The world's top vegan websites

<h1>Vegan</h1><pre>     <p>
</pre>In its <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/adjective" title="Adjective">adjective</A> form, <strong>vegan</strong> describes:<p>
<ul><li><A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/human" title="Human">people</A> (who avoid all animal products), 
</li><li><A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/diet__nutrition_" title="Diet (nutrition)">dietss</A> (plant-based), 
</li><li><A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/food" title="Food">food</A> (containing no animal products), and 
</li><li>products (containing no animal products and not <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/animal_testing" title="Animal testing">animal tested</A>).<p>
</li></ul>As a <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/noun" title="Noun">noun</A>, a <strong>vegan</strong> is a person who follows a vegan lifestyle (i.e. avoiding animal products). Some vegans see this usage as offensive, and prefer to be referred to using the adjective form.<p>
Veganism is defined in the following quote from the <A HREF="http://www.vegansociety.com/html/about_us/memorandum.php" class="external">Memorandum of Association</A>, the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/british" title="British">British</A> Vegan Society (<A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/2004" title="2004">2004</A>):<p>
<dl><dd>"The word 'veganism' denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude &mdash; as far as is possible and practical &mdash; all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, including humans and the environment.<p>
</dd><dd>In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."<p>
</dd></dl>		
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<b>Table of contents</b> </td></tr><tr id='tocinside'><td align="left">
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<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Overview">1 Overview</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Animal products">2 Animal products</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Motivation">3 Motivation</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Modern veganism in context">4 Modern veganism in context</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Similar diets">5 Similar diets</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Vegan Nutrition">6 Vegan Nutrition</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Possible benefits">7 Possible benefits</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Vegan cuisine">8 Vegan cuisine</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Criticism and Backlash">9 Criticism and Backlash</A><BR>
<div style="margin-left:2em;">
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Criticism">9.1 Criticism</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Backlash">9.2 Backlash</A><BR>
</div>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#See also">10 See also</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#References">11 References</A><BR>
<div style="margin-left:2em;">
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Nutrition">11.3 Nutrition</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Environmental issues">11.4 Environmental issues</A><BR>
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<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#External links">12 External links</A><BR>
<div style="margin-left:2em;">
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Vegan organizations">12.5 Vegan organizations</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Resources for vegans">12.6 Resources for vegans</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Vegan essays online">12.7 Vegan essays online</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#Nutrition">12.8 Nutrition</A><BR>
<A CLASS="internal" HREF="#General">12.9 General</A><BR>
</td></tr></table><P>
<A NAME=""><H2>Overview</H2><p>
The word <em>vegan</em> (pronounced <em>vee-gun,</em> but less commonly as <em>vay-gun</em>) was originally derived from <em>vegetarian</em> in <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/1944" title="1944">1944</A> when Elsie Shrigley and Donald Watson founded the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/united_kingdom" title="United Kingdom">UK</A> Vegan Society. The word starts and ends with the first three and last two letters of <strong>veg</strong>etari<strong>an</strong>, representing that veganism begins with <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/vegetarianism" title="Vegetarianism">vegetarianism</A> and then takes it to its <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/logical" title="Logical">logical</A> conclusion. Therefore the term <em>vegan</em> was originally coined to differentiate those vegetarians who (primarily for <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/ethics_1" title="Ethics">ethical</A> or <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/environmentalism" title="Environmentalism">environmental</A> reasons) sought to eliminate all <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/animal" title="Animal">animal</A> products in all areas of their lives from those who simply avoided eating <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/meat" title="Meat">meat</A>.<p>
