Vegan means a plant-based diet and lifestyle. It not only involves choosing a vegetarian diet, but also embraces the concept of "non-intervention and non-exploitation of animals" and extends it to daily life. For example, clothing and daily necessities all choose not to use animal products. Compared to vegetarians, it has a stricter and more extensive lifestyle attitude.
Many people immediately associate the word vegan with sacrifice and hassle. However, if you allow the concepts of animal protection and environmental protection to germinate and grow in your heart, and gradually begin to change your lifestyle habits, the changes in practice will be natural and will bring about awareness and discovery.
In addition to dietary adjustments, there are many other aspects of practicing veganism, such as clothing, cleansing, beauty and skin care, etc. You can start from the aspects that are easier for you to start with.
In fact, being vegan is not difficult. Let’s see where we can start!
diet
Do not eat animal products such as meat, eggs, milk, honey, bird's nest, etc.
You can start by making the transition to "less meat" so that you have the flexibility to find and adapt to what you can eat to supplement your nutrition when there is no meat, and then progress to no meat at all.
You can start looking for alternatives to dairy products, such as soy milk, oat milk, vegan cheese, vegan ice cream, etc.
Wear and display
Avoid buying clothing and furnishings made of leather, fur, wool, and silk.
If you already own animal-themed accessories, there's no need to get rid of them. Cherish and use the items you've already made and purchased!
entertainment
Refuse to watch animal shows or entertainment that exploits animals, such as whale and dolphin shows, horse racing, elephant rides, or enter amusement parks that include animal shows.
The revised "Regulations on the Management of Animal Performances," which came into effect on July 29, 2024, explicitly regulates performance spaces where animals are displayed, performed, or interact with people, as well as the places where such animals are kept. This amendment also means that whale and dolphin shows will become a thing of the past, a major step forward!
Cleansing, beauty and skin care
Before buying clean beauty products, check whether the brand or product has a vegan label, or check whether the brand is animal-friendly and what the brand says. Every choice you make is a vote for the world you want :)!
There are two websites in Taiwan that have compiled vegan daily necessities and recommend them to everyone!
1. Hanakuri Kai x Cruelty-Free
2. Don't Cry Bunny - Kindness and Beauty Alliance
