I am strict conservationist and animal rights activist. My love for nature and animals evolved from my youth when I grew up with cats and dogs and enjoyed building tree houses and hanging out with friends in the woods. Eventually the concept of vegetarianism was introduced to me when I was 21 and I went vegetarian. It took about 18 years (too long) until I finally went vegan and I have embraced the vegan lifestyle ever since then (2008). I work as an Environmental Consultant and enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking, camping, mountain biking, tennis and vegan cooking among other interests.