by Sarah Afshar

Created on: May 16, 2007   Last Updated: December 06, 2011

The difference between a vegetarian and vegan is "strictness" in eating habits. Vegans are more strict on a variety of wavelengths, as opposed to vegetarians because vegans avoid any food that has anything to do with an animal in general. Some theorists believe there is much more to contemplate on differences because most of the difference between vegetarianism and veganism has to do with ethics. Some individuals who are vegetarian have a specific reason for choosing the vegetarian route, whereas; individuals who choose the vegan route have more reasons for choosing the vegan lifestyle.

I'm a vegetarian (Lacto-ovo) and although I do not eat meat, I do eat eggs, dairy, and honey. I basically do not eat anything that has a head or once had a pulse. Unlike the Lacto-ovo, Lacto vegetarians do not eat meat, but also do not eat eggs. They do, however; consume dairy products and honey. Individual Ovo vegetarians do not consume meat, but also do not consume any dairy products. Ovo vegetarians do, however; eat eggs and honey. Vegans do not consume meat nor do they consume eggs, dairy, and honey.

Vegans are against animal testing more so than vegetarians are. Vegans are attracted to products not tested on animals and will not use a product tested on an animal, whereas; vegetarians have an acquired opinion on the animal products issue. Vegans will avoid a cosmetics company or any company that tests its products on animals, whereas; vegetarians won't avoid a cosmetic company because they test on animals (although, there are a few who do). Most vegetarians aren't opposed to wearing certain material that comes from animals. These materials can range from leather to fur and more. Keep in mind, some vegetarians are opposed, but not as much as vegans. Vegans believe in the faux persuasion and do not wear anything that is on an animal wavelength.

Individuals who tend to be vegetarian, as opposed to vegan, are more "silent" on the issue because they still do consume certain products that certain individuals consider to be a part of an animal, whereas; most vegans tend to spread radical activism. I have a great friend who is a vegan and she has never once forced her lifestyle upon anyone else, however; she's in the minority in terms of spreading vegan awareness. Although it's common, some theorists believe it can also be the other way around.

Some critics believe that vegetarian and veganism are both unethical, however; the same can be said about any eating habit, let alone lifestyle.

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