Another New Year is almost upon us – which means folks the world over will be rushing to make their resolutions for 2020.
And whatever you might want to do in 2020, one challenge which is becoming increasingly popular is to go vegan for the first few weeks of the New Year, courtesy of the folks at Veganuary.
But just what is Veganuary, exactly – and if you’re thinking of switching to all things plant-based for a month (or even longer) just how do you take part?
Here’s what you need to know…
What is Veganuary?
Veganuary is a non-profit organisation which encourages people to try going vegan for the month of January – and beyond.
The 2019 campaign saw more than a quarter of a million people taking part, while many brands, supermarkets and restaurants promoted the campaign – leading to over 200 new products and menus launched in the UK alone.
According to data from earlier this year, one person signed up to Veganuary every six seconds.
Next year will mark its sixth year of the campaign, with participants more than doubling each year.
‘Throughout the year, Veganuary encourages and supports people and businesses alike to move to a plant-based diet as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering and improving the health of millions of people,’ Veganuary says on its website.
When does it start in 2020?
The campaign starts on 1 January 2020 and runs for the whole month.
However Veganuary’s CEO Simon Winch has said the majority take the month-long pledge and turn it into a lifestyle.
Rich Hardy, head of campaigns at Veganuary, said at the start of 2019: ’Veganuary is dedicated to changing public attitudes while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and enjoyable as possible.
‘Going vegan in 2018 has never been far from the news headlines, and trying the Veganuary pledge is often one of the first references used in backing up the headline itself. But 2019 will be the year of the vegan, particularly because the supply of vegan products available will meet the demand.’
How do you do Veganuary?
You can sign up for the challenge here.
The website also offers help for those taking part, with a lengthy list of recipes as well as guides for eating out and shopping.
A number of supermarkets and high street retailers are also launching new products to coincide with Veganuary – or have recently expanded on their plant-based range.
They include Sainsbury’s, who are adding 31 new products to their Plant Pioneers range, including smoky quarter pounders, mushroom hotdogs with mash and mushroom meatball spaghetti, as well as jackfruit shwarma and tinned jackfruit and banana blossom.
Aldi is also expanding its vegan range, with new products including their own vegan sausage roll and a plant-based pizza.
And there’s speculation that Greggs is about to launch a vegan steak bake, as well as a vegan doughnut.
Others doing their bit for Veganuary include Nandos – who are launching vegan PERinase on 1 January, with the sauce available both at their restaurants and in Tesco supermarkets.
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