Why Veganuary is the perfect way to start 2018 by Vahgisha Thirugnanasampanthan, Woodford County High School
With the new year starting, many people will be open to changes in their lifestyle, and what better start than a month of being Vegan? Veganism is changing one's lifestyle in order to not partake in the cruelty or exploitation of animals. Converting to veganism does not only help save animals but it also helps the environment, is economical and reduces obesity. The campaign started in 2014 and has been growing ever since and taking part does not only improve the world as a whole but also has some personal benefits as well.
Vegans find that being vegetarian is just not enough to dissociate themselves from animal cruelty. The production of milk and eggs also entails the killing male calves as they cannot produce milk, and the killing of cows when their milk production reduces. Calves are robbed of their mother's blood which provides them with vital antibodies, which are crucial for survival. Male chicks are also killed as they cannot produce more eggs. Surprisingly, honey is also not vegan as the definition of veganism also mentions not exploiting animals. Bees are used and bred in order to produce honey for humans; honey which is needed for the survival of bees.
On a personal level, being vegan can help someone lose weight as vegans usually at less calories as calorie rich meat, eggs and dairy are cut out of their diet. The high fibre content from beans, peas, nuts and seeds, which are eaten as protein substitutes, reduce hunger. As such, this could be the perfect way to ease into a new year's resolution to be healthier. Continuing to be vegan for longer than one month could also be economical as beans, nuts, seeds and other vegan products have long shelf lives so they can be bought in bulk. In addition to this, fellow vegan Sarmily recounted that being vegan 'helped with my self control and it was easy to find a variety of foods, not just salads'.
With the increasing awareness towards veganism, it is not difficult to be vegan. Many regular restaurants cater towards vegans, such as Pret a Manger, Pizza Hut, and Wasabi, and there are even many vegan restaurants and cafes such as Wild Food Cafe in London. Although my interest in veganism starting from a epiphany made in a moment of boredom, it was truly life changing, and I am sure it is a truly eye-opening movement to take part in.
By Vahgisha Thirugnanasampanthan, Woodford County High School
