Fort Wainwright Soldier Named Finalist in peta2’s 2013 ’Cutest Vegan Alive’ Contest

The Vegan Revolution Is Sweeping the Country, and Young People Are Leading the Charge

Fort Wainwright, Alaska -- Fort Wainwright could soon be the home of a national star. That’s because 20-year-old infantry soldier Alexander Contreras has beaten out hundreds of entrants from across the country to be named one of 10 male finalists vying for the title of Cutest Vegan Alive in a contest sponsored by peta2—PETA’s youth division. Because of the fast-growing number of young people ditching eggs and dairy products, in addition to meat, this is the first time in the contest’s eight-year history that it was limited to vegans, rather than also allowing vegetarian entrants. All finalists will receive a certificate, and the two winners—one male and one female—will also win a professional photo shoot and star in their own peta2 ad.

“Alexander is a perfect example of a young person who’s determined to make the world a kinder place,” says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. “Young people who go vegan show respect for animals, the environment, and their own bodies, and that makes all of them cute in our book.”

After watching the films Earthlings and Finding Nemo, Alexander stopped eating meat and went vegan a month later. Now, he shares his vegan dinners with his buddies, and a few of them are considering going vegetarian, too. In his spare time, Alexander creates videos and paintings to raise awareness about animal suffering, and he makes sure to hold back enough money to donate to animal rights causes every month.

In addition to the health benefits, every vegan saves the lives of more than 100 animals every year. Raising animals for food is also a leading cause of water pollution, land degradation, and greenhouse-gas emissions.

Voters chose five males and five females as finalists, and peta2 chose another five boys and five girls based on enthusiasm (and cuteness, of course!). peta2 will select the two winners based on several factors, including vote count. See full contest details here (http://features.peta2.com/cutest-vegan-alive/Contest.aspx?utm_campaign=0613%20CVA%20SAF%20Finalist%20Round%20Release&utm_source=peta2%20Pitch&utm_medium=Media). To view photos and read bios of all the finalists, please click here (http://features.peta2.com/cutest-vegan-alive/Finalists.aspx?utm_campaign=0613%20CVA%20SAF%20Finalist%20Round%20Release&utm_source=peta2%20Pitch&utm_medium=Media). For more information, please visit peta2.com.