The Vegan Society definition of veganism is: ‘… a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals …’
We live in a highly sophisticated and imperfect world where the economies are built on nationalism, colonialism, slavery, prejudice, exploitation, fear, and the massive cruel exploitation of animals. Within this world, you have chosen to join other vegans in taking a stand.
Veganism at its heart is idealistic and being vegan in a world where animal abuse and exploitation has been normalised requires you to draw lines where you are willing to compromise. Where you draw this line is entirely up to you. It is no one else’s business but yours. Anything you do towards veganism is an improvement to the way the world works now. Every little bit counts. If you have stop eating meat. Fantastic. If you have stop using dairy products. Fantastic. Every step is important and significant.
We do not want to introduce you to compromises here that you may not have thought of yet, but we assure you that you are going to keep coming across them. All decisions are yours to make. Your veganism is a personal journey. If you choose to listen to other people’s opinions as to what ‘real vegans’ do, that is also your choice. But they are no more correct than you. Be guided by your own conscience rather than by what other people say. And where you decide on a compromise so that you can ‘—as far as is possible and practicable—’ follow a vegan lifestyle, make the compromise and do not look for someone else’s validation that the decision you have made is correct.