A limited-edition, U.S. Postal Service-approved stamp sheet featuring 20 of the world's most famous vegetarians earlier this week at events in New York and Los Angeles. This is a step in the right direction for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), an animal welfare group known for its sometimes controversial approach to activism. VIP vegetarians from throughout history, ranging from Natalie Portman to Paul McCartney to Leo Tolstoy, are recognized on the stamps.

PETA's website quoted several celebrities pictured on the stamps commenting on why they chose to become vegan or vegetarian.

Ellen Degeneres said, “I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn’t disconnect myself from it any longer.”

Natalie Portman exclaimed, “Eating for me is how you proclaim your beliefs three times a day. That is why all religions have rules about eating. Three times a day, I remind myself that I value life and do not want to cause pain to or kill other living beings. That is why I eat the way I do.”

Joan Jett said quite simply, “I just don’t like meat. Rotten carcasses don’t feel good inside in my body.”

Stamps also feature celebs like designer Stella McCartney, singer Ricky Martin, and game-show host Bob Barker among others.

The stamps can be purchased here for $19.99.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons