It's not vegan if you only do it for a month

[AlwaysBeFabulous]

Obviously plantbasedanuary isn't as catchy, but if you're only doing it for a month, you can hardly call it vegan.

Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.

Is this really what people are doing for January, or just eating fake meat burgers instead of real meat burgers? Before going back to eating real meat burgers in February. Unless it inspires you to continue with veganism in which case kudos to you.

Don't let the pursuit of perfection stand in the way of doing good.

Yawn. Another dreary vegan.

So are 32 days long enough, what about 33 or 34? Besides, we now have "ethical" vs. dietary veganism. Seems the monopoly on definition is finally broken.

So if people are doing it with the idea that it might inspire them to keep on being vegan, when are they allowed to say they are vegan? How long before they prove themselves worthy of the title?

Are people who are doing dry january not really dry because they may start drinking in february? What about sober october?

Honestly, I don't see the point in nit picking over this stuff, it feels a bit sneery. People may end up eating more ethically or healthily even if they don't remain completely vegan and I think that can only be a good thing.

What is it with all these vegan bashing threads lately?

Surely it's good to encourage people to try it. I think many people who did it for a month would change habits in future - maybe not becoming vegan but eating veggie or vegan more frequently and at least being more aware of how much animal product is being used. Obviously going vegan permanently would be ideal (in your view at least) but isnt temporary or part time veganism better than nothing?

How long before you can call yourself a vegan then... what's the cut-off date.

No wonder people bash vegan's.

Even one day a week without meat needs to be applauded.

Whose basing vegans? Maybe I should have asked what does veganism mean to you?

To me it is a philosophy, a way of life. It just seems to have become a word to describe food not containing animal. I don't pass the bourbons around and say vegan biscuit anyone?

temporary or part time veganism aka omnivore

Meh. Does it really matter if it's real vegan Ian or not? A lot of people eat a lot less meat in their meals during January : some will find some meals which they love and eat less meat overall. Isn't this a positive thing for the environment overall?

This is a good reply to another recent thread...

You’re a vegan then op?

Me too. It’s a real shame you’re criticising people trying out a different way of eating that minimises animal suffering. I hope even if people go back to eating animal products, they’ll eat more vegan meals because of this month.

"Even one day a week without meat needs to be applauded."

Err no it shouldn't b@Backstabbath!!

@wildcherries what thread is that?

It’s a start though, isn’t it?

Surely even one month going meat-free is better than no months going meat-free?
And I do think it’s likely that a proportion of those trying Veganuary will continue meat-free for longer, or at the very least reduce their meat consumption longer term, once they’re in the habit of eating less meat.

That is what veganism means to you but clearly not to others. And that's ok isn't it? Veganism as a way of life is quite intimidating to do suddenly all at once. I think there is real value in making it more accessible. Encouraging people to try it as a diet for a month, then maybe see if they can stick at it longer. Once they become used to that they may well end up changing other aspects of their life. Or maybe they won't if people make them feel they're not doing it properly...

I imagine 'going vegan' seems overwhelming and intimidating to many.

At least 'veganuary' might make it seem a bit less daunting and an opportunity to give it a go.

I was a pescatarian for over 16 years and if there had been a month during which people were encouraged to give it a try I'd have been very happy!

It is just a word to describe consumables with zero animal products. Some people ascribe a philosophy to this...but abstaining from consuming animal products in any format is enough to call you a vegan. You don't have to have a quasi-religious outlook on veganism to make you a qualified one.

What a ridiculous notion!

Also criticising people for trying it out is surely self-defeating?! You sound like the Welsh speakers who sneer at the Welsh of learners. Without new people embracing the language it's dead. Without new recruits to veganism animal product consumption will continue to grow.

The one where an op asked why people are irritated at vegans. I eat mostly plantbased and applaud you for being able to go further than that. But don't be critical of people making a start. I started with Veganuary.

Bit pedantic don't you think?
That's like saying you cant call it Dry January because you're drinking other liquids.

I mean, I kinda get your point, but everyone understands what it's about. And trying it for a month may convert some people.
Heckling that they're still dirty meat eaters doesn't change much.

It's not all or nothing, is it? Surely the environment benefits, fewer animals suffer etc. as a result of people going vegan for a month? And if it inspires them to eat better longer term then great!

Your way of thinking is why so many folk think of vegans as preachy bores. It's like me as a long-distance triathlete laughing at someone who's proud of doing couch25K when in reality any exercise is a good thing.

I have taken the veganuary pledge but now I know it's not a valuable exercise because I'm not an ethical vegan.
I'll stop my folly immediately.

Your ethical issues are not related to the fact that ANYTHING getting the general population to eat less meat/dairy and learn it's not necessary to eat it every day is nothing but a good thing.

If every single person ate less it would have a huge impact. It is a far more achievable goal for the general public than everyone being vegan. Never will happen. But everyone eating less is hugely attainable.

It does not have to be dramatic as vegans who won't ride a feckin bus in case it hits a bug.

I'm not criticising those who are eating fewer / no animal products. My understanding is that veganism goes deeper than that.

And no, going one day without meat does not need to be applauded.

It does not have to be dramatic as vegans who won't ride a feckin bus in case it hits a bug.

Those are very unusual people. The vast majority of us are quite normal.