Vegetarian vs Vegan – What’s The Difference?
A lot of people always take vegetarian and vegan as flip side of the same coin.
They do have some common reference points but have lots to define them as two separate entities in their own perspective.
So to start with the common string for both, vegans and vegetarians both identify themselves so someone not eating meat. But beyond this, the subtle contrasts appear because of their behavioral differences.
Let’s put the points in an organized manner to crystal clear the line of difference.
Definition of Vegetarian vs Vegan
- Vegetarianism is a practice of not indulging in food items which have meat, poultry products, fish etc.
- Whereas, Veganism is more like a cult, a philosophy, a way of life, which you adhere to, after completely abstaining from products made out of animals. This includes food, clothing or use of animals for any product. In a broader context, a vegan not only gives up on meat but also avoids milk honey, leather products, wool, music instrument which use animal skin and so on.
Dieting differences
- As mentioned above, a vegetarian does not consume meat but does not mind using other edibles coming from animals like milk, honey etc. There are some vegetarian who occasionally consume eggs.
- A vegan will completely abstain from any edible product which comes out of animals. They do not consume honey, milk or cheese as they from animals. Hence in a way, they have a much strict preference of food as compared to vegetarians and they completely adhere to it.
Products
- Vegetarians even though they do not eat meat, do not mind using products which are derived from animals. These include use of animal products for fashion like fur, leather for jackets, belts and shoes and wool for winter sweaters.
- Vegans are very particular about the choice of not using animal products at all. They do not use any product, edible or non edible.
Outlook
Taking the discussion further, the kind of empathy a vegan shows towards animals by completely boycotting products coming out of them is commendable.
Practicing an austerity like this is not an easy task. It’s not that we do not acknowledge and appreciate the endeavor of a vegetarian by giving up on meat products, but in a true sense, if we really want to stop any sort of atrocity towards animals, we must take it a notch higher than by just being a vegetarian.
Only giving up on meat products will not solve the purpose. The demand will still be there in the form of fur, leather product etc and it will create animal slaughter.
We must bring this to an end. And this is not only for the animals but for the goodwill of entire human kind also. A lot of research has already highlighted the miseries which will cause due to this incessant animal slaughter.
Conclusion
So at the end, would just like to conclude with the fact that, it is not about the Vegetarian vs the Vegan but to stand united, with our furry friends so that they can live happily ever after.