The new year is a time when many of us reflect on our lives and make resolutions to make positive changes for ourselves and the world around us. Which explains why over 2.5 million people have taken part in Veganuary, an annual event that encourages people to try a vegan diet for January. The event began in the UK in 2014 and has since become a huge global movement, with hundreds of thousands of people participating each year.
Veganuary is an annual campaign that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle throughout January. The idea behind Veganuary is to raise awareness about the impact of animal agriculture on animal welfare, the environment, and our health. By abstaining from animal products for a month, it's a time to learn about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle and how it can make a real positive difference.
Why take part in Veganuary?
Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of environmental degradation, deforestation, and climate change. It also causes immense harm and suffering to billions of animals each year, subjecting them to cruel treatment.
By eliminating animal products from our diets, we can also significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Additionally, a vegan diet can have numerous health benefits, such as lowering the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Participating in Veganuary is a simple and effective way to learn about the vegan lifestyle whilst looking after our health and the environment. It’s also a great way to support animal welfare by reducing the demand for animal products. Whether you choose to adopt a vegan lifestyle for a month or permanently, Veganuary is a great starting point to make healthier choices for both yourself and the planet.
Tips For Veganuary
While many people may assume that veganism is only about what we eat, there are many other aspects of our lives where we can make vegan choices. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips to help you consider the vegan options beyond the plate:
1. Clothing and accessories
The fashion industry is known for its frequent use of animal products such as leather, wool, and silk. However, the production process of these materials often involves cruel and unethical practices that cause needless harm to animals.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great vegan and sustainable alternatives to animal-based materials that are gaining popularity in the fashion industry. For instance, there are a variety of plant-based materials that can be used to create high-quality clothing and accessories, such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo. These materials are not only cruelty-free, but they are also more sustainable as they require less water and energy to produce.
2. Skincare and beauty
When it comes to skincare and beauty products, it's important to pay close attention to which ingredients are used. Many traditional products contain animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, honey, collagen, and lanolin, which also cause harm to animals and the environment. By choosing vegan and cruelty-free products, you can avoid contributing to these issues and support ethical and sustainable practices in the beauty industry.
At Friendly Soap, we take pride in making vegan skin and haircare products since we began in 2008. In fact, absolutely everything we create is made with sustainable, plant-based ingredients, and we are certified by both Leaping Bunny and The Vegan Society.
3. Household and cleaning products
It has been over a decade since companies were banned from testing finished cleaning products on animals in the UK. Nevertheless, some companies still use ingredients that have been tested on animals or sell animal-tested products in countries like China where animal testing is mandatory by law. This means that many household cleaning brands are supporting the animal testing industry.
When choosing vegan household and cleaning products, keep an eye out for certifications such as the vegan logo on the packaging to ensure that they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. We also recommend avoiding large brands that offer a vegan alternative and instead supporting brands that are exclusively vegan. This way, you can be confident that you are not contributing to animal cruelty in any way while shopping.
4. Join a vegan community
Joining a vegan community can be a great way to stay motivated and connected during your Veganuary journey. Whether it's online or in-person, these communities can offer support, advice, and inspiration as you explore a plant-based lifestyle. You can find vegan communities on social media platforms, such as Facebook groups or Instagram accounts, or through local meetups and events.
5. Create new habits
We are all creatures of habit, so, naturally, making any new changes in our lives can sometimes be difficult. The best way to overcome this is to be prepared by creating new routines. If you plan a day out, make sure you search for vegan eateries beforehand, or even better, prepare a bag of vegan snacks to take with you throughout the day. The key to success is to plan and think ahead. Before you know it, these new habits will start to form and eventually become second nature."
6. Education
Taking part in Veganuary is a great opportunity to learn more about veganism and its impact on the environment, health, and animal welfare. You can read books, watch documentaries (there are plenty on Netflix and Amazon), and attend vegan events to learn more about the vegan lifestyle and its benefits.
Remember, participating in
Veganuary isn't about being perfect. It's about making a conscious effort to create a positive impact. You may stumble and make mistakes along the way, but it's essential to remember that it's a journey and every step in the right direction counts.
Remember to stay focused on the reasons why you are taking part, and remember that your efforts, no matter how small, can make a significant difference. At Friendly Soap, we believe that every effort counts, and it's our collective actions which make the world greener and more compassionate for everyone! 🌱
