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The Impactful Vegan: How You Can Save More Lives and Make the Biggest Difference for Animals and the Planet
From New York Times bestselling author Robert Cheeke comes a new way of thinking about helping animals and the environment—and a guide to making the biggest impact possible with resources already available to you
When it comes to reducing animal suffering, many people aren’t sure where to start or which options are most beneficial—Charitable donations? Volunteer work? Dining at vegan restaurants? “Meatless monday? But the truth is that you have far more power than you think to make a real difference.
Inspired by the effective altruism movement, The Impactful Vegan teaches readers how to audit their impact and follow methods that have been scrutinized, evaluated, and determined to do the most good for animals.
From trusted vegan activist and motivational speaker Robert Cheeke, this in-depth guide will show you just how easy it is to help animals and protect the Earth, by breaking down:
• How to identify the best organizations and volunteer efforts
• Why supporting for-profit vegan businesses is vital
• Why some approaches to promoting animal rights and veganism aren’t helpful, and in fact, could be harmful for animals, despite best intentions
• How to choose a career path that aligns with your values and helps you meet your goals
• How influencers can build a personal brand and leverage it to promote veganism
Some of these actions are easier and more important than one might think, and armed with this knowledge you can put your ethics into action. This book will help you help animals every day.
When it comes to reducing animal suffering, many people aren’t sure where to start or which options are most beneficial—Charitable donations? Volunteer work? Dining at vegan restaurants? “Meatless monday? But the truth is that you have far more power than you think to make a real difference.
Inspired by the effective altruism movement, The Impactful Vegan teaches readers how to audit their impact and follow methods that have been scrutinized, evaluated, and determined to do the most good for animals.
From trusted vegan activist and motivational speaker Robert Cheeke, this in-depth guide will show you just how easy it is to help animals and protect the Earth, by breaking down:
• How to identify the best organizations and volunteer efforts
• Why supporting for-profit vegan businesses is vital
• Why some approaches to promoting animal rights and veganism aren’t helpful, and in fact, could be harmful for animals, despite best intentions
• How to choose a career path that aligns with your values and helps you meet your goals
• How influencers can build a personal brand and leverage it to promote veganism
Some of these actions are easier and more important than one might think, and armed with this knowledge you can put your ethics into action. This book will help you help animals every day.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2024
32 people are currently reading
2625 people want to read
About the author
Robert Cheeke
12 books45 followersRobert Cheeke is an American bodybuilder, motivational speaker, and author. He is a vegan activist and spends his time touring the United States for speaking engagements and book promotions.
Cheeke is the co-founder of C-VEG, a Corvallis-based Vegan group, a former Board Member for non-profit groups OrganicAthlete and Northwest VEG in Portland, and the founder and president of Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness.
Robert Cheeke transitioned to a full vegan as a teen and began organizing animal rights events at Corvallis High School including the initiation of recycling programs and providing vegan meals to those in need with the organization Food Not Bombs. He is proud that all of his gains as a bodybuilder has been made on a cruelty-free diet.
Cheeke began his athletic career as a cross-country runner for Oregon State University in 1999 but soon developed an interest in weightlifting and strength training. He became a competitive bodybuilder the following year in 2000. Five years later, in 2005 Cheeke won the title of INBA Northwestern USA Natural Bodybuilding Overall Novice Champion. In the following years he competed in the Natural Bodybuilding World Championships in 2006, and the Northwestern USA Natural Bodybuilding Championships in 2009 (where he took first place in his class).
Cheeke is the co-founder of C-VEG, a Corvallis-based Vegan group, a former Board Member for non-profit groups OrganicAthlete and Northwest VEG in Portland, and the founder and president of Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness.
Robert Cheeke transitioned to a full vegan as a teen and began organizing animal rights events at Corvallis High School including the initiation of recycling programs and providing vegan meals to those in need with the organization Food Not Bombs. He is proud that all of his gains as a bodybuilder has been made on a cruelty-free diet.
Cheeke began his athletic career as a cross-country runner for Oregon State University in 1999 but soon developed an interest in weightlifting and strength training. He became a competitive bodybuilder the following year in 2000. Five years later, in 2005 Cheeke won the title of INBA Northwestern USA Natural Bodybuilding Overall Novice Champion. In the following years he competed in the Natural Bodybuilding World Championships in 2006, and the Northwestern USA Natural Bodybuilding Championships in 2009 (where he took first place in his class).
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 16, 2025
3.5 stars---THE IMPACTFUL VEGAN is an upbeat book that offers realistic advice on helping reduce the suffering animals experience—which in the modern world, occurs by far the greatest numbers on factory farms which are raising animals for food.
