Serena Lewis: Why Vegan

I think it’s safe to say that art and animals are two of the major passions in my life. I have adored animals of all species since childhood — feeling a deep connection to the wolf in particular. I hated the thought of eating animals as I saw them all as my friends. There was a short-lived attempt to be a vegetarian back when I was 18 but, in 2006, I became a Pescatarian which is basically a vegetarian who eats seafood — no other type of meat. Though I would say I was mostly 90% vegetarian as I didn't consume much seafood.

As the years went on, I began doing more and more research watching countless video footage taken by animal activists and reading many articles. I was horrified to see the atrocities committed against animals that the big industries hide from the public eye...from meat and dairy right down to the poultry and egg industries. There was only one choice for me after seeing the heart-wrenching truth — I chose the vegan path in mid-September 2014.

Even though I chose to be vegan solely for the animals, I was happily surprised to reap some health benefits too — weight loss, my cholesterol returning to normal, and at the end of 2016, I was taken off my high blood pressure medication. Unfortunately, due to chronic arthritic pain in my back from an old injury, I was placed on daily anti-inflammatory medication which caused my blood pressure to rise in 2018. So now, I am on low dose blood pressure medication.

Veganism is NOT an elitist diet which some non-vegans allude to. Veganism is a lifestyle and animals are our number one priority — plain and simple. Diet is only one part of veganism. We make a conscious choice to consume and use products that have caused no harm to other sentient beings. We don't wear leather or use cosmetics that contain animal by-products or that have been tested on animals. I realise that it is impossible to be 100% vegan in a non-vegan world but it's about doing the best we can to bring no harm to other sentient beings if it's within our power to do so.

Veganism is also of huge benefit to the environment considering the very real fact that animal agriculture is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction and deforestation, pollution of lands and waterways, as well as causing ocean dead-zones.

This news article points out that, since 1970, humanity has wiped out 60% of other animal populations. This is alarming to me! We need to take steps to stop it getting worse. Some scientists believe we have already passed the point of no return to save this planet. You can read the article HERE.

Armed with the true facts, my only regret is that I didn't go vegan earlier.

"If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn't we?" — Edgar's Mission

What is a vegan? - "A philosophy and 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; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment."

The most effective way for people to help ALL animals is to go vegan. Not an easy change for some but even taking small steps can make a difference — such as going without meat one to three times a week, or giving up dairy, or cheese, or eggs. It all helps in some way. I believe that a kinder, more compassionate world IS possible.

Please take some time out to view the videos below, or check out some of the links further down. It gives a better understanding of the plight this planet is faced with on a daily basis, not to mention the plight of the precious sentient beings we share it with. Too many species are going extinct in our time purely because of habitat destruction due to human encroachment, hunting, poaching, and the need for more grazing land without any care as to how it is adversely effecting other species.

If you watch any of the movies listed, I strongly advise to start with Cowspiracy which shows the environmental standpoint. Positive change starts with the consumer because it really can be as simple as choosing a kinder diet. The animals and the survival of our future generations are counting on it.

How veganism progressed in 2022 - Vegan 2022 Free to Watch.

How veganism progressed in 2020 - Vegan 2020 Free to watch doco.

How veganism progressed in 2019 - Vegan 2019 Free to watch film.

How veganism progressed in 2018 - Vegan 2018 Free to watch film.

How the vegan movement grew in 2017. So heartening!

The video below shows how the vegan movement grew in 2016 and also covers the enormous lies that the general public are told by big business such as the meat, dairy, and egg industries. I hope you will take the time to watch it. To watch directly on YouTube, click HERE.

Another great video by well known Australian vegan - James Aspey.

DOCUMENTARIES that I would highly recommend

Cowspiracy (My advice is to start with this documentary if no other)

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead

Speciesism

Unity

Vanishing of the Bees (YouTube trailer)

Blackfish (YouTube trailer)

Food Matters (YouTube trailer)

Please consider making a donation at any of the links in the lower section of this page or perhaps there is an animal shelter or charity in your local area where your contribution, big or small, will help make a difference.

They need our help.