by Erica Settino • Huntington, NY

In response to the President's choice to withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement last week, I'd like to share some very wise words and sentiments: 

"How wonderful that at this very moment, everyone has the power to make the world a better place. We don't have to wait to grow older, for laws to change, or Presidents to be elected. We can begin right now." -- Ruby Roth, "Vegan Is Love" 

Each day a person who eats a vegan diet saves the life of one animal, 1,100 gallons of water, 45 pounds of grain, 30 square feet of forests, 20 pounds of CO2. 

While I would much prefer that we as a nation were still a part of the Paris Climate Agreement, I take great comfort in knowing that my choice to live each day as a conscious and conscientious vegan goes a very long way. The benefits of which are multiplied by every other person who makes this choice with me. The power is ours. Like Roth so astutely says, we don't have to wait for anyone or anything. We can begin right now. And damn it, we'd better. #vegannotforsomebutforall

Erica Settino is the Editor at- large of Creations Magazine, published writer and long-time yoga teacher and activist. More information about Erica and her work can be found at Karuna For Animals: Compassion In Action, Inc., and ericasettino.com.