While I believe the book meandered a little too much before making its strongest points, I always appreciate real-world solutions that take both our current reality and human nature into account, and farmed animals have some pretty big obstacles working against them.
People eat what those around them are eating. Even the best, most sensible arguments against factory farming and the availability of the most delicious plant-based foods don’t change that fact. In addition, people take cues from their own peer groups about how to behave and what values to hold.
Most people do not feel comfortable involving themselves in a particular cause or viewpoint until it is considered mainstream to do so, and that is normally when the practice being opposed is no longer a part of everyday life. Regarding animal issues specifically, in recent years it has become more generally acceptable to oppose the use of animals for circuses, cosmetics testing, and fur coats, now that these practices thankfully aren’t nearly as common as they once were. In addition, more people feel comfortable expressing strong opposition to the abuse of dogs and cats. These are changes in public sentiment that I’ve seen in my own lifetime, and they only came about after building from generations of activism.
Unfortunately, eating animals and ignoring the realities of factory farming are currently so pervasive as to be invisible, that questioning these practices exposes a person to ridicule, defensiveness, and feelings of being apart from the group. (To a smaller degree, some people also live in abusive situations in which choosing differently from the rest of the household could make the person feel unsafe.)
However, this doesn’t mean that factory farming will just continue to expand, the numbers of animals experiencing unrelieved suffering will spiral ever higher, and there’s nothing we can do. Real change will come from the mainstream—omnivores making better choices, even a small amount of the time, will translate to better outcomes for incredible numbers of animals. Choosing even occasional plant-based meals and products, eating fewer chickens, even donating to groups like The Humane League which exist specifically to improve the situation for farmed animals, are all steps that individuals can take to reduce animal cruelty while not significantly altering their lives.
While I believe the book meandered a little too much before making its strongest points, I always appreciate real-world solutions that take both our current reality and human nature into account, and farmed animals have some pretty big obstacles working against them.
People eat what those around them are eating. Even the best, most sensible arguments against factory farming and the availability of the most delicious plant-based foods don’t change that fact. In addition, people take cues from their own peer groups about how to behave and what values to hold.
Most people do not feel comfortable involving themselves in a particular cause or viewpoint until it is considered mainstream to do so, and that is normally when the practice being opposed is no longer a part of everyday life. Regarding animal issues specifically, in recent years it has become more generally acceptable to oppose the use of animals for circuses, cosmetics testing, and fur coats, now that these practices thankfully aren’t nearly as common as they once were. In addition, more people feel comfortable expressing strong opposition to the abuse of dogs and cats. These are changes in public sentiment that I’ve seen in my own lifetime, and they only came about after building from generations of activism.
Unfortunately, eating animals and ignoring the realities of factory farming are currently so pervasive as to be invisible, that questioning these practices exposes a person to ridicule, defensiveness, and feelings of being apart from the group. (To a smaller degree, some people also live in abusive situations in which choosing differently from the rest of the household could make the person feel unsafe.)
However, this doesn’t mean that factory farming will just continue to expand, the numbers of animals experiencing unrelieved suffering will spiral ever higher, and there’s nothing we can do. Real change will come from the mainstream—omnivores making better choices, even a small amount of the time, will translate to better outcomes for incredible numbers of animals. Choosing even occasional plant-based meals and products, eating fewer chickens, even donating to groups like The Humane League which exist specifically to improve the situation for farmed animals, are all steps that individuals can take to reduce animal cruelty while not significantly altering their lives.
August 26, 2025
This contains lots of relevant information and encouragement for new and longtime vegans alike. The author's enthusiasm and commitment come shining through.
July 12, 2024
This is completely different from any of the other vegan books I’ve read. Generally, I find vegan books fall into one of three categories: Why to become vegan, How to manage your vegan nutrition, or Vegan cookbooks. This is speaking predominantly to people who are already vegan for the animals, although those who have been considering it would enjoy it as well. It meets us where we are— on our comfortable autopilot— and asks us to do some introspection to see if we are ready to step outside our comfort zones. It also does a fantastic job of sharing out-of-the-box things others in the community are doing, as well as reinforcing the idea that omnivores can be powerful allies for reducing animal suffering. The message of the book is that we are all unique and bring different things to the table. We should then use what we have, in whatever ways we are able, to make the world better. I really enjoyed this book and am inspired to dig deeper and think bigger.
