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Essays About Being a Vegan

The importance of writing an essay on veganism.

Writing an essay on veganism is important because it helps to raise awareness about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Veganism is not just a dietary choice, but a way of living that has a positive impact on the environment, animal welfare, and personal health. By writing an essay on veganism, you can educate others about the ethical and environmental reasons for choosing a vegan lifestyle, and inspire them to make more conscious choices.

Here are some tips for writing an essay on veganism:

• Research the topic thoroughly to understand the key principles of veganism and its impact on different aspects of life.
• Include statistics and studies to support your points about the environmental and health benefits of veganism.
• Address common misconceptions about veganism and provide evidence to debunk them.
• Include personal stories or testimonials from vegans to add a human element to your essay.
• Consider the opposition and address counterarguments in a respectful and informative manner.
• End your essay with a call to action, encouraging readers to consider the positive impact of veganism on their lives and the world.

By writing an essay on veganism, you can contribute to the growing conversation about sustainability and ethical living. Your words have the power to spark change and inspire others to make more conscious decisions for a better world.

Best Vegan Essay Topics

Looking for inspiration for your vegan essay? Here are 20 unique and engaging Essay Topics that go beyond the ordinary:

• The impact of veganism on the environment
• The ethics of animal testing in the beauty industry
• The rise of plant-based meat alternatives
• Veganism and social justice
• The health benefits of a vegan diet
• The portrayal of veganism in the media
• Veganism and cultural appropriation
• The future of vegan fashion
• Veganism and food accessibility
• The intersection of veganism and feminism
• Veganism and spirituality
• The role of veganism in combating climate change
• Veganism and sustainable living
• The challenges of being a vegan athlete
• The impact of veganism on global food systems
• Veganism and mental health
• The cultural significance of vegan food
• The economics of the vegan industry
• Veganism and food deserts
• The psychology of veganism

Vegan Essay Topics Prompts

Looking for a creative spark for your vegan essay? Here are 5 engaging prompts to get you started:

• Imagine a world where veganism is the norm. How would society be different?
• Write a letter to a non-vegan friend, explaining why you chose a vegan lifestyle.
• Create a dialogue between two people with opposing views on veganism.
• If animals could talk, what would they say about veganism?
• Write a persuasive essay convincing someone to adopt a vegan diet.

With these thought-provoking Essay Topics and creative prompts, you'll be well on your way to writing a compelling and impactful essay on veganism. Happy writing!

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Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan.

Vegetarianism can be traced to Indus Valley Civilization in 3300-1300 BCE in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in northern and western ancient India. Early vegetarians included Indian philosophers such as Parshavnatha, Mahavira, Acharya Kundakunda, Umaswati, Samantabhadra, and the Tamil poet Valluvar; the Indian emperors Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka; Greek philosophers such as Empedocles, Theophrastus, Plutarch, Plotinus, and Porphyry; and the Roman poet Ovid and the playwright Seneca the Younger. The Greek sage Pythagoras may have advocated an early form of strict vegetarianism.

Ethical vegans” also avoid the use of animal products like skin (leather or fur), feathers, and other things that cause animal suffering during production. Approximately 5% of the US is vegetarian (close to 16 million people), and about half of those are vegan - meaning about 7.5 million Americans abstain from all animal products. Vegans get their protein from products like lentils, black beans, veggie burgers, tofu, nuts, peanut butter, and soy milk.

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Essays About Veganism: Top 5 Examples and 10 Prompts

Veganism is on the rise. See below for our great examples of essays about veganism and helpful writing prompts to get started. 

Veganism is the practice of abstaining from animal-based foods and products. The movement originated from the philosophies against using animals as commodities and for capitalist gains. Now a booming industry, veganism promises better health benefits, a more humane world for animals, and an effective solution to global warming. 

Here is our round-up of essays examples about veganism:

1. A Brief History of Veganism by Claire Suddath

2. animal testing on plant-based ingredients divides vegan community by jill ettinger, 3. as vegan activism grows, politicians aim to protect agri-business, restaurateurs by alexia renard, 4. bezos, gates back fake meat and dairy made from fungus as next big alt-protein by bob woods, 5. going vegan: can switching to a plant-based diet really save the planet by sarah marsh, 1. health pros and cons of veganism, 2. veganism vs. vegetarianism, 3. the vegan society, 4. making a vegan diet plan, 5. profitability of vegan restaurants, 6. public personalities who are vegan, 7. the rise of different vegan products, 8. is vegan better for athletes, 9. vegans in your community, 10. most popular vegan activists.

“Veganism is an extreme form of vegetarianism, and though the term was coined in 1944, the concept of flesh-avoidance can be traced back to ancient Indian and eastern Mediterranean societies.”

Suddath maps out the historical roots of veganism and the global routes of its influences. She also laid down its evolution in various countries where vegan food choices became more flexible in considering animal-derived products critical to health. 

“Along with eschewing animal products at mealtime, vegans don’t support other practices that harm animals, including animal testing. But it’s a process rampant in both the food and drug industries.”

Ettinger follows the case of two vegan-founded startups that ironically conducts animal testing to evaluate the safety of their vegan ingredients for human consumption. The essay brings to light the conflicts between the need to launch more vegan products and ensuring the safety of consumers through FDA-required animal tests. 

“Indeed, at a time when the supply of vegan products is increasing, activists sometimes fear the reduction of veganism to a depoliticized way of life that has been taken over by the food industry.”

The author reflects on a series of recent vegan and animal rights activist movements and implies disappointment over the government’s response to protect public safety rather than support the protests’ cause. The essay differentiates the many ways one promotes and fights for veganism and animal rights but emphasizes the effectiveness of collective action in shaping better societies. 

“Beyond fungus, Nature’s Fynd also is representative of the food sustainability movement, whose mission is to reduce the carbon footprint of global food systems, which generate 34% of greenhouse emissions linked to climate change.”

The essay features a company that produces alternative meat products and has the backing of Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Al Gore. The essay divulges the company’s investments and plans to expand in the vegan market while providing a picture of the burgeoning alternative foods sector. 

“Experts say changing the way we eat is necessary for the future of the planet but that government policy is needed alongside this. If politicians are serious about wanting dietary changes, they also need to incentivise it, scientists and writers add.”

The article conveys the insights and recommendations of environmental and agriculture experts on how to turn more individuals into vegans. The experts emphasize the need for a whole-of-society approach in shifting more diets to vegan instead of putting the onus for change on an individual. 

10 Writing Prompts on Essays About Veganism

Here is our round-up of the best prompts to create interesting essays about veganism: 

While veganism has been a top choice for those desiring to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle, some studies have also shown its detrimental effects on health due to deficiencies in specific vitamins. First, find out what existing research and experts say about this. Then, lay down the advantages and disadvantages of going vegan, explain each, and wrap up your essay with your insights.

Differentiate veganism from vegetarianism. Tackle the foods vegans and vegetarians consume and do not consume and cite the different effects they have on your health and the environment. You may also expand this prompt to discuss the other dietary choices that spawned from veganism. 

The Vegan Society is a UK-based non-profit organization aimed at educating the public on the ways of veganism and promoting this as a way of life to as many people. Expound on its history, key organizational pillars, and recent and future campaigns. You may also broaden this prompt by listing down vegan organizations around the world. Then discuss each one’s objectives and campaigns. 

Write down the healthiest foods you recommend your readers to include in a vegan diet plan. Contrary to myths, vegan foods can be very flavorful depending on how they are cooked and prepared. You may expand this prompt to add recommendations for the most flavorful spices and sauces to take any vegan recipe a notch higher. 

Vegan restaurants were originally a niche market. But with the rise of vegan food products and several multinational firms’ foray into the market, the momentum for vegan restaurants was launched into an upward trajectory—research on how profitable vegan restaurants are against restos offering meat on the menu. You may also recommend innovative business strategies for a starting vegan restaurant to thrive and stay competitive in the market. 

From J.Lo to Bill Gates, there is an increasing number of famous personalities who are riding the vegan trend with good reason. So first, list a few celebrities, influencers, and public figures who are known advocates of veganism. Then, research and write about stories that compelled them to change their dietary preference.

The market for vegan-based non-food products is rising, from makeup to leather bags and clothes. First, create a list of vegan brands that are growing in popularity. Then, research the materials they use and the processes they employ to preserve the vegan principles. This may prompt may also turn into a list of the best gift ideas for vegans.

Many believe that a high-protein diet is a must for athletes. However, several athletes have dispelled the myth that vegan diets lack the protein levels for rigorous training and demanding competition. First, delve deeper into the vegan foods that serve as meat alternatives regarding protein intake. Then, cite other health benefits a vegan diet can offer to athletes. You may also add research on what vegan athletes say about how a vegan diet gives them energy. 

Interview people in your community who are vegan. Write about how they made the decision and how they transitioned to this lifestyle. What were the initial challenges in their journey, and how did they overcome these? Also, ask them for tips they would recommend to those who are struggling to uphold their veganism.

Make a list of the most popular vegan activists. You may narrow your list to personalities in digital media who are speaking loud and proud about their lifestyle choice and trying to inspire others to convert. Narrate the ways they have made and are making an impact in their communities. 

To enhance your essay, read our guide explaining what is persuasive writing . 

If you’d like to learn more, check out our guide on how to write an argumentative essay .

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Last updated May 29, 2023

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Blog > Common App , Essay Advice > How to Write a Great College Essay About Veganism

How to Write a Great College Essay About Veganism

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Kylie Kistner, MA Former Willamette University Admissions

Key Takeaway

People become vegan for a number of reasons. For some, it’s a deeply held personal choice, while for others it’s simply a matter of taste.

If you’re vegan, chances are that it’s a topic that’s important to you. You may even be wondering if veganism is something you should write about for your college essay.

Your college essay should be about something you are most passionate about, and veganism can allow you to talk about a core part of your values.

But veganism is also a fairly common topic that can at times be difficult to extract an original and meaningful message from.

Like any common topic, there are pros and cons to writing a personal statement about veganism. The topic isn’t off the table, but some approaches are more effective than others.

Where College Essays About Veganism Can Go Wrong

To achieve the goals of a personal statement, a college essay about veganism has to be about more than just your veganism.

After all, you are vegan for a reason. Something about the practice resonates with you at a deeper level. That significance is what you should focus on.

Two of the most common approaches to writing a college essay about veganism miss this mark because they rely too much on generalities instead of your deeply-held and identity-based reasons for being vegan.

“Why I became vegan”

The first ineffective approach is the surface-level “why I became vegan” or “how veganism changed my life” framework.

If veganism is something important to your lived experience, then it’s only logical that you’d want to write your college essay about what led you to be vegan or the specific ways being vegan has improved your life.

That is valuable. But too often essays that follow this approach give only common-knowledge reasons for being vegan. In doing so, they fail to address something truly meaningful about the writer.

A 2018 poll found that 3% of American adults identified as vegan, up from 2% in 2012. Your admissions officer is very likely familiar with the most common reasons behind veganism, so sharing this kind of surface-level answer is inadequate.

Unless you truly interrogate how veganism connects to a broader part of who you are, then your essay will leave an admissions committee wanting.

“Why you should be vegan”

The second common trope to avoid is the simple persuasive approach to “why you/everyone should be vegan.”

Maybe you do think everyone should be vegan. Maybe it’s even the belief that has sparked your interest in studying environmental science or food studies.

Because this topic carries a lot of weight, writing about why people should act a certain way takes a lot of time and care that is typically not possible in a personal statement.

A persuasive essay about veganism also says too much about others and not enough about who you are, so it’s best to find another approach.

Overall, college essays about veganism can go wrong when they make an admissions committee say, “That’s great! But now what?”

If you only write about your veganism, you leave the admissions committee with more questions than answers about who you are and why they should admit you.

Before you begin your college essay about veganism, you should consider asking yourself two questions:

How does my veganism relate to a larger part of who I am?

• And what do I want admissions officers to do with that information?

Using these questions as a guiding framework, let’s discuss two ways to go about writing your essay.

Effective ways to approach your college essay about veganism

Background and identity.

One way to make an essay about veganism stand out is by connecting your veganism to another significant part of your background or identity.

Instead of writing generally about why you became vegan, allow veganism to be only part of your more complex story.

Drawing these connections for the admissions committee will give them more genuine insight into who you are and what motivates you.

Consider the “how” and “why” behind your veganism to identify the value or motivation that is most central to you.

Did you go vegan after watching Food, Inc.?

Or maybe you grew up on a farm and your veganism is because of (or in spite of) your upbringing.

Or perhaps you simply have a dairy allergy and don’t like the taste of meat.

In all of these cases, the compelling story is not that you are vegan. Your veganism is compelling because it developed in a context that is specific to you.

Let’s plug the Food, Inc. example into our questions:

I went vegan after watching Food, Inc. > I watched Food, Inc. in health class. > I cried during the documentary because I felt bad for the animals that were being treated poorly. > I love my veganism because I can actively live out my compassion for animals.

And there it is! A compelling, motivating part of your identity: your compassion.

And what do I want admissions officers to do with this information?

I want admissions officers to know that I am deeply compassionate towards animals. > This compassion is a guiding principle for how I move throughout the world.

With these two questions answered, you have a seedling for your essay. If you find that your answers to the questions actually aren’t that compelling, then you might consider a different topic.

Related Interests

The second effective way to approach your essay about veganism is to relate it to a specific academic or co-curricular interest.

Your veganism can then be a vehicle through which you talk about another topic related to your goals and passions.

This approach is effective because it allows you to discuss something you’re personally passionate about (veganism) and connect it to another part of yourself (your interest or accomplishment) that gives the admissions officers more reason to admit you.

Probably the most popular connections are wanting to study environmental science or biology or being a climate or animal rights activist.

Let’s try the questions again:

I’m vegan. > I’ve joined and now lead an online community of vegans. > I’ve developed an academic interest in niche communities and am interested in learning more about them.

I have an extracurricular accomplishment managing an online community of 5,000+ members. > My veganism has led to a budding interest in the psychology and sociology of online groups.

Again, you’ve found the seed. You can use your newfound connections as the foundation of your college essay.

Key Takeaways

Veganism is deeply important to many people. If you’re one of them, it’s okay to write your college essay about it.

While some approaches are better than others, essays about veganism are still fairly common.

So if you choose to write one, make sure that you root your essay in genuine and specific examples that clearly illustrate how your veganism connects to a core part of you.

In the end, your college essay about veganism should showcase another value, belief, or interest that you hold deeply. Once you’ve determined what that looks like for you, check out our other resources for writing a college essay and creating a cohesive application narrative .

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BEING VEGAN: A personal essay about veganism

I wear a necklace that spells out the word vegan. People peer at it and ask me, “Are you vegan?” It seems like an odd question, but people find vegans odd. When I respond that I indeed am a vegan, the comeback reply I dread most is when the person lists the animal products they eat, and how they couldn’t live without chicken or cheese.

In the cut and thrust of talk about food, I’ll then respond that the chicken is the body of an animal who wanted to live. That cheese is made from milk, a nutritious sustenance meant for a mother to give her newborn calf. If the baby cow was male, he was slaughtered for veal.

The slaughtering of baby animals is a good way to end what could escalate into an uncomfortable conversation neither of us really wanted to have.

Few of us are born vegan, and those who choose to become vegan usually do so following a personal epiphany, perhaps in the wake of a health crisis, or after meeting and befriending a farm animal whom one might formerly have considered food. That was my route. I was 40 before I understood that I was living a lie, claiming to love animals on the one hand, and eating them on the other. Today, veganism brings me peace of mind and a nice circle of friends.

I find it regrettable that vegans are so widely disliked in the mainstream media, but I’m not surprised. Our insistence that animals are neither objects nor ingredients is a perspective that people find challenging and even subversive. Our choice not to eat or wear animals challenges people to think about their own relationship to animals.  Most people love animals. Most people don’t want to think about animals being gruesomely treated and slaughtered. Faced with a vegan, the non-vegan has to think about that. Or else thrust such thinking into the depths of the psyche, and quick.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, on a weight-loss campaign to shed some of his 300 pounds, hurriedly dismissed two PETA-sponsored vegans who brought him a basket of vegan treats during one of his weekly weigh-ins. He wouldn’t even look them in the face. He abruptly dismissed a question from a reporter about veganism and retreated into his office.  He skipped a subsequent weigh-in.

His Honour could have relaxed a little. Veganism is a way of life that is not forced on anyone. We don’t come to your house with flyers or make robo-calls. We’re not funded by some giant corporation. We’re people who care deeply about animals, and about the people who have nothing to eat because so much of the corn and grain grown in North America goes to feed livestock, not hungry children.

