Chances are that if you’re on this site, you already probably know me pretty well.

My name is Gabby Palko, and I’m a 22 year old recent graduate from Colorado College. I studied Environmental Policy, taking courses on climate change, ecology, environmental law, ecofeminism, biodiversity and conservation, environmental economics, etc. I spent the past two years researching and writing my senior thesis, titled The Cow in the Room: Regulating the Environmental Harms of Industrial Animal Agriculture. I looked into the policy that led us to a meat-heavy diet, the environmental impacts resulting from our modern food system, and how it relates to the current ecological and climactic disaster. I then showed how regulating the widespread environmental harms of industrial animal agriculture is a low-hanging-fruit policy option for combatting climate change.

If that sounds like a mouthful, that’s because it is. I ended up with a 132 page paper, with 127 different sources in my works cited. I created this site to share my findings with you, because evidence shows that a transition to a more sustainable food system is vital.

Going Vegan

Just like you, I was raised on a diet full of meat and dairy. I was born in South Carolina (think fried chicken and pulled pork), raised in Texas (burgers, brisket, steak tacos),  moved to Rhode Island (seafood, grilled chicken, pizza), then spent four years in Colorado. The first 19 years of my life consisted of fried chicken, hamburgers, quesadillas, steak tacos, grilled salmon, chicken caesar salads, turkey sandwiches, fudge brownies, ice cream… I used to eat a pound of Rudy’s brisket by myself. When I found out that my college had a Carnivore Club, my mom and I joked that I would be the president senior year. Things could not have turned out more different.

I am an environmentalist to my core. I have a deep love for the outdoors and was raised skiing, hiking, and swimming at the beach. The environment occupies a large part of my heart, while climate change stakes out a good portion of my brain. When I found out that my meat obsession was destroying the environment, I decided I must practice what I preach and change my diet.

I’ve been plant based for about three years now, and it has been the best thing I’ve ever done for my body, my conscience, and my planet. I hope to inspire you and the rest of the world to make more compassionate and evidence-based choices to improve your wellbeing and create a more sustainable future for all beings.