(If the above is difficult to read due to its print, here's what it says below):
"The word “vegan” was invented in 1944, by Elsie Shrigley and Donald Watson, who founded the UK Vegan Society. The British Vegan Society defines veganism this way:
The word “veganism” denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — 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 humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
If you wish it to mean something different, invent your own word."
My major concern regarding animal rights are people--even animal rights people--thinking that all one has to do to be vegan is not eat any animal products. A non-vegan even had the audacity to tell me that veganism has been re-defined for some time and it's definition is it's a diet only. People who take it further to include not using animals in any way is an "animal rights vegan", he says.
He is wrong!
Veganism is not a Diet
A vegan is someone who does not eat, wear or use any animal/animal parts in any way, shape or form. It never was a diet per se and has not been re-defined as a diet. Only the person who coined the term vegan (the British Vegan Society) really has the right to alter the definition.
In November, Donald organised a London meeting of six like-minded 'non-dairy vegetarians' at which it was decided to form a new society and adopt a new name to describe themselves - vegan derived from VEGetariAN.
It was a Sunday, with sunshine, and a blue sky, an auspicious day for the birth of an idealistic new movement.
Being vegan means being involved in a very serious cause, like all other very serious causes. Ideally, vegans should not be involved in any officially organized vegan group. The closest thing to being a "group" should be vegans having their own personal circle of vegan friends where they all trust each other, stick up for each other and are loyal to each other. And within that circle go out and educate people about veganism as well as vote on important animal rights issues.
I agree that it isn't a social club. I find so many people these days (or maybe it was always this way) want or need something to belong to, and they pick whatever group they think fits them best or easiest. But Veganism, like you've said, takes work. It's not a social club.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I'm not vegan, and I guess I am ovo-lacto vegetarian because I still eat dairy and eggs. However, I do not wear/buy fur or leather anymore (or alligator, or anything of the sort). I have been considering going vegan and not eating dairy or eggs anymore as well, but this may have to wait until I move to Portland. I have looked at my local grocery store here and found that they do not carry egg substitutes. I looked at their vegan mayo and it is almost $5.00/bottle! Also the non-dairy "butter" is around $5.00 there as well! I actually was surprised to see that some of the margerines I thought were dairy free actually have a small percentage of dairy in them (I read the labels). Since I'm currently unemployed, I can't afford that, but I think these things must be cheaper in Portland, being the vegan capital. Of course, once I am working again, I can afford more what I want instead of what I have to get due to price.
Sorry I went slightly off topic here!
There's a lot of what we call "accidentally vegan" foods around that's not considered "health food", plus get on many health food stores' mailing lists so you can get coupons, know when there will be sales, etc. Stock up on sale items so you don't have to buy any more until another deal comes along.
DeleteIt's best to go looking for vegan/cruelty-free products in drug stores like Rite Aid or major grocery stores. They have frequent shopper cards (unlike Whole Foods) so you can get discounts on foods bought.
Also, eating more non-packaged foods saves money, like buying fruits and vegetables. Stir-fry dishes. Pasta dishes too.
Trader Joe's frequently have many great deals.
And yes, more vegan items to be found in Portland! =)