Charles Waters is a Children's Poet, Actor, and Educator who has performed in schools and universities across the country. His work has appeared in various textbooks and anthologies including The National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry edited by former Children's Poet Laureate of the United States, J. Patrick Lewis.

His first book It's Not Black and White, co-written with Irene Latham, will be released by Milbrook Press in Fall 2017.

Charles writes:

I went plant-based (well the first time) in December 2013 after friends of mine showed me videos and books that showed how animal agriculture was killing our planet and how it wasn't our moral right to consume or wear animals for our pleasure. It took two years from the date I went plant-based for me to make somewhat of a connection.

I fell off the wagon in August 2014 for three months because I moved to NYC, didn't have the support I had from where I lived previously, or the finances to eat vegan foods. In other words, I made excuses for my less than ethical behavior. However, I soon realized that I actually could afford fruits, vegetables, rice, beans and pasta.

In November 2014, I went back to plant-based eating out of guilt but went full vegan and never looked back in January 2015 when I took the Vegan Pledge in NYC. Through food seminars, speeches, mentors, and most importantly, a community of like-minded people, I made the connection that veganism is not about food, it's about ethics. It's not our right, plus, it's gross to consume dead carcasses, eat chicken's periods, drink cow puss, and wear outfits made from innocent creatures.

Going vegan has been one of the more smarter decisions I've made in my life, I've met some cool, and not so cool, people along the way, and realized that the best way to stop the planet from hurting so much is to not eat animals.

For more information, visit: http://www.charleswaterspoetry.com/