Dry January has been a tradition in the UK for many years, but Veganuary is quickly becoming a popular tradition worldwide that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. It’s a great way to start the year off on a healthy note and it also gives you the opportunity to explore new foods and recipes. If you’re looking to participate in Veganuary, here are some reasons why it’s beneficial for the environment and has a positive impact on the local community.
Reduced carbon footprint
According to a study by the University of Oxford, eating a plant-based diet can lead to a 75% cut in climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use. It also shows that our global food system accounts for a third of the total emissions of greenhouse gasses. Whilst this does mean that people would have to drastically reduce their meat intake on a global level, you are still reducing your carbon footprint by eating less meat with every meal.
Reduced animal cruelty
Though British farmers are adopting much more ethical and sustainable farming practices, there are still many animals suffering under poor living conditions in factory farms. By participating in Veganuary, you are showing an awareness for the ethical and environmental concerns that are posed by this kind of farming and offers the opportunity to research farms that supply organic, sustainable meat.
Supporting local businesses
Of course, Veganuary is also a great opportunity to support local businesses that offer vegan and vegetarian options, which in turn improves the wider community. By shopping locally, you can help to ensure that your food is produced in a sustainable and ethical way, rather than buying from larger supermarkets that do not always participate in sustainable practices or source their produce from sustainable suppliers.
Improved health
Veganuary can also have positive effects on your health (especially if you’re combining it with Dry January). Studies have shown that adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet could help cut the risk of heart failure by 42 per cent. Pescatarians were also found to be 59% less likely to become ill compared to people who eat red or white meat. Though it’s important to note a poorly managed vegan diet can lead to nutrient deficits, so it’s important to discuss with your doctor if you have any existing health conditions or requirements. Veganuary is a great way to start the year off on a healthy note and to discover new foods and recipes. By participating in Veganuary, you can help reduce your carbon footprint, save water, reduce animal cruelty, support local businesses, and improve your health. So why not give it a try and see how you feel? You might be surprised by the results, or find that you incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet than you did before. We stock a range of dairy-free options as well as fruit and veg boxes for you to give your immune system a boost this winter!