Vegans mean it when they say they love all animals. A recent vegan advertising campaign showed a dog or cat facing a pig or chick, and underneath was the caption: “Why love one but eat the other?”

The questions we raise bother people. One commenter on a social media forum wrote:

“Those who don’t eat meat, I can empathize with you but you also need to get off your soapboxes.”

I relish the irony of being told to get off my soapbox from someone who is firmly planted on theirs. Non-vegans have been doing more than their fair share of “preaching” for centuries. In our day, McDonalds and Burger King push their beliefs and products on me dozens of times a day through TV and newspaper ads, and coupon flyers stuffed into my mailbox.

The Canadian government forces me to subsidize the meat and dairy industries through taxation. Non-vegans have preached and promoted their point of view on such a large scale that they have successfully hidden the cruelty of the meat and dairy industries from public view.

When I’m responding to an item in the newspaper about the subject of veganism, someone in the next comment box will inevitably ask me why I bother with animals when there is so much human suffering in the world. I love that question because it allows me to explain that I see animal liberation and human liberation as being intertwined.

The great physicist Albert Einstein famously said: “Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” He also held the view that not eating animals would have a physical effect on the human temperament that would benefit the lot of humankind.

The vegans I know care about injustice, enslavement, and oppression, no matter what the race, ethnicity, or species of the victim. When someone argues with me that human problems take precedence, I have to turn the argument on its head and ask not only what that person is personally doing to alleviate the suffering of human beings, but why they feel the heartless exploitation of other animals should continue even so. Humans are hurting, so kindness to animals must therefore be abandoned?

The most ridiculous argument that I hear is that plants have feelings too. To which I quote the answer provided by vegan food writer Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, who asks, in an episode of her podcast devoted to what she calls excuse-itarians—“ Really? Really?”

Animals are sentient and plants are not. Sentient beings have minds; they have preferences and show a desire to live by running away from those who would harm them, or by crying out in pain. Plants respond to sunlight and other stimuli, and apparently they like it when Prince Charles talks to them, but they are not sentient; they don’t have a mind, they don’t think about or fear death, they aren’t aware and conscious.

Finally, there’s the argument of last resort: that eating flesh is a personal choice. If it were my personal choice to kick and beat you, would you say to me “that’s your personal choice”? Being slaughtered for food is not the personal choice of the billions of animals that just want to live their portion of time on Earth.

Being vegan has changed not only what I eat and wear, but how I cope with the anger, outrage, dismissal and verbal abuse of others.

I’m learning, as I go, to let it all go. I speak out where I feel my words will do the most good, and if all else fails, I’ll simply smile and say, “Don’t hate me because I’m vegan.”

[su_panel background=”#f2f2f2″ color=”#000000″ border=”0px none #ffffff” shadow=”0px 0px 0px #ffffff”]Bonnie Shulman is a writer and editor working in Toronto. She earned her Master of Arts degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. You can follow her on Twitter at @veganbonnie .

image:  rian_bean (Creative Commons BY-NC-SA)

The biggest issue for me in the whole politics of eating is the divide that’s created among people solely based on their choice of diet. To be vegan or non-vegan shouldn’t matter. Like any labels I wish they didn’t even exist. But of all the unnecessary labels, to have to use the word vegan is pretty sad. What one chooses to eat is a personal choice that doesn’t hurt anyone else, yet some people blow it up into such a big issue.

I wish people didn’t get so annoyed at vegans because it just contributes even more discord to this world. The only upside I see is that when people single out vegans and get defensive it at least causes them to think and talk about veganism.

Hi Breathe:

I agree that discord between people isn’t pleasant. Yet that is the end result of being an advocate for animals. I want to put a stop to the wholesale torture of animals on factory farms. To do that, I have to take a stand. I have to stand up and declare myself for animals. I have to campaign about the abuse, so that more people know what goes on behind those walls where pigs and chickens never see the light of day their entire lives. Speaking up for animals makes some people uneasy, and they get angry. On the other hand, some people, meat eaters included!, appreciate the stance I take. I say meat eaters too because even good people who eat meat don’t want animals to suffer as they do in the current conditions on factory farms. Watch any video by Mercy For Animals and you’ll see what I mean. It’s horrifying.

Thanks for your response. Take care.

First, I appreciate that you’re willing to stand up for animals. It takes courage and it’s a thankless job, which is why so few do it.

As I mentioned, I see the benefit to standing up for animals and I don’t discourage that. What I was getting at is how can we advocate while maintaining peace? How can we raise our communication to a higher level?

Saying the V-word pisses people off. It always has… maybe always will because people just don’t like to think that they’re in the wrong. Defensiveness is one of the ego’s most potent tricks. It has the power to disprove even the most solid logic. And so, enemies are built. The point is not even to build “allies” because that too is separation. We’re all humans doing the best we can with the resources we have at work. So the question is how do we advocate for animals by overcoming this ego battle? For me, that just means loving them, being in nature, connecting to them and sharing my love for them. Now I don’t believe that this is making a world of difference or anything. The whole issue of animal rights is no easy situation to deal with and I’d just like to think of different ways of doing things.

Breathe, you ask the million dollar question. And you hit the nail on the head: advocacy can lead to icky feelings between people! I once passed by a demonstration against wind farms, and I asked someone with a picket sign why she was against wind farms, and she kind of spat in my face with disgust at my question. Naturally, I am ALL FOR windfarms now (haha – I actually was before the incident).

May I recommend a great book? It’s my advocacy bible and I have a review on Amazon.com about it. I think it really addresses what you talk about – we have to change the world for animals without alienating people. I am not perfect, I admit, but I hand out vegan food at work and leave easy vegan recipes in the servery. That helps! Food is good! I’ve even got some people to try out Meatless Mondays, without even asking them to do so. They just thought it was cool to give vegan food a try. They love it now.

Here’s the book:

The Animal Activist’s Handbook: Maximizing Our Positive Impact in Today’s World by Matt Ball and Bruce Friedrich. These are the top advocates that I know of, and I respect them so much. They are brilliant people who understand that we must not lose touch with people in our animal advocacy. Again, they are the masters. I bow to their wisdom!

Thanks for writing!

Breathe, When you are in a non vegan diet what one chooses to it hurt innocent animals. It took me a while to connect the dots. I was not always a vegan, but becoming a vegan was a moment of brilliance that it is one of the best things that has ever happen to me. I can not keep exploiting animals.

I don’t hate anyone because they are vegan. But the vegans hate me because I insist that eating meat is natural for humans. Being vegan is a choice. Eating meat is a choice.I respect yours but do you respect mine? Your article is again full of accusations. Up to today I never got an answer to the questions: How does a vegan think about a Lion eating a Zebra? How does a vegan think about a cat eating a mouse or a bird? And why do they think different about a human eating a cow or a chicken? Humans are omnivores since millions of years. And please spare me the – how did you cal it “The most ridiculous argument ” that our bodies, our teeth etc are not made for meat. We eat it since millions of years for heavens sake! When do people accept that eating meat is our natural food? Yes we can chose to not eat meat. Yes I do accept that. But it is a choice! And if you want to tell me that I hurt animals by killing them then you have to accuse a Lion as well. And by the way, dairy is not our natural food. I agree with you on this. Not because we steal it from the mothers but because it is not natural and that’s why so many people are dairy intolerant. It is natural to be weaned off dairy products. But we do not have a great number of people who are meat intolerant. Because it is part of our natural diet.

Dear Peter:

When a lion eats a zebra I am distressed at the images of the kill, but I let it go because that is the way of the lion world. They cannot grow plants and raise crops. I am not angry at the lion for having its dinner. I find it pretty ridiculous that you would even think that. Also, people are not lions, so why do you even bring that up as an argument?

What do I think about a cat eating a mouse or bird? if it is a domestic cat I’m infuriated, because there so many farm animals are being slaughtered already, the by-products of which go into animal food readily available at stores. The decrease in the number of North American songbirds has been attributed largely to household cats.

If meat is a natural part of our diet, why do so many people thrive the minute they give it up? Also, why are so many of our hospitals stuffed to the gills with people requiring heart surgery? Only a minor percentage were born with heart defects. Among the rest, many gorged on such meat products as steaks, bacon, sausages and chicken fingers, as well as high-fat dairy, until their bodies rebelled.

I see my article has made you very angry. If this doesn’t prove my point then I don’t know what does. Thank you for writing, PeterNZ.

Question for you – would you be able to go right now, pounce on a cow, pig, etc.’s back, chomp through their hide/skin with your teeth to their muscle and eat it without cooking it? If your answer is NO (which it should be if you are human), well then there is your answer. Next, just because something has been done for millions of years, does not mean that it is right. Humans have done MANY things for millions of years that have been considered atrocities (sadistic Roman gladiator games, slavery, etc.). Were those things okay? These are just excuses. Believe me, I understand, as I made excuses my whole life…Done with that!

Bella I am a completely normal human being and i would be more than happy to go to my local supermarket and eat food that they provide, as this is what is normal for our culture. let me just quote History.com, one of the most reliable sources possible “In a paper published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, an international team announces the discovery of burned plants and bones from 1 million years ago. Their findings suggest that Homo erectus?not Homo sapiens or Neanderthals?became the first hominin to master flames, possibly in order to cook their food.” as my ancestors have done I would happily cook the meat so that the food becomes safe for my consumption, I agree with you in the concept that no human would go and pounce on a wild animal and sink their teeth into them as this is not what a normal human would do. I personally if it was down to survival would light a fire and cook the meat so that I could enjoy the delicacy that has been provided to me by nature. just this weekend i have enjoyed one of my favourite meals that does meat in it. i would suggest some of the recipes from this site as i have found them the best http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/most-popular-beef-recipes/

In your responses try to not be so aggressive as your way of life is far from the main stream and preferred way of living 🙂

also note to the author of this post, don’t try and act like your not trying to bring attention to your self, your twitter name is legitimately “veganbonnie”.

We vegans don?t hate u guys but we just wish non vegans to understand how the animals have to suffer and have to end their precious life just for the food u eat. and don?t compare humans with loins we humans can think rationally and we have can grow crops .. we have many options but the lions don?t have any options.. we respect your choice to eat meat but animals do not exist for humans and our uses. Animals also have moral rights to live in this world as much as human have.

Human beings have a variety of options when it comes to getting protein into their bodies – rice paired with lentils, chickpeas or any kind of bean forms a perfect protein. There is also tofu, and a lot of soy products are viable alternatives for those who are not allergic to soy. We cannot educate a wild animal such as a lion, to grow, harvest and ferment soybeans. Or chickpeas. This argument is silly. Lions hunt based on instinct. Human beings are more advanced (arguably) and therefore, we can use our more advanced brains to make food choices that do not cause harm to other living things. We have many instincts that we can overcome, and that we have overcome in order to be able to live in “civilized” societies.

Eating the flesh of a living thing is a personal choice that kills an innocent creature. There is nothing inherently wrong with your choice. But don’t get defensive when someone points out this fact.

Fact: You choose to place your tastebuds and your personal enjoyment over the life of another living creature, because you view yourself as more advanced and therefore entitled to consume flesh.

You do not need to feel guilty about your choice. Just be honest about it, and accept the moral consequences. That’s all. Meat may have been eaten by humans since the dawn of time… but historical precedent is not, in my mind, a valid excuse by which to continue justifying a behaviour.

In a similar vein, women have been treated as property since the dawn of time as well. Men are more powerful and indeed women did not always hold legal personhood status throughout history. So we should continue in the same vein, no? But this argument doesn’t fly today. Why? Because we know better, so we can act better. The same goes for the meat argument.

Your dietary implications may not be clean and pretty, but if you’re going to stand firm in your position, stick to it 100%. Do not waver, and do not speak about naturally being an omnivore. Just because you CAN eat it, enjoy it and thrive on it, doesn’t mean you SHOULD continue to do so. If we are enlightened beings, as we all like to claim to be, we should be held to a higher moral standard. If we do not want to hold ourselves up to that standard, that is fine.

P.S. Before you begin to assume things about me I will tell you that no, I am not a vegan. Why? Because I love eating fish, and cheese on occasion. But I don’t apologize for it. I know I can live without it, and I know that I am making a personal, selfish choice in the face of cruelty and suffering.

Laura, your reply is so beautifully heartfelt, and I read it with great interest. I love your honesty. Part of my animal advocacy is just asking people to be honest with themselves about the choices they make.

I also think you make a critically important statement that really hits the nail on the head. I’ll repeat it here:

Just because you CAN eat it, enjoy it and thrive on it, doesn’t mean you SHOULD continue to do so.

Thank you for contributing such wise words to the conversation, and all the best.

http://www.amif.org/blog/eating-meat-is-ethical/

This is so inspiring! I am a loyal vegetarian and have been for almost 9 years, I really feel deeply moved by it! I’ve thought about becoming Vegan but on a strict competitive national training programme it could be difficult, but you’ve definitely persuaded me to give it a go! Thank you for your thoughtful insight!

I just wanted to voice my support and appreciation for this article. With your stance and mine, putting the word “vegan” out in the world is going to make people angry. Anything different makes people angry. But if that anger ever leads to them making sure they understand the implications of their actions, it is worth it. It is worth it if they think.

I have had a close friend of mine tell me that he honestly believes in mind over matter. He also said he couldn’t ever stop eating meat. That self-limitation is stopping the human race from doing great things. WE must think through our actions, because we are the only species who can. Do what is right, because we are able.

Can people really be okay with eating a being that loved its mother? I always hypothesize a world were people could speak to animals and I ask the meat eater “Tell that animal to its face that it was born for the purpose of dying and feeding you, only for a single day, before you eat its children.”

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Friday essay: on being an ethical vegan for 33 years

Professor of Literature and Environment, Curtin University

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I live in a vegan family situation. I have been a vegan for over 33 years and my partner, poet and novelist Tracy Ryan, has been a vegan for over a quarter of a century; our 16-year-old son Tim was conceived and born a vegan, and remains one.

If you ever doubt it’s his choice, ask him — he’s eloquent on his veganism, and has angles on it we don’t, neither Tracy nor I having been born vegans. Tracy has always had a deep interest in nutrition, and raising children vegan has been a deeply informed life-act — done with respect for their rights as well as animal rights. We don’t use animal products in any way we are aware of. Rather than seeing our food, clothes, shoes, working materials, as animal-product “alternatives”, they are our norms.

Over the decades we have seen and heard it all when it comes to the arguments and attacks on veganism. Really, people find their own way through such things as they do if they hold any committed ethical position that is about principle and not style.

One of the first that vegans encounter is the specious argument about denying children before a certain age a choice in the matter, that veganism is forced on them.

It’s such an obvious reply: Aren’t you forcing your carnivorism (or more accurately, omnivorism) on your children? They are also not given a choice — people make decisions for their children before they are empowered (informed enough) to make decisions for themselves. It is possible to have a balanced vegan diet, and even back in the mid-80s, vegan sources of B12 and other more complex nutritional requirements were available.

But the point of this article is not for the fors and againsts, because these are well attested, and even the most slipshod research skills will reveal what is and isn’t the case. Rather, this is an account of long-term veganism in the context of the recent increase (last five or so years) in vegan consciousness, and availability of vegan foods.

Actually, vegan food has always been available, of course, just in raw and rudimentary and unrefined ways — what we are talking about in the “now” is the mass replacement of mass slaughterhouse products with non-slaughterhouse products that “equate” and move from being “faux” meat (protein), or ersatz, to food definitions and realities in their own terms. That’s what has industry scared and reactive.

Personally, I have a problem with all industrialisations and capital processes of market — the fetishisation of products that increase wealth rather than answer needs — but it is this “mass” that so upsets animal-exploitation, agri-industrialism. Little of it is cultural, outside profit-making. Arguments about what’s best for the planet are placed far down the list of priorities, as the fossil-fuel desire shows.

Casting aside the gun

There are exceptions, and cultural beliefs that do need to be respected. When I began being a vegan, I was outwardly proselytising; now I am only so in my writing and via how I live. I have learnt that respecting others’ journeys is the only way that long-term change comes.

That’s an argument for all ethical issues, and it could be argued that all killing must be stopped immediately or we simply appease our own consciences at the expense of being concerned about our own behaviours — many mass murders have taken place as people let their nation’s military go about its business outside their personal scrutiny, as that scrutiny is confronting to undertake.

Ethical positions are not “cults”; cults are the control of others to remove their capacity for personal choice – but it is a paradox to see veganism called a cult by meat-eaters who have been part of an industrial slaughter-cult all their lives.

