Alexandra Paul ,46, has been a vegetarian for over 30 years. She was recently interviewed by Vegetarian Times magazine where she had this to say.

What motivated you to become a vegetarian?

It’s the best way each of us can save animals and save the environment. Now, over 30 years later, I also see a spiritual aspect to it: a reverence for all life and a consciousness that comes from making a decision not to eat just anything.

How were you introduced to vegetarianism?

I read Diet for a Small Planet when I was 14, just when I was formulating my ethics and “inhaling” new information. I wanted to be a good person and make a difference in the world. Vegetarianism seemed to fit both bills.