A Note on Realistic Vegans and Consumerism.
As in every section of society we are exposed to radicals of every movement. Veganism is no different. The majority of Vegans do not boycott non-fully vegan companies, and they don’t have the time to research the origins of every single item of clothing, make up, hand wash and shampoo they own for animal testing on every single ingredient. Vegans in Britain have not refused to use the new £5 note, and they still sit on leather backed seats in restaurants. In the modern world with all our advances and societal acceptance of western diets like vegetarianism, veganism and gluten free foods - and i specify western due to the lack of halal and kosher meats available - it is still impossible to live a perfectly vegan life style. The thing is, if you’re prepared to stray from the spotlight vegan blogs and out of context media posts, you’ll find that Veganism includes a pinch of salt as you will, an acceptance of the will to live the most realistically vegan life possible.
Being Vegan is not about boycotts and protests but becoming a better self, becoming someone that is happy with their own morals and ethics trying to decrease their effect on a rapidly dying planet and example stewardship over the animals we care for. (Don’t worry, i’m not trying to say earth’s about to explode, we have a while left yet) At times this can be hypocritical, buying organic vegetables from countries such as Zimbabwe and increasing carbon footprints by not buying locally grown foods, but then again non of us are perfect. I often struggle with the dilemma of converting to what many vegans like to call a plant based diet. As a science student i have always ingrained in my head that we have evolved to eat meat, and that our appendix -believed to be used to digest grasses - has since become useless. But nothing will change the fight in my head after seeing the effects of battery farming, i often tell myself if i can see the animals are being treated well that i’ll be happy to carry on eating meat. I like the taste, and it keeps me healthy. But recently I have made the decision to start cutting out animal products where i can. As a 17 year old living with her parents I know it’ll be impossible for me to fully convert to a vegan diet, and I’m not convincing my household to get rid of our leather sofas anytime soon.
When i first heard of veganism i conformed very much to the idea that all vegans were radical hateful social justice warriors, yet over the years i’ve come into contact with more and more people conscientiously objecting to the use of animal products in their everyday lives. Many vegans keep hold of their old leather jackets, bracelets and shoes as a constant and blatant reminder of why they’re doing what they’re doing. This is where the consumerism aspect of veganism really comes into play. Although they no longer endorse the killing of animals for clothing, food, and various other luxuries they once contributed towards the consumer chain of supply and demand. Their items, and pain of the animals they fight for have gone through would be futile if they did not acknowledge their own contributions. If they bin that leather jacket, or pair of Docs they’re wasting that life that has been lost, yet if they sell these items they’re further contributing to the consumerist chain.
The reality of Vegan life is not a mindless mass of people yelling and blaming omnivores for suffering and pain on the planet but to reduce their own effects on the suffering they feel that they induce by contributing to these supply chains. And every single being will chose to live this lifestyle the way they see fit for them. These people have chosen to follow their hearts and heads in the way they will live their lives with careful consideration of their past and futures. There is no right or wrong way to be a vegan outside the perimeters of buying animal products for themselves after conversion. And they should not be penalised for their actions or opinions on this subject by their own community or anyone outside of it. The main message I have found from veganism and the people I know who practice this is to live the best today, tomorrow, and future for both themselves and the life forms that we as humans are trusted with.
