Wow. What a transformation. I mean two weeks ago I was talking about how animals didn’t matter and that fighting for animal rights is a useless endeavor, and now I am talking about becoming a vegan. Well I should clarify why I might go vegan -- it’s not because of animals. For all my new found love for animals and animal rights, I am not considering veganism for the animals. Why? Because I love milk and dairy products. You’re confused now aren’t you? When say I am going vegan what I mean is that I will be adopting a new plant based diet rather than a lifestyle centered on caring for animals. Still confused? I don’t blame you, my friends were too. I think the best way to describe my veganism is to first go into why I am considering veganism.

I took an intro to ecology class at U of M Dearborn, and we learned about the topic of humans and our influence on the environment. I learned about climate change and our carbon footprint, I learned about dead zones and how they are caused by fertilizer runoff from large farms, I also learned about bio-magnification and why fish are becoming toxic. I was inspired by that class, I was inspired to help our planet and lower the threat of climate change; I was prepared to do everything I can to lower my footprint. Whenever I printed I saved ink and toner, I started to carpool with my family and come to the university three hours earlier, I bought a glass water bottle and refilled it using the university’s water bottle refill stations, and I was hooked on my new environmentally conscious lifestyle; I still am. Then came the ultimate sacrifice, my diet. I love milk and cheese, I love alfredo fettuccini, I love pizza, and I love strawberry shortcakes. It was too much, giving up all these delicious, delectable foods, for the environment; but I was determined to continue on my new lifestyle.

I did some research, and found out that veganism is not only better for the environment but for your health! I read stories about people losing large amounts of weight and having better doctor checkups. I was also interested in the cosmetic benefits; people reported that their hair was not only shinier but stronger and longer as well. They also reported cleaner and more elastic skin, as well as less body odor. These personal benefits, along with the environmental benefits, spurred me into veganism gung ho.

So what exactly do these have to do with my brand of veganism? I figured that I didn’t have to completely cut out meats and cheeses from my life, I could enjoy them on special occasions or perhaps “cheat” some days. Since I am not becoming a vegan for the animals, I could enjoy some of their products; it would’ve not made sense to be enjoying a meatball sub, all while claiming to be against killing animals.

I feel that my brand of veganism is easier to adopt by people looking for the benefits of a plant based diet, without the costs of being tied to an ideology.