Karin Ridgers is the director at www.veggievision.tv - the proud media partner of VegFest- so we caught up with her to ask her about the year's biggest vegan festival and how veganism fits into both her personal and professional life.
Karin Ridgers
When and why did you decide to become a vegan?
Well like many people I went vegetarian first and the more I learnt about the cruelty in the dairy industry I knew I had to be vegan. And you know Lucy - I was scared! I love cheese and I love chocolate - how was I going to live without them? Now this was over 15 years ago and the choice then was much more limited than what it is now! Now there is everything vegan - from vegan "mars" and vegan "snickers" to an amazing amount of dairy free cheeses and more. I actually tricked my husband - I bought dairy free versions of everything and he didn't even realise until after 3 weeks!
There really is nothing to be scared of - it is an exciting and brilliant adventure. A whole new world of cruelty free food opens up before you and there is no downside to being vegan at all!
Please tell us about the easiest and hardest parts of making the change.
The hardest part was the belief that I can do it as when I say I will do something- I do it. There is no turning back! And I was worried that I couldn't do it. However- I read somewhere that great leaders make decisions and stick with them and once I made the decision any non-vegan foods were not even part of my awareness. I don't see them as food so they are no longer a temptation.
For me, the easiest thing is being vegan. I love it so much it has become a core part of my life and my highest value. Being vegan has helped me work with the most amazing people, got me into events, restaurant reviews, meeting celebrities - it has given me confidence, helped me look and feel great and needless to say I love the fact that no animals suffer or die for my plate and I love this!
For us here in the UK it is easy - on a lower budget- beans, pasta, market fruit and veg are affordable. And we also have an abundance of "superfoods" and more luxury items that are vegan friendly too.
Why do you think veganism is on the rise- even among people who swore they would always eat meat?
We love animals in the UK and with the rise of social media and the internet we can see the terrible conditions animals are kept in and even how they are killed. We all hate this. It is heart-breaking. Before going veggie I didn't even think about how an animal was killed and I was in my 20's. There is so much more awareness and younger people seem to care so much more about the planet too.
They are growing up knowing about climate change and they are passionate about things that we were not aware like recycling and not using plastic carrier bags.
A vegan way of eating is so much better for the planet. It uses much less water and has a much lower carbon footprint.
And not to mention that eating a varied vegan diet is proven to be healthier. It lowers heart disease, cancers, stoke. Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline state - meat, dairy as well as smoking and drinking alcohol are acid forming. A vegan diet is alkaline.
It is also heart-breaking to know that we feed cows (and other animals) just to be slaughtered. I would rather just feed people. We could feed the world on a vegan diet.
Please tell us about VegFestUK- why is this an important part of a vegan's year and how can it benefit a non-vegan?
What a great question! It really is a super part of a vegan's life now. We are all learning and there are so many amazing talks from people all over the world. Knowledge is power and we bring you the best people to learn from and meet.
You are safe to eat anything, drink anything, try out new products and buy anything too. Everything is vegan friendly. It's amazing! People come along for brunch, a late lunch then even dinner and snacks! Food from around the world that it hard to find anywhere else.
There are lots of activities for kids and depending on what festival- there is music, comedy, debates - and even sometimes speed dating (that I run!)
Even though it's a chance for fellow vegans to enjoy themselves it isn't just a festival for vegans.
We love super vegetarians coming along - they can see the abundance of non-dairy products and we hope that they are excited, and impressed and may like to take that next small step and ditch the dairy!
We have lots of non-veggies at the event too. Many are curious, many just would like a great day out, some are there to find out more for friends and family members and some come along with vegan friends too.
The feedback we get is amazing and everyone is welcome no matter what you eat!
What can people expect from the festival?
A great atmosphere and to be prepared to stay all day. Look at the programme beforehand and plan what you would like to go to and get there early. Be prepared for it to be busy! However- take your time, enjoy and stay for the weekend!
Please tell us about Veggie Vision for those who haven't accessed it yet?
Sure thanks for asking! VeggieVision TV is my answer to the fact that there are no veggie TV programmes on TV…yet! It is run for love and we have people filming for us from all over the world. We show short film clips that are all connected with the vegan message - recipes, reviews, celebrities and we have some very exciting things in the pipeline.
Attached to the site is a dating site too where fellow vegans and vegetarians can connect.
What vegan dish can you not live without?
Well it doesn't involve cooking so much -but my smoothies! I couldn't live without my daily green smoothie! It is typically alkalised water, organic banana, spinach, some green powders, coconut oil, and hemp seeds. It is so delicious, so green and a super way to start the day. Much better than a piece of toast!
What is your latest vegan food discovery?
It has to be matcha tea…. I am still looking into it. I have drunk some this morning and I'm just buzzing!
Which resources would you advise people to read/ watch in order to find out about animal cruelty?
There are some great films to watch - everyone talks about Earthlings although I have only watched the first 3 minutes. It is powerful and life changing. My friend Kirly Sue and I had a film screening of Vegucated and this is brilliant.
Of course come to the Vegfest - we have Brighton, Bristol. London and Glasgow.
Viva! , The Vegan Society, Veganuary and of course VeggieVision TV are super to check out too.
Find us all on social media!
What is next for you?
Well for us at VegfestUK it is bringing more to the festivals such as our pro intersectional conference in London:
http://london.vegfest.co.uk/intersectional
For me at VeggieVision TV we are stepping things up and taking VV TV to the next level…….. watch this space!
And for me today….. I am drinking a pint of green smoothie, doing a circuit class, filming a vlog, coaching several journalists to be vegan, sending out a media release for a super new PR client, getting back to a lot of media who want to come to VegfestUK London…. And then the most exciting…. Going to the prize giving event with my lovely 10 year old son later tonight!
I can't wait!
http://www.vegfest.co.uk/
www.veggievision.tv
Tagged in Vegan