4 Things To Think Of If You Want To Go Vegan
Diving Into Veganism
If you’ve been watching us closely, you’d remember that we talked about becoming vegan recently. Alas, a choice once made can always be reversed but last time we tackled how one can ease into having a healthier and more ethical lifestyle. Seeing that a lot of options are already becoming available to us, making the switch is much easier than it used to be. Being vegan is more than just a diet, it is a lifestyle.
Related: The /ESCAPE Guide To Becoming Vegan
Today, we are talking about Veganism and living a lifestyle like it. You now know that when you say that you are vegan, your food intake strictly consists of a plant based diet. Only food items harvested from plants are allowed to be eaten with this type of diet. Being vegan has its ups and downs. Inconvenience is one of it’s major cons but health, animals, and the environment are two of the major reasons why it’s done by many.
We’re sharing with you (based from experience & an interview with a vegan person for 5 years) what you need to look out for when you become strictly vegan. There are many things to consider and these are their top 4.
Checking Your Products
There is a lot that goes into producing cosmetics & other products that we use for our bodies, our homes, and everywhere else. Based on practice, your first priority is to double check sourcing or production. Are the raw materials tested on animals? Does the product have a certification of being environment friendly? Is the packaging reusable? Did they employ fair trade workers (employment of locals in the source area)? Were the raw materials sourced carefully? These are things that you should check and consider.
Maintaining Conscious Consumption
Yes, we have mentioned that aside from the plant based diet, the Vegan lifestyle is more than just food. Conscious consumption involves not purchasing more than you can finish, buying from local farmers & growers, dining-in at restaurants to save up on unnecessary packaging.
Closing The Loop/Zero Waste
Another thing to be aware of is knowing where your waste goes. Food waste can easily be composted, old clothing can be sold and new clothing can be thrifted, avoiding fast fashion and other one time use materials helps in reducing your waste. Like we shared before, living a zero waste life is hard, aim to reduce waste at least when you start.
Activism/Support A Cause
If you have chosen this path for ethical reasons then you’re already a step ahead of many. There are a lot of advocacies you can join or you can share to you friends so they can be educated about the purpose of becoming vegan. There are groups that champion ending plastic bottle use (Plastic Battle PH), some are promoting keeping the oceans clean (S.E.A. Movement), and others that cry for animals (Anonymous For The Voiceless). It’s not something that is mandatory but could be a way to help you keep going with your choice.
Becoming Vegan has it’s many facets and we just shed light on a few of them. Any other things you are meticulous about when you did the switch? Let us know in the comments below!
