Vegans/Vegetarians that smoke

I have a problem with this, but I realize it could be because I don't completely understand everything about being veggie, since I am not (I eat mostly veggie, but that's because I'm not good at cooking meat)...  See, I was under the impression that most (I am NOT generalizing to ALL) veggies/vegans were concerned for animal welfare and the planet in general and that smoking is harmful not only to yourself, but to the planet (from the smoke and the garbage the butts/packages/wrappings produce) but to the animals as well (quality of air, them eating the butts, etc).  As for the ones who choose this lifestyle for health reasons, the contradiction is obvious to me.

I was therefore wondering what you all out there in this forum thought about this topic, if you could provide me with some non-contradictory reasoning behind it that does not involve the «it's hard to quit» reason.  I'm certain that it is (I am a non-smoker, so I can't say that I know from experience), but I find it's a cop-out and while I've heard it many times and it could be very true, it doesn't necessarily make it right....  But again, if that REALLY is your one and ONLY reason, I'd like to hear the reasoning behind it.

I also want to make clear that while I have my own views and judgements about this, I wanted to hear the reasoning from someone else's perspective.  I find this important to learnor about others and to see someone else's point of view.  And perhaps there are many out there like me who are mostly veggies because they either can't afford meat/don't know how to cook it, so perhaps they might not care about animals/health/pollution/etc...  I'm not here to poke fun at people or lay blame, but we all have our opinions.  I've voiced mine, now I'd like to hear yours.

Thanks!

I think you'd find that most vegetarians and vegans are rather more health-conscious than the general population... but there are some that aren't.   So I would expect, in a poll, that you'd find vegetarians/vegans are also more likely to be non-smokers than smokers, although not exclusively.   Vegetarianism and ecological considerations also often go hand in hand but, again,  it's not mandatory.   Even the most principled, ethical and intelligent of people can be swayed by peer-pressure and take up smoking.  (Many doctors smoke and they're in the best position to see the damage caused, let's face it.)  And once the habit's formed, usually in the teenage years, it's notoriously tough to kick. 

Bigger picture... there are 'shades of green' when it comes to the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle.  The isinglass in a bottle of wine won't bother one person but the next will be offended if a pig has hunted for truffles.   In other words, vegetarians/vegans do not universally subscribe to a homogeneous set of rules beyond a few well-known basics.  For some it's purely a dietary choice, for others it's an all-encompassing belief-system. &nb sp;Tobacco is a vegetable... vegetarians/vegans are individuals..... beyond that, it's down to personal interpretation!

Hi,

You bring a question that I have never seen and I apprciate something new to think about.

I have smoked for 17 years, I have been vegetarian for 2 1/2 and I am also an emotionl eater. When I first became vegetarian it was by pure accident. I could no longer turn to my normal comfort foods. All I had left for a vice was smoking. Call it weak if you must, I admit it, I can only be so strong in life.

Yes it is hard to stop smoking. I have heard that it is more addictive than Heroin. I have tried to stop NUMEROUS times. Once for two whole years and I started smoking again, stupid I know!!

It never took any will power for me to become vegetarian. I actully tried to eat meat and just could not do it.  When I smell my hubby cooking juicy ribs, I salivate. I tried to eat a piece of steak and ended up vomiting.

Bottom line is mind over matter. It takes a persons whole conscoius to change what they do. There are many schools of theroy on how it happens, but I do not feel like getting into philosophy at this time.

Yeah, I want to be healthy and stop smoking. I think that calorie count has motivated me to watch my portions and calorie intake which in turn makes me want to exercise which in turn will help me stop smoking.

Who WANTS to smoke it is disgusting and makes you feel gross.

Does that help any??

..... by that logic, vegans & vegetarians shouldn't drive cars either.

My mom smoked for over 20 years and just stopped cold turkey and has been smoke free for 9 years now, I think. She said her cravings are similar to cravings for sweets and it passes if you don't focus on it. She did gain weight though. But I suspect she used to smoke instead of eat... so now she eats instead of smoking.

Since tobacco is a vegetable, smoking seems like a good fit for the lifestyle. And regarding the interest most v*gans have in hemp products, well, if the shoe fits....

your logic seems very narrow to me. I don't eat meat because I don't want to partake in a system that perpetuates animal cruelty, but at the same time, I understand the essential need to have cheap, available food for our cities' massive populations, especially in areas of low income and urban food deserts. So I accept chickens living in tiny cages as an inevitable consequence of our society. But I choose to recuse myself from it. Do I think that the majority of other people should be doing the same thing? yes. but I also think that we should pay real-market prices for gas, so I'm not really much a bleeding heart on a philosophical level.

I also smoke occasionally, because I love tastes. I love cooking, I love flavors in food, I love smells in clothes and perfumes. I love beers and vodkas and gins. I also love cigarettes. they are tasty. I understand how a lot of non-smokers and ex-smokers can not conceive of this, but I tell you here and now that the pack of Yannans that I brought back from China with me are totally and completely delicious. They are like a fine wine brought back from France. Except way cheaper. I do not, however, think meat is tasty. I have tried to start eating meat again. I just dont like it.

By the by, I also don't drive, for reasons of general planetary and social welfare. I sold my car a few years ago and I have not regretted it a single day since. I think people who drive aren't trying hard enough, and are dependant on a really unfortunate system of consumption.

 

So, thats me. I like to eat a gallon of kale, ride my bike to the bar, have a pint and a smoke, then come back home and start the bread rising for tomorrow morning. Those are my opinons and biases. Those are my choices.

