2. I/ Definition of veganism
« Veganism is a philosophy and way of life that seeks to exclude, as far as pratically possible, all forms of exploitation and cruelty
to animals, whether to feed, to dress, or to any others purposes ; and by extinction ; veganism supports and encourages the
development and implementation of alternatives without the use of animal, for the greater good of humans, animals and the
environment »
Donald Watson is the personn who created the term
in 1944, from the English word vegetarian.
3. Differences between vegetarism and vegetalism :
Vegetarian : excludes all animal flesh that is to say that it does not eat
meat, not fish or seafood. It consumes dairy products, eggs and honey.
Vegan : banishes all products and activities exploiting animals.
Being vegan is :
- an ethical choice
- a daily practice
- an action respect for
life, based on non-violence,
peace and compassion
towards all living being.
4. II/Benefits of veganism
1/ For animals
In the world, 142 billion animals are killed each year. In France, 3 millions of animals are slaughtered.
Animals are «sentient» living beings: they feel
the pain and have a perceptive awareness. They
have their own interests to live and a willingness
to stay alive. The majority of people claim to care
about animals, to love them and to respect them.
We all agree that it is immoral to hurt animals if
it is not necessary. However, animal exploitation
is not necessary. We use animals for fun or en-
tertainment. We can live very well without eating
animal products, without putting on the skin of
animals etc. We use animals by habit.
5. * Cruelty Free *
Intheanimalrightsmovement,cruelty-freeisalabelforproductsoractivitiesthatdonotharmorkillanimalsanywhere
in the world. Products tested on animals are not considered cruelty-free, since these tests are often painful and cause
the suffering and death of millions of animals every year.
In 2013, cosmetics tested on animals are banned in Europe.
Cruelty-free is :
1 - No finished product or ingredient that composes it must have been tested on animals.
2 - Suppliers must provide a certificate confirming that they do not practice animal testing.
3 - The mark accepts to be controlled at any time by an independent organization.
6. 2/ For hunger in the world
3/For Health of Humans
While 800 million people are still hungry, much of
the grain grown is exported to feed the livestock of
rich countries! It is sometimes said that «the cow of
the rich starves the world»
Several studies show that eating less meat
reduce the risks to have cardiovascular di-
seases, cancers and to be obese.
In one century, Western countries have in-
creased their consumption of meat, and re-
duced that of fruits and vegetables.
7. 4/ For Environment
Livestock farming and soybean
production are the leading
causes of deforestation in the
world. Cattle breeding is thus
responsible for 63% of the
destruction of the Amazo-
nian forest for the establish-
ment of farms or field crops
intended to feed livestock
animals.
Lakes and rivers are also alte-
red by acid rain, livestock is
the major cause of these
rains, so a disappearance
of aquatic species. Water
is also needed to produce
the grains that the ani-
mals consume (cereals
are even given to grazing
animals) and, of course,
water is needed to water
According to FAO figures, livestock produce more greenhouse gases than transport.
8. III/ Issues linked to veganism
This type of person has tendency to find a problem everywhere. For exemple, all Humans
are criminals because they eat meal. An extremist vegan thinks to save world by not eating
meal. He pushes others to be like him.
At the moment, there are lot of violent facts opposing vegans and persons who
work in meat sector (butcher, farmer, hunter).
EXAMPLE :
In March 2018, after the death of a butcher in terrorism attack in France, a ve-
gan posted on Twitter. She says that she doesn’t have a compassion to the vic-
tim beacause for her he is a killer. Following this post a complaint was filed
and the author of the post was placed in custody for apology of terrorism. She
has been condamned to 7 months of jail.This case is not isolated. Lot
of famers receive death threat
from extremist vegan.
1/ Extremist Vegans
9. 2/ Nutrional Risks
«To be vegan, it is not enough to eli-
minate animal products and conti-
nue to eat as we used to. You have to
completely rethink your diet».
Yes, becoming vegan has health
consequences and can cause de-
ficiencies.
Vitamin B12, iodine, calcium and iron are the main nutritional de-
ficiencies in people who no longer eat animal-related products.
The main risk of deficiency is vitamin B12, which plays a particu-
larly important role in the formation of red blood cells and the re-
newal of certain cells. But vegans are completely deprived of this
vitamin that is found only in meat and fish, milk and eggs.
ItisabsolutelynecessarythatveganssupplementthemselvesinB12,
by dietary supplements or enriched foods. There is also the danger
of being vegan in pregnant or lactating women.
To conclude, by becoming vegans you have to pay attention of health.
