PHILOSOPHY

A vegan lifestyle is thought to not only stand for animal rights, but also the environment and health of an individual.

Animals:       The main reason why many convert to a vegan lifestyle is for ethical concerns for animal rights, as there is a widespread disapproval of the conditions in which animals bound for human consumption are raised. In contrast to vegetarians, vegans do not even consume eggs or milk for the fact that farms that raise animals for consumption are the same ones that produce milk and eggs.

Environment:       It has been postulated that sustaining a vegan lifestyle consumes fewer resources and cause less environmental damage compared to that needed to support a carnivorous diet. It is thought that "animal waste from massive feedlots and factory farms is the leading cause of pollution in our groundwater and rivers (vegan.org)." Furthermore, supporters feel raising animals for consumption uses up land, water, fertilizer and other resources that could have been used to directly produce human food.

Health:       Because animal meat is the source of most saturated fats in the diet, a diet high in non-lean meat has been linked to an increased incidence of colon cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Thus, a vegan diet which includes more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, will lead to lower incidences of such diseases.