So there's just basically no point behind it, just kind of a "just because I want to" thing? hmm, ok.
Does consume mean ingest or can it be more liberally interpretted to include general use of things like leather, furs, etc?
No, the point is to avoid needless death of animals. Strictly speaking, they can't injest animals, but, like somebody else said, vegans typically won't use animal products either.
SO, basically, they can't eat anything from restaurants, they can't use cars, they can't wear wool, they can't eat some crops (I know some stuff around here is fertilized with animal crap), they can't have pets...wow, this sounds really hard.
Whatever I guess
Some restaurants cater to vegans. There are a number of them in my city.
Certain kinds of cars are ok. I don't think oil/gas count as animal products. That, I can level with.
You're correct that they don't wear wool.
They generally eat organically grown food. That means no pesticides, and stuff like that.
I'm not sure about pets, I should ask him that one day. But you are probably correct.
Yes, it's hard. And I have a ton of respect for them.
Today's market place allows for everyone to almost not eat real food and still be alive...provided you pop enough of the right pills.
Again, vegans go for natural. That is, avoiding chemicals. You can get the proper nutrients from the proper plants and herbs, as long as you know what you're doing.