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.

It’s not clear whether you actually are a vegan or not op.

If every single person ate less it would certainly help the obesity crisis.

Well exactly. Stop moaning at people trying.

So, if you don't sign up fully to the religion (and is becoming one for some) you might as well eat steak tartare for every meal?

Don't be silly.

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

That is just your opinion though. I've been vegan for a while because of health problems. Now that the problems have cleared up (because we finally figured out what was wrong) I eat and use animal products again. It was never some kind of moral thing for me.

I did Veganuary last year as I was already pretty much vegetarian (because I have serious misgivings about most animal farming practices) and was curious as to how difficult, or not, it would be to make the leap to veganism.

One year on I am totally vegan but if Veganuary hadn't given me the push I probably wouldn't have explored it or committed to it.

Don't knock it - it's where a lot of us start the journey.

OP do you think your attitude will convince more people to be vegan? Or reduce their intake of animal products? Because being sanctimonious and peering down your nose at people doesn't work.

I've been veggie for 5 years and am now in the process of reducing animal products too because for many reasons I think it's the right thing to do. A few people in my close family are now doing the same because I don't preach at them but they have tried some of my food and think it's great!

If someone is doing veganuary I think that it's wonderful and many of them will continue past the end of the month.

It’s not clear whether you actually are a vegan or not op.

The way OP writes it does sound like there is a "correct" way to be vegan, which is OP's way of course because OP knows best, and a "wrong" way. That is bullshit though.

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.
Edmund Burkee*

I'm a 99% vegan, I'm not perfect. Vegan means eating no animal products. I still have some non-vegan products in my life, because my main reason for becoming vegan was ecological and it would be more wasteful to throw away all my possessions and start from scratch. I have tried being vegan a few times in the past, but as soon as I realised I was supposed to be 100% perfect, I gave up. This time round I decided to be a bit less militant and I have now been vegan for a year and a half. Maybe I should call myself vegetarian, but then people would expect me to eat dairy, which I'm not going to do.

I think Veganuary is a really good thing. Well done to anyone giving it a go. Most won't stick to it longer than a month, but they will have a better understanding and appreciation of it at the end of the month. Some will find they really enjoy vegan food and feeling healthier and want to keep it up. It's a good way to start, because most people can manage it for a month.

Yeah. That's why I'm not bothering.
Although I would have thought making different choices for a month might have some longer lasting effect and more likely to be incorporated into people's lifestyles? Maybe it would raise awareness and people will think more about making ethical choices? Maybe we'd see health improvements with it? Or that it is easier to incorporate vegan food than we thought? Might it not encourage supermarkets and restaurants, cafés to cater better all year round, having discovered they can offer tasty, vegan food through January. Maybe not?

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little. Edmund Burkee

This. I suspect a large percentage of those who are now trying to reduce meat consumption are doing so because of environmental concerns rather than ethical issues related to killing animals. We certainly are as a family and will be eating more meat substitute/vegan products as a result.

If you're more interested in who is allowed in the club and who isn't than reducing the suffering of animals then you you probably shouldn't call yourself a vegan by your own definition.

Was gonna give it a shot. But I’m not fully subscribed to the vegan cult enough to renounce all animal products for eternity. Won’t bother then. I’ll chuck the vegetable chilli in the bin and go shovel in a Big Mac. Is that better OP?

We're veggie , edging to vegan . Couldn't give a toss on Someone else's view of my choices . To be honest I think it's a bit odd that any one cares what's in my fridge .... unless it was a severed head obvs . So I'll keep on with the oat milk and my struggle with cheese . .... on a side note ... did you know you can now get oat milk in a glass bottle delivered?

@TheFoxAndTheMole

If you're more interested in who is allowed in the club and who isn't than reducing the suffering of animals then you you probably shouldn't call yourself a vegan by your own definition.

This sums it up beautifully

Surely you want people to be 'more vegan' ?

@Littlepond what does vegan mean to you? Just food? Why not call it plant based, or food?

I'm not referring to a cult, just my understanding of the word.

The reference to foregoing meat for one day needs applauding does suggest that we need some kind of accolade for participating in veganuary, rather than just getting on with it.

Your absolutely right it's a crock of shit and should be ended

Anyone who wants to try anything out of their comfort zone and increase awareness, get people talking positively about changes that they can make, and to really think about where their food comes from, what they put on their plates and in their bodies, then why not?

Ended how slippery?

Op maybe I’m b12 deficiency or something but I still can’t see whether you’re a vegan or not.

So if I go into a vegan restaurant with my vegan friend and order a meal it ceases to be a vegan meal because I'm not a vegan?

Ban veganuary!

Heard it all now

Veganuary is excellent for full time vegans though, loads of companies have jumped on the bandwagon and there are so many more vegan options available now. For that reason alone, I’d think you’d be all for it.

Whole debate here about what is veganism.

Point being, there doesn't have to be a single definition. "Dietary" veganism might just be a variant rather than a contradiction. But if there is a single definition, who makes it, who owns it? Who is the ultimate authority? Who decides firmly once and for all whether vegans can eat figs? If you can't answer that question, then there is no ultimate authority on this, is there?

I define veganism = eating only aubergines every other Thursday.
What authority can say I'm wrong?