Veganism Versus Vegetarianism

Ellie Henderson, North Life Editor

This is just the veganning. The practice of veganism and vegetarianism has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Veganism is the dietary practice of abstaining from the use of animal products. Veganism extends beyond just a diet, some people go vegan because they oppose the use of animals for any purpose.

The term “veganism” was coined in November of 1944 by Donald Watson. That same year Watson and five friends founded The Vegan Society.

The term vegan was created by these six individuals after they rejected words such as dairyban, vitan, benevore or non-dairy vegetarian. Once settled on the word “vegan,” Donald Watson described it as the first three letters and last two letters of vegetarian according to The Vegan Society website.

According to Watson via vegansociety.com, “It marked the beginning and end of vegetarian.”

Although veganism and vegetarianism are both dietary practices and alike, they are not the same.

Vegetarianism is the practice of refraining from the consumption of meat or any products that causes animal slaughter. Being a vegetarian also is referred to as being a herbivore.

Vegans and vegetarians typically eat plant based foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and  nuts.

Now, more restaurants are offering vegan and vegetarian options and brands are coming out with more plant based items.

Brands such as Beyond Meat, Gardein, Light Life, Boca Burger, Tofurky, Follow Your Heart, Quorn and Morning Star all offer plant based foods and most of which are sold at Target, Walmart, Jewel Osco, or your local grocery store.

Due to the popular increase of vegans and vegetarians in recent years Niles North Organic Life has started offering more options. Organic Life has started Meatless Mondays in the Cafeteria and also lowered prices for students who choose to not include meat in there meals.

Being a vegetarian or vegan is not just a choice but a lifestyle and commitment.

For more information about veganism and vegetarianism you can do to vegansociety.com

Fun Facts:

– Oreos are vegan

-Honey is not considered vegan

-The word vegan was created in 1944

-Marshmallows ae not vegan

-Being vegan cuts your carbon footprint in half

– Candy such as Pop-Rocks, Nerds, Air Head Bites and Junior Mints are not vegan