Short answers, pulled from the story.
The word vegan was invented by Donald Watson and Dorothy Morgan in November 1944. Watson, secretary of the Leicester branch of the Vegetarian Society, launched a newsletter called The Vegan News and formed the word from "the first three and last two letters of 'vegetarian'." According to Joanne Stepaniak, vegan first appeared in print independently in 1962 in the Oxford Illustrated Dictionary.
Since 1988, the Vegan Society defines veganism as "a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude -- as far as is possible and practicable -- 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, humans and the environment." A 2021 study found this to be the most popular definition among vegans.
The most documented risk is vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause blood disorders and potentially irreversible neurological damage. B12 deficiency has been found in up to 80% of vegans in some Asian countries. Vegans may also be at risk of low bone mineral density, and the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics flags omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc as nutrients requiring special attention.
A 2018 study found that global adoption of plant-exclusive diets would reduce agricultural land use by 76% and cut total global greenhouse gas emissions by 28%. A 2023 study published in Nature Food found a vegan diet reduces emissions, water pollution, and land use by 75%, reduces wildlife destruction by 66%, and cuts water use by 54%. The German Society for Nutrition notes that a vegan diet can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 70-80%.
Yes. In 2020, a UK employment tribunal ruled that the Equality Act 2010 protects ethical veganism as a philosophical belief. The ruling covers veganism that extends beyond diet to all areas of life and is motivated by concern for animals. As a result, vegan prisoners must receive nutritionally adequate vegan meals and appropriate vegan clothing.
The U.S. vegan food market was valued at $3.9 billion in 2017 and grew to $8.1 billion by 2023. Plant-derived meat sales in the U.S. grew 37% between 2017 and 2019, and since 2017 more than 12,500 chain restaurant locations have begun offering Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods products.