Do you know anything about Kosher law? It's so far above and beyond anything vegan, extending far beyond foods. Yet people abide by that because it is their belief
No I don't, but a quick Google suggests that while somewhat rigid, conventions deliver genuine benefits to practitioners, including personal integrity from one's duty before God. Most would argue that's not what veganism delivers.
I'm pointing out that for veganism to work, we have to have alternatives for animal sourced products and services. That's included in the definition and was an important early observation by the founders of veganism. It's specifically why Cross developed a plant-based milk. As he noted, "But whatever one's personal feelings, milk is now woven into the fabric of living. The cup of tea, the cooking... doing without milk raises not only questions of diet, but social problems as well. Something is needed to help those willing to face the need for change."
Well - there are Many alternatives to dairy products so that issue has been Resolved!
For sure, I'm pointing out that finding/developing alternatives is what allows vegan principles to be applied. If eating animals has always been part of helping humans thrive, then finding ways to thrive without eating animals demands we find alternatives. Which for most of us today, has depended on the evolution of the agricultural sector and the advent of global supply chains and local outlets. But when alternatives are not available, as is the case in quite a few contexts, it's not inherently wrong to eat animal-sourced foods to survive. Sure, that isn't likely to be the case very often for people in Western countries, but it might be quite different elsewhere. Same with all the other ways we make use of animals today.
