Everyday Vegan Living: an introduction
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© Norman Pogson |
Why
People go vegan for any number of reasons. For most people, veganism is a way of life that emphasizes ethical consumption. This means thinking about the sources of your food and other products you consume and educating yourself about the conditions of their production. Veganism offers the ability to reduce suffering and exploitation, pollution, and the overconsumption of our planet's resources. Vegans also enjoy the proven health benefits of a plant-based diet.
For more information about the reasons to go vegan, read some of these books or visit these online resources about veganism, nutrition and health, and advocacy.
How
Going vegan involves a shift in perspective. Veganism is not a state of deprivation but rather a decision to choose conscious consumption. This starts with eliminating animal foods like meat, dairy, and eggs from your diet. Going vegan also entails avoiding products produced using animal ingredients or animal testing. These products include refined sugar, some wines and beers, personal care and household products, and some vitamins and other supplements. Vegans also avoid animal-sourced materials like leather, wool, and silk.
If this sounds daunting, consider transitioning to veganism. Take small steps through this journey of compassion. And remember, don't expect perfection. There's no such thing when animal products are omnipresent in our world. Simply try to make the best choices you can as often as possible.
Here are some ideas to assist you on your journey:
- Start with one vegan meal a day, week, or month
- Look for vegan foods at your grocery store and local restaurants
- Begin reading ingredient lists and learning more about animal ingredients
- Look for vegan or cruelty-free labels on products
- Stop buying leather, wool, and silk items, and replace your old clothes with vegan alternatives as they wear out
- Look for organic cotton to avoid the pesticide pollution of conventional cotton
- Seek out non-leather shoes and accessories, and consider the ways the synthetic materials are produced and their impact on the environment when making your buying decisions
- Choose recycled materials and secondhand items
- Shop responsibly by learning about the labor practices of the companies producing the items you wish to consume
- Find cooking inspiration in the wide variety of sustainably-grown produce at your local farmers market or through Community-Supported Agriculture
- Join a co-op
- Grow vegetables and herbs in your own garden
- Browse your local natural foods stores to find new vegan foods to try
- If local vegan options are truly scarce in your neck of the woods, check out the wealth of vegan products online
- Find ways to reduce your consumption and to rethink your needs
- Become an informed role model, educating others about veganism with grace and humor
Learn. Teach. Make Everyday Vegan.
The Strict Vegetarian website was created and is maintained by Jessica Goodman.
©2006 by Jessica Goodman