I don't expect many other people to agree with me on any of them, let alon ALL of them. To assume that someone who feels one way about vegetarianism necessarily feels one way about say smoking or drinking or anything else is based on the assumption that everyone chose vegetarianism for the same reasons you did. or that everyone regards smoking in the same way that you do. life is complex and people are unique. If the contradiction seems obvious to you, which I beleive it does, that is only proof of the contradiction as these ideas are conceived of in your own mind.

i don't see how smoking is hypocritical to a view of anti-animal cruelty at all... unless you feed your butts to your cat. i think you are confusing vegetarianism/veganism with the whole green concept.. eating completely healthily, thinking green.. reducing carbon footprint etc.. you could say this about a green freak who smokes.. but not a vege/vegan

got all my answers, thanks!  you keep on posting if you want...  but i'm good with what i got :)

If you care about animals and smoke at least smoke cigarettes that are not tested on animals like American Spirits. I don't know of any others. And dispose of your butts responsibly. Thanks;) (Former smoker of 16 years and vegetarian for almost 14 years)

If a person is vegetarian for religious reasons, or if they grew up in a vegetarian home... they may not have a problem with smoking. Even someone that needs to be vegetarian for health reasons, may still smoke (provided the smoking doesn't affect their health at the present time, they may chose to ignore the future problems smoking can cause).

I'm not whole-out vegetarian, because I still eat fish and some seafood.  Therefore, I'm considered a pescetarian (pesco, for short).  I didn't do this because I'm against animal cruelty (though,  I'm certainly not for it).  I happened upon this to fit a certain diet that I need... which requires high proteins and fiber and low iron and soluable fats... being a pescetarian just kind of boiled into the perfect diet for me.

I don't like that people give most animals less-than-suitable means of raising, as well as giving them countless chemicals to boost their growth (another reason I don't eat most meats... all those damn steroids! I don't want chest hair at 35...), I also don't like that there are children IN MY OWN COUNTRY (USA) who are starving and without clothes and shelter.. but I mean, does that mean I have to deprive myself of clothes, shelter and food as well?  I don't think so, but I'm sure someone out there would disagree.

I also smoke.  However, I've abandoned smoking filtered, pre-rolled cigarettes.  I'm just not into the whole fiberglass-in-my-lungs thing.  I prefer rolling tobacco, and making my own cigarettes.  Not only is there less pollutants in it (at least to my knowledge) but I feel better when and after I smoke it.  I don't get that dizzy, itchy feeling inside me (first time smokers should know what I'm talking about) and I feel less stressed and can think clearly.  Having some form of ADD, this quick relief to a million thoughts in a minute is all I really need.

Since I'm a light weight, I also don't have to smoke that often, either.  I also don't like smoking filtered since it makes it hard for me to exercise, but the rolling tobacco doesn't affect me as far as cardio and strenght training.

Original Post by angel97202:

If you care about animals and smoke at least smoke cigarettes that are not tested on animals like American Spirits. I don't know of any others. And dispose of your butts responsibly. Thanks;) (Former smoker of 16 years and vegetarian for almost 14 years)

agreed!!!!

I am a smoker, and not proud of it. I know you didn't want to hear cop out reasoning for smoking; the truth is I'm selfish.  I have a very addictive personality, and have been sneaking cigarettes and smoking since middle school. I've been smoking so long that I don't even remember what it feels like not to smoke. I am about to receive a degree in psychology, and I know I don't want to become an MD someday, who sneaks out for a cigarette. As far as being vegetarian, there are more animal tests that are conducted to get people to quit, by showing smokers the effects it causes on animals, and therefore themselves. I have been vegetarian since I was sixteen, and I probably will continue to smoke much longer. One day I hope to quit, but it really makes quiting less appealing when others try to convince you that you are horrible for smoking. I don't walk up to over-weight people, and make them aware of their self-destruction. I'm pretty sure they are aware, as am I with smoking. I could harrass everyone who buys overly packaged food that is non biodegradable waste, and let them know that they are destroying the planet as well, but of course I won't. I smoke outside, dispose of my butts correctly, and attempt to quit at least every six months. Some of us suffer from bad habits, and I hope you don't have to hear about your bad habits rigorously. 

P.S. I am not vegetarian soley for my own health, made obvious that I smoke. I am vegetarian to save an animals life. I make sure when I smoke to not blow it directly in an animals face as well. That would defeat my purpose in being vegetarian.

I am smoker and a vegetarian, and I have to say that anyone addicted to anything is never happy with that substance. I don't smoke to inhale ash, I smoke because my addiction is stronger than my desire/will to quit at this moment.

I agree with the other person pointing out the faulty logic in the question. I also have been an ex-smoker; during times when my friends and family smoked and I did not, my mind oscillated between feeling superior to them or feeling irate.

If your question was meant as a way to get answers that may motivate your friends to quit, or for you to stay quit, I think it's a good intention but no one quits for anyone but their self. I congratulate you on your quit! Stay strong. It's not so much the act of stopping, the week of pain or the first couple months of relief -- it's remembering all that so you can continue to stay smoke-free.

Why is it that people always seem out to attack vegetarians? But you wear leather?!!! You're vegan and you eat sugar???!!!!!!! Plastic's actually an animal product!!!!! That's not mosquito-killer, is it????????? People take things to the limits they feel are right for them and even something as small as eating meat for one meal a day rather than two makes a difference. I'm not criticising the OP here, but it's as if once you start to care at all then you're a complete hypocrite and more in the wrong than those who just don't give a **** - which surely can't be right!