Those who are vegans for ethical reasons today generally oppose the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/violence" title="Violence">violence</A> and <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/cruelty" title="Cruelty">cruelty</A> they see as involved in the (non-vegan) food, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/clothing" title="Clothing">clothing</A> and other <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/industry_1" title="Industry">industries</A>. By extension cruelty and exploitation are avoided in all human activities and relationships between people as well as with animals. Animal products such as <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/leather" title="Leather">leather</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/silk" title="Silk">silk</A> or <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/wool" title="Wool">wool</A> are avoided. <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/soap" title="Soap">Soap</A> must be of vegetable oil instead of animal. <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/toothpaste" title="Toothpaste">Toothpaste</A> and hair products, etc., must not be tested by animal experiments such as the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/draize_test" title="Draize test">Draize</A> or the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/ld50" title="LD50">LD50</A> tests.<p>
<dl><dd><em>The group argued that the elimination of exploitation of any kind was necessary in order to bring about a more reasonable and humane society. From its inception, veganism was defined as a "philosophy" and "way of living." It was never intended to be merely a diet and, still today, describes a lifestyle and belief system that revolves around a reverence for life.</em> - Joanne Stepaniak (author of <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/the_vegan_sourcebook" title="The Vegan Sourcebook">The Vegan Sourcebook</A>).<p>
</dd></dl>That the vegan movement has distanced itself, over the years, from the simple dietary practice of vegetarians is evidenced in British <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/supermarket" title="Supermarket">supermarkets</A> such as <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/j_sainsbury_plc" title="J Sainsbury plc">Sainsburys</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/tesco_plc" title="Tesco PLC">Tesco</A> and the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/co_op_supermarket" title="Co-op supermarket">Co-op</A> by the numerous products which are marked either <em>"suitable for vegetarians"</em> or <em>"suitable for vegetarians and vegans"</em> - clearly giving <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/mainstream" title="Mainstream">mainstream</A> acceptance to the difference between the two systems. For instance, the Co-op supermarket has a <A HREF="http://www.co-op.co.uk/ext_1/Development.nsf/504ca249c786e20f85256284006da7ab/923bbd35445996a600256a71002f9a26?OpenDocument#%5B%3Cblockquote%3E%5D" class="external">website</A> where customers can learn more about these two philosophies' dietary requirements.<p>
Other goals may include <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/permaculture" title="Permaculture">polyculture</A> and other means of <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/sustainable_agriculture" title="Sustainable agriculture">sustainable agriculture</A>. Some vegans see this as part and parcel of their veganism.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>Animal products</H2><p>
Animal products include all forms of <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/meat" title="Meat">meat</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/poultry" title="Poultry">poultry</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/fish" title="Fish">fish</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/shellfish" title="Shellfish">shellfish</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/egg" title="Egg">eggs</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/dairy_product" title="Dairy product">dairy products</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/fur" title="Fur">fur</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/leather" title="Leather">leather</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/wool" title="Wool">wool</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/silk" title="Silk">silk</A>, and byproducts such as <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/gelatin" title="Gelatin">gelatin</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/rennet" title="Rennet">rennet</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/whey" title="Whey">whey</A>, and the like. The Vegan Society and most vegans include <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/insect" title="Insect">insect</A> products such as <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/honey" title="Honey">honey</A> and <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/beeswax" title="Beeswax">beeswax</A> in their definition as well. Vegans avoid honey and other insect products. There is some debate on the finer points of what constitutes an animal product; some vegans avoid <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/sugarcane" title="Sugarcane">cane sugar</A> that has been filtered with <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/bone" title="Bone">bone</A> char and some won't drink <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/beer" title="Beer">beers</A> and wines clarified with egg whites, animal blood (this is exceedingly rare today), or <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/isinglass" title="Isinglass">isinglass</A> (even though they are not present in the final product). Further, some vegans won't eat food cooked in pans if they have ever been used to cook meat, while other vegans are content to simply remove meat, fish, eggs, and <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/milk" title="Milk">milk</A> from their diets. An exception is human milk, when freely given by the lactating mother.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>Motivation</H2><p>