Ironically, I come from a background of fishing and hunting (and became a vegan while living in a house on a dairy farm: witnessing). I was obsessed with guns when I was a child and a teenager — I wanted to become an army officer. My turning away from these values was conscious and specific — by my late teens and early 20s, I was a committed vegan, anarchist, and pacifist. I found my way there via the paradox of loving animals (I always have) and exploiting them (to my mind).

My poetry was tracking my concern, so my poetry helped in the decision-making — that old argument of poetic language expressing the inexpressible. When I wrote of casting aside the gun, of leaving animals be, it was because I had – but also to articulate and mark it. To give a sign in word as well as thought and action. A constant reminder of how and why I’d got to that point of change.

This was not easily the case — as an alcoholic in former days, I was aggressive, often in trouble, and confrontational. I got sober 24 years ago so I could better hold the values I believed in. It wasn’t an easy journey, but one in which I knew I had to reduce my own hypocrisies. And that’s it; that’s where a lot of misunderstanding manifests between vegans and non-vegans — it’s not a holier-than-thou situation, but a move towards being less impacting, less damaging, and more respectful of life.

I’ve actually known vegans quite violent (towards people), and I have rejected their positions because of this unresolved hypocrisy; but this has been rare.

And even in these cases, in time if they stayed vegan (they often didn’t), they moved away from their own anger and aggression and lived a life more in tune with their values. I say this because veganism is both an ethical position, and a position that eventually calls on a variety of consistencies with regard to how we treat people, who are, after all, animals too.

Nutmeat, palm oil and an ethics of commitment

A lot of older vegans will talk about the 80s as being a time of Nutmeat, avocados, and bananas, of boiling pulses to make protein patties to add to the steamed veggies, of reading labels carefully because there wasn’t the vegan certification process (or “market” for that to be insisted on) back then.

Sure, it is nice to be able to go out and eat more “cheffed” foods from supermarkets and in restaurants, but it’s not the be-all and end-all, and you still weigh up issues such as processing, origins and cultivation methods, and air-miles.

If we fall into dependence on mass food production processes, then ultimately we will damage animals in other ways. A classic example is that of palm oil — so essential to many processed vegan foods (as indeed non-vegan). The destruction of habitat to increase palm oil production eventually led to a call for palm oil that’s non-exploitative (of people and ecologies) — a regulation.

People survive the best way they can, and as with so many raw food materials, those containing palm oil are sourced in less wealthy zones to feed wealthier ones — capitalist exploitation works fast to adjust to new markets.

So any veganism not in tune with these issues quickly becomes an appeasement of one’s own conscience while hiding from the potential for damaging impacts. The response has to be holistic — vegan food producers need to work with non-vegans and different cultural realities to ensure transitions that don’t damage in other ways.

This is not wisdom from on high; it’s just decades of seeing faddism and change, of people calling themselves vegan when they don’t closely consider what’s in a “product”, or deploying the terms as a social definition while allowing themselves “exceptions to the rule”, or, say, eating honey (an animal product!).

Point is, “vegan” means something, and of course be whatever you are, but let’s let a term represent a value we can share and understand. Play with language by all means (that’s what writers do!), but not with the ethics of commitment.

Mobile phones, whose raw materials destroy whole communities and habitats in their extraction and manufacture, are an example of a contradiction with the new spreading of the message of veganism — we have to find a way to a common understanding of cause and effect. It’s a big and complex picture that tussles with the obvious fact that an animal hurt or killed is an animal hurt or killed.

Mutual respect

Veganism intersects with many cultural attitudes, and diverges from many others, across the globe, but mutual respect is, in my experience, an unassailable value.

I have never tried to force anyone to eat vegan, yet attempts have been made to shame me into not eating vegan, in order not to offend my hosts. I have never compromised my ethical position, but I have gone to great effort to explain my position and my desire not to offend a host.

That was early on — now I carefully have discussions before, say, sharing an eating space with those who have invited me about how and why I eat (and don’t eat) what I do. An intercultural conversation needs to be had. Confronting? Surely, in a pluralistic society we have these conversations to ensure respectful co-awareness all the time? If not, then we probably should. I have no problem in being forward about who and what I am — in fact, I see saying so as a sign of respect for my hosts.

The bottom line in all this, for me, for my family, is animal rights. We live among animals but keep none — they are part of the world around us and we wish to have no control over them.

We deal with “pests” in non-invasive and non-damaging ways, and we work towards a consistency of respectful interaction. That’s to do with seeing no hierarchies of control, no speciesist superiority. Then you get the unthought-out attack-mode on saying such a thing (seriously): Are you saying if a lion was attacking your baby, you’d do nothing? Well, of course I would… What do you expect? Would I be cruel and seek to hurt and exploit the lion? No. Anyway!

Giving a minority report on UK TV

Living in the UK in the late 90s, we were invited to appear on the television program Susan Brooks’s Family Recipes. We went up to Manchester from Cambridge, and the chefs, Susan and her daughter, prepared us a vegan meal on set, and we sampled it and discussed what it was like being a vegan family. It was a fascinating experience because of the warm attitude to how we lived, coming from a “regular” cooking program.

Britain has long been more in tune with vegan living (the term “vegan” was coined by UK Vegan Society co-founder Donald Watson in late 1944), but in the 90s it was still very “minority”. If we were not part of the dissenting opinion, we were still giving a minority report. At the same time I spoke to the Vegan magazine about being a poet and a vegan, and how it informed my writing practice. There was a context. And it was broad in its conception — if you wanted medical research without vivisection or abuse of animals, you could support the Dr Hadwen Trust !

Such contexts are still being created in Australia — the aggressive response from some people to veganism accords with a macho public culture that seeks to manipulate markets to defend old colonial land usage and the machinery of animal pastoralism. In this, I am not commenting on individuals nor even communities, but on the machine of capitalism and its empowered defenders.

A stunning (I use no words carelessly, I think) example is the case of vegan activist James Warden who said he was was provided with no vegan food options while in a Perth prison — this is control, this is oppression, and this is the state protecting its ongoing colonial interests. There is a disconnect between traditional hunter-gatherer societies and the mass consumer, export-import underpinnings of colonial capital. It is the latter that concerns me because I have been part of it.

The New Veganism

There’s a new generation of vegan activists in Australia who have quickly been turned into public enemies — they are targeted by media, police, and government , and seen as interfering with what amounts to an ongoing sell of Australian values. As a poet, I’ve tried to speak through poetry in support of these activists, while also recognising that I come from a very different space through being older and longer-term in my activism.

I live in rural Australia, and co-exist with farmers and people who eat and use animals. Not in the house I share, and not on the Noongar land where I live, and which I acknowledge is not “mine”. But nearby. They know who we are and how we live, and we offer an alternative. Animals find refuge if they look for it. It’s their place, too.

The conversation is ongoing, persistent, and there’s no compromise in our position, but it’s also respectful of other people’s humanity, their free will, and their journeys. They are not us and we are not them. I will stand in front of a bulldozer to save bush, and I will live next to a bulldozer driver.

Each of us can only offer one another examples of alternatives. That’s how real change comes; that’s how fewer and fewer animals will suffer. But in this crisis mode of biospheric collapse, the reason there are more and more vegans is that the time has come to act. And people are acting. Others will too, because they see a need and want to, not because they are told to. Bullying happens in many directions at once.

If I see a problem with the New Veganism it’s a possible connection with presentation and social monitoring. Social media try to direct, but also dilute the commitment of person to person, person to animal, person to real place where animals live.

Veganism doesn’t need “influencers” — though if anything stops animals being exploited, it’s a good thing. But as we — Tracy and I and Tim — see each animal as an individual with their own intact rights, as we see people, we also see the collective, the community, the herd, the hive, the loner, the gregarious… all these “types”… we also see the interconnected fate of the biosphere.

Technology that promotes veganism that consumes the planet is, for us, an irresolvable contradiction. A lot of thinking needs to be done around this — and modes of presentation and discussion need to be considered as well. The slaughterhouse is obvious and hidden; it is literal and a metaphor that can become real for all life in sudden ways.

Just a positive to finish with. I have crossed Australia many times (though not recently) by train, as I avoid flying here (to lessen eco-damage impact), and I have done so with much pre-prepared vegan food.

But the train caterers were always willing to make “bespoke” food for me, to supplement my food stash. The door to a broader veganism in “Western” societies has actually long been open — and if Western capitalism could learn from many non-capitalist, non-Western cultures, not only would they find much precedent sometimes on a very large scale, but also much communal goodwill around the choice of what we eat, and why we do or don’t eat it.

And to reiterate my support for the new generation of vegan activists looking to intervene in non-violent ways to stop the pastoral-factory exploitation of animals, I wrote this poem which appeared through PETA. I am not on social media, but they took it into that realm, the realm of style, influence, but also loss and consumer endgame if people are not wary.

I am here now for the young vegan activists saving animals from slaughter I am here now because a young human interrupted my journey to the slaughtering, hoisted me over their shoulders and carried me towards animation. I am here now my eyes dilating fast to take in this extension to life — and the blood of my kin is a river never divided. I am here now because an intervention drew out the length of my days; the things I have learnt we have taken — we breathe the same air as our dead. I am here now because the young humans are rising peacefully from their screens to step into the killing zones, to bend down and lift us back to the light.

This piece has been corrected. It initially read that the term “vegan” came from postwar UK. In fact, it was coined by UK Vegan Society co-founder Donald Watson in 1944.

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Introduction: Thinking Through Veganism

• First Online: 25 May 2018

Cite this chapter

• Emelia Quinn 6 &
• Benjamin Westwood 7  

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Animals and Literature ((PSAAL))

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This introduction outlines the social, environmental, and intellectual contexts shaping the emergence of vegan theory. It establishes an understanding of veganism’s messy, contradictory aspects, which runs counter to contemporary conceptualizations of it as a faddish diet or punitive set of proscriptions. Quinn and Westwood argue that veganism is situated between two opposing, but necessary poles: utopianism and insufficiency, aligned respectively with the work of Carol J. Adams and Jacques Derrida. The importance of these coordinates derives from their opposition: veganism as a confluence of utopian impulses, and the acknowledgement of their inevitable insufficiency. This introduction shows how thinking through veganism—as a heuristic lens and topic in its own right—opens out onto a wide variety of issues and questions explored in the following essays.

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The Unknown Herbert Marcuse

Introduction. Heirs: Bourdieu, Marx and Ourselves

Oxford English Dictionary , 3rd ed., s.v. “vegan, n.2 and adj.2. ”

See Robert McKay’s essay in this collection.

Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, “Around the Performative: Periperformative Vicinities in Nineteenth-Century Narrative,” Touching Feeling: Affect, Pedagogy, Performativity (Durham, 2003), pp. 71–72.

See Richard Twine’s essay on the “intersectional disgust ” that he suggests has divorced the question of the animal from mainstream feminism (“Intersectional disgust ? Animals and (eco)feminism ,” Feminism & Psychology 20, no.3 (2010): 397–406). While we are reluctant to conflate homosexual oppression with the oppression of animals, we do not shy away from the recognition of important analogies that allow us to theorize human social and political structures in relation to the nonhuman. As Twine concludes “It would be a shame if disgust were to get in the way of conversation” (p. 402).

As made clear by Carol J. Adams in Sexual Politics of Meat  (London, 2015) and Annie Potts, “Exploring Vegansexuality: An Embodied Ethics of Intimacy” William Lynn: Ethics and Politics of Sustainability. 9 March 2008. http://www.williamlynn.net/exploring-vegansexuality-an-embodied-ethics-of-intimacy/

See, for example, José Esteban Muñoz , Cruising Utopia: The Then and There of Queer Futurity (New York, 2009) and Judith Halberstam , The Queer Art of Failure (Durham, 2011).

See Sara Salih’s essay in this collection.

J. M. Coetzee, The Lives of Animals (Princeton, 2001), p. 67.

See, for example, Martha Nussbaum, Hiding from Humanity: Disgust, Shame, and the Law (Princeton, 2004). Nussbaum condemns disgust as reliant on fears that are “typically unreasonable, embodying magical ideas of contamination, and impossible aspirations to purity, immortality, and nonanimality, that are just not in line with human life as we know it” (p. 23).

Matthew Calarco, “Deconstruction is not vegetarianism: Humanism, subjectivity, and animal ethics,” Continental Philosophy Review 37, no. 2 (2004): 194.

Ibid., pp. 195, emphasis added.

United Nations, “World population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050” UN.org , 29 July 2015. http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/2015-report.html

United Nations Environmental Programme, “Assessing the Environ-mental Impacts of Consumption and Production” UNEP.org , 2010. http://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/DTIx1262xPA-PriorityProductsAndMaterials_Report.pdf ; London Economic, “Vegan Food Sales up by 1500% in Past Year” The London Economic, November 2016. https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/food-drink/vegan-food-sales-up-by-1500-in-past-year/01/11/ ; Vegan Life, “Veganism Booms By 350%” VeganLife Magazine, 18 May 2016. http://www.veganlifemag.com/veganism-booms/

The UK National Health Service supports this, stating on its website that a well-planned vegan diet will provide all the nutrients the body needs. NHS, “The vegan diet,” nhs.uk. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Vegetarianhealth/Pages/Vegandiets.aspx

Michael P. Branch and Scott Slovic, The ISLE Reader (Athens, 2003), p. xvi.

See, for example, Graham Huggan and Helen Tiffin , Postcolonial Ecocriticism (Abingdon, 2010), Carol J. Adams and Josephine Donovan, Animals and Women: Feminist Theoretical Explorations (Durham, 1995), and Val Plumwood , Feminism and the Mastery of Nature (London, 1993).

For more on Deep Ecology, see George Session, Deep Ecology for the Twenty-First Century (Boston, 1995).

Robert C. Jones, “Veganisms,” in Critical Perspectives on Veganism, eds. Jodey Castricano and Rasmus R. Simsonsen (London, 2016), pp. 15–39.

Kara Jesella, “Vegans exhibiting an ever wilder side for their cause,” nytimes.com , The New York Times, 27 March 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/arts/27iht-vegan.1.11463224.html

Best et al., “Introducing Critical Animal Studies,” Journal for Critical Animal Studies 5, no.1 (2007).

Taylor and Twine, “Introduction. Locating the ‘Critical’ in Critical Animal Studies,” in The Rise of Critical Animal Studies, eds. Nik Taylor and Richard Twine (Abingdon, 2014), p. 2.

Ibid., p. 6.

Ibid., p. 12.

Pederson and Stanescu, “Future Directions for Critical Animal Studies,” in Critical Animal Studies, p. 262.

Wright, The Vegan Studies Project: Food, Animals, and Gender in the Age of Terror (Athens and London, 2015), p. 7.

Joshua Schuster, “The Vegan and the Sovereign,” in Critical Perspectives, pp. 216, 210.

Anat Pick, “Turning to Animals Between Love and Law,” New Formations: A Journal of Culture/Theory/Politics 76 (2012): 65–85.

For more comprehensive surveys of the development of animal studies, see Linda Kalof (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Animal Studies (Oxford, 2017); Garry Marvin and Susan McHugh (eds.), Routledge Handbook of Human-Animal Studies (Abingdon, 2014); Derek Ryan, Animal Theory: A Critical Introduction (Edinburgh, 2015); and Kari Weil , Thinking Animals: Why Animal Studies Now? (New York, 2012).

The French edition was published in 1999, with an extended version released in 2006. The work itself is based largely on the text of a series of lectures given by Derrida at the 1997 Cerisy-la-Salle conference on “The Autobiographical Animal.”

Derrida, “‘Eating well’, or the Calculation of the Subject,” in Points… : Interviews, 1974–1994 , ed. Elisabeth Weber, trans. Peggy Kamuf (Stanford, 1995), p. 280.

Derrida, The Animal That Therefore I Am , ed. Marie-Louise Mallet, trans. David Wills (New York, 2008), p. 111.

Ibid., p. 28.

Adams, Sexual Politics of Meat , pp. xix; emphasis original.

Ibid., p. 63.

Ibid., p. 21.

Erica Fudge, Animal (London, 2002), p. 45.

Derrida, “Eating Well, ” p. 282.

Calarco, “Deconstruction is not vegetarianism,” p. 198.

Ibid., p. 194.

Gary Steiner, Animals and the Limits of Postmodernism (New York, 2013), p. 63.

