PETA’s new video,“Go Vegetarian in 30 Minutes: The How and Why of Good Eating,” is hosted by Hollywood’s most caring siblings, Oscar-nominated Joaquin Phoenix and his sister, Summer, who is also an actor.Anyone who watches it, including die-hard meat-eaters, will understand why veganism is the diet of choice for anyone who wants to be healthy and humane.

We sat down to talk to Summer about how and why she’s a lifelong vegan.

Q What made you decide to become a vegetarian?
A I was pretty lucky in that by the time I was born (I’m the fifth of five children), my entire family had become vegetarian—in fact, vegan a couple of months later, so I have been vegan all of my life.What inspired them at the time and what keeps inspiring me is the choice to be nonviolent.

Q Have you found that it’s become easier to find vegan food while filming and/or traveling?
A It is so much easier eating vegan nowadays. When we first became vegan, which was 25 years ago, beans were it for the main dish!! Since then, tofu has come along, and so have tempeh, seitan, hummus, and lots of amazing goodies that are available almost anywhere around the world. There are always the salads, vegetables, pasta, fruits, nuts, and raisins, so if nothing else, I always have healthy standbys.When I am filming, the caterers seem to love the challenge of making vegan food for me, so it’s been a positive experience.

Q Have you been able to turn others on to vegetarianism?
A I think many people have become vegetarian because they have been introduced to it by being in relationships with me or my family. It is more a way of life for me, and it’s important to me that people make the decision from their hearts and that they really get what is involved with eating animals—the pain, the exploitation, the hidden cost to the planet, our health, etc. I am not on a soapbox about it, but I am very honest about my reasons. I am very proud of the fact that I have been raised and continue to choose to eat a diet that has not caused pain to any animal. I think the best way to reach someone is by loving and being true to your own choice. That example is truly the only way, because it really comes down to my love for life that keeps me from eating animals.

Visit GoVeg.com or call 757-622-PETA to order a DVD or VHS copy of “Go Vegetarian in 30 Minutes: The How and Why of Good Eating” for just $5.00. Invite your friends and family to a screening at your home.