Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! My name is Trulie Murphy. I am an actress, writer, and producer and I live in Los Angeles. I also run a small, non-profit animal rescue with a partner. My Instagram is @truliemurphy and our rescue’s Instagram is @paws_rescue_sanctuary
What lead you to veganism?
I have been 98 percent vegetarian since I was four years old. (I say 98 percent because I did consume fish for a short time.) Long story short, I was eating ham out of a can at the age of four and asked my mom where it came from. That pretty much did it for me.
I had no idea about the horrors of the dairy and egg industry until about five years ago when I saw a Mercy for Animals video on Facebook. I spend a good six months looking for free-range, organic sources of dairy and eggs until I realized that they just don’t exist unless you literally have chickens in your backyard. Having no yard, that really wasn’t an option for me.
When you first went vegan how did you phase out your non-vegan food, clothing and other items?
I first went vegan at home and continued to be vegetarian when I ate out, simply because I didn’t know what I was doing and didn’t want to annoy people every time I went out. Then one day, I had a piece of someone’s birthday cake and didn’t feel right about it. I decided enough was enough and I didn’t care about annoying people if I was doing what I felt was morally correct. That said, I do try to make things as easy as possible for everyone else when I am out with anyone. Nobody likes annoying people in restaurants, vegan or not.
I have only ever bought secondhand leather but I don’t own any leather/fur at all these days, with the exception of my childhood Teddy bear. (He is made of sheepskin and I plan to keep him.) I basically gradually gave things away and replaced them with vegan items.
My parents gave me a full set of goose down bedding and pillows several years ago and I still have them. I intend to use them until they are worn out and then replace them with vegan bedding.
As far as cosmetics, hair care, etc.. I used up what I had and bought vegan items to replace them.
I think it is important to not be wasteful and start over-consuming in your haste to be one hundred percent vegan. If you like a pair of shoes and you have had them for ten years and they happen to be leather, keep them until you don’t want/need them anymore. The same goes for a pillow or a bottle of shampoo.
Do you make any exceptions for yourself or if you are married with kids – your family, when it comes to veganism?
The only exception that I have consciously made concerning food is when I was stuck on a mountain overnight and had no food or water left. Someone offered me a Cliff bar that contained honey and I gratefully accepted it. ( I did politely decline the beef jerky that was offered.)
Do you believe we should show children the process of how animals are turned into meats?
Absolutely. Everyone has a right to know the truth. Personally, I felt betrayed as a kid that nobody had told me sooner and I had been eating animals.
What does being vegan mean to you?
Being vegan means doing the least harm possible. I don’t kill anything unnecessarily. Spiders get a surprise moving day if they decide to come into my home.
I am also lucky enough to live in an area that isn’t inundated with mosquitoes or anything else that is trying to harm me. That said, when my cats had fleas, the fleas had to go.
I try to support fully vegan companies but I do think it is important to show non-vegan companies that there is a demand for vegan products.
I have definitely become a better person all around since becoming vegan. It has made me more aware of my world and definitely more compassionate towards other people.
Is it every vegan’s duty to become an activist?
I think “activist” can encompass so many things. I think that it is everyone’s duty to influence this world in the best way that they can, whether they are vegan or not.
How compassionate or empathetic are you towards non-vegans?
Very. Most of us were not born vegan and it is very important to remember that. Most of my friends are not vegan, or even vegetarian. It doesn’t make me love them any less. I am here for them if they have any questions and I try to lead by example.
I think that it is also important to remember that every bit counts. Someone might not be one hundred percent vegan but they can still make a positive impact on this world and save lives by reducing their consumption of animal products.
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
Real Food Daily. It has been one of my favorite restaurants since before I was vegan. There is literally something for everyone there.
I also had one of the best ravioli dishes of my life at Little Pine. I am going back there this weekend for the second time and I can’t wait.
Please share your favorite vegan recipe?
I have so many!! This is one of my favs and super easy to prepare.
Pesto Pasta – serves 4
Ingredients:
For Pesto (makes one cup):
4 oz basil
1/2 cup pine nuts
2-3 cloves of garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup vegan Parmesan (Go Veggie)
1/4 cup veggie broth
Other Ingredients:
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup of olive oil
1 cup diced tomatoes (small pieces)
Past of your choice – cooked
Directions:
Sautée 8 oz sliced mushrooms in 1/4 cup of
olive oil
Stir in pesto and 1/4 cup veggie broth
Cook until pesto mixture becomes dark green
Stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes (small pieces)
Stir in cooked pasta
Some encouraging words for new Vegans?
Don’t be hard on yourself. Every bit really does count. Do what you can when you can and remember that you are making a difference.
What is the vegan scene like in your city?
I live in Los Angeles so it is alive and thriving!! Every time I turn around, there is a new vegan. (That doesn’t suck!)
What personal recommendations can you make for people to meet other vegans?
I personally just try to meet and surround myself with good people.. you really never know who the next one to go vegan will be.
What does living cruelty-free mean to you?
Again, doing the least harm possible. To myself, animals, humans and the world in general.
What are your favorite Vegan non-food products or companies?
Costco has the BEST shampoo and conditioner that I have ever found and it’s vegan and dirt cheap!
What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need?
Cat food! My cats are vegan also and I have to either drive 40 miles or order it online.
Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?
I honestly haven’t struggled a bit. There is not a question in my mind that I will be vegan for the rest of my life.
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