Why I Am Vegan
Cute pixel art of various farm animals

About This Page ๐Ÿงก

Hi! I'm Mica, and this page is a personal space to share why Iโ€™m vegan and what that means to me.

I think that most of humanity wants to make decisions based on kindness, awareness, and living a life that causes less harm for all beings. For me, that means not eating animals or using products that come from them, as to not give my money to industries and companies that conduct animal exploitation, cruelty, torture, and extreme forms of killing. There are several forms of horrendousness happening all across the world, whether it's war and genocide, to capitalist exploitation, it's all terrible... I found that making choices on what I buy is the easiest forms of resistance, and choosing to not support animal cruelty, is one of the easiest decisions I can make that will help the environment and people's health.

I became vegan for a mix of reasons. Originally when I was 15, I developed stomach ulcers due to stress from trauma. My doctor at the time suggested for me to try not eating red meat for a while. Shortly after, I developed a love for punk music, and veganism was a common crossover with many bands. I was vegan/vegetarian on and off for about 25 years, and then most recently in the past few years, and with the support of my partner, we've both devoted our life to compassion for animals, concern for the planet, help people find restauraunts/resources/recipes, and a desire to take care of our own health. This website is a collection of thoughts and resources that mean a lot to me. If it's useful for anyone else, I am so happy to know :)

Thanks for stopping by ๐Ÿ’ซ

Cute pixel art of various farm animals
What is veganism? ๐ŸŒ

Veganism is choosing to avoid animal products for reasons like animal cruelty, health, or the environment. It's not about being perfectโ€”it's about reducing harm wherever you can!

Why go vegan? ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿ’”

Veganism helps fight animal cruelty, reduce deforestation (70% of Amazon land is cleared for cattle), and conserve water (1 pound of beef = 1,800 gallons of water!). Plus, it's healthier! ๐ŸŒฟ

How bad is dairy and egg production? ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿฅ›

Both dairy and egg industries are incredibly harmful. In dairy farms, cows are constantly impregnated to keep producing milk, and their calves are taken away, often to be slaughtered. In egg production, hens are kept in cramped conditions, often in battery cages, and their beaks are mutilated. Male chicks are killed right after hatching since they're not useful for laying eggs. It's a cycle of suffering for animals just to give us products that we don't actually need. ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ’”

Can I still eat my favorite foods? ๐Ÿ”

Yes! Vegan alternatives are available for most foods. You can still enjoy pizza, burgers, and ice creamโ€”just plant-based versions! ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ•

Health benefits of veganism ๐Ÿง‘โ€โš•๏ธ๐Ÿ’ช

A vegan diet is linked to lower risks of heart disease, cancer, and obesity. It's rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for better health. ๐Ÿฅฆ๐Ÿ’š

Is it expensive? ๐Ÿ’ธ

Not really! Whole foods like beans, rice, and veggies are affordable. The fancy vegan products can be pricier, but theyโ€™re optional! ๐Ÿฆ’๐Ÿ’ฐ

What if I make a mistake? ๐Ÿพ

Donโ€™t worry! Veganism is a journey, not about perfection. Every plant-based choice helps. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ช

Can I get enough protein? ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿฅœ

Yes! Beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh are packed with protein. Just balance your diet for the nutrients you need. ๐Ÿฅ™โœจ

Can I be vegan if I live somewhere with limited options? ๐ŸŒ

Definitely! Focus on simple staples like grains, beans, and veggies. There are always options if you get creative. ๐Ÿš๐Ÿพ

Is veganism just about food? ๐Ÿ‘š

Nope! It's about reducing harm in every part of lifeโ€”clothes, cosmetics, and even your toothbrush! ๐Ÿงณ๐ŸŒฟ

What about "Plants have feelings too?" ๐ŸŒป

Plants respond to stimuli, but they lack a nervous system, so they can't feel pain like animals. The goal is to reduce suffering, and animals are sentient beings capable of pain. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’š

Can I wear leather if it's used or vintage? ๐Ÿ‘ข

I personally wouldn't buy new leather products, because that supports the companies who continue to exploit animals. But if it's used or vintage, you're not contributing to further harm. Youโ€™re caring for an item that already exists and honoring the life that was lost, without promoting further exploitation. It's about reducing harm wherever possible. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’–

What's the most important thing to remember? โค๏ธ

Kindness matters! Every step toward veganism counts. You're making a difference, even if it's just one meal at a time. ๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒ

What's the most important thing to remember? โค๏ธ

Kindness matters! Every step toward veganism counts. You're making a difference, even if it's just one meal at a time. ๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