Many vegans cite, as their primary motivation, the concept of reducing animal suffering. <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/utilitarianism" title="Utilitarianism">Utilitarian</A> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/philosophy_1" title="Philosophy">philosopers</A>, such as <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/jeremy_bentham" title="Jeremy Bentham">Jeremy Bentham</A>, and especially <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/peter_singer" title="Peter Singer">Peter Singer</A>, argue that the suffering of all sentient animals should be taken into consideration when making ethical decision; thus, by abstaining from consuming products from animals exploited for food - veganism is the application of this system of ethics. Though Peter Singer's ethical theory recognizes the suffering of sentient animals, it does not, however, rely on the concept of <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/right" title="Right">rights</A>. However, philosophers such as Tom Regan and <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/gary_francione" title="Gary Francione">Gary Francione</A> believe that because sentient animals are capable of valuing their life, they have the inherent <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/right" title="Right">right</A> to possess their own flesh, and therefore it is unethical to treat sentient animals as property, or as a commodity. <p>
For many, the vegan philosophy also has close connections with the concept of <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/ahimsa" title="Ahimsa">Ahimsa</A>, a <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/sanskrit" title="Sanskrit">Sanskrit</A> word central to the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/jainism" title="Jainism">Jain</A> sect of <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/hinduism" title="Hinduism">Hinduism</A> and taught by <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/mahatma_gandhi" title="Mahatma Gandhi">Mahatma Gandhi</A> - Ahimsa roughly means "non-killing and non-harming." The American Vegan Society website says: "It is not mere passiveness, but a positive method of meeting the dilemmas and decisions of daily life. In the western world, we call it Dynamic Harmlessness." Ahimsa is also used as a <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/backronym" title="Backronym">backronym</A>: <strong>A</strong>bstinence from animal products, <strong>H</strong>armlessness with reverence for life, <strong>I</strong>ntegrity of thought, word, and deed, <strong>M</strong>astery over oneself, <strong>S</strong>ervice to humanity, nature, and creation, and <strong>A</strong>dvancement of understanding and truth.<p>
Those who avoid animal products for reasons of health (eg, due to <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/allergy" title="Allergy">allergies</A> or to avoid <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/cholesterol" title="Cholesterol">cholesterol</A>) rather than compassion sometimes describe themselves as "dietary vegans".  However, popular vegan author <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/joanne_stepaniak" title="Joanne Stepaniak">Joanne Stepaniak</A> argues that this term is inappropriate because veganism is by definition about helping animals. She believes that a term such as "total vegetarian" would be a better categorisation for those who, for example, avoid eating meat and dairy products, but continue to buy new leather shoes.<p>
A Time/<A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/cable_news_network" title="Cable News Network">CNN</A> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/poll" title="Poll">poll</A> published in <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/time_1" title="TIME">Time Magazine</A> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/july_7" title="July 7">July 7</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/2002" title="2002">2002</A>, found that 4% of Americans consider themselves vegetarians, and 5% of self-described vegetarians consider themselves vegans.  This small-sampled poll may suggest that two-tenths-of-one-percent of Americans are vegans; therefore, there are about half-a-million American vegans. A <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/2000" title="2000">2000</A> <A HREF="http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/poll2000.htm" class="external">poll</A>  suggested closer to 0.9% of the USA population may be vegan, i.e. 2.5 million citizens.<p>
In the UK, research <A HREF="http://www.imaner.net/panel/statistics.htm" class="external">[1]</A> showed that 0.4%, approximately 250 000 people were vegan in <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/2001" title="2001">2001</A>.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>Modern veganism in context</H2><p>
Veganism is a modern idea in the developed world, as a reaction to the exploitation of nature, including imposing unnecessary suffering on non-human animals. Thus it is seen as a minor and localised reaction to the excesses of the developed world.<p>
But modern veganism can be contrasted with traditional 'veganism'. A 'vegan' diet has been followed for thousands of years by adherents of many Eastern religions, e.g. <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/jainism" title="Jainism">Jainism</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/buddhism_1" title="Buddhism">Buddhism</A> and is an integral part of a lifestyle which tries to promote harmony and non-suffering. (See the discussion of '<A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/ahimsa" title="Ahimsa">Ahimsa</A>' elsewhere on this page, and in Wikipedia). <p>
