Tag: animal rights

Joaquin Phoenix’s journey into veganism [Blog #14]

Joaquin Phoenix’s journey into veganism is a powerful story of compassion, environmental awareness, and personal conviction.

Joaquin Phoenix, known for his roles in films like “Walk the Line” and “Joker,” has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry and as a passionate advocate for animal rights. His journey towards veganism started at a young age, and his commitment to the cause has only grown stronger over the years.

Phoenix’s vegan journey began when he was just three years old. While traveling with his family on a cargo ship from Venezuela to Miami, he and his siblings witnessed fish being “killed brutally.” This experience left a lasting impression on the young actor, and he decided to stop eating meat. In a 2018 interview with Collider, Phoenix recalled the event that led him to veganism: “Really it was seeing these fish being killed when I was on a boat as a kid. I guess to stun them they were throwing them against the side of the boat. It wasn’t just me, it was my siblings, all of my siblings, except for the youngest, Summer, she wasn’t born. I just thought it was such a gross abuse of power in a way.”

Since then, Phoenix has been a vocal advocate for animal rights and veganism. He has narrated the 2005 documentary “Earthlings,” which has been credited with helping many people make the move to veganism. He has also been involved with Mercy For Animals, an organization that works to prevent cruelty to farmed animals.

Phoenix’s commitment to veganism extends beyond his personal life. He has used his platform to raise awareness about the treatment of animals in the food industry. In his 2020 Oscars acceptance speech, he spoke about the cruelty of the dairy industry and encouraged people to consider the impact of their food choices on animals and the environment.

Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar speech condemning the dairy industry was as follows:

“We go to the natural world and we plunder it for its resources. We feel entitled to artificially inseminate a cow and when she gives birth, we steal her baby, even though her cries of anguish are unmistakable. And then we take her milk that’s intended for her calf and we put it in our coffee and our cereal. And I think we fear the idea of personal change because we think we need to sacrifice something; to give something up. But human beings at our best are so creative and inventive, and we can create, develop, and implement systems of change that are beneficial to all sentient beings and the environment. I have been a scoundrel all my life, I’ve been selfish. I’ve been cruel at times, and hard to work with, and I’m grateful that so many of you in this room have given me a second chance. And I think that’s when we’re at our best: when we support each other. Not when we cancel each other out for our past mistakes, but when we help each other to grow. When we educate each other; when we guide each other toward redemption. That is the best of humanity.”

He also played a significant role in ensuring that the entire menu of the 2020 Golden Globes was plant-based.

In addition to his advocacy work, Phoenix has also been recognized for his contributions to the vegan community. He was featured in the summer 2016 edition of Compassionate Living magazine and was the narrator of the documentary “The Animal People.” He is also an executive producer of “What the Health,” a documentary about the impact of animal products on human health.

Phoenix’s dedication to veganism and animal rights has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, the Los Angeles Animal Save released a documentary called “INDIGO” featuring Phoenix and his rescue of a dairy cow and her calf from a slaughterhouse. The documentary highlights Phoenix’s commitment to ending animal suffering and his belief in the power of compassion.

Joaquin Phoenix’s journey to veganism is a testament to the power of personal experience and the impact that one person can have on the world. His advocacy work has inspired many to consider the ethical implications of their food choices and to make more compassionate decisions. As he once said, “It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.”



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20 Vegan Celebrities and Their Plant-Based Journeys [Blog #11]

Natalie Portman’s story of veganism is one of evolution and a growing awareness of the impact of our choices. Here’s how her journey unfolded:

