Ed Templeton

Vegan pro skateboarder Ed Templeton has been skating for more than a dozen years. He is a living legend. Ed is respected for his creativity and is credited for being one of the icons who have made skating what it is today. His creativity is evident in everything he does, from his boarding to his photography and art shows in major galleries to his illustrations on his company’s (Toy Machine) merchandise. Ed took a moment to answer some questions for PETA about where veganism fits into the rest of his life.

PETA: What are your favorite veggie foods—at home vs. on the road?

Ed: At home, I eat food my wife makes. She makes the best salads and sandwiches. We get all of our groceries from Mothers Natural Market in Huntington Beach. So all of our stuff is organic and fresh. We eat out a lot, too, at the Mothers restaurant or in L.A., where there are some great places to eat vegan. On the road it has become much easier in the last four years. Almost every city has a Wild Oats or Whole Foods in it. And looking in the phone book always brings up something interesting. I get fatter on the road than at home!

PETA: How long have you been vegetarian? How long have you been vegan?

Ed: In 1989 or ’90, I decided to stop eating meat, but did it the wrong way. I ate all the same food, just without meat. Whoppers with no meat, etc. I kept reading about it as I went and quickly learned that not eating meat and replacing it with cheese was very unhealthy. It also does the same amount of damage to the animals. I went vegan in 1990/91.

PETA: What made you become vegetarian?

Ed: At the time, it was the people I was skating with. Mike Vallely and skate photographer Christian Kline were both vegetarians and would take me out to dinner as long as I didn’t order meat. They also gave me things to read. Once you read about the meat and dairy industry and the things they do, it is hard to keep supporting them. I didn’t want to partake in the killing of animals or spend my money on the whole system.

PETA: In the sports world, there seem to be more skateboarders who are vegetarian and vegan than any other athletes by far. Why do you think that is?

Ed: Skateboarders are always ahead of the curve. It is a group inherently in the know, full of artists and do-it-yourselfers.

PETA: Do you have companion animals?

Ed: Yes. I have a cat named Ptah. He is 12 years old.

PETA: What do you think is the main reason why people should go vegetarian?

Ed: At least do it for yourself. I would rather spend money on food now than on doctor bills later. The health reasons are staggering! Do it also to take yourself out of the cycle of killing and abuse to living things. Show some compassion, and act on it.

PETA: You are so busy with skateboarding, your art, and Toy Machine that maybe this is a silly question, but what do you do when you aren’t working?