How Do I Go Vegan?
Going vegan is simple. Being vegan is easy.
All you need to do is make a decision that you will not participate any more in the exploitation of animals. That's it. Everything else will fall into place behind that.
Going vegan is the single most important thing you can do for animals. It doesn't depend on anyone else. You don't have to wait for government intervention or societal change. You just make a decision to change your own behaviour and then do it. It's completely empowering, will be one of the best decisions you ever make, and your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner!
So, you've decided to stop participating in the exploitation of animals. Now what?
Well, you're not going to spend your money on products that rely on animal exploitation. So you're not going to buy meat, dairy, eggs, honey or anything that contains them.
"What will I eat?"
That's easy! There's a whole world of delicious, nutritious, vegan food to choose from, click for a list of vegan foods you can buy at local supermarkets and shops, recipes, vegan menus and takeaway options at local restaurants and bars.
"What will I wear?"
Many clothes are free of animal derived materials. Your wardrobe will already be full of them. They’ll be made from cotton, acrylic, linen, polyester, nylon, hemp...etc. There’s vegan leather, vegan down-style coats, and silky man-made materials, so there is no need to wear the skin or feathers from animals. The abundance of vegan options range from high street budget buys to top end designer gear. Have a look at some examples here on our clothing section
"What toiletries, make up and household products will I use?"
A vegan product in regards to beauty and toiletry products means 1) not tested on animals and 2) does not contain any animal ingredients. The Vegan Society trademark tells us a product is vegan.
For products without the trademark, look for the leaping bunny logo to confirm the product (and its ingredients) were not tested on animals, and check that none of the ingredients are derived from animals. Some brands make this easy by labelling their products "suitable for vegans" and carrying the leaping bunny logo.
For more information have a look at our Non Food Products page. You can also look at the Go Vegan Scotland Facebook albums: Toiletries & Beauty Products, Cleaning Products
"What about medicines?"
Unfortunately, all medicines in the UK must be tested on animals. It is a legal requirement. It is for each individual to make their own decision on the ethics of this, but our advice would be to take medicines that you need and that are prescribed by your doctor. Most vegans would agree. We are not going to be much help to animals if we are seriously ill or dead. Taking medicines tested on animals does not mean that you support animal testing. It is entirely consistent to be against animal testing and to campaign for an end to the legal requirement to test medicines on animals, while at the same time taking the medicine you need knowing it has been tested on animals. Take your medicine, stay well, work to end animal exploitation in all its forms.
Some medicines are available in different forms. Capsules may have gelantine, and pills may contain milk. In some cases it is possible to obtain an alternative form of the medicine and so avoid consuming animal products. Ask your doctor / pharmacist. The more we create demand for this the more likely it is that additional alternatives will become available.
"What can I do for entertainment?"
Now that you're not spending your money on activities that rely on animal exploitation, such as dog racing, horse racing, zoos, circuses with animals, animal rides or animals in captivity, you can spend your time exploring some amazing new past times and hobbies that are cruelty free and leave you with a clear conscience.
When someone goes vegan they will often have animal products in their wardrobe and home. Don't put off going vegan because of that. Being vegan means not contributing to animal exploitation. All you need to do now is decide that you will not spend your money on products that involve exploiting animals. You don't need to clear out all animal products before going vegan. After you go vegan, by not spending money on animal products any more, you can decide how you want to approach it in good time.
Have a listen to this cow farmer describe how she went vegan - if a cow farmer can do it anyone can!