Also, in most parts of the world, animal products are a minor part of the diet , and this has been true for many centuries (whether for religious or ethical reasons, or for more pragmatic reasons like health, climate or lack of infrastructure). <p>
This traditional avoidance of animal products is continuously threatened by the increased <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/westernisation" title="Westernisation">Westernisation</A> of less developed countries. It is known that 'progress' in these countries brings a wide range of new illnesses, partly through the changes in the eating patterns of its people.  <p>
It is therefore felt that the developed world, notwithstanding the concept of veganism,  still has some way to go before it can claim to constructively promote a healthful and authentic diet, and a natural, sustainable way of life.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>Similar diets</H2><p>
There are several diets similar to veganism, including the aforementioned <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/fructarianism" title="Fructarianism">fructarian</A> diet, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/raw_foodist" title="Raw foodist">raw foods</A>, and the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/macrobiotic_diet" title="Macrobiotic diet">macrobiotic diet</A>. There are also numerous religious groups that regularly or occasionally practice a similar diet, including some sects of <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/buddhism_1" title="Buddhism">Buddhism</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/hinduism" title="Hinduism">Hinduism</A>, and <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/jainism" title="Jainism">Jainism</A>, as well as some Christian sects as the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/eastern_orthodoxy" title="Eastern Orthodoxy">Eastern Orthodox</A> church and the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/seventh_day_adventist_church" title="Seventh-day Adventist Church">Seventh-day Adventist Church</A>.<p>
More recently, many young people who subscribe to the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/anarcho_punk" title="Anarcho-punk">anarcho-punk</A> or <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/straight_edge" title="Straight edge">straight edge</A> punk movements have embraced veganism, and corresponding beliefs of the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/animal_rights" title="Animal rights">animal rights</A> movement.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>Vegan Nutrition</H2><p>
<em>For references on nutrition, see below.</em><p>
The best way for any person, Vegan or not, to attain adequate <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/nutrition" title="Nutrition">nutrition</A> is to eat a variety of foods from different food groups (see <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/food_guide_pyramid" title="Food guide pyramid">Food pyramid</A>). Vegans start off with potentially high advantages: increased vegetable intake (normally), and avoidance of foods high in animal fats and saturated fats, such as fatty meat, cheese and eggs.<p>
However, care still needs to be taken. The vegan diet is not necessarily healthful, since it is couched in negative terms (it prescribes what is not to be eaten rather than what is). Good nutrition requires regular positive choices of a wide variety within various food types. <p>
The needs for various minerals and vitamins will be met by eating a wide variety of unprocessed foods. Vitamin B12 can be obtained in some yeast extracts (check labels). Some feel vegans must consume foods that are supplemented with it: others  point out that the bacteria which produce <em>cyanocobalamine</em> (B12) will survive in the human digestive system and produce the B12 without the need for supplements. However, no scientific test has yet found a reliable vegetable source (ie. one that works consistently for all testees) of B12, and the UK Vegan Society recommends the use of supplements derived from bacteria.<p>
Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from Vegan sources such as fresh, cold pressed <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/flax" title="Flax">flaxseed</A> or <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/canola" title="Canola">canola (rapeseed)</A> oils, as well as in walnuts and dark green leafy vegetables. <p>
There is research which shows that vegans have lower levels of calcium in their body, but this is not supported by any research to show that these low levels are harmful. It is thought that vegans are better able to maintain calcium levels in their body than those following higher protein diets (see Langley, 1988, page 77).<p>
One should note that nutrition is about balance. Too much or too little of one nutrient can be dangerous. Dietary supplementation can be problematic for this reason. Most countries have <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/recommended_dietary_allowance" title="Recommended Dietary Allowance">recommended daily allowances</A> for all vitamins and minerals.<p>
It is wise for vegans and non-vegans alike to avoid <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/trans_fat" title="Trans fat">trans fats</A> (found in hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils), in order to have good nutrition. They are most commonly found in snack food, fried food, and other highly-processed foods. Most fast-food restaurants use hydrogenated oil when cooking their french fries.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>Possible benefits</H2><p>
