In 1974 I was 16, when recognizing that animal agriculture and industrial fishing was killing this earth, I stopped eating animals. In 1993 I went vegan. I have done my best to fashion my life to honor this majestic earth and minimize any harm I might cause. I've been a birder for most of my life, and a birding guide and educator in a zoo for many years. I've learned the true wealth and source of joy is wonder. It costs nothing more than being a friend to all living beings, educating ourselves and walking or swimming mindfully in nature.

Although I am far from perfect, I have always wanted to live simply and tread lightly in order to lessen my impact on nonhuman animals and the Earth. I don't have children and hope this might give other species a little more breathing room. In addition, I try to eat a predominantly vegan/vegetarian diet and spend time advocating for other animals. These days, I buy very little and purchase almost all of my clothes second-hand. I am privileged enough to live without a mortgage and am attempting to opt out of our capitalist system as much as possible.