There are an estimated quarter million vegans in the UK alone - and we all have different reasons for not eating meat, milk or eggs. For most people, it's a way of not contirbuting to the suffering of other animals; for others it's about following a healthy diet to help them live a longer, more enjoyable life. More and more people are beginning to realise that veganism is a more environmentally friendly diet - and one that wastes less land, water and food.

You're sure to have your own reasons for choosing a vegan diet, but it never hurts to find out more. So have a browse around - you never know, you might discover a whole new reason for being vegan!

The vast majority of farmed animals spend their brief lives in cramped, distressing conditions. Their close confinement and the overworking of their bodies lead to increased susceptibility to injury and disease. They are reared on an unnatural diet designed to increase productivity and many undergo various painful and traumatic procedures.

Giving up meat is a step in the right direction - why not take the next step?

Dairy cows and laying hens are amongst the most ill treated of all farmed animals. With their bodies viewed as no more than factories for food production, they are often overworked and neglected. When they have been worked to the point of exhaustion, they end their days in the same way as those raised solely for the meat trade - no farm animal can avoid the slaughterhouse.

GO VEGAN!