Glossary

An enclosure, commonly 2 feet wide with slatted wooden or grated flooring in which calves raised for veal are confined for their entire lives (typically 16 to 20 weeks). The size of the crate restricts movement, thereby preventing muscle development, accelerating weight gain, and increasing economic efficiency.

The official definition for vegan – as per the British Vegan Society – is “ways of living that seek to exclude, as far as is possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.” My attitude toward veganism has evolved over the last 30 years. I now see living the vegan way of life as a journey. I used to think of it as a destination. My vegan lifestyle hasn’t changed much throughout this time but my perspective has. Thinking about veganism as a journey with no ultimate destination helps me with the everyday challenge of living a vegan life. Because I know animal products are in everything and animal exploitation is everywhere, I do not set myself the unobtainable goal of being a 100 percent vegan. On a practical level, my partner and I run a vegan house. The food we buy is always vegan and we’re trying to increase the amount of organic products that we buy. We also buy whenever possible non-animal tested household cleaning and personal care products. Certainly, purchasing the latter is easier than the former. But we’re also renovating an inner city row house. There is no doubt that throughout this process (16 years and counting!) we’ve bought – and continue to buy – products testing on animals and possibly containing animal ingredients or have been animal tested (e.g., paint, wood stripper, acid to clean brick, glue, stain, varnish). When it comes to things like fabric, upholstery and carpets, we’ve always opted for the vegan option. Traveling is also another dilemma. Sometimes it’s relatively easy. This is when it’s possible to be in control of what you’re consuming and it’s possible to know whether it’s vegan or not. Other times it’s impossible to know. These situations always have to be judged on their individual merits. In short, I don’t want to be a slave to my veganism. I want my compassionate (and grumpy) vegan lifestyle to free as many animals and people as possible.