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Quinn, E., Westwood, B. (2018). Introduction: Thinking Through Veganism. In: Quinn, E., Westwood, B. (eds) Thinking Veganism in Literature and Culture. Palgrave Studies in Animals and Literature. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73380-7_1

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Veganism - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

What is veganism? When people hear the word “vegan”, the majority of the time they automatically think about people not wanting to harm animals. Protecting animal rights is a good thing because the way we kill them is inhumane, but there is more to veganism than just protecting animals. Our health and ecosystem are also involved when it comes to veganism. Veganism consists of not eating any meat, dairy, fish, or eggs. Going vegan can be very beneficial to our health because the typical vegan diet consists of many vegetables, fruits, and tofu. There are foods that can be sustainable for a vegan diet and can have a good protein source. Veganism is not only good for health, but also good for the environment. It can improve the environment by lowering process manufacturing and decrease pollution. Veganism is extremely beneficial to our lives because the diet is usually healthier, which will result in less risks of diseases and it can create a safer environment to live in.

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Improving Human Health

Veganism has been proven to help with many health-related issues such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes. America is known to be one the of most obese and unhealthy country in the world. Going vegan can reduce obesity because vegans tend to consume healthier foods than a non-vegan. The intake of vegetables, fruits, and nuts is usually higher than someone who is not vegan. Although many people would argue that it would be difficult to receive the all the nutrients a human body needs, vegans can still get the right amount of proteins if the consume the right things, such as beans, nuts, or tofu. Some vegan diets can actually be richer in certain nutrients. According to the nutritionist Alina Petre, “vegan diets tend to provide more fiber, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. They also appear to be richer in potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, C and E” (Petre 1). A no meat diet can potentially be better and improve health issues. There are many health related benefits associated with a vegan diet such as longevity and reduced diseases. We should care about the advantages veganism has for our health because there is a high risk of dying from diseases and obesity due to our diet. A typical western diet consists of many fast foods which results in obesity and heart disease, meanwhile a typical vegan diet consists of healthier alternatives.

Dealing with Over-Population

In the future, the population will most likely rise and there will be more mouths to feed. Over-population will be one of our concerns in the future and we do not have unlimited resources for everything. Meat eaters use more water, land, and resources than a vegan because of the energy it takes to process or transport the animals. It is already difficult to feed the entire population as of right now and it will get a lot worse in the future if we do not fix the issue. A plant based diet can cut water usage and the crops can be fed to humans instead of livestock. It is sustainable to live without meat and a plant based diet can be the future when our sources runs out.

Micronutrients of Special Concern for Vegans

Although some vegan diets do not have all the nutrition we need, they can still have a healthy lifestyle. It is true that most vegans have vitamin B-12 deficiency because the vitamin is only found in meat. We need the B-12 vitamin because it helps with red blood cells to be healthy, but there are B-12 vegan supplements that can be taken as a replacement. As stated, “Micronutrients of special concern for the vegan include vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, and long-chain n–3 (omega-3) fatty acids. Unless vegans regularly consume foods that are fortified with these nutrients, appropriate supplements should be consumed” (Craig 5). Many vitamins that are needed for a person are not in a vegan diet but this can be easily taken care of with supplements. A vegan needs to make sure that the food they are intaking has enough nutrients and the diet should be fine.

Many people believe that a vegan diet is unsustainable and that protein only comes from meat but that is not true. Protein can be found in lots of other consumable foods, such as peanuts. As Dyatt stated, “Based on surveyed responses, important diet and health-related behaviors were commonly practiced; and a favorable profile of low chronic disease diagnoses was characteristic among the entire study group. We therefore conclude that in this group of vegans, except for inappropriate intakes of vitamin D and sodium, both health-motivated and non-health motivated vegans typically practice lifestyle behaviors that are conducive to positive health outcomes and general well being” (Dyatt 119). As long as the vegan diet stays consistent with a healthy diet, the outcome can become positive health wise.

Getting Proteins and Vitamins

Getting certain proteins and vitamins can be difficult because most of them are found in animals. We should find another alternative because the way we kill animals is very cruel and disturbing. As stated, “according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately 45 billion animals were killed for food in 2000” (Tanner 818). Many people try to ignore the fact that a lot of our meat is produced in factory farms, which kill animals inhumanly. In some cases, animals have a difficult time functioning because they are typically drugged with steroids. Steroids are used on these animals to make them bigger and to get more meat out of them. According to Julia Tanner, “Drugs and technology make it possible to cause animals a great deal of pain and/or suffering without harming farmers’ interests.

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Introduction

Positive reasons, positive outcomes, works cited.

Being vegan signifies a philosophy and manner of living that aims at excluding, as much as achievable, any kind of exploitation of, and cruelty against, animals for meat, clothing and other uses while promoting and calling for the utilization of animal-free options to the advantage of animals, people, and the environment. In this regard, vegans chose to desist from the consumption of meat and other animal products while upholding the principle of harmlessness that leads them not just to avoid causing harm but also doing the utmost good (Rothgerber 198). Becoming a vegan, embracing an animal-free nutritional practice, is uncommon, particularly amid the people residing in developed nations. For instance, in the US, only about 1% of the grown-up population is vegan, while 2% of the young people from eight to eighteen years of age have chosen to practice veganism. Inadequate studies have sought to research the issue of veganism. This study will discuss the positive motives and positive effects of becoming vegan.

Studies affirm that the major reasons behind becoming vegan are love to animals, health concerns, ethical issues, spiritual beliefs, dislike for animal meat and other products, and an inclination toward animal-free foods. In the majority of instances, people who choose to become vegan are the ones raised in families that consumed the meat and other animal products but someday reached the decision of going contrary to such dietary practices. Amid the most remarkable actions that one can undertake is having a considerable change to nutritional practices. The prevention of the abuse and exploitation of animals act as the greatest reason behind people choosing to become and remain vegan. The development of emotional connection with animals might strongly result in such a decision. Moreover, such a connection leads to many people believing that every animal has the right to life and liberty. In this regard, abstaining from meat and other animal products has turned out to be one of the most apparent approaches of standing against the brutality and mistreatment of animals anywhere. Therefore, choosing to become vegan illustrates genuine empathy towards animals (Rothgerber and Mican 12-16).

There are disconcerting environmental problems linked to the consumption of meat and other animal products. A wide pool of studies establishes that enhanced animal agriculture is resulting in detrimental environmental concerns, encompassing land, air, and water pollution, in addition to hastening the occurrence of climatic changes. The livestock industry has been found to be among the three greatest contributors to serious environmental challenges at every level, from local to international. The effect is exceedingly considerable that it requires being tackled with urgency. In addition, millions of animals suffer each year attributable to extensive agricultural progressions and butcher practices.

The cultivation of plants for food results in the utilization of fewer resources when judged against animal agriculture. Therefore, the choice of becoming vegan assists in greatly decreasing the negative impact on the environment (Taylor 759-762). Becoming vegan plays a key role in the reduction of the negative effects of climatic changes, damage to the rainforest, and pollution while preserving water as well as other valuable resources. In reality, animal agriculture across the globe results in higher greenhouse gas emissions when compared to all the other sources combined, for instance, vehicles, aircraft, and other modes of transportation. On this note, there has never been a better approach to going green than by becoming vegan (eating green).

Most people choose to become vegan because of their love for animals. Be it nonconsumption of meat or avoidance of other animal products, practicing veganism allows one’s conscience to rest easily (Dyett et al. 120-122). Though North America is a region that has many self-identified animal lovers, most of them are seemingly not aware of the evident contradiction involving their nutritional practices, alleged compassion for animals, and involvement in violence towards them. Nonetheless, a fascinating finding is that going vegan does not just occur as a drastic change in identity, and sudden alteration in personality does not seem to have a fundamental impact on the dietary practice.

Many people consider themselves responsive and compassionate to animal suffering prior to nutritional makeover, and such a decision of becoming vegan persists afterward. Becoming a vegan has been widely perceived as a functional approach to loving animals. The experience of becoming vegan is rewarding and gleeful and acts as a confirmatory practice that bestows a person’s life with significance. Most of the vegans affirm that their self-perception is elicited by the decision to consume foods that demonstrate the significance they place on the welfare of animals, human health, and environmental protection.

Other than just the love to animals, becoming vegan offers a person the sentiment of being attached to nature and leading a religious life (sanctity). The synchronization of vegans’ attitudes with their actions seeks to decrease cognitive dissonance. The notion of loving animals is contrary to the issue of consuming meat from animals that have been slaughtered for consumption. Vegans are convinced that a meal does not just signify food since consumption is an emblematic and practical stride on the existential process that reduces suffering and ensures that one is mindful of the wellbeing of every living being. Animals benefit greatly as progressively more people choose to become vegan. Nonetheless, since just a few people have become vegan and change is not likely to be forthcoming, billions of animals will continue to experience suffering and die brutally at the hands of human beings every year (Taylor 761-762). However, saving even a single life is laudable, and, on that note, becoming vegan makes a great difference.

The comprehension of the positive outcomes of becoming vegan is significant since it plays a crucial role in promoting the practice amid the people contemplating its adoption and the ones who are presently vegan. Moreover, understanding the outcome assists in reducing the number of vegans who change to omnivorous practices. The major positive outcome of becoming vegan is the promotion of health. For instance, meat and other animal products are widely consumed in the US and act as sources of saturated fats and cholesterol, which result in the occurrence of diseases such as heart diseases, cancer, and stroke in human beings. Heart diseases result in the death of many people every year in the US. Moreover, heart diseases, cancer, and stroke lead to 55% of all deaths reported in America each year (Dyett et al. 121-123).

Becoming vegan decreases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases, which affect a high number of people in both developed and developing nations. In line with the arguments by Glick-Bauer and Yeh, vegan diets are beneficial to people’s heath, nutritionally sufficient, and have a crucial function in the prevention and treatment of numerous illnesses and conditions (4825-4831). Many studies on the benefits of vegan diets establish that vegans have an ideal body mass index and low cholesterol levels, as well as a moderately low risk of suffering Coronary Artery Disease when judged against their omnivorous counterparts. Vegans have been found to experience lower anxiety and distress than omnivores, which could be ascribed to healthier nutritional practices (Beezhold et al. 292-294). It is evident that vegans consume a higher level of vegetables and fruits when compared to omnivores, and these have been linked to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, over and above improved mental health.

Veganism denotes a viewpoint and lifestyle that seeks to avoid the consumption of meat and other animal products while calling for the use of animal-free options. Becoming a vegan is unusual mainly amid the people residing in developed nations; for example, in the US, only approximately 1% of the grown-ups are vegans while 2% of the younger generation, from the age eight to eighteen years, practices veganism. One of the reasons of practicing veganism is to demonstrate genuine love and empathy towards animals. The decision of becoming vegan assists in significantly decreasing the unconstructive impacts on the environment as animal agriculture internationally results in greater greenhouse gas emissions than the combination of all the other sources. The main positive outcome of practicing veganism is the improvement of health. The consumption of meat and other animal products acts as a source of saturated fats and cholesterol, which lead to the incidence of diseases. Vegans have been established to experience reduced anxiety and distress when compared to omnivores.

Beezhold, Bonnie, Cynthia Radnitz, Amy Rinne, and Julie DiMatteo. “Vegans report less stress and anxiety than omnivores.” Nutritional neuroscience 18.7 (2015): 289-296. Print.

Dyett, Patricia, Joan Sabaté, Ella Haddad, Sujatha Rajaram, and David Shavlik. “Vegan lifestyle behaviors. An exploration of congruence with health-related beliefs and assessed health indices.” Appetite 67 (2013): 119-124. Print.

Glick-Bauer, Marian, and Ming-Chin Yeh. “The health advantage of a vegan diet: Exploring the gut microbiota connection.” Nutrients 6.11 (2014): 4822-4838. Print.

Rothgerber, Hank. “Can you have your meat and eat it too? Conscientious omnivores, vegetarians, and adherence to diet.” Appetite 84 (2015): 196-203. Print.

Rothgerber, Hank, and Frances Mican. “Childhood pet ownership, attachment to pets, and subsequent meat avoidance. The mediating role of empathy toward animals.” Appetite 79 (2014): 11-17. Print.

Taylor, Sunaura. “Vegans, freaks, and animals: Toward a new table fellowship.” American Quarterly 65.3 (2013): 757-764. Print.

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• The Strongest Argument for Veganism

This collection of articles was first published on the website of Sentience Politics .

Strong arguments derive their (surprising, counter-intuitive and far-reaching) conclusions from modest premises that everybody accepts. Here’s one such premise:

(1) We shouldn’t be cruel to animals, i.e. we shouldn’t harm animals unnecessarily.

(2) The consumption of animal products harms animals.

This is quite obvious for meat, but it’s also true for milk and eggs . Animals often suffer terribly as a result of overbreeding, from dreadful conditions on farms, during transportation and in the slaughterhouse. Studies show that stunning fails regularly . The egg industry painfully gasses all male chicks right after they hatch. In short: The production of animal foods generally leads to lots of acts of violence against animals and large amounts of suffering. – Here’s a further premise:

(3) The consumption of animal products is unnecessary.

One might ask how this third premise could be uncontroversial, given that food production is a pretty necessary practice. The question, however, is not “Is food necessary?”, but “Is animal food necessary (here and now)?” – Or in other words: “Are there viable nutritional alternatives to animal products?” For one cannot plausibly argue that something is necessary in the presence of viable alternatives. So let’s take a look at the scientific facts: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – the largest nutritional organisation in the world – has a position paper stating that “appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.” Official health bodies around the globe support this view . And the existence of millions of healthy vegans and a growing number of vegan top athletes bears it out. Also, “appropriate planning” is very easy in today’s world – healthy and tasty vegan (or at least vegetarian) food is available everywhere.

To sum it up: If our own health depended on eating animals, then there could be an argument for violence against animals (serving nutritional purposes) being necessary. But that’s not the case. We’re not inflicting horrible suffering on animals in order to preserve our own health and thus prevent our own suffering. We’re inflicting suffering on billions of animals in order to get a little more culinary pleasure at most. And very likely not even that: In an experiment at the University of Bochum , 90% of the students didn’t notice that their “beef goulash” was vegan. The availability of vegan gourmet food is increasing rapidly too. Last but not least, it’s largely a matter of culinary socialization anyway: Nobody craves exotic foods (such as dog, dolphin or chimp meat) that don’t exist and are taboo in our society. The same would be true in a vegan society (providing plenty tasty cruelty-free meats) with regard to all meat that requires violence against any sentient animal.

The (rather trivial) premises (1) – (3) logically imply that the consumption of animal products harms animals unnecessarily and satisfies the definition of “cruelty to animals”, which leads to the conclusion:

To recap the Strongest Argument for Veganism:

(1) We shouldn’t be cruel to animals, i.e. we shouldn’t harm animals unnecessarily. (2) The consumption of animal products harms animals. (3) The consumption of animal products is unnecessary. (4) Therefore, we shouldn’t consume animal products.

At which point could one plausibly block this line of reasoning?

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• 1 Veganism is a way of living.
• 2.1 Pythagoras (570 BCE–490 BCE)
• 2.2 Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
• 2.3 Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)
• 2.4 Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910)
• 2.5 George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)
• 2.6 Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)
• 3 The case for veganism is strong.
• 4.1 Better health.
• 4.2 Environmental concerns.
• 4.3 Human social justice.
• 5 Animal rights philosophy strengthens the case for veganism.
• 6 The objections to veganism are weak.
• 7 Veganism is on the rise.
• 8 Getting started is an adventure.
• 9 You can be on the right side of history.
• 10 See Also
• 11 Footnotes

Veganism is a way of living.

The word vegan was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, founder of The Vegan Society . Being vegan is a "way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose." [1]

More simply put, veganism is a way of living that minimizes harm to animals.

This way of living manifests itself in our choices for food, clothing, and entertainment and any item that may involve harm to animals.

Concern for animals has a rich history.

The word vegan may be relatively new, but the idea isn't. We can see veganism as part of a continuum in the history of thinking about our concern for animals and our belief that animals are worthy of ethical consideration.

Long before and long after the term vegan was coined, a long list of notables were vocal on the topic. Only a few are mentioned here.

