Veganuary: Making Healthier Choices for a Better World

In 2014, a non-profit from the United Kingdom started Veganuary, a global event encouraging individuals to adopt a vegan lifestyle for the first 31 days of the year. The monthlong occasion promotes ethical choices, reduces environmental impact, and explores the advantages of a 

Joining Veganuary is an enlightening journey that offers an opportunity to experience and learn the real purpose of this lifestyle. From health benefits to environmental impacts, it has various facets that we should look into. Read on to learn more.

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History and Background of Veganuary

In January 2014, Matthew Glover and Jane Land launched Veganuary, a non-profit initiative encouraging people to avoid eating animal products for 31 days. 

Their motivation was their love for animals, concern for the environment, and curiosity about the potential benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. 

Veganuary soon gained global attention and has become a popular annual challenge worldwide. 

In 2020, over 400,000 individuals from 193 countries joined Veganuary, showing the increasing impact and popularity of the movement. The challenge has grown significantly since starting with only 3,300 early adopters.

It has also influenced companies to acknowledge the growing popularity of veganism. During Veganuary 2019, businesses introduced more than 500 new vegan-friendly products and menus, seizing the opportunity to capitalize on the trend. 

Veganuary has become a powerful force that redirects the food industry toward a more animal-friendly and environmentally-friendly world.

Related Read: World Vegan Day.

The Cause and Its Challenges

The vegan lifestyle is more than saving animals. It can also positively impact our overall health and our carbon footprints.           

Although Veganuary has made strides in promoting plant-based diets, many people need clarification about the nutritional value of vegan diets. Misinformation often leads to discouragement, countering the cause.

Moreover, grocery stores' expensive diets and the lack of vegan options, such as whole grains, are additional hurdles. However, this is only a myth. There are many ways to make plant-based dishes affordable while meeting all nutritional needs.

Despite these challenges, Veganuary continues releasing educational resources and recipes to counter these misconceptions.

Why Veganuary Matters For The Planet

According to a study, switching to a vegan lifestyle could reduce your food-related carbon footprint by 73%. 

According to the World Bank, about 91% of Amazon rainforest deforestation is attributed to animal agriculture; grazing livestock is causing a significant loss of forest cover and biodiversity.

Additionally, producing animal-based products requires significantly more water than growing a similar amount of plant foods. This is a concern amid the growing issue of water scarcity.

Despite producing enough grain to feed billions of people, we allocate a significant portion to feed livestock instead of people. By choosing plant-based meals, we could use our resources more efficiently and address world hunger¹.

Read more: Eat Less Meat to Help the Environment.

Why Veganuary Matters For Our Overall Well-being

According to a study, not eating meat or any animal-derived ingredients may significantly improve cardiovascular health. This dietary approach can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Additionally, people consuming low-fat, plant-based meals experience better weight management. The digestibility of nutrients in such balanced diets assists in maintaining optimal body weight without depriving the body of the required energy.

Furthermore, lifestyle also has favorable impacts on mental health. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake to 5 cups daily improves one’s mental health.

Why Veganuary Matters For The Animals

Veganism directly benefits farm animals. With the shift to a plant-based diet, these animals are spared from harsh living conditions typically associated with the meat and dairy industry.

The lifestyle also advocates for the welfare of pets by discouraging pet breeding farms where animals are often bred in inhumane conditions purely for profit. Moreover, veganism is also against the cruel conditions some captive animals are in. 

Lastly, veganism is fighting against animal cruelty happening in many industries. We counter animal testing, poaching efforts, and many other practices by choosing plant-based or synthetic materials over animal-derived ones. 

Efforts and Initiatives

The Vegan Society actively promotes Veganuary, a global event encouraging individuals to explore the vegan lifestyle. They use social media and tools like the Veganuary starter kit to spread awareness. 

Moreover, influential entities, such as the United Nations Environment Programme, are reaching a consensus that plant-based diets can combat climate change.

The global Veganuary movement has seen active participation from local communities and businesses. Brighton, UK, has emerged as a notable vegan hub, with numerous events and activities during Veganuary. 

Schools and universities are also incorporating plant-based meal options and educational programs. 

Meanwhile, prominent food industry players like Pret a Manger and Marks & Spencer have expanded their menus to include vegan options. 

Companies specializing in vegan products, like Quorn and Alpro, have experienced a surge in Veganuary sales, indicating the potential for business growth in this market.

How to Get Involved and Support Veganuary

• Sign up for Veganuary today to receive daily resources such as cookbooks, meal plans, and nutritional advice. 
• Before going vegan, consult a registered dietitian or your health care provider.
• Watch documentaries such as Cowspiracy to learn where our animal foods and products come from.
• Start your plant-based eating journey by taking a trip to the supermarket. Buy basic vegan alternatives such as tofu and plant-based milks, and make your favorite dishes cruelty-free.
• Share your learnings and experiences on social media to spread awareness. Post a picture of you eating plant-based dishes or share facts from credible sources. Click on our vegan quotes as a great place to start.
• Aside from grocery shopping, make changes in your other shopping habits. From food wraps to hiking boots, many vegan options exist.

Conclusion

Through a vegan lifestyle, you can positively impact the animals, your health, and the planet. The Veganuary campaign promotes plant-based foods to adopt a more mindful It is a way of living that considers the world and all its beings. 

Joining the vegan world is a lifestyle overhaul. However,  the ultimate goal of Veganuary is to create ripples of change, starting from one meal at a time. So, join the cause now!

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