There's a lot of overlap between these two labels, but we're going to breakdown what they each are and who uses each.
A vegan is someone who is actively and consciously avoiding the use or support of any company or product contributes to animal suffering. This includes not eating any animals or their by-products, not wearing animals skins or furs, not using products that were tested on animals, and not participating or attending events where animals are used for entertainment.
Someone who is plant-based avoids eating animals and their by-products, but doesn't necessarily avoid animal exploitation in the other areas. Typically people who are "plant-based" are technically whole food plant-based, shifting their way of eating to improve their health.
Someone who is whole food plant-based avoids animals and their by-products, but also tend to avoid oils, sugars, & salt in their diet as well. They may still wear fur, leather, use traditional cleaning products, & go to circuses.
I wanted to clarify this because I find that people use them pretty interchangeably & while they are definitely overlapped, they are not the same. It's important to recognize what each one is so that you can communicate your personal journey to people & help inspire others to move towards and vegan or plant-based way of life.
The word "vegan" has such a bad stigma around it, so I know a lot of people avoid using it just to avoid the responses.
I like to do the opposite. I want to help reclaim that word to mean what it does. Freedom, conscious living, justice, & kindness. I want to show people that as vegans we aren't an enemy, we just want to make the world a better place.
If you are plant-based, please consider switching your home products to something that is vegan & cruelty-free. please think about it before buying those leather boots. Keep calling yourself whatever you like though!
Vegans-own the word. Show people that first and foremost veganism is about compassion, not just for the animals, but the planet & everyone else on it.
Lead with kindness & compassion. Inspire the world to go vegan with you.
