The Origin of "Vegan Levels" and Their Meaning
While not an official designation, the idea of "levels of veganism" arose from conversations in the vegan community around 2015, largely in response to public figures adopting a 'vegan' diet while still using non-food animal products. The framework acknowledges that a commitment to veganism can be a process, and that motivation often evolves over time. Instead of a black-and-white rulebook, the levels offer a more nuanced perspective on the stages of transitioning to a lifestyle that seeks to exclude animal exploitation entirely. The framework recognizes that individuals may begin their journey for different reasons—health, environment, or ethics—and their commitment may deepen as they learn and adapt.
What Defines a Level 2 Vegan?
A Level 2 vegan occupies a transitional space in their journey. Their primary motivation often begins with health benefits, such as seeking better fitness or specific dietary improvements. However, at this stage, they are also becoming more aware and passionate about animal welfare. This heightened ethical consideration distinguishes them from a Level 1 vegan, who is almost exclusively driven by health goals and may occasionally make dietary exceptions. The distinguishing characteristic of a Level 2 is the blend of these two motivations: a diet-centric approach coupled with an emerging, but not yet fully integrated, ethical philosophy.
Motivation: A Blend of Health and Ethics
The journey of a Level 2 vegan is a compelling example of how personal priorities can shift. They enthusiastically embrace the culinary aspects of a vegan diet, often experimenting with new recipes and learning to cook exclusively plant-based foods. For them, the decision to avoid meat, dairy, and eggs is both a personal health choice and a conscious step towards a more compassionate lifestyle. The health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and improved wellbeing, are significant drivers. Simultaneously, they become more sensitized to the ethical implications of animal agriculture, a step that often leads to further exploration of vegan principles. This dual motivation makes the Level 2 phase a dynamic and educational period.
Navigating Non-Dietary Veganism
One of the defining features of a Level 2 vegan is the disparity between their dietary choices and their non-food consumer habits. While they strictly avoid animal products in their meals, they may still use or possess items derived from animals. This isn't due to a lack of conviction but often a lack of awareness or practicality in their earlier stages. Examples include:
- Clothing: Wearing leather shoes, belts, or using silk or wool products bought before their vegan transition.
- Accessories: Using handbags, wallets, or other items made with leather.
- Cosmetics and Household Products: Using products that were unknowingly tested on animals or contain hidden animal-derived ingredients.
- Entertainment: Supporting activities like zoos or circuses, which later may conflict with a more developed ethical stance.
This inconsistency is a key part of the learning curve. As their ethical consciousness grows, a Level 2 vegan typically begins to research alternatives and replace these items over time, a process that moves them closer to a more comprehensive ethical veganism.
Level 2 Vegan vs. Other Vegan Lifestyles
To better understand the place of a Level 2 vegan, it is useful to compare it with other vegan and plant-based approaches. This highlights the unique combination of motivations and practices that define this stage.
| Feature | Level 2 Vegan | Dietary / Plant-Based | Ethical Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Motivation | Health first, with emerging ethical concerns. | Primarily health-focused, with ethics being a secondary or minor factor. | Primarily ethical; opposes all animal exploitation. |
| Scope | Diet is strictly plant-based; non-dietary items may still contain animal products. | Strictly focused on diet; no consideration for non-food items. | All-encompassing lifestyle; avoids animal products in food, clothing, cosmetics, etc.. |
| Dietary Adherence | Follows a vegan diet consistently, with rare or no slip-ups. | Follows a plant-based diet, sometimes allowing small amounts of animal products (e.g., honey). | Strictly avoids all animal-derived foods and ingredients. |
| Ethical Awareness | Growing awareness of animal cruelty; may not be fully informed on all aspects of animal exploitation. | Limited ethical awareness regarding animal products beyond food; non-ethical justifications are primary. | Comprehensive understanding and opposition to animal exploitation across all industries. |
| Activism | May participate in conversations online or share vegan content. | Not typically involved in animal rights activism. | Often actively involved in activism, protests, or education campaigns. |
Transitioning Beyond Level 2
The Level 2 phase is not the end of the road for most. As their ethical awareness deepens, they will naturally begin to align their actions with their values more consistently. This involves a conscious effort to research and replace non-vegan items in their life. The journey from Level 2 to Level 3 (or full ethical veganism) is marked by a deliberate expansion of vegan principles from the kitchen to all areas of consumption. Many who make this transition find a stronger sense of purpose and consistency in their actions. The support of the vegan community, which offers resources for finding ethical products and navigating social challenges, can be invaluable during this stage. For inspiration, resources like The Vegan Society offer a wealth of information on the history and evolution of ethical veganism, providing context for this ongoing journey.
Conclusion: A Step on the Vegan Journey
While the concept of a "Level 2 vegan" is informal, it provides a meaningful framework for understanding the process of adopting a compassionate lifestyle. It represents a crucial transitional phase where a health-focused, plant-based diet is supplemented by an emerging ethical consciousness. It is a period of learning, growth, and increasing commitment. This stage is a testament to the fact that veganism is not always an instantaneous switch, but often a gradual, evolving journey toward a more mindful and compassionate way of living. Embracing this process, rather than adhering to rigid labels, allows individuals to progress at their own pace while reducing harm along the way.
