Her body painted in blue oceans, Meggan Anderson hands out PETA literature downtown as part of a national campaign to go vegan for Earth Day.
Paul Wellman

“Save the Planet: Go Vegan,” read the signs of three women body-painted in blue oceans and green continents outside of Paseo Nuevo on State Street. Turning heads, the three “Mother Earths” distributed vegan starter kits and posed for pictures.

PETA supporters Lora Lee, Meggan Anderson, and Christina Cho
Paul Wellman

The slightly provocative demonstration was held by PETA, the animal rights advocacy organization. “This is part of a national campaign encouraging people to go vegan for Earth Day which, according to a recent United Nations study, is the most effective way to save the planet,” said PETA Campaigner Matt Bruce. “Animal agriculture remains one of the top three sources of pollution, and leaving animals off our plate significantly reduces our carbon footprint.” The vegan starter kits included vegan recipes and animal rights articles.

Though reactions to the women varied, each passerby received an enthusiastic “Happy Earth Day” from the scantily clad PETA volunteers. “It’s a fun and upbeat way to call attention to an important cause,” said volunteer Meggan Anderson. “When people come to check out the art, they’re reminded that millions of animals are slaughtered for our food and that the Earth could be healthier in such a simple way. That’s worth getting naked for.”

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