VEGANUARY is a straightforward concept: challenging non-vegans to eat a vegan diet for the whole month of January. It’s the ideal New Year’s resolution for anyone interested in adopting a kinder and healthier way of living. And best of all, with all the support and resources available today, this is a resolution that’s easy to stick to!
The journey to veganism often begins with an increasing awareness of the ethical issues surrounding factory production and the exploitation of animals for meat, fish, and dairy products. For others, the primary motivation is personal health, as mounting evidence shows that a thoughtfully planned, plant-based diet can unlock significant long-term health benefits.
But for many, the decision to go vegan is driven by a powerful desire for a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. A major study in July 2023 by Professor Peter Scarborough at Oxford University confirmed a clear link between the amount of animal-based foods in a diet and its negative environmental impact (including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption). They concluded that shifting our diets away from animal products can “make a substantial contribution to reduction of the UK environmental footprint.” In fact, earlier Oxford research from 2019 suggested that simply cutting meat and dairy could be the ‘single biggest way’ to reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by as much as 73 per cent!
With global interest in veganism soaring, fantastic vegan alternatives are now widely available in supermarkets making this lifestyle highly accessible. And according to recent research, one in three of us now choose plant-based milks over cow’s milk, with oat milk being one of the most eco-friendly milks available, producing 70% less carbon than dairy and using more than 90% less water. Plus a vegan diet focused on basic, wholefood ingredients can often be cheaper than a traditional omnivorous diet.
Find the Best of Veganism at Our Local Market!
We are very fortunate in Horsham to host our own monthly VEGAN MARKET in Piries Place, which is always held on the last Saturday of each month. This small but bustling event features independent traders offering delicious vegan food. Unique nut-based artisan cheeses, hearty pies and savouries, delicious cakes and sweet treats and with plenty of gluten-free choices always available! Plus, there is always a different hot street food trader each month.
So, mark your calendar! The next market is on SATURDAY 31st JANUARY, running from 9.30am to 3.30pm. All profits from pitch sales at the market are donated equally to Animals Asia (UK registered charity 1086903) and locally based Lotus Lamb & Animal Sanctuary in Ashington.
For more information, follow @veganfesthorsham or email veganfesthorsham@gmail.com.
