peta2: We currently have an environmental campaign, "Meat's Not Green," which addresses a U.N. report that cites factory farming as the number one cause of climate change. The report says that meat production produces more greenhouse-gas emissions than the entire transportation industry combined. How do you feel about this?

Jason: That's one of the reasons—or a contributing factor—to me not eating meat. There are so many wasted resources that go towards raising animals for that kind of thing. You know, how much gas gets poured into transporting them, transporting the food that has to feed them, things like that. … I really just don't like eating animals. I don't feel like I have to kill something to do that, because we don't live in a day and age when that's necessary.

peta2: When did you first begin to consider going vegetarian?

Jason: Let me put it this way: When I was in high school, I had … my first vegetarian friend, and it just never really crossed my mind to even think in those kinds of terms. I don't know why. I was maybe 15 or 16, and I was like, "Why don't you eat meat?" and he was like, "I don't like killing animals"—and I was like, "Oh. It's really simple … duh!" That's what's kind of always been the bottom line for me, regardless of the specifics. … What matters is that something is needlessly dying to satisfy your appetite because you think it tastes good. And like, the day and age we live in, with science, agriculture, and the culinary arts, you don't really have to sacrifice anything. That's kind of the bottom line to me. I haven't had to give anything up, and if anything, having to be experimental with the things that I cook has been an adventure. So I think that's fun!

peta2: I like that you said that you don't have to give anything up, because a lot of people feel like an animal-free diet means giving up their favorite foods.

Jason: Yeah! I've replaced them with other things that I like a lot. Instead of like, "OK, I like Coke and pizza"—well, now I like stir-fry, or something else. I'm not missing out on anything, and if anything, I'm gaining these new things that I would've never even tried to begin with.

peta2: What are some of the things you like to cook? Do you have any specials or secret recipes?

Jason: OK, I have a few! I got my Nana's chicken and dumplings recipe that I veganized—that's pretty cool. My roommates and I cook a lot of stir-fries. And what are those vegan hot dogs that come in a can? Have you seen those? … We have hot dog parties sometimes, my roommate and I. Brownies—things like that.

peta2: Sounds like my diet! Why do you think it's important for people to speak up for animals who are being mistreated?

Jason: I think it's important for people to speak up for any animal that's being mistreated, just because they can't necessarily speak for themselves …. They don't speak English. … That seems like a no-brainer, so to me it's like … why?

peta2: Are any other members of Evergreen Terrace vegetarian or vegan?

Jason: Our singer Andrew [Carey] is vegetarian, and then [guitar player] Craig [Chaney] is kind of experimenting with it, currently. I don't think he has eaten any meat on the whole [Warped] tour. He's like, "Well, I've been thinking about not eating meat, so this is the place to do it," because catering's so awesome and easy.

peta2: Because you guys are on the road so often, what are some of your favorite places to eat?

Jason: Oh, Red Bamboo in New York! There's a vegan doughnut place—I want to say it's called Mighty-O in Seattle? That place is tight.

peta2: What's the best thing that you think your fans can do to help animals?

Jason: Don't eat them? The best thing a fan can do [to help animals] is to not eat them or wear their skin. … I've read Animal Liberation, and I read Diet for a New America, My mom got me a vegan sourcebook thing and a nutrition book. So I think the more you educate yourself about it, the more you learn, and the easier it comes for sure.