For over four years, we've been sharing our vegan recipes with you, but we never really thought it was necessary to explain why we don't eat any animal products. Well, it seemed obvious to us that we're vegan for the animals! But we realize that this raises a lot of questions and that, if you've never heard of veganism, it might seem completely far-fetched!
So, to better explain our thought process, we decided to share with you the introductory text of Eline's book, The Good Things, which sums up our position well:
I am an antispeciesist. I oppose the unequal treatment of species: cherishing dogs, protecting polar bears, and killing pigs, you know... (just as being an antiracist, I oppose the hierarchical treatment of humans among themselves). And I am against all forms of animal exploitation.
So, on a daily basis, I have a lifestyle that goes along with it: I am vegan. This means that I boycott, as much as possible, all products and services that involve the exploitation of animals. I refuse to eat meat, eggs, milk, etc. I don't want to buy leather or wool, products tested on animals, or cosmetics that contain animal ingredients. I don't want to participate in leisure activities that use animals (zoos, circuses, elephant rides, and so on...). The list could be very long, but you get the idea, I make sure not to encourage animal exploitation through my consumption. It's a radical political position, sure, but it's fair.
We might think that it's normal to kill animals or that it's a personal choice. Indeed, we have the option, in our stores, to buy meat or ice cream. So, of course, we feel entitled to do so.
But I don't think it's a matter of personal choice. Because this choice leads to the suffering and death of millions of animals, who are aware of pain, feel fear, feel the sorrow of losing their loved ones, and have a completely different interest in living than providing us with meals. We tend to believe that animals belong to us, and we have denied them their freedom, existence, and individuality. All this for the taste pleasure.
To believe that it's a personal choice also denies the environmental consequences. We know that an omnivorous diet has a disastrous impact, due to greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy consumption, and the destruction of primary forests in favor of plantations that feed these animals.
These reflections came about when I met Kévin, my partner, who had been vegan for a long time. I was simply curious at first, having never heard of veganism ("But who are they? What do they want?"). And then I thought, thought, and thought. Being fundamentally against all forms of injustice, I realized that animals feel pain and have their own personalities and sensitivities. I also learned that we don't need to exploit them to live when we are fortunate to have such easy access to food. We're not in a state of survival, and we know how to nourish ourselves differently. So if it's cruel and unnecessary and we know it, why do we continue?
Out of habit.
And habits can change, you'll tell me! Besides, completely plant-based cooking isn't that complicated after all.
When I started, I was a bit lost, especially when it came to baking. I often found the results disappointing when replacing eggs and milk in my old recipes. Maybe you've experienced that too! But over the years, I've invented my new way of doing things, my new recipes... And there are endless possibilities I would have never thought of before!
We hope these few lines have provided some answers, and to further explore these topics, here are some useful websites to find a wealth of information:
- on the impact of meat on humans, animals, and the environment: https://www.viande.info/
- on how to be vegan every day, nutrition and practical advice: https://vegan-pratique.fr/
- on the egg industry: https://www.l214.com/oeufs-et-poules-pondeuses
- on the milk industry: https://www.l214.com/vaches
*photo credit: Alexandre Veilleux for Eline's book