CLIMATE EMERGENCY The Truth About Veganuary

In 2020, 400,000 people in the UK signed up to Veganuary, reducing their carbon emissions to the equivalent to 450,000 flights.

Okay here it is, the inaugural month where veganism comes to light and people begin their intrepid journey to cut out all animal products and realise their potential to be a ‘vegan.’ This is, however, only to last for three days of funfilled meal-making after one realizes that the chicken filet burger is – surprise surprise – an animal and the late night chocolate cravings are seventy percent milk.

So why, you may ask, turn vegan and give up the only luxuries in life that sustain us through university? Veganism is the fastest growing trend in the world of healthy eating due to its reliance on whole grains and vegetables, as opposed to the more dominant meat orientated diet.

Beyond the significant health benefits from reduction of processed meats, the more pressing environmental impact of reducing animal product consumption is what makes veganism so attractive to the modern consumer. It is evident that the meat industry drastically increases the carbon emissions of the planet. Therefore, the gradual removal of reliance on livestock would reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and significantly improve the climate crisis we are currently facing. In 2020, 400,000 people in the UK signed up to Veganuary, and by doing so, reduced carbon emissions equivalent to 450,000 flights.

However, the transition to a vegan diet is not completely environmentally pure. This is evident in the lean, mean, but not-so-green avocado. Reportedly requiring 9.5 billion liters of water a day to grow, the avocado industry has sucked previously nutrient rich areas of rain forest dry, transforming them into mono-cultured avocado machines. That’s the same as 3,800 Olympic pools worth of water! This delicious and yet devastating super food is one reason why the apparently eco-friendly vegan diet is perhaps not as environmentally friendly as one may think.

Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the significant health benefits of switching to a less processed diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. A focus on fresher foods naturally increases one’s fiber and important nutrient intake. Studies have shown that transition to a vegan diet significantly reduces risk of heart disease and a 75% decreased risk in high blood pressure. The long term health benefits are undeniably positive.

However, another problem associated with veganism is its facade of expensive inaccessibility due to the diverse and somewhat unusual ingredient range of seeds and saps that influencers claim to be the ‘life changing’ part of their perfect diet. Yet it doesn’t have to be that hard. Indeed, you can switch to a healthier diet by perusing the humble aisles of Lidl or Tesco. The almighty chickpea is a cheap and nutritious example of a diet staple that is full of delicious potential. In fact, if being both environmentally friendly and a healthier human being is on your agenda this January, perhaps a switch to seasonal eating is more attractive? The consumption of seasonal vegetables reduces carbon footprint and remains cheap and cheerful. (I mean, if you’re buying raspberries in January there is definitely something wrong).

As a push to increase awareness about the environmental impact of the meat industry, Veganuary is a positive movement that should be practiced by all willing to take up the initiative. Such an extreme change may seem daunting and somewhat expensive. But do not fear. A switch to seasonal eating and the inclusion of nutritious and cheap grains such as lentils, chickpeas and beans are a much more inviting way to begin your journey to a healthier and more environmentally conscious diet.