Me flying a kite. Photo by Emory.
So, as you probably know, my main reason for being vegan is ethics. I think the factory farming in the U.S. is wholly corrupt and cruel and disgusting. Secondly, my reasons involve health. Dairy products are so packed with hormones and antibiotics. And the whole thing just sickens me.
But WHAT IF you had the opportunity to go somewhere where this was not the case? Where farm animals were treated very well, the people were very concerned about animal welfare, and the products were very natural and fresh?
Here comes my confession: While in Denmark, I ended up trying a couple of vegetarian items. As in not vegan. I tried wedding cake (which was amazing), a veggie sandwich with brie (not so amazing), and chocolate (amazing). My thinking was, if I ever had the urge to stray from veganism, this is the place to do it. As I mentioned in my last post, animals in Denmark seem so much happier. The family farms are adorable and it’s clear that the farmers treat their animals more like companions and less like products. The food is local, and Denmark is very into organic and eco-friendly methods. It’s a whole different mentality there. They really genuinely care about these things, unlike the U.S., where I feel like many people hop on board because it’s trendy. I hope that’s not true but it certainly feels that way sometimes.
People often ask me- if you had your own farm with a cow and some chickens, would you eat dairy and eggs? My initial response is that I actually prefer soymilk over cow’s milk, and that cow’s milk is for the cow’s babies, not me. And the idea of eggs kind of grosses me out when I think about it. And dairy isn’t as healthy as people give it credit for. So there are many reasons I would not. But if I ever had the desire to use dairy and eggs, and I had my own cow and some chickens, then, yes, I believe I would. But I’m back in the U.S. now, where this is not the case, and I’m wholeheartedly back to my vegan ways. If I went back to Denmark, would I stray again? I doubt it. I’m sure the dairy industry there has its flaws, too. I think this was a one time deal. I actually feel sick about the fact that I ate those things now and am not proud of myself. I’m happy with my choice to be vegan, and it’s very rare for me to desire dairy and eggs.
Some of you may get upset and feel betrayed by my brief lapse in veganism, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, nonetheless. Have you ever strayed from veganism?
Olga Says:
It depends on your reasons to become vegan in the first place. For example, if your primary reason is health, and second/third ones are the environment and animal rights, then going off the path doesn’t seem that bad, given how differently eggs and milk are produces in Denmark.Just my 2 cents…
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:26 am
Debbi Says:
I think it is fine to go off the path occasionally. I am “vegan”, but I sometimes eat things with non-vegan ingredients – many times from just not knowing – such as at a restaurant or something. I don’t eat any meat or eggs or cheese directly, but I know I am not perfect. Especially if you are in a country where animals are treated better than here in the US. If everyone just gave up meat a few days a week, the world would be a better place – don’t feel guilty!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Dixie Says:
I probably would of done the same thing. I’ve been a vegan for almost 10 months now (I know, not very long) and a vegetarian for a year and a half and I have made a few vegan mistakes (not meat or anything of course) and I don’t regret it. But I’ve learned from it.
I always thought about “what if I owned a cow and some chickens?” I doubt I would drink cows milk as it’s not natural in general but if I needed an egg for a cake or something (which I doubt would ever happen) then I might just use one. Just as long as I stay true to the fact that I’m not hurting any animals then I’m happy!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Emily Says:
Thanks Olga
Thanks, Debbi- I agree with you- it’s entirely possible I’ve strayed from veganism, when out to eat or something, without even knowing it. Intentionally eating something that’s not vegan feels very different. But I’ll try not to feel guilty.
Nobody’s perfect and a little slip-up is nothing to beat ourselves up over. We’re still making a huge impact by all the products we’re NOT eating every day
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Emily Says:
Thanks Dixie. I agree eating meat is a slip-up I would not be ok with for myself, because those animals undoubtedly get hurt… and killed. But if a happy cow on a nice farm has some milk to spare- not such a big deal. It’s the factory cows that are treated like products, tortured and confined and pumped full of hormones and antibiotics and, as a result, their lives are drastically shortened that’s really upsetting.
Congrats on 10 months of veganism! The beginning is always the biggest challenge for many reasons. And you’re still going! Great job
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Tanya Says:
My thoughts on the subject are this -
that includes people who are meat eaters who just cut meat/eggs/dairy out once a week….every little bit helps animals, the enviroment and the world. As the co-organizer of a vegan meet-up it makes me sad when we get members who treat their being vegan as some type of “I am better than you” situation. Vegans who dont eat honey or who dont wear silk arent better than vegans who do those things…or eat non-vegan wedding cake at her sisters weddding. Its just peoples different values of what being vegan means. Just like I dont think I am “better than” a non vegan, I just have different values and beliefs than they do….I believe my values are better for the world, but I as a person am not better than anyone else because I am vegan. Passing judgement and being “better than” will never help the vegan cause spread the word and help the world. If you feel badly for having strayed from the vegan path, the only person who you need to reconcile your concience is with yourself.
Being a vegan is a wonderful way to help the enviroment, the world, animals and your own health. That said, its not a religion, ie you wont burn in hell for having had a piece of danish wedding cake, nor are there vegan police who are gonna come revolk your vegan card if you stray from your own ideals. Every little bit helps
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
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September 5th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Ly Says:
Where exactly in Denmark were you staying?
I´m at least one time a year in western Jytland with my family and most animals I (don´t) see there are kept in big barns, like in the usual european factory farm. And the few times I could catch a view through opened doors, I saw them standing next to next on a minimal space.
And many farms also breed fur and keep the “furry” animals in the smallest possible cages. If I find one reason why I shouldn´t visit Denmark anymore it is that there are very few vegetarian/vegan options for eating and that they are the hugest producer of fur in Europe.
December 20th, 2009 at 10:21 am