It's the word you can't seem to escape at this time of year. But if you're still wondering what the hell Veganuary is, we're here to clear a couple of things up for you.
What is Veganuary?
Veganuary is a global campaign encouraging people to embrace a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. The goal of Veganuary is to promote veganism as a way of reducing animal suffering, improving the environment, and improving personal health.
While many people undertaking Veganuary adopt a fully vegan diet, some choose to use the month as a learning opportunity and a way to cut down on non-vegan products and foods.
How did Veganuary start?
Veganuary was founded in the United Kingdom in 2014 by husband and wife team Jane Land and Matthew Glover. The campaign was inspired by the success of similar events, such as Movember (a campaign to raise awareness for men's health issues) and Dry January (a campaign to encourage people to give up alcohol for the month of January).
Veganuary was launched as a way to encourage people to try a vegan diet and to raise awareness about the benefits of veganism for animals, the environment, and personal health. Since its inception, Veganuary has grown in popularity and is now celebrated in many countries around the world.
Is Veganuary just about food?
While food is an important part of Veganuary, the campaign is about more than just what you eat. Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude the exploitation of animals for any purpose, including food, clothing, and other products.
Therefore, participating in Veganuary can involve more than just switching to a vegan diet. Some people who participate in Veganuary may also choose to avoid using animal-derived products in other areas of their life, such as clothing, beauty products, and household goods. This can involve choosing vegan alternatives to these products or supporting companies that have a commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
How do I take part in Veganuary?
If you'd like to participate in Veganuary, there are a few steps you can take to get started:
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Get learning: Learn about the reasons why people choose to follow a vegan diet, such as to reduce animal suffering, protect the environment, or improve personal health.
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Plan your meals: Make a list of vegan-friendly meals and snacks that you can eat during the month.
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Stock your kitchen: Make sure you have all the ingredients and pantry staples you need to prepare your vegan meals. This may include things like grains, beans, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and plant-based proteins.
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Be flexible: Don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up or make mistakes during the month. Veganuary is an opportunity to learn and to make positive changes, so try to be patient and understanding with yourself.
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Reach out for support: If you're struggling or have questions, don't be afraid to ask for help. You can join online vegan communities or seek support from friends or family members who are vegan or who are interested in trying a vegan diet
- Find vegan alternatives to your fave products from makeup to shampoo to cleaning supplies.