Pythagoras (570 BCE–490 BCE) Pythagoras abstained from eating animals because he believed that humans have a special kinship with animals—not because of their intelligence, but because of their emotional capacity to feel pleasure and pain. [2] Extra: More on Pythagoras Pythagoras, an influential Greek philosopher and mathematician, invented the word philosophy , first applied the word cosmos to the universe, and first used the word theory in the way it's used today. He introduced the idea of a square and a cube and the whole idea of applying mathematical operations on geometric shapes. Perhaps he is best known for the Pythagorean theorem. [3] In his work "Life of Pythagoras," Porphyry, another ancient Greek philosopher, wrote that Pythagoras "not only abstained from animal food, but never in any way approached butchers or hunters." [4] Pythagoras had a band of followers known as Pythagoreans. Until the 19th century, when the word vegetarian came into usage, the Pythagorean diet meant what vegetarian meant then and vegan means now. [5] Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) Leonardo da Vinci said he would not let his body become "a tomb for other animals, an inn of the dead." [6] He loved animals, refused to eat them, and abhorred the idea of causing pain to them. [7] Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) Shelley, called the first celebrity vegan by one biographer, [8] expressed regret that "beings capable of the gentlest and most admirable sympathies, should take delight in the death-pangs and last convulsions of dying animals." [9] He wrote a book, A Vindication of Natural Diet , which draws on comparative anatomy to show that a vegetable diet is best suited to humans. [10] Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) Tolstoy also wrote a book pertinent to veganism, titled The First Step: An Essay on the Morals of Diet , calling for abstinence from animal food as the first step toward moral perfection. He says that the use of animal food "is simply immoral, as it involves the performance of an act which is contrary to the moral feeling—killing; and is called forth only by greediness and the desire for tasty food." [11] He addresses attempts to deny harm to animals by saying, "we are not ostriches, and cannot believe that if we refuse to look at what we do not wish to see it will not exist." [12] George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) Shaw was one of the many people who connected our slaughter of animals to the lack of world peace, saying, "While we ourselves are the living graves of murdered beasts, how can we expect any ideal conditions on this earth?" He is also responsible for the often repeated but rarely attributed quote, "Animals are my friends…and I don't eat my friends." [13] Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) Gandhi believed that "the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man." [14] As a young law student in London, he made the spread of vegetarianism (which then meant what veganism means today) his stated mission, [15] and he carried out the mission by writing essays and giving speeches on the topic. [16] It seems he honed his activist's skills on being a voice for animals and then used those skills later to change the course of human history.

The case for veganism is strong.

To go vegan, one need not believe that animals and humans deserve equal moral consideration—or that animals have rights.

Veganism is based on the belief that we should not unnecessarily harm animals. The case for veganism is built on the simple belief that one should not unnecessarily harm animals—a belief that virtually everyone holds, except psychopaths.

What we differ on is what is meant by harm and whether any harm inflicted is necessary. So let's look a little deeper into the ideas of harm and necessity.

Here we focus on the question of necessity and the harms that come about from using animals for food, because this is by far the most prevalent. At least fifty billion land animals [17] and more than a trillion sea animals [18] are slaughtered or killed every year for food, dwarfing all other methods of animal exploitation combined.

Using animals for food is not necessary. The most common attempt to justify the harm resulting from eating animal products is to say that it's necessary to consume animal products to be healthy. Yet the evidence is overwhelming that plant-based diets are nutritionally complete and healthy. Mayo Clinic, [19] Harvard Public Health, [20] Kaiser Permanente, [21] NewYork-Presbyterian, [22] and others have all said that a totally plant-based diet is not only sufficient but advantageous. Cleveland Clinic adds that "there really are no disadvantages to a herbivorous diet!" [23]

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the largest nutrition-focused organization in the world, with over one hundred thousand credentialed professionals. [24] In an official position paper, they say that vegan diets "are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood and for athletes." [25]

The dietetic associations of other countries, including Canada, [26] England, [27] and Australia, [28] have also made pronouncements on the viability of a vegan diet.

When the major health organizations, the major research institutions, and the dietetic associations all say that there is no need to eat animals and animal products, that constitutes a scientific consensus on the topic.

We harm animals when we use them for food and other purposes.  Farmed animals are subjected to confinement, crowding, mutilation, deprivation of natural behaviors, debilitating selective breeding, cruel treatment, separation from their offspring, slaughter, and other injustices.

These abuses are well documented in animal agriculture websites, documentary movies, and videos of undercover investigations, some at "certified humane" facilities. That they occur, and that they occur at certified humane facilities, cannot be plausibly denied.

But even if we treated them well up until the time of slaughter, there is no way to humanely slaughter someone who does not want to die. And there is no way to humanely exploit the reproductive systems of birds for eggs or mammals for milk and cheese, whose lives are also taken when they are no longer profitable.

The central issue is that in using animals for our own purposes, we are depriving them of their freedom and their lives—the only lives they have, and lives that are valued by each of them. And we are doing this unnecessarily.

Whether we eat animal products, use them for entertainment, hunt them for sport, wear them for clothing, or do research on them, we are harming them. Vegans seek to eliminate their participation in all forms of animal exploitation and harm.

The benefits of veganism to humans are substantial.

Veganism is first and foremost a way of living that is fair and just to animals. That said, the bonus benefits of sustainability, social justice, and health are substantial and should not be ignored.

Some people become vegan, or at least adopt a vegan diet, for one of these other reasons. They often come to appreciate and embrace all of veganism's implications and benefits as they become more aware.

Better health. Research vetted by the major medical and nutrition-focused organizations mentioned earlier shows that adopting a vegan diet will reduce your risks of the chronic diseases that plague modern meat-eating societies, including heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, high blood-pressure levels, obesity, and poor bone health. [29] [30] [31] [32] Kaiser Permanente, a nonprofit insurer and medical provider with over eleven million members, [33] even asks their physicians to recommend a plant-based diet to their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity. They go on to say that research shows plant-based diets "may also reduce the number of medications needed to treat chronic diseases and lower ischemic heart disease mortality rates." [34] Environmental concerns. An article in Georgetown Environmental Law Review sums it up nicely, calling animal agriculture the "one industry that is destroying our planet and our ability to thrive on it." [35] Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 51 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, [36] accounts for 80 percent of deforestation rates in the Amazon, [37] and is a major contributor to species extinction, [38] ocean dead zones, [39] depletion of fish, [40] runoff and water pollution, [41] and water wastage. [42] [43] The extreme devastation of the planet caused by animal agriculture prompted Howard Lyman, a former cattle rancher, to say, "You can't be an environmentalist and eat animal products" [44] and that "to consider yourself an environmentalist and still eat meat is like saying you're a philanthropist who doesn't give to charity." [45] Human social justice. In developing countries, almost five million children under the age of five die of malnutrition-related causes every year, [46] and another eight hundred million are unable to lead a normal life because of chronic hunger. [47] It seems almost criminal that 80 percent of the world's starving children live in countries where food is given to livestock that will then be shipped to and eaten in more affluent countries. [48] Studies show we could feed many times more people if we grew human food instead of growing animal food and feeding animals. [49] [50] [51] This is because animals are very inefficient at converting animal feed into animal products. The inefficiency is because most of the calories fed to an animal go to basic metabolism for daily living and for producing body parts that are not eaten, such as bones, rather than for producing the flesh and secretions that we eat. According to a peer-reviewed study published by the World Resources Institute in 2014, titled "Creating a Sustainable Food Future," it takes on average 24 calories of plant feed to produce one calorie of food from animals. [52]

Animal rights philosophy strengthens the case for veganism.

As mentioned earlier, the validity of veganism does not depend on believing that animals have rights. Nevertheless, the philosophy of animal rights strengthens the rational foundation of veganism.

According to philosopher Tom Regan, author of The Case for Animal Rights , "the philosophy of animal rights stands for, not against, justice. We are not to violate the rights of the few so that the many might benefit. Slavery allows this, child labor allows this, all unjust social institutions allow this…but not the philosophy of animal rights, whose highest principle is justice.” [53]

Whether or not you identify as vegan, embodying the ideas behind veganism is to live in a way that exemplifies the fairness and justice for animals that Regan is addressing. The idea of animal rights may seem odd at first, but it's actually well grounded.

The objections to veganism are weak.

After reading some of this material, you may have questions and concerns about veganism and animal rights. The In Reply to articles on this site addresses your concerns, objections, doubts, questions, and, yes, sometimes excuses.

We agree with Donald Watson, who, at the age of 92, said that veganism is "meeting every reasonable criticism that anyone can level against it." [54] The case for veganism is strong, while the objections to veganism are weak.

Veganism is on the rise.

According to the high-dollar market research firm Global Data, the number of people who identify as vegan in the U.S. has grown five-fold, or 500%, in three recent years (2014 to 2017). [55]

This is reflected in the rapidly growing number of vegan choices in restaurants and grocery stores, as well as the proliferation of vegan celebrities, vegan public figures, and vegan professional athletes. [56] Veganism is going mainstream. [57]

Getting started is an adventure.

Many have found leaving animals off their plate to be an adventure, discovering new foods, recipes, and tastes they had never before experienced. Like many changes, being vegan will soon be second nature. See our Getting Started with Going Vegan article in the Basics Section of this website.

You can be on the right side of history.

There may be nothing else you could do that would have such positive consequences on so many fronts, to the benefit of both humans and animals, than going vegan and leaving animals and animal products off your plate.

Being vegan will prevent the suffering of many innocent lives who would have otherwise been born or hatched into a system of brutality, and being vegan will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re no longer using your purchasing power for products made with violence.

In addition, the other benefits to humans are substantial. The science is clear that it will lower your risk of chronic disease, diminish your footprint on the planet, and promote a more efficient food system better capable of feeding the world’s starving, hungry, and impoverished.

Henry David Thoreau said he had no doubt that it’s the “destiny of the human race, in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals.” [58] This is your chance to be on the right side of history before it becomes the norm.

Getting Started with Going Vegan

Helpful Resources

Replies Listing: Answers to common objections

• ↑ “History | Vegan Society.” The Vegan Society. Accessed October 13, 2017. https://www.vegansociety.com/about-us/history
• ↑ Huffman, Carl. “Pythagoras.” In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, edited by Edward N. Zalta, Summer 2014. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University, 2014. https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2014/entries/pythagoras/
• ↑ Magee, Bryan. The Story of Philosophy. DK Pub., 1998. 15
• ↑ Porphyry, “Porphyry, Life of Pythagoras Translated by Kenneth Sylvan Guthrie,” 1920, http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/porphyry_life_of_pythagoras_02_text.htm
• ↑ Zaraska, Marta. Meathooked: The History and Science of Our 2.5-Million-Year Obsession with Meat. 1 edition. New York: Basic Books, 2016. 119-120
• ↑ White, Michael. Leonardo: The First Scientist . 1st edition. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000, 131
• ↑ Horowitz, David. “History of Vegetarianism - Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519).” International Vegetarian Union, July 19, 2002. https://ivu.org/history/davinci/hurwitz.html
• ↑ Davis, John. “Shelley—The First Celebrity Vegan.” Vegsource.com, January 5, 2011. http://www.vegsource.com/john-davis/shelley---the-first-celebrity-vegan.html
• ↑ Shelley, Percy Bysshe. A Vindication of Natural Diet. Percy Bysshe Shelley. Kindle e-Book, A public domain book. Vegetarian Society, 1884. http://amzn.com/B0076QXQJIIbid ., location 271
• ↑ Tolstoy, Leo. 1900. The First Step: An Essay on the Morals of Diet , to Which Are Added Two Stories. Albert Broadbent. 61, 6
• ↑ Ibid., 58-59.
• ↑ Richards, Jennie. “George Bernard Shaw Poem, ‘We Are The Living Graves of Murdered Beasts.’” Humane Decisions, January 15, 2015. http://www.humanedecisions.com/george-bernard-shaw-poem-we-are-the-living-graves-of-murdered-beasts/
• ↑ Gandhi, Mahatma. Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Courier Corporation, 1948, 208
• ↑ Gandhi, Mahatma. “Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth.” Accessed February 3, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Story-My-Experiments-Truth/dp/1481076043 , 52
• ↑ “Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948).” International Vegetarian Union. Accessed October 16, 2017. https://ivu.org/history/gandhi/index.html
• ↑ “Meat Production Continues to Rise.” Worldwatch Institute, September 29, 2017. http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5443
• ↑ Mood, A, and P Brooke. “Estimate of Fish Numbers.” Fishcount.org, July 2010. http://www.fishcount.org.uk/published/std/fishcountstudy.pdf
• ↑ “Vegetarian Diet: How to Get the Best Nutrition.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed August 2, 2017. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/vegetarian-diet/art-20046446
• ↑ “Becoming a Vegetarian.” Harvard Health Publications Harvard Medical School, March 18, 2016. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian
• ↑ Phillip J Tuso, MD, Mohamed H Ismail, MD, Benjamin P Ha, MD, and Carole Bartolotto, MD, RD. “Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets.” The Permanente Journal - The Permanente Press - Kaiser Permanente - Permanente Medical Groups, 2013. http://www.thepermanentejournal.org/issues/2013/spring/5117-nutrition.html
• ↑ Ask A Nutritionist: Plant-Based Diets.” NewYork-Presbyterian, March 30, 2017. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/plant-based-diet/
• ↑ “Understanding Vegetarianism & Heart Health.” Cleveland Clinic, December 2013. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/understanding-vegetarianism-heart-health
• ↑ “About Us.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Accessed August 2, 2017. http://www.eatrightpro.org/resources/about-us
• ↑ “Vegetarian Diets.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. December 2016. http://www.eatrightpro.org/resource/practice/position-and-practice-papers/position-papers/vegetarian-diets
• ↑ “Healthy Eating Guidelines for Vegans.” Dietitians of Canada, November 2017. https://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Factsheets/Guidlines-for-Vegans.aspx
• ↑ “British Dietetic Association.” The Vegan Society. Accessed August 3, 2017. https://www.vegansociety.com/society/whos-involved/partners/british-dietetic-association
• ↑ “Vegan Diets: Everything You Need to Know – Dietitians Association of Australia.” Dietitians Association of Australia. Accessed August 3, 2017. https://daa.asn.au/smart-eating-for-you/smart-eating-fast-facts/healthy-eating/vegan-diets-facts-tips-and-considerations/
• ↑ “Understanding Vegetarianism; Heart Health.” Cleveland Clinic, December 2013. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/understanding-vegetarianism-heart-health
• ↑ “Fast Facts About Kaiser Permanente.” Kaiser Permanente Share, 2017. https://share.kaiserpermanente.org/article/fast-facts-about-kaiser-permanente/
• ↑ Christopher Hyner. “A Leading Cause of Everything: One Industry That Is Destroying Our Planet and Our Ability to Thrive on It.” Georgetown Environmental Law Review, October 23, 2015. https://gelr.org/2015/10/23/a-leading-cause-of-everything-one-industry-that-is-destroying-our-planet-and-our-ability-to-thrive-on-it-georgetown-environmental-law-review/
• ↑ Goodland, Robert, and Jeff Anhang. “Livestock and Climate Change.” Worldwatch Institute. Accessed April 4, 2018. http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6294
• ↑ Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. “Cattle Ranching in the Amazon Region.” Global Forest Atlas, June 6, 2014. http://globalforestatlas.yale.edu/amazon/land-use/cattle-ranching
• ↑ “Evidence of Species Loss in Amazon Caused by Deforestation.” ScienceDaily. Accessed June 8, 2017. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150824064927.htm .
• ↑ Victor Paine. “What Causes Ocean ‘Dead Zones’?” Scientific American. Accessed June 8, 2017. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ocean-dead-zones/ .
• ↑ “FAO Statistical Yearbook 2012.” United Nations FAO. Accessed April 4, 2018. http://www.fao.org/docrep/015/i2490e/i2490e00.htm
• ↑ Bhanoo, Sindya N. “Amish Farming Draws Rare Government Scrutiny.” The New York Times, June 8, 2010, sec. Environment. https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/science/earth/09amish.html
• ↑ “Water Footprint.” Waterfootprint.org. Accessed November 28, 2017. http://waterfootprint.org/en/resources/interactive-tools/product-gallery/
• ↑ “Water Footprint Assessment Manual - The Global Standard.” Accessed November 28, 2017. http://waterfootprint.org/en/resources/publications/water-footprint-assessment-manual-global-standard/
• ↑ Quotes from “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret.” Accessed May 25, 2018. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3302820/quotes
• ↑ “Cowspiracy – Encore | Animal Liberation Victoria.” Accessed May 25, 2018. https://www.alv.org.au/articles/cowspiracy/
• ↑ Richard Oppenlander. “The World Hunger-Food Choice Connection: A Summary.” Comfortably Unaware, 2012. http://comfortablyunaware.com/blog/the-world-hunger-food-choice-connection-a-summary/ .
• ↑ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “Hunger Facts,” 2014. http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/icn2/toolkit/hunger-facts/en/
• ↑ Cassidy, Emily S., Paul C. West, James S. Gerber, and Jonathan A. Foley. “Redefining Agricultural Yields: From Tonnes to People Nourished per Hectare.” Environmental Research Letters 8, no. 3 (2013): 034015. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/8/3/034015
• ↑ Jason Gavericy Matheny, “Least Harm: A Defense of Vegetarianism From Steven Davis’s Omnivorous Proposal,” January 30, 2003, http://fewd.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/inst_ethik_wiss_dialog/Matheny__G._2003_Defense_of_Veg__in_J._Agric_Ethics.pdf
• ↑ “U.S. Could Feed 800 Million People with Grain That Livestock Eat, Cornell Ecologist Advises Animal Scientists,” Cornell Chronicle, August 7, 1997, http://news.cornell.edu/stories/1997/08/us-could-feed-800-million-people-grain-livestock-eat
• ↑ An average of the figures for various farmed animals from this study: World Resources Institute. “Creating a Sustainable Food Future.” World Resources Institute, 2014. http://www.wri.org/sites/default/files/wri13_report_4c_wrr_online.pdf .
• ↑ “Archive:Tom Regan Speech at the Royal Institute of Great Britain in 1989.” The Justice for Animals (JFA) Wiki. Accessed August 28, 2019. https://justiceforanimals.org/?curid=267 .
• ↑ George D Rodger, “Donald Watson: In His Own Words: Part Two,” The Veggie Blog (blog), December 15, 2002, http://www.happycow.net/blog/donald-watson-2/
• ↑ “Top Trends in Prepared Foods 2017: Exploring Trends in Meat, Fish and Seafood; Pasta, Noodles and Rice; Prepared Meals; Savory Deli Food; Soup; and Meat Substitutes.” Accessed November 15, 2017. https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4959853/top-trends-in-prepared-foods-2017-exploring-trends-in-meat-fish-and-seafood-pasta-noodles-and-rice-prepared-meals-savory-deli-food-soup-and-meat-substitutes.html  
• ↑ VeganRevolution. It’s a New Era of Veganism— Game Changers First Trailer . Accessed May 27, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMQ1rzz9t5w
• ↑ “Vegan Is Going Mainstream, Trend Data Suggests.” Accessed November 15, 2017. https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2015/03/17/Vegan-is-going-mainstream-trend-data-suggests
• ↑ Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017. 118

This article was originally authored by Greg Fuller and copyedited by Isaac Nickerson. The contents may have been edited since that time by others.