  • Early Start: At just nine years old, Portman witnessed a disturbing medical procedure performed on a chicken. This experience sparked a lifelong commitment to vegetarianism, a significant step towards a plant-based lifestyle.
  • A Book as a Catalyst: Years later, in 2011, after reading the book “Eating Animals” by Jonathan Safran Foer, Portman decided to take the next step and become vegan. The book explores the ethical and environmental implications of animal agriculture, resonating deeply with her existing values.
  • Compassion and Sustainability: Portman’s veganism is driven by both compassion for animals and environmental concerns. Factory farming practices have a significant ecological impact, and veganism allows her to reduce her environmental footprint.
  • Beyond Diet: Portman’s commitment extends beyond just food choices. She is known for her ethical fashion choices, opting for cruelty-free clothing and accessories. This holistic approach reflects her dedication to a cruelty-free lifestyle.
  • Using Her Platform: As a renowned actress, Portman uses her influence to promote veganism. She has narrated and produced the documentary “Eating Animals,” a film that sheds light on the realities of animal agriculture. Additionally, she champions vegan businesses and inspires others to explore plant-based living.

Natalie Portman’s journey resonates because it reflects a thoughtful and informed transition. She is not just a celebrity following a fad, but a passionate advocate who inspires others to consider the ethical and environmental implications of their choices. Her story highlights the accessibility of veganism, showing that it can be a fulfilling way to live for people from all walks of life.

If Natalie’s story inspired you, here are 20 celebrities including Natalie who are vegan, along with an approximate timeframe of how long they’ve been following a plant-based diet:

  1. Joaquin Phoenix (45+ years): One of the longest-term vegans on this list, Joaquin Phoenix has been vocal about his veganism since childhood.
  2. Woody Harrelson (30+ years): A strong advocate for environmental and animal rights, Woody Harrelson is known for influencing those around him to go vegan as well.
  3. Mayim Bialik (Since childhood): Actress Mayim Bialik has been vegan for most of her life and raised her sons on a plant-based diet.
  4. Natalie Portman (15+ years): A longtime vegan, Natalie Portman is known for her ethical choices in fashion and lifestyle.
  5. Lizzo (4 years): After following a vegetarian diet for many years, singer Lizzo transitioned to veganism in 2020.
  6. Lewis Hamilton (5+ years): Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton credits his plant-based diet for his peak physical performance and environmental concerns.
  7. Venus Williams (10+ years): Tennis legend Venus Williams credits her vegan diet for her longevity and overall health in the sport.
  8. Ellen Pompeo (15+ years): Actress Ellen Pompeo credits her plant-based lifestyle for her energy levels and overall health.
  9. Keadilan Bryant (6 years): Baseball player Keadilan Bryant went vegan after watching a documentary about animal agriculture and credits it for his improved athletic performance.
  10. Sia (Many years): A vocal advocate for animal rights, singer Sia has been vegan for a significant amount of time.
  11. Ricky Gervais (Many years): Comedian Ricky Gervais is a strong advocate for animal rights and has been vegan for a long time.
  12. Al Gore (10+ years): Former Vice President Al Gore believes a plant-based diet is crucial for environmental sustainability.
  13. Olivia Wilde (Several years): Actress Olivia Wilde has spoken about the health benefits she’s experienced since adopting a plant-based diet.
  14. Jillian Michaels (Mostly vegan): Celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels promotes a healthy lifestyle that incorporates a mostly plant-based diet.
  15. Billie Eilish (10 years): Pop star Billie Eilish cites animal welfare and environmental concerns as her reasons for going vegan at a young age.
  16. Liam Hemsworth (Several years): Actor Liam Hemsworth reportedly adopted a plant-based diet after working with Woody Harrelson.
  17. Ariana Grande (10 years): Pop singer Ariana Grande is a passionate animal lover who has been vegan since 2013.
  18. Travis Barker (6 years): Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker credits his vegan diet for his recovery and improved health after a health scare.
  19. Casey Affleck (Over a decade): Actor Casey Affleck is a strong advocate for animal rights and has been vegan for over ten years.
  20. Thandiwe Newton (Over a decade): Actress Thandiwe Newton is a vegan who believes plant-based eating is a better choice for the planet.



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Replacement omega 3 pills for vegans:

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https://amzn.to/3yMcENn

B12 Supplements for vegans:

https://amzn.to/4aRcguj