We’re continuing our series meeting members of the Vegan Network, from the vegan veterans to the veggie-curious (we’re a very inclusive bunch). This time round, it’s the turn of network co-chair Andy Tipp.

What do you do at Suffolk County Council?

I’m the council’s Lead Content Designer, and I manage our Digital Content Team. We coordinate content and users on our web platform Contensis, primarily the main Suffolk County Council website suffolk.gov.uk. Our focus is to improve the user experience of our online information and services by making them clearer, simpler and easier to use.

How long have you been vegan?

I’ve been vegan since the start of 2021 when I took part in Veganuary.

What was the transition to veganism like?

Before going vegan I was vegetarian for three years. But looking back I can see that was sort of all one long transition to veganism. During that phase, I swapped out animal products for plant-based alternatives one by one, to the point where Veganuary was basically just giving up cheese. It was like building up to the final boss level of a video game.

Why did you go vegan?

I used to be an enthusiastic omnivore. I thought my animal products came from a good place, and that I was making ethical choices like free range and high welfare. But I came to learn that the reality of animal farming was very different to the wholesome marketing I’d been exposed to all my life.

The reality is that much of our meat, dairy and eggs come from factory farming, where animals lead short, unnatural lives and suffer. And even the ones who aren’t intensively farmed will end up at the slaughterhouse, where many will die in pain, fear and distress.

We don’t want to believe any of this, and our cognitive biases will fight against it. But the fact is that modern animal agriculture in the UK is cruel and inhumane. And even if it wasn’t, I’ve come to believe that it’s unethical to systematically exploit and kill animals if we can avoid it. If it’s practically possible to be healthy on a plant-based diet and avoid animal products, how can we justify the cruelty and suffering inflicted by animal farming?

Ultimately, I’ve come to adopt veganism as an ethical philosophy as I believe that all sentient life has some baseline moral value. I believe that it’s wrong to treat sentient beings as a commodity and harm them unless it’s absolutely necessary. I went vegan because I believe sentient beings deserve respect, empathy and compassion.

What sort of challenges have you faced as a vegan?

Going vegan is a different challenge for everyone. For me it took time to adapt, and to feel confident in what I was doing – both from an ethical standpoint and the practical day-to-day of cooking, shopping and everything else. In a way, it’s an ongoing learning process.

A lot of people think that adjusting to a vegan diet will be really difficult and restrictive. But my personal experience is that it’s not as hard as you might think. My top tip is to expand your horizons and cook food where a lot of the flavour comes from spices and seasonings and meat isn’t a focal point of the meal.

How do you approach veganism with others?

My default approach is to be empathetic, non-judgemental and get along with people. Everyone starts somewhere on their vegan journey, and I try to encourage people to find out the reality of where their animal products come from and decide for themselves how they feel about it.

If people want a debate, I’m often happy to oblige if they’re acting in good faith. That’s where we might get into some harsh truths and I’ll challenge them. But generally my personality is non-confrontational and I try to avoid conflict with people – especially if you work with them, it’s important to remember you’re professionals and colleagues.

What does it mean to you to be part of the vegan network?

The most difficult thing about veganism for me is that it can feel a bit isolating having views that are very different to most people.

That’s why the Vegan Staff Network is such a great concept: whether you’re vegan already, transitioning to veganism or simply curious about it, the network is a resource that’ll offer support, advice and encouragement without judgement. Our mission is to promote veganism within the workplace in a positive, inclusive and empowering way. Everyone is welcome, no matter where you are in your journey.

I’ve personally found it incredibly beneficial to be part of the network, and to have access to that support when I need it, for example by posting questions and reading responses on our Teams site. It reminds you that you’re not alone in your beliefs, and there’s a community of people there to help you.

Further information

• Meet the co-chairs of the Vegan Staff Network.
• Learn more about our network, and how to get involved.
• If you’d like to get in touch, use our contact form or email vegannetwork@suffolk.gov.uk.