The Rise of The Vegans

By Marielena McDermott, Staff Reporter

Image Courtesy of FOURTH WITH LIFE

“Save the animals” and “save the planet” are phrases often heard from people are on a vegan diet. In recent years, going vegan has become a popular societal trend, leaving many to wonder where this love for veganism came from.

Veganism shouldn’t be mistaken with vegetarianism. According to Nature’s Path, an organic food company,

“Vegans eat no animal products while vegetarians don’t eat animals but may eat the products that come from them [such as dairy and eggs].”

Many chose to be vegan as a protest to animal cruelty so that less agricultural land is used for killing animals. It is also believed that avoiding processed meat can help avoid health problems in the long run, like helping to reduce the chance of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Some people even feel that vegan food is more appetizing than regular food.

“I like vegan food because it honestly tastes better than normal food,” senior Skye Thune said. “Also it makes me feel good that I’m eating something that’s helping the environment and my health.”

Although veganism has actually been around for centuries, with evidence showing that it dates back to 2,000 years ago, modern veganism began in the 1940s with a man named Donald Watson who helped to found The Vegan Society.

According to the Vegan Society, veganism is "A philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose [...] promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives.”

It is important to note, however, the risks of being vegan. Nutrients that normally come from meat and dairy products, like calcium, Vitamin D, omega-3, iron, and Vitamin B-12, are harder to obtain when meat is avoided. Without these nutrients, people can lose energy and even become anemic.

“For me personally, I wouldn’t go vegan just because I would be afraid that I wouldn’t get all the vitamins and nutrients that I need for my body,” sophomore Keira Eirich said.

A common method of obtaining nutrients and vitamins while eating vegan is through leafy greens and vitamin supplements. Before thinking about going vegan, the risks and benefits should always be considered.