Before even reading this article, you might be wondering why it’s important to go vegan or adopt some aspects of veganism into your life (and diet) at all.

Veganism not only helps end the suffering of farmed animals, but it is also beneficial to your health, people and our planet.

A well-rounded plant based diet is high in fiber, vitamins and essential nutrients. A vegan diet has been noted to increase your energy levels as well as help protect you from a variety of common diseases including heart disease and cancer.

World hunger is also a constant battle and threatening issue on our planet. Veganism is a great way to eat sustainably as growing plant based foods uses one third the amount of land as raising farm animals does, not to mention, it uses much less water. The production of meat and animal products is extremely detrimental to our environment because of the land and water required to feed the farmed animals.

Reducing your intake of meat and has a great, positive impact! Going completely vegan may seem daunting and overwhelming. Starting small and incorporating veganism slowly into your daily life is a great way to reap the positive benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.

You might be confused by reading the title of this article. Isn’t veganism just a diet? Doesn’t vegan mean not eating any animal products? Veganism actually goes way beyond that. Veganism is a lifestyle that extends past your diet and into every aspect of your life. This article is for the conscious person who wants to incorporate some of the compassionate aspects of veganism into their life without changing their diet. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Adopt Don’t Shop—Adopting a pet helps to save a life. When you adopt, you help rescue an animal. Shopping, especially dogs, means supporting puppy mills. According to the Humane Society’s website, “Puppy mills are ‘factory style’ breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs.” These dogs are bred in inhumane and cruel environments. Supporting these practices by shopping for (instead of adopting) a dog means funding and supporting these awful mills. Supporting your local shelter and adopting a new animal friend is a great way to create a new home for a furry friend in need. Veganism is all about compassion and saving animal lives, and adopting is a great way to do that!

2. Veganize Your Make Up and Body Care—What you put onto your body is just as important as what you put into your body. According to P.E.T.A., “Each year, more than 100 million animals—including mice, rats, frogs, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, monkeys, fish and birds—are killed in U.S. laboratories for biology lessons, medical training, curiosity-driven experimentation, and chemical, drug, food and cosmetics testing.” Supporting the big brands that test on animals funds these unethical practices. Look for the leaping bunny symbol or the words “not tested on animals” or “cruelty free” on the labels of your make up and body care items. Check out brands such as Aromi Beauty, Pacifica, Fanciful Fox, North Coast Organics, Bare Bones Beauty, Nil and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

3. Veganize Your Wardrobe—A great way to adopt some elements of veganism is to veganize your wardrobe. Eliminate all wool, silk, leather, and fur from your closet. Not only are these fibers cruel to take from the animals, they are also extremely harsh on our planet and the environment. Look for fibers such as cotton, bamboo, and hemp instead! Check out brands such as Miakoda, Djuna Shay, Leni Penn, Nicora Johns and Seamly.co

Every little bit helps! If we all can incorporate these practices into our lifestyle we will make a big difference for the health of our planet and our furry little friends.

 

Relephant:

5 Tips for Making the Vegan Transition.

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Author: Julia Ahrens

Editor: Travis May

Photo: Flickr/Aju_photography

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