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Why choose vegan?
Welcome, perhaps you have never heard of veganism or are have heard of it but don’t really know what it is and why anyone would choose a vegan lifestyle. One of the best places to start is to look 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."
A fairly reasonable philosophy many would agree – after all who wouldn’t want to avoid cruelty to animals? A key thing to take note of from this description is that Veganism in not a diet but is an animal rights movement!
So let us consider some of the most compelling reasons.
Kindness to Animals
It is fair to say that the vast majority of us believe in kindness to animals, and would not promote any sort of animal abuse, to the point that many of us openly vilify those that do, such as those who engage in fox hunting and other abusive activities.
However, many of us do not carry this sentiment over to what we choose to eat. How often do we consider the suffering of animals who are bred to feed humans. Even with the best standards available animals suffer needlessly, treated in ways many of us find abhorrent, made all the worse when you consider that we can easily get all the nutrients we need from a plant-based diet. Some people will say that they like the taste of animals, and whilst this may be true, is this a reasonable justification for causing pain and suffering? After all, if someone were to say they like hitting dogs, we wouldn’t find that acceptable. Liking something is not a good enough justification for causing pain and suffering to others.
Environmental & Ecological Effects
Anyone who has any stake in the world we live in, which let’s be honest is all of us, should value the health of our planet. Currently we live in a world that is perfect for supporting life, but many of our activities since the industrial revolution have had a negative impact upon the environment. Often this is blamed upon the effect of our use of fossil fuels, and whilst movement away from the use of fossil fuels unquestionably is a key part of the problem, it is not the whole story. What we choose to eat can have a massive environmental effect. Plant-based diets emit 75% less greenhouse gasses, use 75% less land, and 50% less water than that which is required for omnivorous and meat-eating diets, with beef and dairy being one of the worst offenders. The great thing is that this is an easy difference that you can make every day!
Personal health and wellbeing
A vegan diet can be extremely healthy to the point that studies have shown an average populace of vegans can expect to have a 15% lower probability of dying prematurely. Of course, vegan food can also be unhealthy due to the rise in vegan junk food. However, by making careful choices, ensuring your nutrient needs are met, avoiding excessive amounts of unhealthy foods (don't worry the occasional greedy treat will be just fine), and partaking in regular exercise a vegan lifestyle can assist in giving long and healthy life.
Vegan cooking is an exciting challenge for many, with many easy to follow recipes being available online, in books, or on apps for your mobile device. If you don't fancy cooking anything too complicated then there are plenty of preprepared foods available to cook at home. and an increasing number of vegan cafés, restaurants, venues that will cater for vegans.
Conclusion
Choosing veganism can be extremely beneficial not only for ourselves but also for our environment, future generations, and of course to the animals that do not suffer from no longer being a part of our food chain.
There may be many excuses that people may choose to justify not choosing veganism, but ultimately each of them are unjustifiable. With there being so many benefits to choosing veganism, when will you choose veganism?