Besides diminishing animal suffering, a vegan diet can reduce the risk of many <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/health" title="Health">health</A> problems, including <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/congestive_heart_failure" title="Congestive heart failure">heart failure</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/obesity" title="Obesity">obesity</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/diabetes" title="Diabetes">diabetes</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/asthma" title="Asthma">asthma</A>, <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/arterial_hypertension" title="Arterial hypertension">high blood pressure</A>, and <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/cancer" title="Cancer">cancer</A>. <p>
Veganism also may be friendlier to the <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/environment" title="Environment">environment</A> and may improve the conditions of low income people in and out of third world countries by freeing more food for human consumption.  For most forms of livestock, approximately 10kg of grain are needed for every kg of meat produced.  The remaining 9kg or so of feedstock is converted into methane and ammonia emissions and dung, which composts into organic fertiliser, so it is not entirely wasted.  See the references below for more detail on these issues.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>Vegan cuisine</H2><p>
For a list of vegan recipes complementary to this article see the wiki cookbook section, <A HREF="http://wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Vegan_cuisine" class="external">Vegan cuisine</A>.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>Criticism and Backlash</H2><p>
<A NAME=""><H3>Criticism</H3><p>
Veganism is often criticized on nutritional and ethical bases. Many of these are reactions to vegan criticisms of meat eating and agricultural practice.<p>
<A NAME=""><H3>Backlash</H3><p>
Like most alternative lifestyles, veganism has generated backlash from outsiders.  Much of this is harmless parody; however, veganism is also a ready target of <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/conspiracy_theory" title="Conspiracy theory">conspiracy theory</A>.<p>
Examples:<p>
<ul><li> The website "People Eating Tasty Animals", featuring essays and articles about <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/hunting" title="Hunting">hunting</A> and the consumption of animal products.  Best known for the creator's legal battle with <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/people_for_the_ethical_treatment_of_animals" title="People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals">PETA</A>.
</li><li> The paintings and writings of artist <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/trenton_doyle_hancock" title="Trenton Doyle Hancock">Trenton Doyle Hancock</A> feature creatures called <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/vegan__creature_" title="Vegan (creature)">veganss</A> which take control of a people's stomachs, turning them into "vegan vessels".
</li><li> In the reality television program "Surviving Nugent", host <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/ted_nugent" title="Ted Nugent">Ted Nugent</A>, widely known for his anti-<A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/animal_rights" title="Animal rights">animal rights</A> viewpoints, regularly derided the only vegan contestant.  Nugent's comments are indicative of a growing tension between vegans and hunting enthusiasts.<p>
</li></ul>Many vegans experience hostile attitudes and remarks towards their diets from friends, family, and coworkers. Vegans are often accused of forcing their views on non-vegans, often phrased "shove veganism down their throats". Vegans may also be accused of being overly sympathetic or sensitive or of not caring about humans.<p>
<A NAME=""><H2>See also</H2><p>
<ul><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/ethical_consumerism" title="Ethical consumerism">Ethical consumerism</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/animal_rights" title="Animal rights">animal rights</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/environmentalism" title="Environmentalism">environmentalism</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/freeganism" title="Freeganism">Freeganism</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/imitation_meat" title="Imitation meat">imitation meat</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/in_vitro_meat_1" title="In vitro meat">in vitro meat</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/raw_food_diet" title="Raw food diet">Living foods diet</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/vegan_organic_horticulture_and_agriculture" title="Vegan organic horticulture and agriculture">vegan organic horticulture and agriculture</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/veganic_gardening" title="Veganic gardening">veganic gardening</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/vegetarianism" title="Vegetarianism">vegetarianism</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://allwebhunt.com/wiki-article-tab.cfm/anarcho_punk" title="Anarcho-punk">anarcho-punk</A><p>
</li></ul><A NAME=""><H2>References</H2><p>
<A NAME=""><H3>Nutrition</H3>
<ul><li> Stephen Walsh <em>Plant Based Nutrition and Health</em>, The Vegan Society 2003, ISBN 0-907337-26-0 (paperback), ISBN 0-907337-27-9 (hardback).
