Today marks three years vegan. Woo Woo! Except, I’m a bad vegan.. a faux vegan in some circles as I haven’t followed the vegan lifestyle to a tee.
While I eat a vegan diet at home, I won’t shy away from the fact that when we’ve traveled I’ve indulged outside of my daily diet. I’ve enjoyed cheeses in Paris, some fish by the ocean in Mexico, dairy filled dishes in India and honesty time, when the cravings are a little too real and I don’t have the will, I sneak the occasional chocolate bar… What a fraud, eh? Truth be told, I’m more ‘plant-based’ than vegan, but not everyone is familiar with the term. Essentially my diet is plant-based (vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruits) with no animal products and I try to steer clear of processed foods as best I can.
The last time I had a cheeky sneak of something non-plant-based/vegan it didn’t sit well with me – both physically speaking (yuck) and emotionally. I’m starting to see things a bit differently and wanting to have a bigger impact.
When I’m shopping I don’t typically think about my purchases from a vegan lens. I tend to look at price points or ease of use. For example, last year I needed to get a new pair of sneakers that would fit my orthotics and after trying on shoe after shoe after shoe I found a pair that would work and bought them without thinking. I still use leather products that I bought/was gifted years ago and feel a bit like a fraud when I’m out, especially when we’re at a vegan restaurant and I’m sporting my leather bag. I’m not much of a shopper, so when I do buy something, I want to use it until it can’t be used anymore.
My habits are starting to change. The other day I was looking down at my feet and could see my big toe popping out through the fabric in my shoe with my cobalt blue nail polish waving hello. The shoes had treated me well for a couple years but it was time to say goodbye. While I was out for a walk (now that I can do that! #thanksrollie) the local family run shoe store caught my eye. I made my way in and my eyes went straight for the Birkenstocks. The shop owner started talking to me and suggested Birks for me as they are very supportive. So, for the first time when shopping, I said: “I’m actually trying to avoid purchasing leather products.” He let me know that they carried the synthetic shoes which and actually part of the vegan line… so I bought them up.
I’m not perfect but the guilt is getting to be a bit too real for me especially since watching Okja on Netflix… (so good, have you watched it yet?!) I’m looking to make a change. I want to educate myself more on the regular products that I purchase and which brands are best to support while also placing a focus on making second-hand purchases when and where possible. Anyways, thank goodness for the internet and having great resources at our fingertips and here’s to another three years!

Well done Sacha! I recently saw a roundtable on the BBC talking about how more people are becoming Vegan in Britain and one couple who recently made the switch said that it was watching Okja that was the turning point. I think that movie will motivate a number of people to become vegan or vegan-ish. And I agree – it’s an excellent movie!
Thanks, Fiona! I’ll have to find that discussion and check it out. Hope you’re doing well!
Hi Sweety.
I don’t think I should watch Okja, I could fall off the Meat Wagon!!….
Lol! I’m sure you had your fill in Iceland! Time to add some veggies to your life 🙂
Congrats on three years vegan. I’ve just recently hit the two year mark and I feel the same way when I sport certain clothing items that I have had for YEARS that aren’t vegan. I would just feel wasteful throwing them away when I don’t make much money as it is and to be able to replace everything all at once would be impossible. So I’m just taking it one item at a time as they reach the end of their life. But I do totally relate with going to a vegan restaurant and forgetting that I’m wearing my leather boots that just haven’t quite reached their end yet.
Thank you and congratulations to you too! I’m totally of the mindset that I want to let things be used until they can’t be used anymore and being more aware of my purchases moving forward! Good luck with your journey!