Joys of a Plant-based or Vegan Life

I am vegan simply because I believe that it is not my right to take the life of animals when I don't have to. It is especially not my right so subject them to lives of torture, forcibly breed them, or make them live lives where they can't express their natural inclinations. I understand that it has been common to eat their bodies and secretions, and admit that there have been circumstances in history and today where people have been accustomed to it for their survival, but usually not only do most of us need not do it, but it comes with a lot of costs that make it not worth it. I am astounded that so few people are plant-based and that it still seems to be a stigmatized view in spaces that ordinarily triumph causes of liberation and respect for the environment.

Answering the question of whether it is right or wrong takes many paths depending on the moral framework and assumptions of people I speak to, so I prefer to only indulge such arguments on a one-on-one basis. The consumption of animal products is so widespread and entrenched in culture, that I recognize there can be numerous reasons people don't make the switch, and some reasons which need to be treated with some sensitivity. However, I think there are many more pressing reasons to consider plant-based independent of whether you think animals should have any rights or are motivated by the concept of right and wrong. As for me, it is wrong for me to do it, and therefore anyone who wants my company will need to respect this, and not offer me anything with animal products in it to eat.

Plant-based living is simply the easiest way to reach a more independent life in harmony with your ecosystem and lessen the number of concerns you have. Animal agriculture requires producing enough feed for the animals, supplying them medical care, defending them from pretators, and a number of machines, disinfectants, and brutal infrastrucutre to "process" them. Supposed benefits from their waste products can be easily sourced from wild animals. However, it isn't really that necessary, and if anything just introduces unnecessary pathogens if handled improperly.

While there are many boutique vegan foods in the supermarket that appear marked up compared to the animal equivalents - a frugal vegan can still shop for far less than those who must purchase meat, eggs, or dairy.

There is a lot of research supporting the fact that plant-based diets can be healthy, if not among the healthiest diets.