Veganism is about justice and respect towards other animals.
Veganism or anti-speciesism is a philosophy and way of living which opposes all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, entertainment, or any other purpose. In dietary terms (plant-based) it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals. Veganism implies that other animals should be respected and live free from speciesist discrimination, oppression and exploitation.
Adopt a vegan diet
Vegans do not consume products that are obtained from other animals. That includes cows, pigs, chickens or other birds, fish, shellfish, dairy, eggs, honey, or any foods that contain them as ingredients. The limited animal-based foods are replaced with a much wider range of plant based foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, beans, grains and more. For more information, you can check out our recipes or get free help from our certified nutritionist!
You might ask: what about protein, B12, zinc and other nutritional needs? Needless to say, it’s important to follow a balanced diet, but that’s true of anyone, vegan or not! If you have any worries or questions, our certified nutritionist is here to help!
Stop wearing and using products made from other animals
Vegans don’t use the bodies of other animals as clothing, these include: alpaca, angora, camelhair, down, fur (including fur trim), leather, pashmina, pearls, silk, suede, wool, as well as other animal skins, such as crocodile, and snakeskin. Instead, there’s a wide range of products to choose from, such as cotton, linen, hemp, microfiber, synthetic materials and others.
‘‘But, isn’t leather a by-product?’’
All animal clothing involves the use of other animals. They are killed for their skins and pelts. Even animals who are not killed for clothing, such as sheep for their wool, are bred and raised to be used up by human beings for our fashion choices. All of these animals will eventually be killed.
Stop using other animals for entertainment and other purposes
Vegans do not patronize circuses, aquariums, rodeos, bullfights or any other events that use other animals for human entertainment. They are not here to entertain us nor do they owe us anything.
‘‘What about zoos?’’
Other animals are imprisoned in zoos, for “educational” or financial purposes. Their individuality and freedom is stripped for them in return of money, against their will. Vegans also oppose the use of animals in films and TV shows, and the continued production of domesticated animals to serve as “pets.”
Animal experimentation is another act of violation of the rights of other animals, a ‘‘cruelty-free’’ logo is usually used to identify skincare/cosmetic/cleaning products that aren’t tested on other animals.