconceptions about veganism and I always try to be open-minded to hearing people’s arguments so that I know how to go about promoting veganism. A common misconception is that we don’t get enough protein.
To someone who’s just beginning to go meatless, what is your advice?
Don’t give up right away. It will be hard in the beginning, but push through if you have the willpower.
Any closing remarks.
Follow me on Instagram: @plantbasedpunkrock for all of your east coast USA food travels!
Tori | Vegan Food + Art 🌱
Digital creator
🌱 Your guide to vegan food in NJ | NYC | PHL 📍(+🌎)
🍔 Restaurant Reviews + Vegan Trave
Collab 💌 plantbasedpunkrock@gmail.com
Illustrations are mine ©
all images courtesy of Tori | Vegan Food + Art 🌱