Interview with Eating With Max

Max La Manna AKA ‘Eating with Max’ is a zero waste vegan chef who is really making waves with his unique take on minimising wastage.

Max is incredibly passionate and driven to spread the word about zero waste & great vegan food. We recently caught up with him to chat all things sustainable.

How long have you been living a cruelty-free life? 

I started my vegan lifestyle six years ago while I was visiting friends in Hawaii – I just wish it started sooner!

You live with zero waste, is this right? What tips do you have for others to do the same?

Zero waste is a philosophy, a mindset to live more sustainably. The goal is for no trash to end up in a landfill.  The best tip and the most important aspect of this zero waste journey is observing our food waste and focusing on composting.  I keep my compost in a bowl in the freezer and bring to the farmer’s market when it gets too full and they bring it back with them to the farm.  Also, a BONUS tip – saying NO to plastic!  Bring your own cup for coffee, say NO to plastic straws, bring your own bag to the store!

What are some of your favourite cruelty-free / vegan brands & businesses? 

Well, to be completely honest I do most of my shopping at the farmer’s market or food cooperatives because there is no packaging involved.  My good friend, Lauren Singer has a zero waste store called; Package Free, that offers brands and products that focus on creating a smaller carbon footprint.  Although, recently I purchased a pair of VEJA sneakers – vegan shoes!

What’s Your favourite dish to cook? What’s your favourite dish to eat? 

GREAT question! My favourite dish to cook would have to be PASTA! Perhaps, a ravioli of some sort.  My favourite dish to eat would have to be something really simple; like a massive green salad – all the works! Kale, spinach, mustard greens, arugula, more greens the best with lemon zest and olive oil – so simple, so delicious!

Whats the biggest hurdle promoting plant-based eating?

The biggest hurdle is listening to others say they can’t live this way.  I love asking questions to those who say they “can’t” because really it’s all in your mind and if you want to change, YOU CAN!

Who are some vegan/ cruelty-free brands or people we should all be following?

Follow and support your local farmer’s! Follow my friends in London at Plant Based News, and of course, follow me too 

Where can people find you? 

Come on over to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – @EATINGWITHMAX 

Thanks, Max, also check out a podcast Max did below with Live Planted

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