Resolutions are long-standing traditions at this time of year. We all want to go into the new year focused on things we would like to accomplish, and goals we would like to achieve. For some people, that can mean a pledge to go vegan. Whether you are interested in transitioning to a vegan lifestyle because of issues related to animals, your health, or the environment, if your resolutions involve going vegan for 2022, there has never been a better time to do so!
Not only is the availability of vegan foods and products changing on a daily basis, with the introduction of new items, but restaurants are seeing the trend towards consuming less animal products and are offering vegan items. Did you ever think you would see the day when Burger King had a vegan option? Yes, the times are changing!
Veganuary, which launched in 2014 in the UK, seeks to help people transition to a vegan diet the first month of the year. In 2021, more than 500,000 people across the world took part in Veganuary, and you can too!
How, you ask? Simply sign up to take the pledge at the site: Veganuary Easy, right? Once registered, you will receive the Official Veganuary Starter Kit, which provides 31 days of coaching, recipes, and suggestions on how to successfully complete the 31-day challenge. It’s completely free, and you can opt-out at any time.
Veganuary has established itself as a successful way for people to completely cut out or at least significantly reduce their use of animal products. In fact, 85 percent of 2021 participants said they planned to cut their consumption of animal products in half through the rest of the year, while 40 percent said they would continue to eat vegan.
Locally, Pittsburgh has several resources to help you on your vegan journey as well, including the following:
- Humane Action Pittsburgh’s Compassionate Living Program – Compassionate Living seeks to protect the most abused animals on earth, those used for food. Obviously, going vegan is a huge step toward that goal. At the link provided, you can find a list of books, movies, websites, and podcasts that provide a wealth of information about the vegan lifestyle.
- Lean and Green Pledge – In addition, HAP also offers the Lean and Green Pledge whereby individuals pledge to avoid all animal products, including meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, and focus instead on veggies, fruit, grains, and beans. Take the pledge at the above link to join the growing number of individuals, families, and institutions pledging to improve their health and the health of our planet.
- Vegan Pittsburgh – Vegan Pittsburgh is an all-volunteer-run organization that works with local restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, etc. to clearly mark vegan offerings within their menus. The listings on their site can be sorted and searched by neighborhood, types of offerings (brunch, anyone?), as well as options like dine-in or carry out.
- Plant-Based Pittsburgh – This organization, run by several local people in various areas of the city, provides information, camaraderie, and support for those following a vegan diet. Resources include books written by members as well as online cooking demos and informational sessions.
Here’s to a happy 2022, one that leaves the animals off our plates!