Why choose vegan?

Welcome! Perhaps you've never heard of veganism, or maybe you've heard of it but don’t fully understand what it is or why anyone would choose a vegan lifestyle. A great place to start is by looking at the definition of veganism as described by The Vegan Society:

"Veganism is a philosophy and 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; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."

 

This definition outlines a philosophy that many would find reasonable—after all, who wouldn’t want to avoid cruelty to animals?

But veganism goes beyond avoiding animal cruelty. There are multiple reasons why you might choose a vegan lifestyle. Let’s explore some of the most compelling ones.

Kindness to Animals

The vast majority of people believe in kindness to animals and strongly oppose animal abuse. Many of us actively condemn practices such as fox hunting or other forms of cruelty, seeing them as inhumane and unnecessary.

However, this sentiment often does not extend to the choices we make about what we eat. How often do we stop to consider the suffering of animals raised for food? Even under the highest welfare standards, animals endure pain and suffering that most of us would find unacceptable if we witnessed it firsthand.

For example, in the UK, which is renowned for its high animal welfare standards, approximately 1.2 billion land animals are slaughtered annually for food (DEFRA). Many of these animals are raised in intensive farming systems where they are confined in small spaces, deprived of natural behaviours, and subjected to painful procedures such as debeaking, tail docking, or castration—often without anaesthesia (Compassion in World Farming).

Even in "free-range" or "organic" systems, significant welfare challenges persist. For example, free-range chickens often have limited access to outdoor spaces and are housed in crowded conditions. Similarly, dairy cows endure repeated cycles of forced impregnation and separation from their calves, a process that causes distress to both mother and offspring (RSPCA).

Choosing a vegan lifestyle eliminates the need for such suffering, allowing us to align our values of compassion and kindness with our actions.


Environmental & Ecological Effects

Animal agriculture is one of the leading drivers of environmental destruction, contributing significantly to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. Livestock farming alone accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than the entire transport sector combined (Sentient Climate).

Moreover, the land required to grow crops to feed livestock far exceeds the land needed for crops that feed humans directly. By switching to a plant-based diet, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of our food choices. Plant-based diets are associated with:

  • 75% less climate-heating emissions
  • 50% less water use
  • 75% less land use compared to meat-rich diets (The Guardian).

This shift also has profound implications for wildlife. Currently, livestock makes up 62% of the world’s mammal biomass, while humans account for 34%, and wild mammals represent just 4% (Our World in Data). Agriculture’s demand for land and resources has led to an 85% decline in wild mammal biomass since the rise of human civilisation (Our World in Data). By choosing plant-based options, we can reduce habitat destruction and preserve biodiversity for future generations.


Personal Health and Wellbeing

A plant-based diet is not only kinder to animals and better for the planet, but it is also beneficial for personal health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that a well-planned vegan diet provides all the essential nutrients needed for a healthy life (NHS, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).

Vegans tend to have lower risks of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes supports a healthy weight, improved digestion, and overall wellbeing.

Importantly, adopting a vegan diet can empower individuals to take control of their health while simultaneously contributing to a kinder and more sustainable world.


Be the difference, make the change, Go Vegan.

Kindness, sustainability, and health—these are the three pillars of a vegan lifestyle. By choosing to go vegan, you are making a powerful statement: that you value the lives of animals, care about protecting the planet for future generations, and want to prioritise your own health and wellbeing.

The great thing about veganism is that it’s a decision you can make every day—one meal at a time. Every plant-based choice reduces animal suffering, minimises your environmental footprint, and promotes a healthier you.

So why not take the first step today? Try a vegan meal, learn more about plant-based living, and discover how easy it is to make a difference. Together, we can create a kinder, healthier, and more sustainable world.