A registered charity since 1992, our mission is to change the world by promoting the widespread adoption of plant-based diets. We use evidence-based education to increase awareness of the ways in which choosing a plant-based diet will lead to a healthier, kinder, and more sustainable world.
Vision
We envision a world where open hearts and well-informed minds inspire a global shift to plant-based diets; where we care about the health and vitality of humanity, the wellbeing of animals, and our environment. In choosing a plant-based diet, we have the power to shape a healthier, kinder, and more sustainable world.
History
In the spring of 1989, John Robbins – author of Diet for a New America – spoke to a packed room at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver. Many in attendance responded powerfully to the message that our food choices have massive, global environmental consequences and contribute to a cruel animal farming system.
Following Mr. Robbins’ visit, a passionate group of activists decided to create an organization dedicated to educating the public about the importance of our food choices. Originally named Canada Earthsave Society, and later renamed Earthsave Canada, the organization became a registered charity in 1992.
Public education from an evidence-based perspective has been foundational to our mission from the beginning. Through our commitment to scientific rigour, we have gained credibility in the eyes of the public. Our activities have been focused on hosting expert speakers, organizing community events, attending festivals, and giving talks in high schools. More recently, our website, blog, and social media presence have become important aspects of our educational work.
Earthsave Canada is guided by a volunteer board of directors. We continue to grow our organization with the aim of turning us all towards more ethical, sustainable, and healthful plant-based diets.
Volunteer board of directors
President
David Steele
David is a molecular biologist retired in 2013 from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He has also held faculty positions at Cornell and Queen’s Universities.
Dr. Steele was Earthsave Canada’s President from 2009 to 2018. He is a frequent public speaker and a regular contributor to Earthsave Canada’s publications. He is also an occasional contributor to various other publications.
Treasurer
Jen Flood
Jen is a lawyer with a J.D. from UBC and a B.Sc. in physics from Queen’s University. A vegan for over a decade and an avid cyclist, she joined Earthsave Canada in 2018.
Director
Karry Eilers
Karry retired as an IT Project Manager in 2016 and has since been working in a vegetarian/vegan cafe within a 10 minute walking distance from home. A vegetarian since 1990, Karry’s commitment to animal welfare and the future of the planet resulted in her becoming vegan in 2018. Karry has always been an avid foodie and continues to be amazed by the great food and recipes available for vegans.
Director of IT
Jon Benjamin
Jon is a recovering academic with a PhD in Astronomy from the University of British Columbia. He’s currently pursuing a passion for designing board games. Jon discovered veganism in 2007 and quickly learned the joy that comes from living in alignment with deeply held beliefs of equality, compassion, and non-violence.
Photo credits
- Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
- Photo by Evie S. on Unsplash
- Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash