Ethical Reasons for Going Vegan

Many people become vegans not only for the health and environmental benefits, but also for ethical reasons. Many vegans believe that people promote the meat industry through their consumption of eggs and dairy products. This belief is due to the fact that once dairy cows and egg-laying chickens grow too old to be efficient and productive, they are usually sold as meat. And sadly enough, since male cows do not make milk, they are usually raised for veal and other products. For these reasons, especially the cruel treatment of animals raised for consumption, many people decide to become vegan.

Some vegans take their lifestyle changes even further. Many vegans choose not to use or wear clothing or other products made of fur, leather, wool, silk, feathers, etc. because they derive from animals. These vegans instead wear clothing made from plant or man-made materials.

- Some plant materials include: cotton, linen, hemp

- Some man-made materials include: polyester, acrylic, nylon


Some vegans also choose not to go to venues that create artificial environments for animals for the purpose of creating entertainment and profit. Such venues include: animal circuses, zoos, safari parks, aquariums, horseraces, and any other venue that uses animals for human profit. Vegans who refrain from visiting these places do so because they believe that animals belong in their own natural habitats with other members of their species, not isolated in  artificial, man-made habitats. These vegans, though, do usually support animal sanctuaries and wildlife reserves for their efforts at saving animals from exploitation and extinction,

Some vegans do not believe that breeding household animals is ethical either, for they believe that domestication can be against the best interests of animals who will then be forced to rely on their human owners for everything, from food to exercise to socialization. Vegans who believe this though, often do support the adoption and rescue of animals from shelters, which are viewed as refuges who deserve to be cared for.

Many vegans also choose not to use cosmetic or household products that have been tested on animals and choose instead to use cruelty-free products. Thankfully, the industry for cruelty-free products is growing.

Veganism and the Environment

 



One of the main benefits of vegan diets is their minimal impact on the environment. This intriguing chart shows the environmental impacts of our eating habits:

 

 



A Funny Little Buzzfeed Video

I am a huge fan of the website Buzzfeed, and I check it almost daily. It's got some great vegan recipes, so I highly recommend checking it out. I just remembered a video that I watched a while ago on Buzzfeed called "Questions Vegans Are Tired Of Answering." I thought the video was funny when I initially watched it, but having become a vegan myself, it has definitely risen a level on the humor scale for me. Enjoy!

 

A Health Overview

Are there any health benefits to eating a vegan diet?

When planned and executed correctly, a vegan diet can be noticeably healthier than the typical American diet. In fact, the American Diabetic Association released a report in 1996 that said that vegetarian and vegan diets can greatly reduce a person's risk of contractin

 

g heart disease, colon and lung cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and many other health problems.

- While cows' milk has perfect levels of fat and protein to nourish young calves, these levels are pretty high for human consumption.

- Since eggs are higher in cholesterol than other food, many believe them to be a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease.

- Vegan foods, like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, contain low amounts of fat and no cholesterol; they contain a great deal of fiber and nutrients.

- Those who do not eat a vegan or vegetarian diet often ask me if I am getting enough protein with my diet since I'm not eating meat. I always respond that yes, I am getting enough protein; I get most of my protein through legumes (like beans and tofu) and grains (such as rice, corn, and whole wheat products).

- Vegans can get calcium from broccoli, kale, collard greens, tofu, fortified juices, and soymilk.

- Vegans can get iron from chickpeas, spinach, pinto beans, and soy products.

- Vegans can obtain enough B12 vitamins from fortified foods or supplements.

Vegan?

What does it mean to be a vegan?

 

Definition from Google:

 

veg·an

ˈvēgən,ˈvejən

noun

noun: vegan; plural noun: vegans

1. a person who does not eat or use animal products.

   "I'm a strict vegan"

Definition from The Vegan Society:

 

Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. From 'junk food vegans' to raw food vegans - and everything in between - there's a version of veganism to suit everyone.

 

What is the purpose of this blog?

 

I became interested in the vegan diet and lifestyle a while ago, not only in regard to its health benefits, but also to its environmental impact. I was always too cautious and afraid to make the leap and actually start eating vegan myself, especially since I come from a family of happy meat-eaters who enjoy food staples like cheese and milk and eggs. I decided to try it out, though; I have been eating vegan for the past week, and I hope to continue indefinitely. In this blog, I hope to educate others about the benefits and commitments involved with becoming a vegan, and also inform you of the positive environmental impacts of veganism. Through sharing what I have learned, I will also share some personal stories about my current transition into veganism. I'll post again later today!