Let's start with the basic definition. Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. There are two main practices.

Dietary veganism [strict vegetarians] do not consume any type of animal products including meat, dairy, eggs, and any other animal-derived substances.

Ethical veganism [environmental veganism] is the practice that not only applies to the diet. These type of vegans extend the practice into all aspects of their lives and oppose the use of animal products for any reason. This includes wearing leather, consuming products such as palm oil [there are no animal-derived products in palm oil, but habitats are destroyed in the process of production and consumption], and many other things. This is the most common form of veganism.

Now that we have the terminology, let’s get to the why. What is the point in abstaining from meat and all other animal by-products? Why should you consider it? There are so many answers to these questions that are difficult to sum up into one post. Let me start off by telling you a little about factory farming.

Factory farming dominates the United States food production. It employs abusive and inhumane practices to maximize profits at the expense of animal welfare, our environment, and our health. Factory farms consist of large numbers of animals being raised in extreme confinement. The animals on these farms are treated as commodities and exploited for profit. They are painfully mutilated and bred to grow at faster and unnatural rates simply for the maximization of meat, egg, and milk production. The animal's bodies cannot support this type of growth which often results in painful conditions and deformities.

Factory farming also puts a strain on natural resources. The amount of waste created by raising these animals in one place highly pollutes our land, air, and water. Families that live near factory farms often report high cases of illness and their property values are lowered by close proximity to industrial farms.

These are just a few images of what factory farming looks like. But it goes so much more in-depth than the tight spaces with overcrowding. I highly recommend a short film titled Earthlings to gain a better grasp, but it is not for the faint of heart. It is an eye-opening video that anyone considering veganism should watch. You would be surprised at the impact it can have if you are considering going vegan, it is what helped me make my stand for them and go vegan.

By going vegan you help to impact the need for factory farming. This website is an amazing resource for learning more on the impact you can have by making the switch. You not only help to save lives but you also help to eliminate many health risks associated with consuming animals and animal by-products.

My challenge to all of the non-vegan folk who gave this a read is to do some extensive research and consider watching a few videos on factory farming. By reading this post you already have shown your interest in the subject and you are curious as to what it is all about. To me, one of the most important things about being vegan is that it is not about me. It is never about me. It is about the sentient beings that are neglected, abused, and exploited every day by the thousands. It is about making a stand for them and helping to give these souls a voice where they cannot have one.

One of my favorite sayings is if slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegan.