Basics
What is veganism?
Short answer
Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude — as far as possible and practicable — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.
The Vegan Society definition covers more than diet: vegans avoid meat, fish, dairy, eggs and honey, and also leather, wool, silk and animal-tested cosmetics where practicable.
A plant-based diet is only part of the picture. Someone may eat plants for health reasons and still buy leather shoes — that is not veganism in the ethical sense, even if the food is vegan.
People usually arrive through one of three gates: animal ethics, climate and land, or health. The definition stays ethical; the other two are common starting motives.