September 7, 2024
As a vegan for 30 years, I have often given a lot of thought to what is the most effective way to be an advocate for the animals and the climate. Robert provides a compelling guide through a number of different avenues, using practical data to support those methods that will have the greatest impact for animals. I think this would be a great read for anyone who has been vegan a long time, a short time, or even someone just curious about being vegan.
February 6, 2025
Je le veux en papier! Il y a tellement de références… génial. Et Alex Boyles en fait une lecture agréable, bravo!
(Écouté sur Spotify)
(Écouté sur Spotify)
June 14, 2025
3.75 out of 5 stars.
While the overall tone of the book feels a bit welfarist, and I disagree with the author's framing of veganism as being the reduction of animal suffering vs. total animal liberation (which is not totally a discredit to him - the definition of veganism, while still the best and only one we have, may need some updating), my takeaway from this book is do more. Try harder. Work harder and smarter to convince people to stop contributing to and causing animal suffering and that we all need to employ various methods to empty every cage, and liberate animals everywhere. The author provides plenty of wonderful resources to do this, the vast majority of which I am very familiar with but not utilizing to the best of my ability. While I understand that the bulk of animal suffering is experienced in the food industry, and food is what binds us all, I wish the author put more of a focus on animals being exploited in the many other industries that power our world, from the beauty, pharmaceutical and entertainment industries, and beyond.
While the overall tone of the book feels a bit welfarist, and I disagree with the author's framing of veganism as being the reduction of animal suffering vs. total animal liberation (which is not totally a discredit to him - the definition of veganism, while still the best and only one we have, may need some updating), my takeaway from this book is do more. Try harder. Work harder and smarter to convince people to stop contributing to and causing animal suffering and that we all need to employ various methods to empty every cage, and liberate animals everywhere. The author provides plenty of wonderful resources to do this, the vast majority of which I am very familiar with but not utilizing to the best of my ability. While I understand that the bulk of animal suffering is experienced in the food industry, and food is what binds us all, I wish the author put more of a focus on animals being exploited in the many other industries that power our world, from the beauty, pharmaceutical and entertainment industries, and beyond.
November 23, 2024
The advice offered in Robert Cheeke's book would be difficult to implement for me -- although I like knowing how many animals can be saved by donations. I'm just never going to be a person who will offer much in the way of talent or skill to any animal-saving organization. However, I did find some great ones that deserve my charitable donations (like the Humane League) and some vegan activists to follow (Toni Okamoto).
In addition, I liked the section entitled "Don't Let Perfect Be the Enemy." Personally, I think it's impossible to live a 100% vegan life. Will you refuse to play basketball if the ball is leather? Should you own a cat if the cat must eat meat? What if you rent a car and it has a leather seat? What about animal manure in your garden? These are all great questions.
I also loved Robert Cheeke's can-do attitude. I've seen some of his body-building videos and find him inspiring.
In addition, I liked the section entitled "Don't Let Perfect Be the Enemy." Personally, I think it's impossible to live a 100% vegan life. Will you refuse to play basketball if the ball is leather? Should you own a cat if the cat must eat meat? What if you rent a car and it has a leather seat? What about animal manure in your garden? These are all great questions.
I also loved Robert Cheeke's can-do attitude. I've seen some of his body-building videos and find him inspiring.
February 2, 2025
Посібник із побудови ефективного веган-активізму, що надихає діяти
Книга не стала для мене відкриттям, але підтвердила важливі принципи ефективного активізму.
Думки:
→ Автор наголошує, що будь-які кроки до зменшення страждань тварин є позитивними, але такий підхід не завжди резонує з аболіціоністськими переконаннями;
→ Книга добре структурує ідеї про комунікацію, стратегічне мислення та кооперацію у русі;
→ Акцент на силі особистого прикладу й важливості адаптації меседжів під різні аудиторії 🔥;
→ Практичні поради щодо створення впливових кампаній і залучення нових прихильни_ць можуть бути корисними як для новачків, так і для досвідчених активіст_ок;
→ Основний посил: обирайте власну стратегію, але працюйте разом задля досягнення спільної мети — світу без експлуатації тварин.
Для кого:
Для веган-активіст_ок, які прагнуть зробити свій внесок у рух і підвищити ефективність своїх дій.
Книга не стала для мене відкриттям, але підтвердила важливі принципи ефективного активізму.
Думки:
→ Автор наголошує, що будь-які кроки до зменшення страждань тварин є позитивними, але такий підхід не завжди резонує з аболіціоністськими переконаннями;
→ Книга добре структурує ідеї про комунікацію, стратегічне мислення та кооперацію у русі;
→ Акцент на силі особистого прикладу й важливості адаптації меседжів під різні аудиторії 🔥;
→ Практичні поради щодо створення впливових кампаній і залучення нових прихильни_ць можуть бути корисними як для новачків, так і для досвідчених активіст_ок;
→ Основний посил: обирайте власну стратегію, але працюйте разом задля досягнення спільної мети — світу без експлуатації тварин.
