If you don't know already, Veganuary is a 31-day challenge run annually by a UK nonprofit organisation since 2014 – that promotes and educates about veganism. In doing so, we are encouraged to follow a plant-based lifestyle for 31 days in January.
So why is this interesting to you?
There are many reasons why this challenge is worthwhile, but here are our six reasons:
Number 1 - for the animals
According to the Economist, meat-eating is rising, with 237m tonnes consumed every year. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization's statistics show that the amount of meat we eat has tripled.
The World Economic Forum reports that an estimated 50 billion chickens are slaughtered for food every year, excluding male chicks and unproductive hens killed in egg production. Cattle are the next populous breed of farm animals at 1.4 billion, whilst pigs and sheep are not far behind. Nearly 1.5 billion pigs are killed to feed the increasing appetite for pork, bacon, ham and sausages - which has tripled in the last 50 years. Meanwhile, half a billion sheep are taken to the abattoir every year.
The global trade in live farm animals continues to increase yearly, meaning the animals will continue to suffer - because live transport poses severe risks and injuries for the animals. The Guardian has documented that nearly 2 billion farm animals are loaded onto trucks or ships and sent to different countries every year. The animals may not have access to water or any space to move during transportation, and the journeys can take days and sometimes weeks.
It is not surprising that factory farming is the leading cause of animal suffering and abuse. Most countries have developed further legislation to improve the animal welfare for animals on farms - however, this has not been easy to put into practice. As we are making more aware of the treatments of innocent farm animals - we cannot stop wondering whether there is something that we can do and change this! And it really starts with us - the consumers.
Although the primary purpose of farm animals is for us to consume - we have to remember that all animals (like us) are sentient beings with a desire to live.
Number 2 - for your health
Research shows that eating less meat is beneficial for you. It leads to less cholesterol, reduced risk of obesity and improved health and well-being.
Some may argue that plant-based food is not healthy - and to be fair, this argument may be valid because not all types of plant foods are considered healthy for us. For example, Harvard Health Publishing states that white rice and white bread are highly processed, making blood sugar levels spike and increasing hunger, which will lead to overeating. Accordingly, junk plant-based foods are the worst enemy to your body and mind.
So, in short, consuming plant-based diets in the wrong way will also lead to bad health! Therefore, the Havard Health Eating Plate suggests that a healthy plant-based meal should consist of a good amount of veggies, fruits, whole grains, healthy protein and healthy use of oils.
Number 3 - for the environment
The impact of eating meat is alarming!
According to the World Economic Forum, agriculture is responsible for 10-12% of greenhouse gas emissions, with meat, poultry, and dairy farming producing nearly three-quarters of that.
Furthermore, climate change is one of the biggest threats we face, and it has profoundly harmful effects on humanity and biodiversity globally. Therefore, eating less meat and more plants will help reduce our carbon footprints.
Number 4 - if you love to challenge yourself
We guess it is always nice to learn and try new things in life. If you have not done this challenge before, why not try this month and see what this challenge will lead you.
In the post '14 Reasons To Always Try New Things in Life' from Lifehack, J. Hill explains that we are born curious, so trying new things is paramount to being a successful person, and that one of the biggest benefits of trying new things is beating the power of fear over our lives and expanding our sense of accomplishment.
This challenge may be tough to achieve but know that in the end, it will help us develop a sense of self-discipline and stay motivated.
If you don't like plants - this will be a challenge for you to get out of your comfort zone.
Number 5 - plant-based food is getting tastier
With so many plant-based options in the market now, you will not be disappointed.
Some brands are better than others, so don't think that all plant-based food is awful just because you ate something horrible.
Homemade plant-based meals are cheap and tasty! You get to be creative in the kitchen and try out different recipes.
Remember, junk plant-based food is terrible for your health so eat in moderation. Just because it is made out of plants does not mean it is healthy for your body and mind.
Number 6 - developing new friendships
According to Veganuary, over 580,000 people signed up for the 2021 campaign. With so many people joining worldwide, surely you will not miss out on developing new friendships. There are different forums to connect with others. It is a great way to learn and share ideas and experiences. If you are interested in joining the campaign and have not done so, sign up here: https://veganuary.com.
If you have done this challenge before - well done! Let's do it again 🙂
Having said this, the way we eat is our personal choice. We should always respect one another and never judge. However, do keep in mind that we have a fundamental responsibility to look after this planet which we call our home and treat animals better!
Sources:
- https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/02/chart-of-the-day-this-is-how-many-animals-we-eat-each-year/
- https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/01/eating-less-beef-will-and-more-beans-will-cut-global-deaths
- https://www.economist.com/films/2021/12/02/the-next-food-revolution
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/20/live-export-animals-at-risk-as-giant-global-industry-goes-unchecked
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-right-plant-based-diet-for-you