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World Vegan Month: Changing Lifestyles for the Better

BY Mike Gomez , BA
PUBLISHED: 11·01·23
UPDATED: 03·22·25

World Vegan Month is a November event that promotes the vegan lifestyle and commemorates the birth of the terms "vegan" and "veganism." The Vegan Society in the UK started the event in 1994, and it has since become a worldwide event that includes World Vegan Day. Reshape perceptions of veganism by reading more about it below.

Key Info: World Vegan Month

  • When is World Vegan Month?
    Occurs annually throughout November
  • This Year (2026):
    Sunday 1st - Monday 30th November 2026
  • Official Website: The Vegan Society
  • Future Dates
    • Monday 1st - Tuesday 30th November 2027
    • Wednesday 1st - Thursday 30th November 2028
    • Thursday 1st - Friday 30th November 2029
  • Additional Details
    • Observed By: Vegans, vegan organizations, environmental activists, and those interested in plant-based living
    • Where Is It Observed: International
    • Primary Theme: Vegan Lifestyle Awareness
    • Hashtags: #WorldVeganMonth #VeganMonth #VeganLife #PlantBased #VeganSociety #GoVegan


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Why World Vegan Month Matters

eating a vegan meal
Photo by Alexandra Andersson on Unsplash.

First and foremost, veganism is a lifestyle choice. In dietary terms, it means avoiding products derived wholly or partly from animals and questioning the idea of using animals as commodities.

Vegans strive to minimize animal suffering, promote personal health, and reduce environmental damage. Overall, ethical, health, and environmental reasons motivate people to adopt veganism.

There is more to veganism than diet. This month-long celebration is vital to spreading the movement while dispelling myths and stigmas.

Data and Statistics

Research conducted by Ipsos MORI reveals that the number of vegans in the UK has grown from 150,000 in 2006 to 542,000 in 2016.

Similarly, GlobalData reports that the number of vegans in the United States increased from 1% in 2014 to 6% in 2017.

Research and Markets reports the global plant-based meat market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 15.8% from 2019 and is estimated to be worth $27.9 billion by 2025.

How to Be a Vegan

sliced veggies
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.
  • Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins into your diet, gradually replacing meat, dairy, and other animal products.
  • Try animal-free alternatives to your favorite foods, such as plant-based milks, cheeses, and meat substitutes.
  • Read food labels carefully to ensure products are free from animal-derived ingredients, including hidden ones like gelatin, whey, and certain colorings.
  • Read about the nutritional needs of a vegan diet and ensure you get enough protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, typically found in animal products.
  • Join a supportive vegan community, locally or online, to share recipes, tips, and encouragement. You can also start eating at vegan restaurants or check for vegan options in your favorite restaurants.

Brief Timeline of World Vegan Month

1944:

The Vegan Society was founded in the UK by Donald Watson, Elsie Shrigley, and others found the Vegan Society in the United Kingdom. It is also the world’s oldest vegan charity, responsible for the Vegan Trademark.

1970s-1980s:

The vegan lifestyle gains more attention due to growing concerns about animal rights and environmental sustainability.

1994:

The Vegan Society commemorates its 50th anniversary by designating November as World Vegan Month.

2004:

The Vegan Society trademarks the term "vegan" to protect it from misuse and to provide a clear definition.

2011:

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) declares that a global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to saving the world from hunger, fuel poverty, and the worst impacts of climate change.

2014:

Zoos shift towards more naturalistic habitats, leading to a broader understanding of animal behavior and ecologThe Vegan Society celebrates its 70th anniversary, launching the "Plate Up for the Planet" campaign during World Vegan Month.y.

2017:

Veganism explodes in popularity, with a 600% increase in people identifying as vegans in the U.S. over the last three years, according to a report by GlobalData.

2019:

The Economist declares 2019 as "The Year of the Vegan."

2020:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, World Vegan Month holds online events and initiatives to promote veganism’s benefits to humans, animals, and the planet.

2021:

World Vegan Month focuses on the positive impacts of a vegan lifestyle on health, the environment, and animal welfare.

World Vegan Month Themes And Hashtags

2020Eat Plants for the Planet
2021Live Vegan for Less
2022The Future Is Vegan
2023Future Normal
  • #WorldVeganMonth
  • #VeganAwareness
  • #PlantBased
  • #VeganLife
  • #CrueltyFree

Feel free to share some of our vegan quotes to help spread the word!

Conclusion

World Vegan Month aims to raise awareness about its benefits and the need to shift towards plant-based living. It focuses on three major issues: climate change, animal welfare, and human health.

This month, let us reconsider the potential of veganism to transform not just personal health but also the fate of countless lives and the planet's health. Grab the opportunity to choose kindness over convenience every November.

Resources:

WEBSITE
Official hub by The Vegan Society (founders of World Vegan Month), featuring advocacy toolkits, event guides, and educational materials to support participation in the global celebration.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is World Vegan Month?

This November event intends to raise awareness about veganism.

2. Why is veganism important for the environment?

It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water resources, and minimize deforestation caused by animal agriculture.

3. How can I transition to a vegan lifestyle?

Start by gradually incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, exploring new recipes, and educating yourself about veganism.

4. What are the health benefits of a vegan diet?

A vegan diet can lower the risk of chronic diseases, improve heart health, and promote overall well-being through a diverse and nutrient-rich plant-based diet.

5. How can we celebrate World Vegan Month?

You can share information about veganism, participate in vegan-friendly events, and encourage others to try plant-based options.

Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.

Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash.
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