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Why go vegan?

You are here, explore why veganism is kinder to animals, to people and to our planet's future .

For the animals

Preventing the exploitation of animals is not the only reason for becoming vegan, but for many it remains the key factor in their decision to go vegan and stay vegan. Having emotional attachments with animals may form part of that reason, while many believe that all sentient creatures have a right to life and freedom. Specifics aside, avoiding animal products is one of the most obvious ways you can take a stand against animal cruelty and animal exploitation everywhere. Read a detailed overview on why being vegan demonstrates true compassion for animals . 

Find out more about going vegan for the animals.

For your health

Well-planned vegan diets follow healthy eating guidelines, and contain all the nutrients that our bodies need. Both the British Dietetic Association and the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognise that they are suitable for every age and stage of life. Some research has linked that there are certain health benefits to vegan diets with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

Going vegan is a great opportunity to learn more about nutrition and cooking, and improve your diet. Getting your nutrients from plant foods allows more room in your diet for health-promoting options like whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables, which are packed full of beneficial fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Find out more about going vegan for your health.

For the environment

From recycling our household rubbish to cycling to work, we're all aware of ways to live a greener life. One of the most effective things an individual can do to lower their carbon footprint is to avoid all animal products. This goes way beyond the problem of cow flatulence and air pollution!

Why is meat and dairy so bad for the environment?

The production of meat and other animal derived products places a heavy burden on the environment. The vast amount of grain feed required for meat production is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss and species extinction. In Brazil alone, the equivalent of 5.6 million acres of land is used to grow soya beans for animals in Europe. This land contributes to developing world malnutrition by driving impoverished populations to grow cash crops for animal feed, rather than food for themselves. On the other hand, considerably lower quantities of crops and water are required to sustain a vegan diet, making the switch to veganism one of the easiest, most enjoyable and most effective ways to reduce our impact on the environment. For more on how veganism is the way forward for the environment, see our environment section .

Find out more about going vegan for the environment.

Just like veganism is the sustainable option when it comes to looking after our planet, plant-based living is also a more sustainable way of feeding the human family. A plant-based diet requires only one third of the land needed to support a meat and dairy diet. With rising global food and water insecurity due to a myriad of environmental and socio-economic problems, there's never been a better time to adopt a more sustainable way of living. Avoiding animal products is not just one of the simplest ways an individual can reduce the strain on food as well as other resources, it's the simplest way to take a stand against inefficient food systems which disproportionately affect the poorest people all over the world. Read more about  how vegan diets can help people .

Start your vegan journey today by downloading our VeGuide app . You can also join The Vegan Society  by 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!

 Why vegetarian isn't enough

The suffering caused by the dairy and egg industry is possibly less well publicised than the plight of factory farmed animals. The production of dairy products necessitates the death of countless male calves that are of no use to the dairy farmer, as well as the premature death of cows slaughtered when their milk production decreases. Similarly, in egg production, even 'ethical' or 'free range' eggs involve the killing of the 'unnecessary' male chicks when just a day old.

Ethical meat?

It's tempting to want to believe that the meat we eat is ethical, that our 'food animals' have lived full, happy lives and that they have experienced no pain or fear at the slaughterhouse. Yet the sad truth is that all living creatures  fear death, just as we do. No matter how they are treated when alive, whether they are raised on a factory farm, or labelled as 'free range' or 'organic', they all experience the same fear when it comes to slaughter.

The good news

The good news is there IS something we can do about it. Every time we shop or order food in a restaurant - every time we eat - we can choose to help these animals. Every time we make the switch from an animal product to a vegan alternative we are standing up for farmed animals everywhere. Going vegan is easier than ever before with veganism becoming increasingly mainstream as more and more people from all walks of life discover the benefits of living this way.   

It's  time to ask ourselves: if it is now possible to live a life that involves delicious food and drink, delivers better health, leaves a smaller carbon footprint and avoids killing other creatures - then why don't we?

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Vegetarianism Essay

This is a model  vegetarianism essay .

As I always stress, you should  read the question very carefully  before you answer it to make sure you are writing about the right thing.

Take a look at the question:

Every one of us should become a vegetarian because eating meat can cause serious health problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Staying on topic

If you rush to start writing and don't analyse the question and brainstorm some ideas you may include the wrong information.

There are religious or moral arguments for not eating meat, but if you discuss those you will be going off topic .

This question is specifically about the health problems connected to eating meat.

So you must discuss in your answer what some of these problems are and if you think there are real health risks or not.

Knowing about the topic

And don't get worried that you do not know much about diet and health.

As part of your IELTS study it will help if you know the basics of most topics such as some health vocabulary in this case, but you are not expected to be an expert on nutrition.

Remember, you are being judged on your English ability and your ability to construct an argument in a coherent way, not to be an expert in the subject matter. So relax and work with

Organisation

In this vegetarianism essay, the candidate disagrees with the statement, and is thus arguing that everyone does not need to be a vegetarian.

The essay has been organised in the following way:

Body 1: Health issues connected with eating meat (i.e. arguments in support of being a vegetarian Body 2: Advantages of eating meat

Now take a look at the model answer.

Model Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Vegetarianism Essay - Sample Answer

Vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular for many people, particularly because of the harm that some people believe meat can cause to the body. However, I strongly believe that it is not necessary for everybody to be a vegetarian.

Vegetarians believe that meat is unhealthy because of the diseases it has been connected with. There has been much research to suggest that red meat is particularly bad, for example, and that consumption should be limited to eating it just a few times a week to avoid such things as cancer. Meats can also be high in saturated fats so they have been linked to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

However, there are strong arguments for eating meat. The first reason is that as humans we are designed to eat meat, which suggests it is not unhealthy, and we have been eating meat for thousands of years. For example, cavemen made hunting implements so that they could kill animals and eat their meat. Secondly, meat is a rich source of protein which helps to build muscles and bones. Vegetarians often have to take supplements to get all the essential vitamins and minerals. Finally, it may be the case that too much meat is harmful, but we can easily limit the amount we have without having to cut it out of our diet completely.

To sum up, I do not agree that everyone should turn to a vegetarian diet. Although the overconsumption of meat could possibly be unhealthy, a balanced diet of meat and vegetables should result in a healthy body.

(264 words)

You should begin by intoducing the topi c. The introduction in this vegetarianism essay begins by mentioning vegetarians and the possible harm of eating meat .

It then goes on to the thesis statement , which makes it clear what the candidate's opinion is.

The first body paragraph has a topic sentence which makes it clear that the paragraph is going to address the possible health issues of eating meat.

Some reasons and examples are then given to support this.

The second body paragraph then has a topic sentence which makes it clear that the main idea is now about the arguments for eating meat .

The conclusion in this vegetarianism essay then repeats the opinion and gives the candidates final thoughts.

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Essential Tips For Composing An Introduction Paragraph For An Informative Essay

The intro to any write-up is perhaps the most important aspect of an essay. Regardless of the topic or the approach in handling the topic provided, it is only a captivating intro that can either вЂmake’ or вЂbreak’ the entire pursuit of the research study. Expected to give substantial contextual and background information to the subject matter, any good introduction addresses the 5W’s and 1H related to the study.

A lot of pre-thinking and arranging of thoughts are required prior to the creation of the introductory paragraph in an informative essay. Only then will an engaging intro be formed that will spark the reader’s interest level and the need to continue reading the rest of the content be felt.

The following are few tips collected by English essay helpers to give students an idea on how they must frame their introduction in the essay:

• Beginning with an attention-getter

A wise thing to get started with the introduction to any informative essay would be to include a question, a context-based quote or someone’s saying or a statistical finding. One common mistake that students make is beginning with clichГ©d and convoluted phrases as вЂfrom time immemorial’ and the like. Even a drab topic can turn interesting in no time if the first few sentences connect the reader to the scope of the paper.

• Include background information

When framing the intro, the writer must include some information about the background of the study. There will be little spice in the introduction if it fails to offer some additional data about how and why the study originated in the first place. Find assistance on it on this website

• Decide on a thesis

This comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. On the basis o the thesis established, the arguments will start following. An informative essay is not expected to be opinionated in tone, but there must be some clear points to help the reader know where exactly the arguments are leading to.

• Be concise and avoid superfluous stuffs

There must be a proper idea of the student to include only valid points that are essential to the development of the essay. The idea is to see that all the points are presented in a factual, impersonal, precise and compact form, with no scope of superfluous add-ons.

Students can expect to be assisted when browsing sites that offer them the best of tips to compose introductory paragraphs, followed by the rest.

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The Vegan Dispatch

Why Vegans Reject All Forms of Animal Product Use

The essence of veganism extends far beyond the simple act of avoiding animal products; it is deeply rooted in a profound respect for all living beings and a steadfast commitment to rejecting their exploitation in any form. For many people, veganism might initially appear to be nothing more than a dietary choice focused on health or personal preference, but this perspective only scratches the surface.

‘‘Veganism transcends dietary choices; it’s an ethical commitment to respecting all living beings by rejecting their exploitation. It challenges the notion of animals as mere resources, advocating for a world where compassion, justice, and equality extend to every sentient creature.’’

In reality, veganism represents a much broader and more comprehensive ethical stance. It challenges the very foundations of how society views and interacts with animals, rejecting the deeply ingrained notion that animals are mere resources to be used for human benefit. This philosophy calls into question the traditional practices that treat animals as commodities and seeks to redefine our relationship with the natural world, emphasizing compassion, equality, and justice for all sentient beings. Veganism, therefore, is not just about what we eat or consume; it is about how we view and value life in all its forms. To fully grasp why vegans avoid even seemingly benign animal products, we need to look into the principles of consent and exploitation that underlie this philosophy.

Wool and Shearing

At first glance, wool might appear to be a harmless product, especially since sheep need to be sheared for their health. However, this necessity is a result of selective breeding by humans. Domesticated sheep have been bred to produce excessive amounts of wool, far beyond what is natural. In contrast, wild sheep shed their wool naturally and do not require human intervention.

The shearing process in the wool industry is often far from gentle, with animals subjected to rough handling and stress. Beyond the shearing, once these sheep are no longer deemed profitable, they are typically slaughtered. Thus, the wool industry is intrinsically linked to a cycle of exploitation and violence against these animals.

Eggs and the Industry of Exploitation

Eggs, particularly those from free-range or backyard hens, might be perceived as a humane food choice. However, the reality of egg production, even in the most ideal conditions, is deeply exploitative. The egg industry is built on a system where male chicks, who cannot lay eggs, are often killed immediately after hatching since they hold no commercial value.

Moreover, hens have been bred to produce a vastly unnatural quantity of eggs, placing immense strain on their bodies. This exploitation persists regardless of how well the hens are treated in other aspects. The key issue here is that these animals are being used for human gain without their consent, a fundamental violation of their autonomy and dignity.

The Role of Manure in Agriculture

Cow manure is a common fertilizer, and its use might not seem harmful at first glance. However, this practice is intertwined with industries that exploit cows for their milk, meat, or labor. The ethical issue lies in the fact that these animals are often subjected to harsh conditions, with their lives dictated by human needs rather than their well-being. By avoiding products tied to such industries, vegans seek to distance themselves from systems of exploitation and harm.

Honey and the Ethics of Beekeeping

Beekeeping is another practice where the harm may appear minimal, but it is still based on the manipulation of animals. Even in cases where beekeepers strive to care for their bees, practices such as wing clipping of the queen, or replacing the bees' honey with sugar substitutes, can cause stress and harm. Bees, like all creatures, have their own natural behaviors and needs, and the manipulation of these for human benefit is a form of exploitation.

The Vegan Perspective: Rejecting Exploitation

Veganism, at its core, is not just about avoiding direct harm to animals—it’s about rejecting the very idea that animals exist to serve human purposes. This extends to all forms of animal exploitation, even when the harm seems minimal or non-existent. The principle of consent is crucial here: animals cannot consent to being used, and therefore, any use of them for human gain is seen as inherently exploitative.

By embracing veganism, individuals make a powerful statement that animals are not ours to use, regardless of how "beneficial" or harmless it may seem. This ethical stance challenges long-standing traditions and industries, advocating for a world where all living beings are respected and valued for their intrinsic worth, not for what they can provide to humans.

"The Ethics of What We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter" by Peter Singer and Jim Mason

"Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism" by Melanie Joy

"Animal Liberation" by Peter Singer

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

The Vegan Society

"Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer

"Veganism in an Oppressive World: A Vegans-of-Color Community Project" edited by Julia Feliz Brueck

"The Humane Hoax: Essays on Meat, Culture, and Alternatives" edited by Hope Bohanec

Farm Sanctuary

"The Pollination Problem: Why Vegans Avoid Honey" by Ethical Elephant

Get my new booklet ‘‘25 Vegan Myths Debunked!’’ This concise guide is invaluable for anyone curious about veganism, offering evidence-based insights and practical guidance to navigate vegan living confidently. All proceeds benefit the promotion of animal rights worldwide!

Visit Our Amazon Store! Notice: As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases that help promote animal rights worldwide!

General Resources

Dominion: The Power of Animals in Nature and in Our Imagination by Matthew Scully

Animal Liberation by Peter Singer

Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

A Billion Hungry Mouths: Feeding the World Without Consuming the Planet by Colin Tudge

Websites and organizations:

Mercy for Animals

Compassion in World Farming

The Humane Society of the United States

Think Like a Vegan

Documentaries:

What the Health

Forks Over Knives

"The Case for Animal Rights" by Tom Regan

‘‘Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism’’ by Melanie Joy

‘‘Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach’’ by Gary L. Francione

‘‘Fellow Creatures: Our Obligations to the Other Animals’’ by Christine Korsgaard

Seeds of Compassion: Finding Jesus Christ in a Vegan World by Michael Corthell

Receive a single informative article daily at 12:01 AM by email. Explore my homepage with exciting vegan and plant-based news content and delightful and delicious recipes for additional updates. Stay connected to the vegan world and all it has to offer.

Visit The Vegan Project Global our Facebook page for more vegan outreach and education.

The information on this vegan/plant-based blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, medical, or professional advice. Readers should consult with appropriate professionals for specific advice tailored to their situation. The blog owner is not responsible for any reliance on the information herein.

The Vegan Dispatch is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Ready for more?

Eating Vegan: Grocery Shopping, Cooking, & Dining Options

If you want to learn about vegan foods, the best place to start is not with cooking, but with eating. Transitioning to a vegan diet is remarkably easy once you spend a little time reading about all there is to eat.

Eating Vegan is Easy

Omnivores often ask vegans, with palms upturned in wonder, “What on earth do you eat?” The implication here is that vegan diets contain only a narrow and monotonous assortment of foods. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.

