Veganism, a definition
- The word vegan was originally derived from vegetarian in 1944 when Elsie Shrigley and Donald Watson, frustrated that the term vegetarianism had come to include the eating of dairy products (lacto vegetarianism), founded the UK Vegan Society. They combined the first three and last two letters of vegetarian to form vegan, which they saw as the beginning and end of vegetarian[1]
- The word veganism denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.[2]
- Veganism (also strict or pure vegetarianism) is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animal derived products for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Vegans do not use or consume animal products of any kind. The most popular reasons for becoming a vegan are ethical commitment or moral convictions concerning animal rights, the environment, or human health, and spiritual or religious concerns. Of particular concern are the practices involved in factory farming and animal testing, and the intensive use of land and other resources required for animal farming. [1]
[1] Wikipedia [2] British Vegan Society
This is what Wikipedia has to say about vegetarianism
Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes all animal flesh, including poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea, and slaughter by-products. There are variations that admit dairy products, eggs and/or products from animal labor such as honey.
Veganism in comparison, excludes all animal products from diet and in some definitions from attire also, whether or not the production of clothing or items has involved the actual death of an animal (dairy, eggs, honey, wool, silk, down feathers, etc.).
A generic term for both Vegetarianism and Veganism as well as for similar diets is "Plant-based diets".
The reasons for choosing Vegetarianism, beyond simple personal choice, may be related with moral, religious, cultural, ethical, aesthetic, environmental, social, economic or political convictions, as well as with health concerns.
| Diet Name | Meat, (including Fish, Poultry) | Eggs | Dairy | Honey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovo-lacto vegetarianism | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Lacto vegetarianism | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Ovo vegetarianism | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Veganism | No | No | No |
A side note
Although many use the word vegetarian to describe a ovo-lacto vegetarian GoVeg.eu will always use the word vegetarianism in its original meaning, a plant based diet without meat, eggs, dairy and honey.