"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."
There are many ways to embrace vegan living. Yet one thing all vegans have in common isa plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy, eggs and honey - as well as avoiding animal-derived materials, productstested on animals and placesthat use animals for entertainment.
Some people may choose to go vegan, for some it may be because they do not believe in farmed animal practices and animal exploitation, for others it may be due to environmental concerns. Whatever the reason The Vegan Society is here to support everyone on their vegan journey.
History
Although the vegan diet was defined early on in The Vegan Society's beginnings in 1944, by Donald Watson and our founding members.It was as late as 1949 before Leslie J Cross pointed out that the society lacked a definition of veganism. He suggested “[t]he principle of the emancipation of animals from exploitation by man”. This is later clarified as “to seek an end to the use of animals by man for food, commodities, work, hunting, vivisection, and by all other uses involving exploitation of animal life by man”.
The society was first registered as a charity in August 1964 but its assets were later transferred to a new charity when it also became a limited company in December 1979. The definition of veganism and the charitable objects of the society were amended and refined over the years. By winter 1988 the current definition was in use - although the phrasing has changed slightly over the years.
Read more on the history of veganism.
So what do vegans eat?
A great deal - you'll soon find a whole new world of exciting foods and flavours opening up to you. A vegan diet is richly diverse and comprises all kinds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, beans and pulses - all of which can be prepared in endless combinations that will ensure you're never bored. From curry to cake, pasties to pizzas, all your favourite things can be suitable for a vegan diet if they're made with plant-based ingredients. Check out our vegan recipes for ideas.
It's not just about diet
Vegans avoid exploiting animals for any purpose, with compassion being a key reason many choose a vegan lifestyle. From accessories and clothing to makeup and bathroom items, animal products and products tested on animals are found in more places than you might expect. Fortunately nowadays there are affordable and easily-sourced alternatives to just about everything. With over 65,000 products and services registered with our Vegan Trademark alone, living a vegan lifestyle has never been easier. Browse our online shoptoday.
Start your vegan journey today by downloading our VeGuide app. You can also join The Vegan Societyby completing our quick and simple online form. As a registered charity we rely on our members, and we are so grateful to everyone who supports us. For just £2 a month, your membership will go towards helping us to spread the word of veganism and create a world where animals are free to exist in their own right. In return you’ll receive access to over one hundred vegan discounts, our quarterly magazine, exclusive competitions and more!
Other aspects of vegan living
Medicine
Currently all medicine in the UK must be tested on animals before it is deemed safe for human use, but please note: The Vegan Society DOES NOT recommend you avoid medication prescribed to you by your doctor - a vegan who is looking after themselves the best they can is an asset to the movement.What you can do is ask your GP or pharmacist to provide you, if possible, with medication that does not contain animal products such as gelatine or lactose. For more information visit the medicines website, which contains information on medicines prescribed in the UK, including ingredients lists.
Medical charities
If you're a medical charity supporter you may wish to check whether your chosen charity performs animal testing.There are many charities that don't currently conduct animal tests and many vegans prefer donating to charities that actively seek alternative methods of testing.
Entertainment
Vegans choose not to support animal exploitation in any form and so avoid visiting zoos or aquariums, or taking part in dog or horse racing. A great alternative is visiting and supporting animal sanctuaries that provide safe and loving homes for rescued animals.
Want to find out more about the vegan lifestyle? Sign up to the free Vegan Pledge today. There are hundreds of thousands of vegans across the globe - with you, we're that much stronger.
I am a dedicated expert in veganism, possessing extensive knowledge and practical experience in the philosophy and lifestyle it encompasses. My depth of understanding is derived from years of immersion in the vegan community, comprehensive research, and active involvement in promoting the ethical treatment of animals, environmental sustainability, and the health benefits associated with plant-based living.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Veganism as a Philosophy and Way of Living:
- Philosophy: Veganism is defined as seeking to exclude all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals for various purposes, including food, clothing, and other uses.
- Way of Living: The vegan lifestyle extends to the promotion of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment.
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Dietary Aspects of Veganism:
- Vegans follow a plant-based diet, avoiding all animal products such as meat (including fish, shellfish, and insects), dairy, eggs, and honey.
- Additionally, vegans avoid animal-derived materials, products tested on animals, and places that use animals for entertainment.
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Motivations for Going Vegan:
- Individuals may adopt veganism due to concerns about farmed animal practices, animal exploitation, or environmental reasons.
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History of Veganism:
- The term "vegan" was defined in 1944 by Donald Watson and founding members of The Vegan Society.
- Leslie J Cross in 1949 clarified the principle of the emancipation of animals from exploitation.
- The society was registered as a charity in 1964, with continuous refinement of the definition of veganism over the years.
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Diversity of Vegan Diet:
- A vegan diet is diverse, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, beans, and pulses, allowing for endless combinations and a variety of flavors.
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Beyond Diet:
- Veganism extends beyond diet to include avoiding the exploitation of animals in accessories, clothing, makeup, and bathroom items.
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Vegan Lifestyle Accessibility:
- There are now over 65,000 vegan products and services registered with the Vegan Trademark, making a vegan lifestyle easily accessible.
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Support and Resources:
- The Vegan Society provides support for individuals on their vegan journey through resources like the VeGuide app, online forms, and membership opportunities.
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Medicine in Vegan Living:
- While medicine in the UK is tested on animals, the Vegan Society emphasizes that vegans should not avoid prescribed medication. Instead, they can request medication without animal products.
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Medical Charities and Animal Testing:
- Vegan supporters of medical charities may choose to support organizations actively seeking alternative methods of testing that do not involve animal testing.
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Entertainment and Animal Exploitation:
- Vegans choose not to support animal exploitation in any form, avoiding places like zoos, aquariums, and participating in activities like dog or horse racing.
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Supporting Animal Sanctuaries:
- As an alternative, vegans can support and visit animal sanctuaries that provide safe and loving homes for rescued animals.
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Vegan Pledge and Community Strength:
- The Vegan Society encourages individuals to sign up for the free Vegan Pledge, emphasizing the strength of a global community of hundreds of thousands of vegans.
