I tend to use the word "vegan" as a shorthand. My food ethos is: - avoid letting any food go to waste (maybe the 3-C's?: consume, cook, compost) - never buy meat - rarely buy dairy or eggs (and only local/from friends) - try to eat local as much as possible - when a guest at someone's house, be willing to eat any food offered. For example, if I go out with people to a restaurant someone else doesn't finish their meal, I'll try to take it home for later (no matter the ingredients), but I would order as-vegan as the menu allows (therefore, I wouldn't go with someone unless I can get something of that sort.)