Basics
Why do people become vegan?
Short answer
Usually through one of three gates: animal ethics, climate and land, or health. The core of veganism is ethical — the other two are common starting points, not rival definitions.
The Vegan Society and most guides use the same three pillars. Animals: industrial farming and slaughter are unnecessary if the plate can be built from plants. Environment: meat, especially beef and dairy, uses a lot of land and water and emits greenhouse gases per calorie and per gram of protein. Health: a well-planned plant diet is often higher in fibre and lower in saturated fat from processed meat — with a plan and B12.
You do not need to “feel all three” to start. Many people enter through a farm documentary and stay because the food works. The definition does not require hating meat-eaters — it requires your own practice.