Meet Max Lohse, who has shifted from helping out in the office this past year to now continuing remotely! Read on to learn about what helped him go vegan, what he’s been working on this year, and more!

Who or what encouraged you to move veg?

Having long been a passionate environmentalist, I first became a vegetarian in 2018 following an increase in environmental activism. In mid-2019, after feeling horrified from watching the Documentary Dominion, I began transitioning to veganism. After a month of furiously cooking tofu and reading Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation, I was committed completely.

How did you get involved with CAA? 

I became familiar with CAA after attending a few meetings of the student chapter at the University of Minnesota this semester. After feeling welcomed by the community, I began volunteering with CAA regularly as a part of the University’s service learning program. As the semester comes to an end, I plan to continue volunteering and actively attending student meetings.

What have you been working on recently in the CAA office? 

Recently, I’ve been helping with a lot of the behind-the-scenes work from home. I’ve helped with much of the online planning of events and survey analysis. Lately, we’ve done a lot of work for Twin Cities Veg Week as well as some other upcoming events. I’m really looking forward to the pride tour of the Little Acorn Sanctuary!

When you’re not at the CAA office, what are you up to?

Outside of CAA, I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. I’m a Forestry student at the University of Minnesota, so I spend an unhealthy amount of time staring at trees. I work as a Park Ranger Supervisor for Anoka County, allowing for even more time to talk about plants. Outside of work and school, I enjoy literature, poetry, movies, and photography. 

What is one tip you have for folks who are transitioning toward a veg lifestyle?

Learn how to work with dry beans! I could write a novel about just how much I love beans. They’re good for you, good for the planet, and extraordinarily cheap. Whether it’s in a soup, chili, bowl, salad, sandwich, burger, or vegan cream substitute, beans are delicious. I think my cupboard might just be about 40% jars of beans. I guarantee that if you try to get creative with dry beans, it will change how you cook.

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Do you want to get involved as a volunteer? There are plenty of ways to get involved! Visit exploreveg.org/volunteer to get started.