</li><li> Gill Langley <em>Vegan Nutrition: a survey of research</em>, The Vegan Society 1988, ISBN 0-907337-15-5
</li></ul><A NAME=""><H3>Environmental issues</H3>
<ul><li> Prof. V. Smil, <em>Rationalizing Animal Food Production</em>, in <em>Feeding the World: A Challenge for the 21st Century</em>, MIT Press, London, 2000.  This provides evidence for the amount of grain required to raise livestock.
</li><li> C. de Haan, H. Steinfeld & H. Blackburn, <em>Livestock and the Environment: Finding a Balance</em> FAO, USAID, World Bank, 1998.  Provides evidence of environmental damage caused by animal farming, mainly factory farming.<p>
</li></ul><A NAME=""><H2>External links</H2><p>
<A NAME=""><H3>Vegan organizations</H3><p>
<ul><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganoutreach.org/" class="external">Vegan Outreach (US)</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.vegan.org/" class="external">Vegan Action</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.pcrm.org/" class="external">Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.vegansociety.com/" class="external">The Vegan Society (UK)</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.americanvegan.org/" class="external">The Vegan Society (US)</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.MCLveganway.org.uk" class="external">Movement For Compassionate Living</A><p>
</li></ul><A NAME=""><H3>Resources for vegans</H3><p>
<ul><li> <A HREF="http://www.vegguide.org" class="external">VegGuide.org <em> (online veg-friendly restaurant guide)</em></A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganlondon.freeserve.co.uk/eateries.htm" class="external">Vegan eateries in London</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.frugal.org.uk/recipes.html" class="external">Cheap vegan meals</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://isitvegan.info/" class="external">Is It Vegan? <em>(online database listing products suitable for vegans)</em></A><p>
</li></ul><A NAME=""><H3>Vegan essays online</H3><p>
<ul><li> <A HREF="http://www.vegsource.com/joanne/essays/index.htm" class="external">Essays by Joanne Stepaniak</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://pages.unisonfree.net/gburnett/essay/veganperm.htm" class="external">Veganism & permaculture</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/A970779" class="external">Vegan definition in the Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy (BBC)</A><p>
</li></ul><A NAME=""><H3>Nutrition</H3><p>
<ul><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganhealth.org/" class="external">VeganHealth.org</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganMD.org" class="external">Free online talks on vegan nutrition</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.vegansociety.com/html/food/nutrition/" class="external">The Vegan Society webpages on nutrition</A><p>
</li></ul><A NAME=""><H3>General</H3><p>
<ul><li> <A HREF="http://www.vegan.com/" class="external">Vegan.com</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.vegan.net/" class="external">Vegan.net</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganporn.com/" class="external">Vegan Porn</A> news for vegans (not a porn site)
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganica.com/" class="external">Vegan Arts and Artists</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganviews.org.uk/" class="external">Vegan Views</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganrepresent.com/" class="external">Vegan Represent</A> discussion forum for vegans
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.annonline.com/interviews/981112/" class="external">Interviews with Joanne Stepaniak</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganfestival.freeserve.co.uk/" class="external">National (UK) vegan festival</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganvillage.co.uk/" class="external">Vegan Village</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.imaner.net/panel/index.htm" class="external">Vegan Research panel</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.veganfamily.co.uk/" class="external">Vegan Family House</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://www.beyondveg.com/" class="external">Beyond Vegetarianism</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://getvegan.com/blog/blogger.php" class="external">Vegan Blog</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="http://hem.fyristorg.com/fruitarian/links.html" class="external">Fruitarian Links</A>
</li><li> <A HREF="h.