But what is veganism, and what should you know about it? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Veganism?
Veganism is most often associated with a plant-based diet, and this is correct. However, there is more to being a vegan than simply choosing which foods to eat. Sure, a plant-based diet can reduce your risk for a variety of diseases, especially when you choose organic and non-GMO foods, but vegans aren’t vegans just for their own personal benefit and long-term health.
Instead, veganism is a lifestyle that revolves around the concept of doing the least amount of harm to others. That is why vegans will not only avoid foods that are made from or contain animal ingredients, but will also avoid products that are tested on animals and fashion that is made from animals.
Why Is Veganism Such a Popular Lifestyle?
Why are so many people choosing to go vegan? Well, a lot of information is being made public regarding just how horribly animals are treated on farms, in slaughterhouses, in testing labs, on fur farms, and in captivity. Documentaries, undercover investigations, and journalists have all allowed for the spread of vital information that is waking people up to how sentient animals are and how deserving they are of the same rights as humans.
On top of caring for animals, though, vegans also make choices that will benefit the planet. Plant-based diets don’t fund factory farms and slaughterhouses that are detrimental to the environment by polluting land, water, and air. And vegans also know that, if all of the grain that is grown to feed livestock would be fed to starving people around the world, we might be able to do something to combat hunger and help people too.
Specific Rules to Follow
Veganism is pretty straightforward and simple when it comes to the rules that you need to adhere to. You basically just need to avoid anything that is derived from an animal, whether that is a wool coat or a burger at a restaurant.
Ultimately, veganism is a growing global movement that promotes peace for all beings, environmental conservation, and a brighter future for all people.