"Vegan" - what exactly is it, now that I think about it?

Hello! This is Ann from LOVST TOKYO.

I know this is sudden, but the brand name LOVST TOKYO actually embodies the message of "spreading a culture from TOKYO that prioritizes (1ST) loving (LOve) and diverse (Vegan/Variety) ways of thinking."

Recently, the word "vegan" has become quite common in various places, but I'm sure many of you might be wondering, "What exactly is this philosophy, and when did it originate?"

So today, on World Vegan Day, I'd like to talk about "veganism," which is one of the core principles of our brand.

 

 

Is "Vegan" just someone who eats only vegetables?

 

The term "vegan" originally derives from the word "veganism."

"Veganism" is the philosophy that "humans should live without exploiting animals as far as is practicable."

Born in the UK in the 1940s, "veganism" gradually updated its definition, and the current definition has been in use since 1988.

While "vegans" are often thought of as "people who only eat vegetables," a closer look reveals that the term "strict vegetarian" is nowhere in its definition.

Therefore, "vegan" is more accurately understood as "someone who, as far as practicable, makes choices in all aspects of their lifestyle that avoid animal exploitation."

However, naturally, people who live by "veganism" choose a dietary lifestyle that does not involve animal sacrifice, so that aspect tends to stand out, leading to them often being described as "strict vegetarians."

We develop vegan leather products, and this reflects our desire to align with the vegan philosophy that animals should not be sacrificed for fashion.

 

 

The recent rise of "Climatarians"

 

On the other hand, there are also people who are currently serious about the global environment and live a life avoiding animal products.

Recently, such people are apparently called "climatarians," a term derived from "climate"!

For "climatarians," the most important thing is to strive for a lifestyle with a lower environmental impact.

As a result, it is said that many tend to avoid animal-based foods, which have particularly high greenhouse gas emissions, and opt for a plant-based diet.

 

 

The significance of LOVST TOKYO developing "vegan products"

 

While "vegans" and "climatarians" have different motivations, they are often discussed together because they both ultimately strive for a plant-based lifestyle.

And we strongly empathize with and wish to respect the philosophy of "vegans" and "climatarians" who are acting with consideration for animals and the environment.

Therefore, we want to become a brand that people reach for first when they decide, "Let's stop sacrificing animals for fashion" or "Let's stop using leather products that contribute to animal husbandry."

 

 

Why "plant-based" vegan leather?

 

While many "vegan leather = synthetic leather" products already exist in the market, LOVST TOKYO is committed to "plant-based vegan leather."

The reason for this is also connected to the "fashion that sacrifices neither animals nor the environment" that I've been discussing.

We don't believe that "simply not using animal products is enough."

Plant-based vegan leather is more environmentally friendly because it uses fewer petroleum-derived raw materials than traditional vegan leather.

By offering plant-based vegan leather items, including high-quality "apple leather," we aim to expand fashion choices that are considerate of both animals and the environment!

 

 

LOVST TOKYO's Initiatives

 

At LOVST TOKYO, in addition to selling vegan products, we are also advancing initiatives to create a better future for the planet.

For example, our original point system, "LT-SEED," allows accumulated points to be donated to organizations that carry out tree-planting activities.

Furthermore, shopping points that exceed their one-year validity period are automatically donated to tree-planting organizations.

As a result, last year (2022), we not only achieved our goal of "zero CO2 emissions in product manufacturing" but were ultimately able to make it negative.

 

Click here for the Carbon Offsets Report

 

We also make donations to NPOs that facilitate the adoption of rescued cats and dogs, and to sanctuaries.

During the recent "World Animal Day campaign," we were able to donate 28,649 yen to Honey's Sanctuary!

Thank you very much to everyone who supported us.

 

 

Aiming for a future that sacrifices neither the Earth nor animals

 

Today, I revisited the topic of "What is veganism?"

I hope this has helped you better understand the term "vegan," which has become increasingly common!

Moving forward, LOVST TOKYO aims to continue providing fashion options that allow those who are taking action for the future of animals and the global environment to enjoy fashion more comfortably.

We are always eager to hear feedback from our users, such as "We'd love to see more initiatives like this!", so please feel free to contact us!