Veganism is a lifestyle and philosophy advocating the avoidance of using animals for consumption, testing and clothing.
Veganism is a philosophy that advocates that we should not use animals for food, or in any form. The term “Vegan” was created by Mr. Donald Watson (founder of The Vegan Society) in 1944, with the purpose of emphasizing determination in the most reasonable and compassionate consumption method. Since its inception, veganism has been spread and supported in many countries around the world. Vegans will avoid foods derived from animals such as meat, eggs, milk, honey, and also leather, wool, feathers, bones and pearls.
While not the sole motivation, the strong emotional bond many individuals share with animals plays a significant role in their choice to adopt a vegan lifestyle, affirming the belief that all sentient beings deserve the right to live freely; abstaining from animal products becomes a means of combating widespread animal exploitation and cruelty.
Many individuals are drawn to a vegan lifestyle not only for ethical reasons but also due to the perceived health benefits. Increased energy, rejuvenated skin, and a youthful appearance are commonly reported by enthusiastic individuals embracing a plant-based diet. Scientifically, a well-planned vegan diet has been shown to offer numerous advantages over conventional meat and fish-rich diets, providing ample protein, iron, calcium, vitamins, and minerals essential for the body. Plant-based nutrition sources are not only lower in saturated fat but also high in fiber and antioxidants, reducing the risks of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. For further insights into healthy eating please explore our nutrition section.
Many individuals are actively promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle by participating in initiatives such as cycling and waste recycling. However, to effectively reduce carbon emissions we need to rethink agriculture. The most comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of farming to date suggests that avoiding meat and dairy is the most significant individual action to reduce one's environmental footprint on the planet.
Veganism offers not just environmental sustainability but also a practical means of feeding people sustainably. A plant-based diet utilizes only one-third of the land area required for a diet based on meat and dairy. Given the ongoing global challenges such as food and water shortages, coupled with environmental, economic, and social concerns, embracing a more sustainable lifestyle becomes especially pertinent. Choosing to avoid animal products presents a straightforward way for each individual to contribute to alleviating food and resource challenges that disproportionately impact the less fortunate.
Many underestimate the substantial impact of dietary choices on the environment. Initially, there's the demand for food and clean water in livestock farming, followed by the environmental toll of transportation and supply chain processes. Annually, an immense quantity of grain is consumed to feed livestock, resulting in severe deforestation, habitat loss, and the endangerment of various species. In Brazil alone, approximately 2.3 million hectares are dedicated to soybean cultivation, serving as feed for European livestock and poultry. This not only exacerbates global malnutrition, particularly affecting the impoverished forced to prioritize cash crops for animal consumption over their own sustenance. Conversely, adopting a vegan diet contributes to a reduction in water and crop consumption, lessening the overall impact on the natural environment.
The plight of animals in the dairy and egg sectors receives less attention compared to the meat industry, yet this doesn't diminish their suffering. In the dairy industry, numerous male calves are euthanized due to lack of profitability, and cows are often exploited until their milk production wanes, after which they are swiftly culled. Similarly, in the egg industry, male chicks are routinely euthanized at only one day old, irrespective of the farming method, including "free-range" systems, as they hold no economic value.
In today's era of widespread social networks and internet usage, information regarding plant-based nutrition and fundamental aspects of veganism is readily available. Books on veganism, like "How Not to Die" by M. Greger and "Starting a Vegetarian Diet" by Duc Nguyen, are accessible for purchase. Additionally, you have the option to participate in Vive's 7-Day Vegan Challenge, offering essential knowledge, valuable tips, daily meal plans, and supportive guidance from our friendly mentors.