Для кого:
Для веган-активіст_ок, які прагнуть зробити свій внесок у рух і підвищити ефективність своїх дій.
September 13, 2024
Packed full of facts and inspiration, I absolutely love this book. We learn how to motivate what inspires us each as individuals to help animals, how to identify our strengths, and what actions make the most difference. Although I must say that anything we can do makes an impact, no matter how small. I find the inspiring stories of how others have led change really help with motivation. It’s not an easy fight, and we need to be reminded of why it’s important to keep going no matter the obstacles faced, or the size the mountain is that we need to climb. This book is inclusive and aimed at everyone, including the ability to reach any and all audiences.
A great book for all vegans who want to do more for the animals.
A great book for all vegans who want to do more for the animals.
July 28, 2024
Want to go a step further than being vegan? This is your guide.
While this book will still be helpful for those who aren’t yet vegan, the majority of this book outlines how to make a greater impact as an individual on top of already eating fully plant-based. If you’re wondering what else you can do aside from not consuming animals, this book will show you how and it’s chock-full of examples from both the author and impactful vegans alike.
While this book will still be helpful for those who aren’t yet vegan, the majority of this book outlines how to make a greater impact as an individual on top of already eating fully plant-based. If you’re wondering what else you can do aside from not consuming animals, this book will show you how and it’s chock-full of examples from both the author and impactful vegans alike.
December 9, 2024
I'm super glad I was gifted this book--and that it is a hard copy (as opposed to an audiobook). It was full of important information that I know I will refer back to over and over again. It was an interesting read and I appreciate all the research/work on the author's part to compile so much useful information. I trust his judgement and will follow many of his suggestions! Thank you, Robert Cheeke! You are a true friend to the animals!
December 11, 2025
I was maybe a little too excited for this book and man, did it disappoint.
There are some good pointers in here, but the book is a little too preachy for me. Also, where was the talk about helping the planet? Almost everything was dedicated to how to get more people eat less animal products. Next to nothing about the planet and absolutely nothing about other changes to make to help it (like stop using single use plastic as an easy example).
The best thing to come out of this book for me is that I guess I'm a "plant based" person and not a "true vegan" based on this author's definition.
There are some good pointers in here, but the book is a little too preachy for me. Also, where was the talk about helping the planet? Almost everything was dedicated to how to get more people eat less animal products. Next to nothing about the planet and absolutely nothing about other changes to make to help it (like stop using single use plastic as an easy example).
The best thing to come out of this book for me is that I guess I'm a "plant based" person and not a "true vegan" based on this author's definition.
June 18, 2024
Awesome book that gave me a lot to think about!
July 27, 2024
Great book for considering how you can make a greater impact as a vegan.
August 2, 2024
Though I appreciate the effort, and support the notion, this is not a book. The informative aspects were minimal.
September 20, 2024
Who can talk about applying effective altruism after FTX with a straight face? Throwing vegan in front of a bunch of other self help ideas like “vegan kaizen”does not a book make.
June 23, 2024
Great intro for anyone who is ready to embrace (or tiptoe into) veganism. There are loads of resources here and good encouragement to "find your why" in making this choice. I especially appreciated the notion of giving yourself grace on relatively minor issues that are not the most impactful factors - kind of a "don't sweat the small stuff" encouragement that can lead people to stop making perfection the enemy of good. A strong introduction here for anyone intrigued.
June 11, 2024
I haven't finished a book this quickly in forever! The Impactful Vegan is well written and thought provoking! It is a must read for any vegan that's trying to make a difference in animal suffering and do the most good that they can with the resources and skills they have available! There is a theme throughout the book that will remind you of why you're a vegan and who you are doing it for - the animals. It will make you think about the best ways that you can impact change and how you can put your ego aside to do the greatest amount of good. The thing I loved most about this book was that I feel like I have tangible actions I can take going forward. I can't recommend this book enough! 💚
December 24, 2025
This is an enjoyable read. His message is powerful. The kaizen system is discussed as it applies to veganism. Save as many animals as you can through incremental steps. Numerous actions made now, create a better tomorrow. The author is incredibly knowledgeable about how animal welfare nonprofits and activists are stepping in together to save our planet. Choose your hard - choose wisely. The message is clear - #govegan
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews