How ‘Riverdale’ Star Madelaine Petsch’s Upbringing Encouraged Her Vegan Activism

It might be hard to imagine the fiery redhead who plays Cheryl Blossom on the CW’s “Riverdale” is actually an avid environmentalist, but Madelaine Petsch has been educating friends and fans alike for years on sustainability practices and veganism.

“It’s crazy to me that people still use plastic utensils,” she told Elle. “It’s not that hard to just bring your own utensils in your purse!”

Petsch said she was “lucky” to grow up with environmentally conscious parents who taught her the ins and outs of living a more sustainable life. Now as an adult, the 25-year-old actress is using the power and influence from her “Riverdale” fame to spread awareness for what she believes, especially the ease of going vegan.

“People make it seem like it’s so difficult,” Petsch said. “I want to teach people how positive and easy it is to be vegan—I don’t want to make it seem like it’s this big feat.”

Throughout Petsch’s messaging, she always keeps in mind the negative backlash often surrounding the vegan community for having a “radical” approach to persuading others to join their lifestyle. Growing up the daughter of a nonreligious family in Washington, she said her classmates frequently tried to sway her beliefs and would make her feel guilty about her lack of faith.

“That’s really stuck with me through my adult life,” she said. “Now when I want to spread a message about the environment or about veganism, I try to do it with positivity and by giving people the information to make a decision for themselves.”

Petsch is an activist that likes to practice what she preaches. Through her board position with the Environmental Media Association, a non-profit organization that works with those in the entertainment industry to provide them with “the tools you need” to promote environmental progress, Petsch is able to amplify her message.

"I get scared about what my children and grandchildren are going to see,” she said.