Vegans are people who have chosen for ethical reasons to eliminate as far as is possible all use of animal products . This includes eliminating all meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, honey and animal byproducts like gelatin from their diets, eliminating leather, fur, down, etc. A vegetarian is someone who has chosen, for many reasons, sometimes ethical, to eliminate meat products from their diet. This includes beef, poultry, veal, fish, and other meats. Some vegetarians also choose to eliminate other animal products, such as dairy products or eggs, from their diets.
Many people start out by becoming vegetarian before they move on to veganism.
IDA views veganism as the ideal choice because of its goals of eliminating our dependence upon animals for food and other products. By eliminating this dependence, we will eliminate the need for animals to be raised for such purposes, therefore discouraging the perpetuation of the abusive and cruel practices so often found in animal farming. Getting involved in educating people about the issues involved in animal rights is a very big thing. Leafleting, having tables with educational materials, talking to friends and family, writing letters to the editor of your local paper, writing to your representatives and to companies with your concerns about specific issues, donating to animal rights organizations, and just making daily choices that do not harm animals are all excellent ways to make a difference. Contact IDA for some specific ideas about what you can do in your area and we will be glad to put you in our activist database and help you connect with activists near you.