John Robbins was born on October 26, 1947, in the United States. He was the son of Irv Robbins, the co-founder of the famous ice cream chain Baskin Robbins. Despite his family's business ties to the food industry, Robbins developed a deep interest in nutrition and health from a young age.
Robbins attended the University of California-Berkeley and later went on to study at Antioch College. It was during his time at these institutions that he began to question the conventional wisdom around diet and its impact on health.
In the late 1980s, Robbins founded the non-profit organization EarthSave with the mission of promoting sustainable and healthy food choices. Through EarthSave, Robbins sought to educate the public about the benefits of plant-based diets for both personal and planetary health.
Robbins' work with EarthSave marked the beginning of his career as a renowned non-fiction author. His first major work, "Diet for a New America," published in 1987, challenged the prevailing dietary norms of the time and advocated for a more plant-focused approach to eating.
Robbins married Deo Robbins in March of 1967, and the couple settled in Santa Cruz, California. They became parents to a son named Ocean, and the family prioritized environmental and ethical values in their daily lives.
Robbins' influence extended beyond his written works, as he was featured in the documentary "Super Size Me," which highlighted the health consequences of fast food consumption. His advocacy for plant-based diets and animal rights resonated with a wide audience and made him a leading voice in the health and wellness community.
Throughout his career, Robbins continued to emphasize the interconnectedness of personal health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. His innovative approach to nutrition and advocacy for a more compassionate food system have left a lasting impact on the way we think about food and its role in our lives.