Veganuary: Start the New Year By Embracing a Greener Lifestyle

Vegan food
Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

In a world that’s constantly coming up with new trends, one movement has gained impressive traction over the past few years: Veganuary. This annual challenge, led by a UK nonprofit organization, encourages participants to take a leap into a plant-based lifestyle for the entire month of January. Since its inception in 2014, Veganuary has evolved into a global phenomenon, with roughly 4K participants in 2020. So, if you happen to be looking for an impactful New Year’s Resolution, you might want to consider trying it out.

What’s This Veganuary Thing, Anyway?

Founded by Jane Land and Matthew Glover, this green culinary challenge is essentially about inspiring positive change in the world. The 2020 campaign alone was estimated to have saved the carbon equivalent of 450,000 flights and spared the lives of over a million animals. That’s more than just a trendy hashtag—it’s a real, measurable environmental impact.

The name itself is a rather straightforward (hey, no one said basic) blend of “vegan” and “January,” embodying the spirit of the movement. Participants sign up online and immediately unlock a downloadable starter kit offering a diverse pool of resources like recipes, restaurant guides, and product directories. The goal is to make the transition to veganism as seamless as possible.

Communal Experience

Other than being a personal experience, Veganuary is also a community-driven initiative. As participants delve into the world of plant-based food, they’re encouraged to share their culinary adventures on social media. This fosters a sense of community and support while taking on this far-from-simple challenge.

Feel like trying it out? Google “Veganuary 2024” and embark on a journey of culinary exploration. Who knows? You might discover a newfound love for plant-based living.