Being vegan does not mean eating perfect, or never consuming an animal product for the rest of your life.
In today's context, veganism is socio-economic anarchism in defense of animal and human lives. Even insect lives.
But it's just a consumer choice. It's expression. It's freedom.
It's saying "I will try to do better, despite the circumstances."
Every. Single. Day.
Every meal. Every purchase.
Every transaction, on or off the blockchain.
It's admitting that it will be difficult.
It's admitting imperfection from the start.
It's swearing off beliefs that humans have held for a very long time.
It's like adopting Bitcoin.
It means standing up to others.
It means making yourself vulnerable.
It means accepting your flaws aren't limited to your diet, but also expand to your awareness.
It also means it's not for everyone.
I choose to be vegan.
However, I make some exceptions. I cannot shop at a vegan grocery store, and I don't shop at local farmer's markets. I choose the local grocer chain over the national one. That's my most practical vegan choice. When I'm there I buy as many ethical options as possible to increase the demand for them. Sometimes I buy extra if it's a product I truly love. In response they continue to expand their options.
That grocer has a sushi vendor. There is nothing vegan about sushi, except the primary ingredient: rice. So I frequently request a vegan roll, which is labelled and sold as "imitation krab roll." at the full cost of a meat-based product.
I could pay for rice and nori sheets and fill it with vegetables. Sometimes I do. There's nothing ethical about the plastic waste derived from purchasing ready-to-eat sushi, or disposable bamboo chopsticks. Those things don't help the environment but I use them anyways, because it's convenient.
I recognize that I am putting convenience before nature.
I also recognize that I am supporting a vendor who brings a cultural benefit to the area. So even when there is no one present, I try to swing by and buy discounted rolls on Wednesdays, even if they include a type of fish. I remove the imitation crab meat out of my California rolls and I eat the strange shrimp mixture sometimes. That's all I can stomach.
I try to limit my consumption of store-bought sushi. Other than sushi, I do not consume meat or animal products, except when offered them for free. And that is becoming more rare the more I am honest with myself and others. However I do not like to waste food, even if it is not a vegan option.
I try to avoid supporting any industry or business that supports the killing or injuring of animals. Down to individuals that I share my time and Bitcoin and money and meals with. I encourage everyone to do better.
That is veganism. Do your best.
That is what anyone can encourage anyone else to do.
What happens when we put animals first? Every form of life is an innocent victim in the wake of mankind. Nature is harmonious, even inclusive of our savageness. We must learn to realize how destructive we are if we are to find peace.