It’s Not About You, It’s About the Animals (and Why Good is Good)

Hey everyone, Litsa here.

If you’ve been following my posts, you already know that Dear Diary is a 100% plant-based coffee shop, and that we absorb a lot of extra costs behind the scenes to keep it that way. But today, I want to talk about the why behind that choice—and bust a few myths about veganism along the way.

From an environmental standpoint, there is simply no denying the data: switching to a plant-based diet is the single highest-impact choice the average person can make to protect the earth. Research shows it can cut dietary greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water pollution by up to 75% compared to meat-heavy diets.

But at Dear Diary, we don’t use those stats to lecture you at the register. Instead, we just focus on making it incredibly easy to "do vegan" without even thinking about it. We’ve built a complete, amazing menu of coffee shop beverages, pastries, and snacks at standard, non-vegan prices. Nothing is lacking, nothing feels like a sacrifice, and as a result, our mostly non-vegan clientele can enjoy a killer latte and pastry that just happens to be entirely kind to the planet.

Seeing the World a Little Differently

Personally, I am an ethical vegan. The reality of how animals are raised for meat and dairy is something that deeply, profoundly disturbs me. I’m horrified every time I think about it, and if I’m being completely transparent, I genuinely struggle to understand how the majority of the world is okay with blatant animal cruelty.

But over the years, I’ve realized that a strong desire to eat animal products isn't the only common human experience I don't quite share. I’m not religious, I’m asexual, and I barely even have a sense of smell!

I don’t think the majority of people are lying about their experiences; I’ve just come to realize that there are a few fundamental ways I perceive the world differently than others. Because of that, when people tell me that going completely vegan is just too hard for them, I choose to believe them. I don’t judge them. Instead, I just hope they will choose vegan options whenever they can—and I want food businesses like mine to lower the barrier so it’s a little easier to make that choice.

It’s Not a Judgment, It’s a Nightmare

We’ve all seen the defensive reactions people can have toward veganism. Especially once you step outside of the Austin bubble, there’s this pervasive idea that vegans are constantly looking down their noses, judging everyone else's plate.

Sure, maybe that’s true of a few people some of the time. But for the vast majority of us? It’s not that deep.

Vegans are just people who are genuinely, deeply heartbroken by animal cruelty. We can’t bring ourselves to eat or buy animal products because it quite literally gives us nightmares. Our choice isn't a performance meant to make you feel bad; it's just our way of navigating a world we find deeply troubling. It’s not about you—it’s about the animals.

"Good is Good"

I really wish people would stop viewing veganism as an aggressive political stance and start seeing it for what it actually is: just a sweet, gentle thing to do.

There are so many ways to put good energy out into the world and practice charity. Shifting toward a plant-based diet is one incredible way to have a massive positive impact. But so is donating to non-profits, volunteering at local shelters, or looking out for your neighbors.

At the end of the day, good is good. You don't have to be perfect to make a difference. Whether you're fully vegan, trying Meatless Mondays, or just stopping by Chicon Street to drink an oat milk latte because it tastes amazing, you are contributing to a kinder ecosystem. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Warmly,

Litsa