What is a Vegan?What is a Vegan Diet?A minimal definition of a vegan is someone who doesn't eat any animal products. Animal products include animal flesh such as meat and fish as well as anything produced by animals, such as dairy products, eggs, and honey.What is a Vegan Lifestyle?Someone who identifies themselves as a vegan may simply follow a vegan diet. However, many vegans consider it a lifestyle and have ethical, environmental, or spiritual reasons for their choices. They avoid animal products not only in their food but also in the products they use. Some foods, such as sugar, vinegar and wine, are often processed with animal products. For example, charred animal bones are commonly used in the processing of sugar and the fining of wine. Many common non-food products are also animal derived, such as leather, fur, silk, and pearls. Although it is very difficult to avoid absolutely all products that may have some components made from animal products (such as cars and computers), those following a vegan lifestyle try to minimize their use as much as possible.Most vegans and many vegetarians also avoid products that have been tested on animals. For a series of articles that focus on vegan lifestyle issues, see Adam Kochanowicz's articles in The Examiner. What's the Best Way to Support Change in the Marketplace?Some vegans try to buy only from vegan companies whenever possible. Some support more traditional companies who try to offer some products that are free from animal ingredients. Others take a hybrid approach. Such choices are based on various criteria, but include personal preference, ethical or spiritual beliefs, economic concerns, and a desire to improve conditions for humans, animals, and/or the environment.What do you think? Please Rate This Page
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