Veganuary: UK non-profit encourages consumers to try vegan diet
Greens and Co cafe on the West End
The first few weeks of every year see scores of new gym memberships, more participants in diets and weight loss programs, and resolutions to be a better person all-around.
One UK nonprofit seeks to channel this determination into a cause that helps the planet, encourages healthier habits, and reduces the number of animals sent to the slaughterhouse: Veganuary.
Veganuary is an initiative run by an organisation of the same name that encourages people to go vegan for the first month of the year.
Their website, Veganuary.com, offers recipes, meal plans, and encouragement for those willing to sign up and go plant-based. They aim to have 10 million participants by 2027.
University of Galway Vegan Society member Ellen Greally says, “[It’s] a fantastic opportunity for people to try out veganism with lots of support and options available. I believe that it shines a light on the reality of living a vegan life and how easy it can be with the right support.”
The Data on Going Vegan
Veganuary reports that over 700,000 people from 228 countries and territories signed up to participate in 2023. Over 50 per cent of participants were not vegan or vegetarian when they signed up.
The data shows that Veganuary has a tangible positive impact on the environment. In the strategy document published on the Veganuary website, they estimate that 62 million litres of water and over one million tonnes of CO2 have been saved by their past participants.
Veganuary also impacts consumption and sales. A study from the University of Surrey found that weekly sales of plant-based products in UK grocery stores increased 57 per cent during January. Sales fell once the month had ended, though they did remain 15 per cent higher than they had been prior to January.
Despite promising data on participation and impact, many do not continue their vegan lifestyle once the month comes to a close.
Tatianna, a manager at vegan cafe Greens and Co, says that there is an uptick of business in the beginning of the year, but that things usually return to normal by spring.
“Maybe 10 per cent of people coming in are new customers trying vegan things,” she says. “Once the springtime comes, it goes back to normal, back to our regulars.”
There’s still one week left of Veganuary if you’ve been on the fence about signing up. Ms Greally hopes that more folks take on the challenge, saying, “Why should people participate? The list of reasons goes on and on!…It’s a kinder, cleaner and greener lifestyle and is one worth trying!”
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