In the most widely used understanding, plant-based refers specifically to nutrition, and vegan refers to a wider lifestyle choice that may include not only plant-based nutrition, but also the effort to avoid any animal-based products such as leather, animal tested personal hygiene products, etc. In terms of relationship, a vegan will enjoy a plant-based diet, however, a plant-based eater may not be a vegan. As may be clear, plant-based nutrition is an element of a vegan lifestyle.

Personally, I am cautious about the adaptation of any labels and rarely find the declaration “I am a vegan” adding value to a conversation or circumstance. My commitment is to live the best, healthiest, and least cruel life of which I am capable. Enjoying a nutrient rich, fiber dense delicious plant-based diet and to the best of my ability avoiding the use of product and services that exploit other beings is better demonstrated via my actions than it is through any public declaration of being this or that.

A certain humility accompanies the knowledge that regardless of what label adapted I can not draw a breath without the disruption and destruction of other beings.