Veganism

Guide Note

The practice of eating only foods that do not come from animals is called veganism. Vegans refrain from using animal products for clothing or recreational purposes as well. Vegans differ from vegetarians in that while vegetarians also do not eat the flesh of animals, they generally do eat eggs and milk. Vegans do not use or eat anything that is part of an animal or that an animal made, which for many includes avoiding silk, honey, and gelatin. Vegans primarily eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and grains.

Fast Facts

1. Veganism: A lifestyle that does not use or consume animal products
2. Also known as: Strict or pure vegetarianism
3. Supplies adequate nutrients when planned properly
4. Approximately 1 in 100 people are vegan
5. Switching to a vegan diet decreases carbon emissions by 1,485 kg per person per year

Love of Animals

People have a number of reasons for switching to a vegan lifestyle. One of the most often cited reasons is the love of animals. Many vegans do not want to inflict suffering on other creatures and believe it is possible to live life in a more harmonious way for the good of all beings.

Meat based diets are also responsible for the loss of many natural habitats and rainforests due to the need for grazing land for cattle. Vegans often choose not to contribute to this destruction by eating a grain based diet instead.

Love of Humans

The vegan diet is believed by many to be a healthier alternative to animal product based diets, so some vegans make the change to improve their physical well-being. Vegan foods can also be produced in much greater quantities per acre of land than meat can. Many vegans believe that world hunger could be reduced if we made better use of our land in this way. These vegans change their diets for the love of other humans and themselves.

Notable Vegans

1. Dennis Kucinich
2. Carl Lewis
3. Paul McCartney
4. Pamela Anderson
5. Daryl Hannah
6. Woody Harrelson
7. Carrie Underwood
8. Shania Twain
9. Grace Slick
10. Tobey Maguire
11. Lenny Kravitz
12. Bif Naked
13. Emily Deschanel
14. James Cromwell
15. Robin Quivers