Codex of vegan ethics

The vegan ethics codex that was developed by Stanley M. Saponi, was first published in The Vegan Sourcebook mentioning basic principles of vegan lifestyle, followed by some examples of how vegans apply these principles in everyday life:

* Vegans are sensitive to instances of suffering, therefore vegans reject actions that cause emotional pain to mobile living beings, whether animals or humans, either intentionally or unconsciously.
* Vegans value unity of all life forms, therefore, vegans try to avoid conscious destruction of vegetation and the exploitation of natural environment in a way that endangers the local and global ecosystems.
* Vegans condemn the violence, therefore, vegans try to solve the physical and social challenges in thoughtful, kind, compassionate, considerate and fair manner.
* Vegans are spreading general principles of solidarity, therefore, vegans strive to active welfare, taking part in humanitarian actions and acts of mercy.

There are several ways in which vegans have shown their commitment to this code of ethics: they are choosing only plant foods, denying their economic and moral support to companies that are exploiting or abusing animals or humans, choosing materials and products that do not destroy and do not disrupt the emotional lives of beings; actively reject use of living things as tools or materials for education, research, entertainment or other utilitarian purposes, trying to resolve the conflict by means of understanding, respect and non-violent methods. Their approaches to veganism vary just like vegans themselfs. There is no best way to become a vegan. It all depends on your level of commitment and motivation, as well on which manner is most comfortable to you. For many people, once they discover the reality behind their diet and become more aware of the widespread use of animal products in other areas of everyday life, is not left no choice but to make a quick and total change to veganism. Other people prefer a slower change that allows them to try the water before they jump into it.