Everything Under The Sun: Becoming Vegan Explained

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Becoming Vegan Explained

A major effort is still passing out pamphlets, here in Washington Square Park.

A lot of us are hearing the term "vegan" tossed around online and in the media. But what is that, why would you want to pursue that lifestyle, and how would you do it? Neal Sehgal from Parsippany, NJ, an educator, activist and multimedia artist, has some answers. He's the founder of a grassroots organization, EVOLVE FOR ANIMALS. This group does two things, educate about veganism and advocate for better treatment of animals.

Neal and Evolve For Animals started by providing leaflets, staffing tables at public events and sites, showing films, public speaking, podcasting, writing letters, and having feed-ins. Most of the activities were in live events, one-to-one contacts, with some information provided online. The focus was on the 18 to 25 year old demographic, essentially those who have a bigger stake in the direction that this planet takes.

Neal has said, "As an activist and school teacher, I firmly believe in the power of clear and comprehensive education to change hearts and minds, as I have seen it work time and time again. I believe everyone has the power to change themselves and the world around them." That is why so much of what Evolve For Animals does involves education.

Over time, the group's website has evolved into an informational and educational site. One can see how wholistic veganism is for an individual. The site actually starts as a vegan starter kit and delves into the issues of how animals are used in the meat products industries, with information about how veganism addresses this issue, along with demonstrating its environmental sustainability.

In addition, the site takes visitors through the process of making a commitment to become vegan, how to start and maintain healthy nutrition, the message you send to others by engaging in a vegan lifestyle, vegan recipes and meal patterns, and some substitutes for such ingredients as eggs. If you're wondering how becoming vegan affects animals, the site answers that question by citing examples.

Do you want to read more about being vegan? The site has recommendations about books covering the subject. Included are also topics about animals, such as whether animals are sentient, how animals are treated on industrial farms, and treatment of animals as a social justice issue. There are pamphlets that can be downloaded, too, all on a very informative website, with links to further information.

Evolve For Animals provides a vegan taco buffet at an event for a charity for young adults aging out of foster care.

That's all in addition to what the group did before in making face-to-face contact with young adults. If you have an interest in the lifestyle and/or the issues, check it out.