If you want to incorporate more vegan foods into your life, you are in for a pleasant surprise. In this guide, I’m going to introduce you to a staggering variety of delicious vegan foods.

Most food-related publishing and television is devoted to cooking. And while cooking is important, the vegan dishes you can prepare yourself are only a subset of everything you can potentially eat. This guide not only covers cooking, but also includes grocery shopping, packaged foods, and restaurant meals. If you fear that eating vegan would prove restrictive and limiting, prepare yourself for a pleasant surprise.

We’ll start by briefly covering the vegan essentials: vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, mushrooms, and nuts. Next, I will introduce you to vegan meals you can cook at home, including seven key dishes that require minimal prep time. In case you want to dive deeper into vegan cooking, I’ll toss out a few solid cookbook recommendations. I will wrap up this piece with advice for vegan grocery shopping, eating out, and travel. Along the way I’ll include tons of links for more detailed coverage of the key topics this article covers.

The Best Vegan Foods for Everyday Eating

I once regarded the idea of going vegan as absurdly difficult, but the experience proved ten times easier than I imagined. My diet today is far more diverse and delicious than it ever was when I ate meat. Once you start eating more vegan foods, you’ll be overwhelmed by all the delicious possibilities.

Vegan diets need never be expensive. Even the simplest meals can bring sensational flavors. I don’t think I’ve ever had an expensive gourmet meal surpass the flavors of a perfectly ripe avocado on an excellent sourdough baguette. If you have an eye for quality, you can eat exceptionally well on a budget . After all, freshness and perfect ripeness never cost extra money—they merely require that you pay more attention when food shopping.

Vegan foods come in practically limitless variety—you could try something new every day for the rest of your life. What’s more, new foods are coming to market all the time. As long as it’s from a plant or tree, it’s fair game. That means a vegan diet lets you eat every sort of food made from vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Let’s quickly explore each of these possibilities:

Fresh vegetables offer innumerable flavors. A handful come into season in the spring. Most vegetables are harvested during the summer. And then a few more important varieties don’t come in until autumn.

Since pea plants thrive in cool weather, peas are among the first crop harvested. They come into season by mid-spring. Spring is also when cabbage, broccoli, spinach, and most lettuces come to market.

In early summer, kale and chard become available, along with cucumbers and summer squash. They say you shouldn’t pick corn until the water’s boiling, and it’s during the hottest days of summer when corn reaches its peak.

Root vegetables are harvested when the nights turn nippy. These vegetables include carrots, potatoes, parsnips, beets, yams, and sweet potatoes. All of these foods are perfect for hearty winter stews that’ll take you through the coldest weather.

Since they are among the most nutritious foods you can eat, you’ll definitely want to read my guide to vegetables . You’ll also benefit from reading my pages on how to make a killer stir-fry , and how to roast vegetables in the oven.

Fruit comes in endless varieties. Whenever possible, buy local and in season. Tree-ripened peaches purchased  at your local orchard will be far more delicious than their counterparts grown hundreds of kilometers away. A farmer’s market, or the farm itself, is invariably the best place to buy your produce.

One revelation you’ll gain by diving deeper into good eating is that most fruit should not be available year-round. If the best you can get is a Florida grown winter tomato, you’re better off making something else and doing without tomatoes altogether. Alternately, canned tomatoes work wonderfully for many purposes and they are always picked at peak ripeness.

Frozen fruit plus vegan milk makes wonderful, nutritious, and easy-to-make smoothies. And since every grocery sells frozen fruit, you can enjoy smoothies any time of year. Check out my tips for making a fantastic smoothie .

Dried fruit offers a sensational way to enjoy the flavors of summer during the middle of winter. And drying concentrates and intensifies fruit’s best flavors.

For ideas on how to incorporate delicious fruits into your diet, see my guide to fruits .

Not only are whole grains are remarkably nutritious, they’re also among the cheapest available sources of calories. When possible, purchase only whole grains and unrefined flours, since these choices deliver better nutrition.

You’ll find the best prices and the widest selection either online or at your natural food store’s bulk department. There you can find rice, wheat, oats, corn, rye, and millet. You can also buy buckwheat and quinoa, which are classified as pseudo cereals, since they are botanically seeds rather than grains. If you don’t have a good natural foods store nearby, you can buy packaged Bob’s Red Mill grains from Amazon.com. Their product line is extensive, reasonably priced, and mostly organic.

Rice is the most popular grain for billions of people. Be sure to buy multiple varieties, including red and purple. Also keep in mind that quinoa (pronounced: keen -wah) has far more protein and nutrients than rice, and requires much less water to grow.

Any sort of bread is commonly vegan. You may have a nearby bakery offering freshly-baked vegan loaves. Alternately, check your local natural food store for vegan breads. You can also make bread at home, and a bread machine speeds things up and eliminates nearly all the labor.

Boxed breakfast cereal another popular grain-based food. Natural food stores sell several vegan brands made from organic ingredients. Granola is super easy to make, and straight out of the oven it invariably tastes better than any commercial brand.

Beans are by far the cheapest and most nutritious food on the planet, especially when purchased in dried form. Like grains, the best place to buy beans is either from your natural foods store’s bulk department or online. If time is scarce, you can use canned beans, which taste fine but are not as tasty as dried beans you cook yourself. You can improve their flavor by sauteing chopped onions in a little oil before heating up your canned beans.

An Instant Pot or pressure cooker is the ideal way to cook beans, since otherwise your beans can take upwards of two hours to properly cook. If you’re new to cooking beans, the best entry point is an Indian-style dal made with lentils or mung beans. This is a quick and easy dish to make, and is wonderful served either as a soup or poured over rice.

There are dozens of varieties of beans. Trying every possible type is one of the easiest ways to diversify your diet. Consult my bean guide for comprehensive information on purchasing, cooking, and enjoying beans.

Mushrooms are neither a fruit nor a vegetable, and are available year-round. Asians and especially the Japanese eat an incredible assortment of mushrooms.

For my money, the tastiest mushroom of all is a Japanese mushroom called shiitake that’s grown on wood. It’s got a subtle flavor and a meaty texture that—once sautéed with garlic—makes it the ideal filling for spring rolls and dumplings. Just make sure to discard the stems of shiitakes since they’re woody and inedible.

Asian groceries offer a wider selection of mushrooms than anyplace else, so check if there’s one near you.

Nuts and Seeds

Like beans, nuts and seeds contain loads of protein and minerals. Nuts are one of the world’s most convenient snacks. There’s substantial evidence that eating a small handful of them every day is associated with better health . Unfortunately, nuts tend to be expensive, in large part because they grow on trees and must be laboriously picked and shelled.

Most varieties of nuts are available as nut butters. Every sort of nut butter is excellent on bread or toast. You can also use peanut butter or cashew butter to make a delicious sauce to serve over rice.

Though very nut-like, peanuts aren’t actually a nut, but a legume. Peanuts offer one of the best ways to cut your food costs—they’re full of nutrients yet cost next to nothing. In fact, it’s a common expression that when something is absurdly cheap, you can buy it for peanuts.

Like peanuts, seeds are also much cheaper than nuts, and absolutely delicious—your choices include pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, and sesame. Spicy roasted pumpkin seeds are among the tastiest snacks you’ll ever experience. Shelled roasted hemp seeds are an exquisite salad topping.

Vegan Pantry Staples

Let’s now go through the most important vegan staples. These foods belong in the pantries of vegans and non-vegans alike.

Oils appear in every recipe that involves frying or sautéing. They’re also the primary component of most salad dressings.

Commercially-bottled oils come from every fat-rich vegan food you can think of: seeds, olives, coconuts, and even avocados. Unrefined oils have more flavor, but scorch at lower cooking temperatures. Three oils in particular deserve permanent spots in your pantry:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Perfect for any sort of low-temperature cooking, and an excellent base for salad dressings. Mix unrefined olive oil with a little balsamic vinegar to make a sensational dip for sourdough french bread.
• High Oleic Safflower Oil. A flavorless refined oil ideal for sautéing or frying. The inclusion of “high oleic” on the label indicates the oil won’t scorch at normal cooking temperatures.
• Unrefined Roasted Sesame Oil. Surprisingly inexpensive considering its rich and appealing flavors. Pour a little on your next stir-fry just before serving, or squirt some into your next batch of salad dressing.

Tofu and Tempeh

Both of these foods were invented centuries ago in Asia. Tofu is made from soy milk that’s treated with a coagulant that solidifies it into a wiggly block. Don’t let appearances fool you, since tofu is the primary ingredient in a vast assortment of delicious dishes.

Tempeh is a simpler and less-processed food, made from cooked split soybeans that have been cultivated with a fungus. You can make a delicious nature burger just by frying tempeh on each side until golden brown, and then adding ketchup or barbecue sauce.

Since soy is their main ingredient, both tofu and tempeh are full of protein. They require fare less cooking and prep time than dried beans, and are also much easier to digest. On top of all these virtues, tofu made with calcium sulfate contains more than twice the calcium per calorie as whole cows’ milk.

All these qualities make tofu and tempeh fantastic additions to your next stir-fry. Please see my tofu and tempeh guides for all sorts of recipe ideas.

Nut Butters

If you like peanut butter, why stop there? Branch out and try every nut butter you can find. Try spreading cashew butter on a toasted sourdough baguette and topping it with thinly-sliced sauteed leeks. I have never eaten a more delicious simple meal.

Any nut butter can become a magnificent sauce. Just blend and gently heat with a little coconut milk, soy sauce, and minced sautéed garlic and ginger. Then squirt in a little lemon or lime juice before serving.

Do you enjoy flavorful or spicy foods? If so, vegan cooking offers unlimited possibilities to intensify flavors, since all herbs and spices come from plants.

Additionally, the overwhelming majority of sauces and condiments are also vegan. These include all or most:

• Soy sauce, including tamari
• Hot sauce, both gourmet and dirt-cheap
• Vinegar (including apple cider, red wine, balsamic, and rice)
• Sriracha “rooster” sauce
• Indian-style pickle pastes
• Wasabi paste
• Barbecue sauce (great on grilled tofu or tempeh)
• Mexican fresh or jarred salsas

Most of the above products are vegan, but always confirm by reading the ingredients.

The one big no-no for vegans is Worcestershire sauce, which usually contains anchovies. But there are a couple vegan brands and you can also make your own from scratch. Also, some soy sauces—including many Japanese brands in particular—contain fish extract.

The most popular seasoning combination throughout Asia is minced garlic and ginger. It’s an especially wonderful addition to stir-fries, and will take many of your favorite dishes to the next level.

Grocery Shopping

A good natural food store always beats a supermarket in its sheer variety of vegan foods. But even a mediocre supermarket will offer a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a comprehensive selection of vegan pantry items.

When shopping at natural food stores, always visit the deli counter. Unlike a supermarket deli counter, you will find plenty of vegan offerings. Natural food store delis offer one of the easiest ways to discover new vegan foods without having to spend time cooking. Any foods you particularly enjoy are usually easy enough to make at home for a fraction of the price.

If you don’t have a good natural foods store nearby, the vegan groceries sold by Amazon.com can close the gap. We publish a helpful page listing all of Amazon’s best deals on vegan groceries .

Vegan Supermarket Staples

Supermarkets and natural food stores carry all sorts of ready-to-eat and heat-and-eat items, often at excellent prices. Many of these items are probably already in your pantry or freezer. They include:

• Crackers and Flatbreads —Triscuits and Finn Crisp crackers are wholegrain, vegan, and sold everywhere.
• Cereal —Many brands are vegan, whole grain, and organic. Lightly-sweetened puffed rice is especially underrated.
• Oatmeal & Porridge Mixes —Nothing’s more satisfying on a cold morning, and this breakfast is filling, nutritious, and ridiculously cheap.
• Cookies —Few cookies sold at supermarkets are vegan, but you’ll find many vegan brands at natural foods stores.
• Breads and English Muffins —Oddly, whole grain breads are more likely to contain dairy products or honey.
• Energy Bars —Clif Bar, Probar, Larabar, and NuGo are all vegan.
• Wheat Tortillas —Delicious spread with hummus, used for vegan quesadillas, or for any sort of wrap.
• Pasta —Dried spaghetti is always vegan. Other pasta varieties may contain egg products.
• Asian Noodles —Asian “rice stick” noodles are cheap and always vegan, and make a superb vegan Pad Thai.
• Frozen Dinners— There are too many varieties to mention, including pizza and vegan mac & cheese.
• Tomato Sauce —Newman’s Own marinara sauce is widely available and vegan.
• Canned Beans —Baked beans are cheap and delicious.
• Pickles and Olives —Upscale markets usually have an olive bar, and every supermarket sells jarred pickles and olives.
• Hummus —You can find tubs of hummus in the dairy case of any supermarket.
• Frozen Vegetables —Cheap, convenient, healthful, and available year-round.
• Chips —Many potato chips and corn chips are vegan.
• Tater Tots —Junky but delicious.
• Dark Chocolate —Fair-trade vegan chocolate is sold at most natural food stores and some supermarkets.
• Coffee and Tea —You can save a lot of money buying coffee in your natural food store’s bulk department.
• Frozen Fruit —Inexpensive and ideal for making smoothies in your blender with your favorite vegan milk.
• Salad Dressings —Vegan brands are widely available, but you’re better off making your own .

When it comes to the above products, you’ll find more vegan brands in a natural foods store than at a supermarket. That’s especially the case for cookies, chips, and frozen convenience foods.

Avoiding Animal-Based Ingredients

You can never be sure a packaged food is vegan until you read the label or spot a vegan seal.

Some animal ingredients are obvious, like milk and egg whites. But there are also a bunch of widely-used ingredients you’d never guess come from animals. To familiarize yourself with the more obscure non-vegan ingredients, check out my animal ingredients page .

Meat, Dairy, Egg Alternatives

Whichever animal-based foods you enjoy, you can find terrific replacements for them on our vegan alternatives page. Vegan food companies make delicious vegan burgers , sausages , turkey , and more.

If you love dairy products, every sort of vegan alternative is widely available, including cheese , yogurt , butter , and even sour cream . One reason milk is so easy to quit is that most people don’t particularly enjoy its flavor. Many vegan milk brands deliver more calcium and protein than cows’ milk. Loads of people—including plenty of omnivores—think vegan milks taste better, too.

Vegan egg alternatives are likewise easy to find. If you’re merely looking to replace eggs in baking (say, for pancakes or banana bread), all you need is a cheap box of egg replacer . This product provides the similar binding properties to egg whites. If you’re actually seeking the texture and flavor of real eggs to make scrambled eggs or an omelet, go with a product like Just Egg or The Vegg . Whatever your baking or cooking need, there’s a vegan egg alternative that’s perfect for the job. For complete coverage, see our guide to vegan egg replacers .

Vegan cooking throws open the doors to maximizing the pleasure you get from eating. If you’re craving a particular meal, you can always make it yourself. And every dish can be prepared and seasoned just the way you like it.

Perhaps no skill will give you as much pleasure as learning to cook vegan. And it’s so easy to learn. My guide to vegan cooking offers the perfect introduction for novice cooks.

You only need the most basic equipment to get started. If your kitchen isn’t well-equipped, check out these recommendations covering the most valuable kitchen items for vegans .

Considering the hundreds of vegan cookbooks available, where should you start? Surprisingly, the easiest way to dive into vegan cooking does not involve following recipes. Instead, just learn how to prepare these easy meals:

• Oven Roasted Vegetables
• Sandwiches and Wraps
• Fruit Smoothies
• Stir-Fried Vegetables

Of the above dishes, only stir-fried vegetables require significant practice. But stir-fries are so delicious—and you can make them so many variations—that they’re well worth taking time to master.

Vegan-Friendly Cuisines and Cookbooks

The world’s most popular cuisines offer countless classic dishes that just happen to be vegan. If you’re looking to experiment with new styles of cooking, I’ve written several guides covering the most vegan-friendly cuisines . Each guide highlights the most vegan-friendly menu items at restaurants and also provides guidance for cooking at home.

You will have no problem finding vegan recipes for the foods you enjoy most. Our vegan cookbooks guide cookbooks offers recommendations for every cuisine and cooking style you can imagine, as well as a solid assortment of basic vegan reference cookbooks.

The less complicated your meals, the more cooking you’ll do. So, when purchasing your first vegan cookbook, select a title that focuses on simple, nutritious, quickly-prepared recipes. JL Fields’ Fast & Easy Vegan Cookbook is the perfect choice for aspiring vegan cooks. You can make many of its recipes in hardly more time than it takes to heat up a frozen dinner.

Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll find no scarcity of vegan dessert possibilities . There are numerous vegan dessert cookbooks in print, including titles that specialize exclusively in vegan ice cream , cupcakes , cookies , and pie .

How to Eat Vegan at Restaurants

Wherever you go, you’ll find restaurants serving terrific vegan meals. Just type vegan into Google Maps and you’ll discover all sorts of excellent vegan offerings at both vegan and non-vegetarian restaurants.

If you don’t have a vegan establishment nearby, your best bet is a Lebanese or Israeli restaurant. Falafel, hummus, pita, and tabbouleh are delicious and reliably vegan. Ethiopian restaurants are likewise remarkably vegan-friendly if you stick to injera bread and vegetarian stews. If you want something more mainstream, most pizzerias are vegan-friendly if you request veggie toppings and leave off the cheese. Oddly, though, some large pizza chains put dairy in their dough—but this flies in the face of traditional pizza-making. Very few independently-owned pizzerias adulterate their dough with milk products.

Although Chinese restaurant food often contains non-vegetarian ingredients, the PF Chang’s chain offers a separate vegetarian menu. Everything on that menu is vegan, although tiny amounts of sugar processed with bone char appear in many of these dishes.

Vegan Fast Food

For decades, fast food chains did practically nothing accommodate vegans. But now, the top companies are racing one another to add vegan items. Most notably, in 2019 Burger King launched its “Impossible Whopper” to great success (vegans should order it without mayonnaise). Most of the big Mexican chains, including Chipotle, Qdoba, Taco Del Mar, and Taco Bell offer solid vegan options.

For extensive coverage of this topic, see my fast food guide and my vegan dining guide .

Eating Vegan While Traveling

Traveling as a vegan admittedly poses some inconvenience, since you ought to explore your destination’s dining and grocery options in advance. But you’ll inevitably discover new foods that will rank among your favorites.

In Japan I discovered umeboshi plums and a popular dessert called mochi. Mexico inspired me to branch out beyond burritos to discover enfrijoladas and tortilla soup. In India I fell in love with idlis served on banana leaves and drenched in spicy dal. And in Vietnam, I dined on a vast assortment of meaty vegan dishes developed for Ho Chi Minh’s Buddhist monks. In all cases, the bigger the city you visit, the more impressive its vegan options.

Use Google Maps and Happy Cow to research your destination beforehand. With just a little effort, you’re bound to discover spectacular vegan restaurant food. For more advice, see my vegan travel guide .

Vegan Foods that Fill You Up

Meat, dairy products, and eggs deserve strong criticism for a multitude of reasons. Their one virtue that nobody can dispute is that any of these foods will fill you up for hours. By contrast, new vegans may not feel adequately full after eating, and they sometimes feel ravenously hungry in just an hour or two. Luckily, this is easy to prevent!

The ten dollar word describing a food’s ability to quell your hunger is satiety . Foods with good satiety will satisfy your hunger for hours. Some vegan foods, in particular vegetables and greens, lack sufficient calories, protein, or fat to properly quell your hunger.

But there’s nothing special about animal products when it comes to satiety. The only thing a food requires to gain this quality is appreciable amounts of fat or protein.

That’s why chopped nuts, peas, seeds, or fried tofu contribute so much as a salad topping. Same goes for accompanying vegetable soup with a hunk of crusty whole-grain bread smeared with vegan butter. When eating vegan, here are some delicious items that will boost the protein or fat content of your meal:

• Beans , tofu , seitan , or tempeh
• Vegan meats & cheeses
• Grain products ( bread , rice , cereal, and pasta)
• Vegetable oils (including sauces and dressings)
• Nuts , seeds, and nut butters

Part of being a good cook involves preparing meals that won’t leave your guests famished an hour later. The items listed above will reliably deliver many hours of sustenance.

Keep Trying New Foods!

No article can begin to adequately explore the multitude of vegan snacks and meals . To go further, check out my vegan foods page . There you’ll find links to detailed coverage covering every imaginable vegan food.

My vegan cooking guide offers the quickest way to get comfortable in the kitchen. And if you are seeking a good first cookbook, look no further than our vegan cookbooks page . Also be sure to read Ginny Messina’s excellent vegan nutrition guide , to improve your odds that nothing falls through the cracks when it comes to eating properly.

This essay offered a mere introduction to vegan eating. But you can doubtless already see that you’ll never face any shortage of delicious vegan meals. Making a point of trying new vegan foods at every opportunity will yield extraordinary results. Not a month will go by without your discovering wonderful new things to eat, and your diet will become increasingly fulfilling.

Eating a vegan diet inspires me to choose higher quality foods more often. Raised my standards has in turn enormously increased the pleasure I take from eating. The information I’ve shared here will enable you to enjoy the same experience. You’ll find it’s unimaginably easy and satisfying to incorporate delicious new vegan foods into your diet.

For further reading: please see our Why Go Vegan? essay and our Vegan Nutrition Guide .

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Why Go Vegan? The Top Reasons Explained

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Vegan Cooking Guide: Learn the Basics in Under an Hour

Vegan Fast Food: Top Menu Items (USA)

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How to Write an Introduction Paragraph: Examples and Guide

There are times when an introduction predicts what your entire essay will say—it’s essentially a reflection. If done successfully, it grabs the reader’s attention and entices them to read further into the essay. As a writer, I know the importance of a strong and engaging introduction, and with practice, I have excelled in the art of writing a good intro. Here’s how you can write a compelling introduction with examples.

The Purpose of the Introduction Paragraph

A good introduction serves as a roadmap for your essay, setting the stage for what is to come. Its primary purpose is to grab the reader’s attention, provide necessary background information, and clearly state the main argument or thesis of the essay. By doing so, it helps the reader transition from their own world into the context of your analysis, making them interested in reading further. A well-written introduction also outlines the structure of the essay, ensuring that the reader knows what to expect in the body paragraphs. This initial section is crucial for making a strong first impression, establishing the tone, and demonstrating the quality and direction of your work. A good introduction paragraph should be able to:

Engage the Reader: Capture interest with an intriguing opening sentence or a compelling story.

Provide Context: Offer background information needed to understand the topic.

State the Thesis: Clearly present your main argument or thesis statement.

Outline the Structure: Briefly mention the main points or sections covered in the essay.

Establish Relevance: Explain why the topic is important and worth discussing.

Set the Tone: Establish the style and tone of your writing.

Write an Introduction Paragraph

An introduction paragraph sets the tone for your entire essay, shaping your reader's expectations and mood. It's like the gateway to your ideas - a good one hooks the reader, compelling them to continue, while a weak introduction might make them lose interest before they've even begun. That's why learning how to start an introduction paragraph for an essay is crucial for students and writers alike.

With tools like WPS Office at your fingertips, you're not just getting a word processor, but an AI assistant to guide you through the entire journey of crafting that perfect opening. In fact, I'll be using WPS Office for this tutorial to demonstrate its features. So, let's dive in and explore how to write an essay introduction step by step:

The hook is the opening sentence or a few sentences of an essay designed to grab the reader's attention and entice them to keep reading. It serves to engage the reader by presenting something intriguing, surprising, or relevant to the essay's topic.

The main purpose of the hook is to spark the reader's interest and make them want to read more. It's the first impression the reader gets, so it needs to be compelling and relevant to the essay's subject.

1.Start with a Surprising Fact or Statistic: Begin with an interesting or shocking fact that relates to your topic. This immediately grabs the reader's attention.

Bad Example: "Drunk driving is a serious issue."

Good Example: "Every year, over 1.25 million people die in car accidents, many of which are caused by drunk driving."

2.Use a Quote: Introduce your essay with a relevant quote that encapsulates your main point.

Bad Example: "Drunk driving is defined as driving while impaired by alcohol."

Good Example: “At eighteen, Michelle had a lifetime of promise in front of her. Attending college on a track scholarship, she was earning good grades and making lots of friends. Then one night her life was forever altered…”

3.Pose a Rhetorical Question: Ask a question that provokes thought and engages the reader.

Bad Example: "Have you ever driven a car?"

Good Example: "What if every time you got behind the wheel, you risked not only your life but the lives of others?"

4.Tell an Anecdote or Story: Share a brief, compelling story that relates to your topic.

Bad Example: "I once heard a story about a drunk driver."

Good Example: "At eighteen, Michelle had a lifetime of promise in front of her. Attending college on a track scholarship, she was earning good grades and making lots of friends. Then one night her life was forever altered..."

If you need ideas to help you improve on the hook for your introduction, consider providing WPS AI with a prompt such as:

"Write an introduction on the topic 'Risks of Driving Intoxicated' and provide four individual hooks: one with a surprising fact, one using a quote, one with rhetorical questions, and one through telling an anecdote."

WPS AI will produce a catchy hook statement that you can use for your introduction, such as:

Background Information

Background information provides the reader with the necessary context to understand the essay's topic. This may include historical, geographical, or social context, definitions of key terms, or an outline of the debate surrounding the topic.

The background helps to bridge the gap between the hook and the thesis statement. It gives the reader the context they need to understand the main argument of the essay and why it's important.

1.Provide Context: Explain the broader context of your topic to show its significance.

Bad Example: "Drunk driving is bad."

Good Example: "Michelle's story is not isolated. Each year, over 1.25 million people die in car accidents, many of which are caused by drunk driving."

2.Introduce Key Terms and Concepts: Define any terms or concepts that are crucial to understanding your thesis.

Bad Example: "Drunk driving is when you drink alcohol and drive."

Good Example: "Drunk driving, legally defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, is a preventable cause of many fatalities."

3.Set Up the Problem: Briefly discuss the scope of the issue or debate you will be addressing.

Bad Example: "People drive drunk sometimes."

Good Example: "Despite strict laws, drunk driving continues to be a significant problem worldwide, leading to devastating consequences for victims and their families."

To give an effective and detailed background information in your introduction consider proving WPS AI with a prompt like this:

“This serves as the background to my introduction: 'People frequently choose to drive under the influence of alcohol.' Please enhance it to address the problem and discuss its scope."

WPS AI will produce a detailed background passage for your introduction, give as:

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of the essay. It usually appears at the end of the introduction and states the essay's central argument or position.

The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay by informing the reader what the essay will argue or discuss. It sets the tone and focus of the entire paper.

1.Be Clear and Specific: Clearly state your main point and how you will support it.

Bad Example: "This essay will talk about drunk driving."

Good Example: "Drunk driving laws need to include stricter penalties for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol to reduce accidents and save lives."

2.Make an Argument: Present a claim that requires evidence and can be debated.

Bad Example: "Drunk driving is bad and should be stopped."

Good Example: "Implementing harsher penalties for drunk driving will deter offenders and significantly decrease the number of alcohol-related accidents."

3.Outline Your Main Points: Indicate the main points you will cover in your essay to support your thesis.

Bad Example: "I will discuss the problems with drunk driving."

Good Example: "Stricter penalties are necessary because they act as a deterrent, they can prevent repeat offenses, and they provide justice for victims."

You can take help from WPS AI to extract the thesis statement of your essay using the WPS AI chat box.

Step 1: Click on the WPS AI widget at the top corner of the WPS Writer interface.

Step 2: The WPS AI pane will open on the right side of the screen. Type in your prompt to extract the thesis statement of your essay and then paste the essay.

Here is a prompt example that you can use:

"Extract the thesis statement from the following essay:"

Step 3: WPS AI will provide the thesis statement. To refine it further, engage with the WPS AI chatbot by asking more questions or queries.

The summary or road map briefly outlines how the essay will be structured. It provides a preview of the main points that will be covered, giving the reader a sense of the direction of the argument.

1.Summarize Main Points: Briefly mention the key arguments or points you will discuss in your essay.

Bad Example: "I will talk about drunk driving laws, penalties, and justice."

Good Example: "This essay will first examine the current state of drunk driving laws, then explore the impact of stricter penalties on reducing incidents, and finally discuss how these penalties can bring justice to victims."

2.Be Concise: Keep it short and to the point, providing a clear outline without going into too much detail.

Bad Example: "I will write about drunk driving and why it is bad."

Good Example: "By examining the effectiveness of current laws, the potential benefits of stricter penalties, and the importance of justice for victims, this essay argues that harsher punishments for drunk driving are essential."

“Write a concise summary for the introduction of an essay on the topic "Risks of Driving Intoxicated." The summary should briefly mention the key points that will be covered in the essay, without going into too much detail."

The summary should briefly outline the main points covered in the essay, emphasizing the societal impact, legal ramifications, and personal consequences of driving under the influence. Ensure clarity and coherence, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the topic in the subsequent sections.

Examples of Different Essays

Essays come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose and following specific structures. Understanding these different types can help you write an essay introduction more effectively. Let's explore three common types of essays: Argumentative, Expository, and Literary. Each example below demonstrates the key elements of its respective essay type, including the hook, background information, and thesis statement.

Argumentary

An argumentative essay aims to present a position on a topic and support it with evidence.

An expository essay explains a topic in a clear and concise manner without arguing a specific position.

A literary essay analyzes and interprets a work of literature, focusing on elements such as theme, character, or style.

More Examples of Different Topics

Let's take a look at some sample introductions of essays in different disciplines. This will further help you in writing an effective essay introduction.

Example #1 Medicine

Example #2 literature, example #3 social sciences, example #4 engineering, example #5 business & marketing, using wps ai to perfect your introduction.

With WPS Office, you have access to a comprehensive suite of tools designed to support your academic writing needs. Its AI-powered features enhance your writing process, from initial drafting to final proofreading. Specifically, WPS Office AI will help perfect your introduction, ensuring it captures attention and sets the stage for your paper. Plus, WPS Office is available for free, making it an accessible and indispensable resource for students and academics alike.

1.Check the Grammar and Syntax

Your introduction sets the tone for your entire essay, so it's crucial that it's grammatically correct and free from syntax errors. WPS AI careful checks for any grammatical mistakes and syntax issues, ensuring that your introduction is polished and professional. It provides suggestions for corrections, helping you present a clear and error-free first impression.

2.Rewrite Your Statement for Clarity

WPS AI can improve the clarity and coherence of your introduction by rewriting complex or awkwardly phrased sentences. It identifies areas where your writing may be ambiguous or convoluted and offers alternative phrasing that enhances readability. This feature ensures that your introduction is clear, concise, and compelling.

3.Automatically Expand Content

When you need to elaborate on a point or expand your introduction, WPS AI can automatically generate additional content. This feature helps you add relevant information that aligns with your essay's theme and tone. It’s particularly useful for developing a strong hook, providing context, or setting up your thesis statement.

4.Give an Outline for Your Paper

Writing a strong introduction often involves giving your readers a brief outline of what to expect in your essay. WPS AI can assist in structuring your introduction to include a concise overview of your main points, providing a roadmap for your readers. This feature ensures that your introduction effectively sets the stage for the rest of your essay. Here is an example of an outline generated using WPS AI Writer for an essay:

If you find this outline suitable for your essay, simply scroll down and click on "Insert" to use the outline for your essay.

1. What is the structure of an essay?

An essay is divided into three main parts:

Introduction: This section introduces the topic and presents the main idea (thesis). It provides some background information and outlines what the essay will discuss.

Body: The body forms the essay's core, where you develop arguments to support your thesis. It is organized into several paragraphs, each presenting a distinct point backed by evidence.

Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points covered in the essay and strengthens the thesis statement. It wraps up the discussion and may offer final insights or suggestions.

2. Why do I need a thesis statement?

A thesis statement plays a crucial role in academic essays and research papers by presenting the central argument or idea to be explored and developed. Here are several key reasons why a thesis statement is essential:

It provides clear direction and focus for your writing.

It summarizes your main argument for the reader.

It maintains clarity and coherence throughout the essay.

It serves as the foundational basis for structuring the entire essay.

3. How long should the introduction paragraph be?

The introduction paragraph for a research paper typically spans one to two paragraphs. As a general rule, the entire introduction section—which includes the opening paragraph, literature review, and research questions—should constitute approximately 10% to 15% of the paper's total length. This structure allows for a comprehensive yet concise setup of your research topic, providing readers with the necessary context before delving into the main body of your work.

Beyond the Hook: Building a Strong Introduction Paragraph

Writing an introduction is perhaps the most thought-provoking and critical task in crafting any assignment. With the myriad features offered by WPS Office, you can effortlessly create a phenomenal essay introduction. WPS AI enhances this process with tools that ensure clarity, coherence, and creativity. Whether it's organizing your thoughts or refining your language, WPS Office empowers you to craft introductions that captivate readers from the start. Download WPS Office today and experience firsthand how it transforms your writing process into a seamless and impactful journey.

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