Local Life - Wigan - February 2021

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How to take part in
Veganuary
this year
Founded in 2014, Veganuary is a New Year initiative to
encourage people across the world to try veganism in
January. Here, we look at the reasons to take part and how
to survive a month – or more – without meat and dairy.
Veganism has ballooned in recent years. A record 400,000
people signed up to the Veganuary movement in 2020,
and it’s estimated that the UK alone is now home to
nearly two million vegans. Exposing documentaries like
‘What the Health’, ‘Cowspiracy’ and David Attenborough’s
‘A Life on Our Planet’ have helped drive the trend, all of
which shed light on the benefits of a vegan diet for our
health and for the planet.
What is veganism?
A vegan diet is one that excludes all animal products,
including meat, dairy, eggs and even honey in favour of
plants and plant-based products. Many ‘lifestyle vegans’
will also avoid buying leather, fur, wool and anything
that’s been tested on animals. In short, a vegan lifestyle
is one that tries, as much as possible, to exist without
exploiting animals.
Why should you try it?
The benefits of adopting a more plant-based diet are
numerous. David Attenborough said himself that our
planet simply cannot sustain seven billion meat eaters, and
scientists have claimed that eating large amounts of meat
and dairy is linked to a number of health conditions too.
What many people don’t know is that, when done
correctly, it’s actually possible to get all the nutrients you
need from a totally plant-based diet, no matter your age
or lifestyle. Giving up meat and dairy can also help you
lose weight and introduce you to more fruits, vegetables,
seeds and grains that you wouldn’t normally incorporate
into your weekly shop.
Veganism may not be for everyone, but just trying it for a
month will significantly reduce your carbon footprint and
may encourage you to eat less meat and dairy in the future.
The big question: how?
Adopting a vegan diet is actually a lot easier than you
think! Supermarkets, cafes and restaurants have been
filling their shelves and kitchens with tasty meat
and dairy substitutes over the last couple of years,
meaning finding something you like is easier than
ever. Book shops and the internet are packed full of
easy, tasty recipes for you to try, and if you sign up
to Veganuary you’ll receive weekly tips and recipe
ideas to keep you on track.