Profile of a new vegan: Lauren Pienaar is a university student studying science. Here is her vegan story.

I'm 19 years of age, female and studying science at UQ. I became vegan in October last year, after a friend educated me on the impacts of the agricultural industry on the environment.

I proceeded to do my own research using scientific peer reviewed literature. I found the documentaries 'Cowspiracy', 'Earthlings' and 'Forks over Knives' extremely helpful. After watching 'Earthlings' I was appalled at the wretched conditions animals are kept in, all for our tastebuds. I now have a deep and irrevocable love for all animals and feel they deserve the same rights for freedom and life as we do.

I have always been health conscious but since transitioning to vegan I feel more energetic, my skin is clear and I am happier and leaner. I am now looking further into become more and more environmentally conscious and am always looking for further personal development. Save the environment, your health and give the world peace; go vegan!