Veganism has been called many things by many people since it was first formally introduced in 1944. Some see it as a form of religion while others consider it as a type of diet. Many relate it to animal activism. In truth, it is all of these rolled into one.
The founding society of veganism - the Vegan Society in England, defines veganism as a way of living which excludes all forms of, and cruelty to, the animal kingdom, and includes a reverence for life. Its “religious” aspect is based on a philosophy proposed by vegan authorities that has been accepted in faith by its practitioners. Its dietary aspect is based on the exclusion of meat and other ingredients or substances derived from animals for use in food. The animal activism aspect questions the use of animals to serve the end purpose of humans.
Vegan practitioners are usually categorized as dietary vegans and ethical vegans. While the former specifically chooses veganism typically for health or animal welfare concerns, the latter embraces the philosophy, principle and lifestyle espoused by veganism. Clearly, ethical veganism requires a general overhaul of a person’s way of life since strict adherence to its guiding principles would reveal a marked difference with the life which most people have become accustomed to.
Veganism, in its strictest sense, shuns the use of any animal product whether in food or non-food form. These would include meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, eggs, honey, leather, fur, silk and wool. Exclusion of use also extends to animal substances that are not readily seen in a product such as gelatin, lard, beeswax, lanolin, whey, rennet, bone char, cochineal, shellac, yellow grease, tallow, and bone china, among others. Finished products that made use of animal testing for their development are likewise not considered fit for vegan consumption. In essence, a product is certified vegan only if its manufacture is free from involvement of animals to the largest practicable extent possible.
Vegan products include other everyday items as well such as clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and household goods. A true vegan practitioner will not be caught wearing silk blouses and leather shoes since such use runs counter to the principles of veganism. The practice functions on the premise that no animal should be sacrificed to satisfy human wants.
Environmental issues also play a big role in veganism. Veganism specifically takes exception to the factory farming practice where animals are forced to live on cramped and dirty spaces for the purpose of providing humans their daily ration of meat, eggs, milk, and like products. Vegan societies have been actively campaigning against this practice through distribution of printed and video materials that show the horrors of animal slaughter and the deplorable condition in which animals are raised. Aside from reducing direct infringement on animals’ rights, environmentalists see veganism as a way to reduce environmental damage since animal agriculture tends to require more land, water and energy to operate.
Because of the far-reaching effects of practicing veganism, strict adherence is obviously a tall order for anyone. Many philosophers have sought to provide exceptions to the principles of veganism such as switching to a vegetarian diet in places where vegan diet is not available or tolerance of animal products provided the resource animals in questions are treated decently. These exceptions have so far not been accepted by strict vegans.
Veganism can be summed up by the desire to establish a life that allows for the existence of an ethical relationship between humans and the other creatures sharing this world while providing opportunities for healthy living and spiritual development. It seeks to be an all-encompassing guide for enjoying life without hurting another through a plant-based diet and a lifestyle totally devoid of animal use. Adapting a vegan lifestyle requires undergoing a process of understanding of what constitutes true veganism.
The vegan authorities purposely minimized promoting veganism as a form of religion to avoid the usual obstacles encountered when a new religion is introduced. Rather, the focus is on making more people aware of the benefits and advantages of living a life that respects and considers the effects of one’s action to other living things. The development of a specific moral code as a result of abiding with the principles of veganism is seen as a positive outcome of the practice.
Veganism is anti-speciesism. Anti-speciesism is typically emphasized by animal rights advocates who believe in the animals’ inherent rights which cannot be given lesser value by humans. Speciesism refers to prejudice against non-human beings.