I avoid dairy, but it shows up in a lot of unexpected places so I give myself some leeway with micro-ingredients. Why? Because it's more effort than I'm willing to put in. I know that won't be a satisfactory answer to diehards, but it is an honest one.

This is part of the problem with the “v-word” movement. There are so many purity tests when, in the end, it is literally impossible to avoid all suffering. Industrial agriculture kills untold gobs of animals and insects. Almond farming uses shit tons of water that would otherwise feed a healthy habitat. Having a cat or dog means participating in the animal products industry as well.

This doesn’t mean “give up”, but it does require the admission that there is no ultimate piety that can be achieved - despite what some would have you believe. They are either willfully ignorant or lying to further an agenda. All we can do in our position in modern society is try our best to minimize suffering, with the understanding that there will always be some.