There are many reasons why people go vegan. It mostly depends on their interests, life experiences, and outlook on the world.
You can ask 5 different vegans and although their stories may be similar, going vegan is a personal decision and for that reason, all attempts to make generalizations are destined to fail.
Many people think that they know why people go vegan and what they are supposed to be like. There is no shortage of stereotypes about vegans. However, the truth is that we all have our own reasons why we decide to take the step to change our lifestyle. Here are 5 common reasons why people go vegan.
1. Nutrition and health
Most people who turn vegan are first drawn to it because they read or hear about many long-term health benefits of eliminating disease-accelerating animal products and artery clogging from their lives. Some people specifically turn to a plant-based diet to improve their well-being and health and eventually adopt the vegan lifestyle because of many negative impacts of animal agriculture on the planet and animals.
During last decade, the health argument for veganism has gained huge traction, because many scientific studies have confirmed what vegans are saying for years – There is no reason to consume animal products to live a healthy life. Furthermore, consuming a diet of plant-based whole foods is, without a doubt, the healthier choice.
2. Protection of environment
In recent years, you have probably noticed the mainstream rise of the green movement. The accelerating climate changes have become widely known, and for that reason, we need to take steps to save our precious planet. Industrialized animal farming is one of the factors which contributes to environmental degradation. Therefore, anyone seeking to live an eco-friendly lifestyle can’t help but question the impact of their food choices on the environment.
3. Morality
Before the environmental and health benefits were brought to the forefront of the argument in support of adopting a vegan lifestyle, many people have been going vegan for moral reasons. People who adore or admire animals have probably questioned whether there is any difference between the animals they care and those that we breed and kill for food.
Some people find a way to justify this disconnect, citing cultural, historical, physiological and other reasons why we are meant to eat animals. However, others realize that these are nothing but excuses and choose not to eat them.
4. Social justice
Every person who is opposed to injustice in the world should think about the fact that we breed and kill so many animals just so that we can eat them. If you oppose sexism racism and other forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation, class, abilities or physical appearances, then veganism can be looked upon as a natural extension of the belief in equality.
However, this doesn’t mean that the animals and humans are the same in every way. What this means is recognizing that animals don’t exist just for us to use them as food.
5. Logic
We don’t mean to say that all the other paths are not logical ones. But, most people turn to veganism because of a combination of all the above factors. Those people turn to this choice as the most meaningful step someone can take against the institutionalized system of exploitation of living beings, to do something positive for their environment, health and to live in a manner which reflects their ethics. Since it is good for the planet, animals and us, veganism is a logical choice for so many people.