History and Background of Veganuary

In January 2014, Matthew Glover and Jane Land launched Veganuary, a non-profit initiative encouraging people to avoid eating animal products for 31 days. 

Their motivation was their love for animals, concern for the environment, and curiosity about the potential benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. 

Veganuary soon gained global attention and has become a popular annual challenge worldwide. 

In 2020, over 400,000 individuals from 193 countries joined Veganuary, showing the increasing impact and popularity of the movement. The challenge has grown significantly since starting with only 3,300 early adopters.

It has also influenced companies to acknowledge the growing popularity of veganism. During Veganuary 2019, businesses introduced more than 500 new vegan-friendly products and menus, seizing the opportunity to capitalize on the trend. 

Veganuary has become a powerful force that redirects the food industry toward a more animal-friendly and environmentally-friendly world.

Why Veganuary Matters For The Planet

According to a study, switching to a vegan lifestyle could reduce your food-related carbon footprint by 73%. 

According to the World Bank, about 91% of Amazon rainforest deforestation is attributed to animal agriculture; grazing livestock is causing a significant loss of forest cover and biodiversity.

Additionally, producing animal-based products requires significantly more water than growing a similar amount of plant foods. This is a concern amid the growing issue of water scarcity.

Despite producing enough grain to feed billions of people, we allocate a significant portion to feed livestock instead of people. By choosing plant-based meals, we could use our resources more efficiently and address world hunger1.

How to Get Involved and Support Veganuary

Sign up for Veganuary today to receive daily resources such as cookbooks, meal plans, and nutritional advice. 
Before going vegan, consult a registered dietitian or your health care provider.
Watch documentaries such as Cowspiracy to learn where our animal foods and products come from.
Start your plant-based eating journey by taking a trip to the supermarket. Buy basic vegan alternatives such as tofu and plant-based milks, and make your favorite dishes cruelty-free.
Share your learnings and experiences on social media to spread awareness. Post a picture of you eating plant-based dishes or share facts from credible sources. Click on our vegan quotes as a great place to start.
Aside from grocery shopping, make changes in your other shopping habits. From food wraps to hiking boots, many vegan options exist.