A Conversation with John and Deo Robbins, Leaders of the Ethical Consumption Movement

Vegetarian or not, the names John and Deo Robbins are recognized by people throughout the world as leaders of the ethical consumption movement. John is the best-selling author of Diet for A New America and Food Revolution. Deo is the Outreach Director for EarthSave International and facilitator for personal growth workshops including "Movement to Express the Soul," teaching dance as an expression of the soul and an avenue for self-healing.

Together they founded EarthSave International and sit on the Board of Directors of Youth For Environmental Sanity (Yes!). They work to promote peace and compassion throughout the world. Most importantly, they are the parents of Ocean Robbins (co-founder and co-executive director of Yes!), parents-in-love of Michele Robbins (co-executive director of Yes!), and the grandparents of River and Bodhi Robbins.

I spent about an hour talking with John and Deo over the phone, but not about ecology or factory farming. Instead, we talked about parenting and living outside the cultural norm. Although, I spoke with the Robbins separately, this interview is edited to reflect that we discussed many of the same questions.

What do you think are some of the important attributes that parents need in order to engender social consciousness in their children?
John: You have to be what you want your children to emulate. You have to walk your talk if you want to raise self-reliant, compassionate, grounded children who are going to grow into adults who are capable and compassionate and respectful of other people. You have to be the change you want to see occur.

What do you think helped you rear Ocean to be a compassionate activist, environmentalist and educator?
Deo: For me, it was always to respect him and to realize that he came with his own destiny. If Ocean had wanted to follow any pursuit and if I really felt that was his destiny and was what he was here for, I would have supported him. It just happens to be a wonderful blessing that our interests are so similar and the things he cares so deeply and so passionately about are things that I really care about. It's incredibly fulfilling.