Going vegan is a major decision for any person. True vegans consider more than just the food they consume. It is a change of lifestyle.

According to The Vegan Society, 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.”

Human beings were originally herbivores.   

While evidence of carnivorous humans dates back to 2.5 million years ago, meat-eating humans may have needed to adapt to the presence of competition and as a method of survival in the ecological system of the period, according to National Geographic. Although early humans began to eat meat, they continued to hunt and gather food.

Most people today choose to become vegans, who avoid meat or animal products, either for health reasons or in opposing animal cruelty.

A vegan diet can increase the intake of antioxidants from the continual consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The exclusion of meat may also lengthen one’s life. A study by Harvard Medical School showed that eliminating red meat from diets could extend lives by up to 20 percent.

Veganism is also more ecologically friendly. Factory farms produce 100 times more waste than the entire population of the United States collectively. Going vegan also reduces the number of animals slaughtered for the food industry.

Vegan senior Annie Oh said, “I was always interested in a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle since I was young because I loved animals. That, combined with my interest in food and saving the environment, helped me choose to become vegan last year when I finally put my thoughts into action. I wasn’t really aware of the destruction that is involved with the meat industry until about two years ago when I really delved into these issues.”

Yet, restricting meat consumption has disadvantages.

Completely eliminating animal products from one’s life can be a drastic change and it may be difficult to avoid buying leather products or products tested on animals.

Diet restrictions also reduce the lack of choices one has in public places such as restaurants. However, since veganism is gaining in popularity, many events or food establishments are now offering vegan, or at least vegetarian, food options.

Yet, the dangers of veganism result in a lack of essential vitamins such as B12, calcium and vitamin D.

Too, vegan diets do not always mean fresh. Some vegan foods, such as meat alternatives, can be as processed as some non-vegan foods, the only health benefit and difference being the lack of animal products in the food.

Non-vegan sophomore Annalise Busekrus said, “I don’t think I’d ever go vegan because I enjoy eating meat, cheese and dairy too much.”

The pros and cons to veganism are still being debated, but ultimately, the choice to practice veganism is up to the beliefs, goals and desires of an individual.

“One of the most important things to keep in mind when going vegan is that, together, you are making a difference. Many people say to me ‘Why even try?’ or ‘No, you can’t make a difference,’ but I’d like to believe that I am,” said Oh.