What does it mean to be vegan?
Veganism is not a trend – or shouldn’t be, that is. Vegan is a mindset, a way of living, a philosophy, and honestly, it can be super challenging but also super rewarding.
To be vegan means that you are mindful of your actions and strive not to harm animals or insects, like bees. It also means you avoid feeding your body harmful chemicals and other substances not meant for human consumption, but are found in many products.
Being vegan involves reading ingredient lists while shopping and informing yourself about how products are made and which companies produce them. But fret not! It is easy to start!
Embracing veganism, or accommodating someone who is, doesn’t need to be difficult.
Here are three tips on how to embrace veganism, no matter your situation:
Cooking
Start by preparing a simple meal like crispy fried potatoes with a nice salad. Use good olive oil instead of other fats. Vegan mayo is readily available, so if you need mayo for your salad, try that.
For now, just buy products labelled as vegan. Avoid pre-cut potatoes, as they often lack freshness and are treated with additives. Instead, boil potatoes (naturally vegan), peel, slice, and fry them in a pan with olive oil, fresh parsley, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. You might add a bit of paprika powder, rosemary, or sage. Sage, in particular, pairs wonderfully with potatoes.
For the salad, combine thinly sliced and halved apple, radishes, cress, a fresh butterhead or little gem/romaine lettuce, and thinly sliced cucumber. Make a vinaigrette with extra virgin olive oil, cider vinegar, sea salt, a bit of brown sugar (to balance the sourness), fresh black pepper, and herbs like chives, parsley, and dill. If you have space for a garden or planters, consider growing borage, salad burnet, and chervil. These easy-to-grow plants are beautiful, tasty, and beneficial for insects, especially bumblebees and bees.
Being vegan means not using any animal products (in all areas), including honey, eggs, dairy, and fish (despite some misconceptions). It doesn't mean discarding your existing leather boots or coat, as the animal has already suffered. Instead, refrain from buying new ones or ensure they come from responsible sources.
Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene products (including makeup) are another area where you can make an impact. Did you know that over 110 MILLION animals are tortured per year, and a lot of them only for cosmetics? (PETA, 2023). Here’s the link for more information (Disclaimer: contains graphic images: https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/animals-used-experimentation-factsheets/animal-experiments-overview/).
You can help by buying vegan-certified products. Look for labels from organisations like V-Label, The Vegan Society, and Leaping Bunny.
Here are the links to their websites:
Being vegan means breaking old habits and being mindful of your purchases. Consider products from Lush or The Body Shop, which offer vegan options. Also, look for the “cruelty-free” label on products, such as those from Aldi and Dove.
However, keep in mind that a cruelty-free stamp doesn't always mean the entire company is cruelty-free. For example, some products might still contain silk, which involves insect exploitation and cruel labour conditions.
Household Hygiene
Today, it's easier than ever to choose eco-friendly household products. Brands like Ecover and Method are widely available and a good starting point. These products can be found in larger supermarkets or on Amazon, often at a lower price.
While some people avoid Amazon due to its labour practices, it’s worth noting that many big retailers have similar issues. Buying from Amazon can cut out the middleman, saving you money that you can then use for other ethical purchases or donations to organisations like PETA.
Let me share some background information with you: All goods that are not produced in the UK come by ship, truck, and container and are often consolidated into one huge shipment to save costs. A 40ft container – one of the most common ones you see on the motorway – has a huge amount of space. To make it cheaper, many companies share space in those containers with other companies, so they pay less. This means you can find goods from Amazon, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi in a single container.
Not only have I seen the same truck unloading at both my local Aldi and Sainsbury's, but my experience in the shipping industry has shown me that the primary difference often comes down to cost, rather than logistics.
So, you see that trying to avoid one retailer because of a certain mindset actually makes no difference when you look at what's going on behind the scenes. The key here is to come to terms with yourself and how you can make the biggest impact.
Important Note:
In adopting any lifestyle, it's crucial to consider how your actions impact others and the environment. Reflect on these questions:
How does my action impact my environment?
How can I make a difference?
What does this do?
Where does it come from?
Can I live with it?
Becoming aware of your actions, taking responsibility, and continually learning and adapting are key. This journey can be long and challenging, but the fulfilment and sense of having done something good are unbeatable.
Being vegan, becoming vegan, or supporting someone who is vegan is a life-changing decision with a significant impact on everything. It is a philosophy that goes beyond diet.
Make this journey about yourself. This is your choice and your path. Lead by example, not by preaching, and enjoy the benefits of a conscious and healthier lifestyle.
Let me know if you have any questions; I’m happy to help.
With love, compassion, and courage,
Heike
The Sustainalist
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