Interesting perspective on Veganuary. I share your pessimism about the long-term sustainability of Veganuary, but for a different reason. Veganuary hasn't identified - or clarified - their overall objective. If their main focus were health/dietary, then they would spend more time on that message and discuss essential considerations in nutrition (at least, I wish this was the case). I don't see that happening.
From the other ethical perspectives (environment and animal rights), the message is limited, as far as I can tell. The idea of getting the message to the masses is important...but what message is getting out there? Right now, the entire movement feels like it is dependent on and sustained by corporate interests...it seems like it's turned into one big advertisement and marketing opportunity - sort of like the early days of promoting 'organic' food.
Like you, I began my vegan journey with a clear emphasis on diet. And over the years, my interest in animal rights and environmental awareness has greatly expanded. I have a much better understanding of what it means to lead a life that eliminates any connection to animal-based products - I even shop for vegan clothes and shoes these days. But I know I still have a long ways to go before I can say my life is entirely animal-free...and therein lies the problem - what does that life look like? What exactly is a 100% vegan life?
To me, beginning at any point is perfectly ok... I'm happy to meet people who take a stand from an ethical perspective and transition to understand more about how to lead a 'healthy' vegan diet/lifestyle. At the same time, I am perfectly ok if someone begins on the 'plant-based' side of things and evolves to include the ethical aspects of veganism.
Thanks for putting this piece together. I appreciate your perspective - these issues need to be discussed much more in public spaces.
Really appreciate your veganism-as-a-diet vs. ethical veganism distinction. I still think Veganuary is valuable in drawing attention to veganism and hopefully encouraging people to think about their meat consumption and relationship with animals. I hadn't looked much into how Veganuary is framed to the public but that definitely makes a huge difference in how people perceive it!
Interesting perspective on Veganuary. I share your pessimism about the long-term sustainability of Veganuary, but for a different reason. Veganuary hasn't identified - or clarified - their overall objective. If their main focus were health/dietary, then they would spend more time on that message and discuss essential considerations in nutrition (at least, I wish this was the case). I don't see that happening.
From the other ethical perspectives (environment and animal rights), the message is limited, as far as I can tell. The idea of getting the message to the masses is important...but what message is getting out there? Right now, the entire movement feels like it is dependent on and sustained by corporate interests...it seems like it's turned into one big advertisement and marketing opportunity - sort of like the early days of promoting 'organic' food.
Like you, I began my vegan journey with a clear emphasis on diet. And over the years, my interest in animal rights and environmental awareness has greatly expanded. I have a much better understanding of what it means to lead a life that eliminates any connection to animal-based products - I even shop for vegan clothes and shoes these days. But I know I still have a long ways to go before I can say my life is entirely animal-free...and therein lies the problem - what does that life look like? What exactly is a 100% vegan life?
To me, beginning at any point is perfectly ok... I'm happy to meet people who take a stand from an ethical perspective and transition to understand more about how to lead a 'healthy' vegan diet/lifestyle. At the same time, I am perfectly ok if someone begins on the 'plant-based' side of things and evolves to include the ethical aspects of veganism.
Thanks for putting this piece together. I appreciate your perspective - these issues need to be discussed much more in public spaces.
I am cautious as to who I tell I am a vegan. It starts this whole - dirty hippy conversation I would rather not have with people I don't know.
I tell them I am plant based, and that opens up a whole 'nother conversation. They think that is cool.
Really enjoyed this article - thanks!
Really appreciate your veganism-as-a-diet vs. ethical veganism distinction. I still think Veganuary is valuable in drawing attention to veganism and hopefully encouraging people to think about their meat consumption and relationship with animals. I hadn't looked much into how Veganuary is framed to the public but that definitely makes a huge difference in how people perceive it!