Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated rejection of the commodity status of animals.
A follower of either the diet or the philosophy is known as a vegan.
Dietary vegans refrain from eating animal products, not only meat but also egg and dairy products and other animal-derived products. The term "ethical vegan" is often applied to those who extend the philosophy beyond diet into other areas of their lives. Environmental veganism refers to avoiding animal products on the premise that harvesting or industrial farming of animals is environmentally damaging and unsustainable.
The term vegan was introduced in 1944 by Donald Watson when he co-founded the Vegan Society in England. At first this meant "non-dairy vegetarian" and later that one "should live without exploiting animals".
