Switching to a vegan diet can reduce individual carbon footprint by as much as 73.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- World Vegan Day is celebrated annually on November 1 to promote the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.
- Veganism is not only a compassionate way of co-existing with animals but also has significant health benefits.
- Going vegan also eliminates food emissions, reducing your carbon footprint down by up to 73 percent.
World Vegan Day is an annual observance celebrating the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, which is widely advocated for its ethical, environmental as well as health considerations.
The global event is celebrated on November 1 in continuity with Vegetarian Awareness Month, which is observed throughout the preceding month starting October 1.
History
World Vegan Day was established in 1994 by Louise Wallis, then Chair of The Vegan Society, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organisation. Its latest iteration also marks 79 years since the terms”vegan” and “veganism” were first coined.
Speaking about the date’s significance at an event in 2011, Wallis explained: “We knew the Society had been founded in November 1944 but didn’t know the exact date, so I decided to go for 1 November, partly because I liked the idea of this date coinciding with Samhain/Halloween and the Day of the Dead – traditional times for feasting and celebration, both apt and auspicious.”
Significance
Part of the organisation’s legacy is World Vegan Day, aka International Vegan Day, which since its inception 29 years ago has evolved into a global celebration.
The day involves collective participation of communities through vegan food tastings, cooking demonstrations, educational seminars, and outreach programs that encourage audiences to adopt a plant-based lifestyle.
Quotes
Over the years, many celebrities have publicly embraced veganism due to ethical and sometimes dietary reasons. Here’s a list of some notable anecdotes by personalities who went on record:
“I’m vegan, though not completely religious about it. While writing ‘Sapiens,’ I became familiar with how we treat animals in the meat and dairy industries. I was so horrified that I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore.” – Yuval Noah Harari
“I do have my cheat days, but I prefer to follow this vegan diet because it keeps my body and mind both happy.” – Nushrat Bharucha
“If the vegan diet doesn’t work out for you, at least you can do something for animals – whether that’s the way you eat or the way you dress, everything helps, really.” – Sadie Sink
