World Vegan Day: What, Why, and How to Celebrate

By Beauty Adams
February 4, 2024

World Vegan Day is a global event that takes place every year on November 1st. It is a day to celebrate the benefits of veganism for animals, humans, and the environment, and to raise awareness about the vegan lifestyle and movement. In this blog post, we will explore the history, purpose, and activities of World Vegan Day, and answer some frequently asked questions about veganism.

What is World Vegan Day?

World Vegan Day was established in 1994 by Louise Wallis, the then-chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom. The Vegan Society was founded in 1944 by a group of vegetarians who decided to exclude all animal products from their diet and lifestyle and coined the term “vegan” to describe their philosophy. Wallis wanted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the society and the creation of the word “vegan”, and chose November 1st as the date, partly because it coincided with Halloween and the Day of the Dead, traditional times for feasting and celebration.

Since then, World Vegan Day has become an annual event that is celebrated by vegans and non-vegans alike in various ways, such as setting up stalls, hosting potlucks, planting memorial trees, organizing marches, donating to animal charities, and sharing vegan recipes and stories online. World Vegan Day is also the start of World Vegan Month, which lasts for the whole of November and includes other commemorative dates and events related to veganism, such as World Vegan Festival, World Vegan Week, and Meatless Monday.

Why celebrate World Vegan Day?

World Vegan Day is not only a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the vegan movement, but also a day to educate and inspire others about the benefits and challenges of veganism. Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Vegans choose to adopt a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, and leather, and also avoid using products that are tested on animals, such as cosmetics, household items, and medicines.

There are many reasons why people choose to go vegan, but they can be broadly categorized into three main categories: ethical, environmental, and health reasons. Ethical vegans are motivated by a sense of compassion and justice for animals, who they regard as sentient beings who have the right to live free from harm and exploitation. Environmental vegans are concerned about the negative impact of animal agriculture on the planet, such as deforestation, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Health vegans are interested in the physical and mental benefits of a plant-based diet, such as lower risk of chronic diseases, improved digestion, weight management, and mood enhancement.

By celebrating World Vegan Day, vegans can share their reasons and experiences with others, and show that veganism is not only a viable and sustainable option, but also a joyful and fulfilling one. World Vegan Day is also an opportunity for non-vegans to learn more about veganism, and to challenge themselves to try it out for a day, a week, or a month, and see how they feel. World Vegan Day is a day to celebrate diversity, compassion, and respect for all living beings, and to promote a more peaceful and harmonious world.

How to celebrate World Vegan Day?

There are many ways to celebrate World Vegan Day, depending on your preferences, interests, and resources. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cook or order a delicious vegan meal, and invite your friends and family to join you. You can find plenty of vegan recipes online, or use a vegan cookbook, or simply veganize your favorite dishes by substituting animal products with plant-based alternatives. You can also check out vegan restaurants, cafes, or delivery services in your area, or look for vegan options in non-vegan places. You might be surprised by how tasty and satisfying vegan food can be.
Watch a documentary, movie, or video about veganism, animal rights, or the environment. Some popular and informative titles include Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives, The Game Changers, Earthlings, Dominion, and Seaspiracy. You can also watch vegan influencers, activists, or celebrities on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, and learn from their tips, stories, and perspectives. You can also listen to vegan podcasts, audiobooks, or music, and get inspired by the voices and sounds of the vegan community.
Read a book, article, or blog post about veganism, animal rights, or the environment. Some classic and influential books include Animal Liberation by Peter Singer, Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows by Melanie Joy, and How Not to Die by Michael Greger. You can also browse vegan magazines, websites, or blogs, and discover the latest news, trends, and research on veganism and related topics.
Donate to a vegan, animal, or environmental charity, organization, or campaign. You can support the work of groups such as The Vegan Society, Animal Equality, Mercy for Animals, PETA, Greenpeace, and WWF, who are dedicated to advancing the vegan cause and protecting animals and the planet. You can also sign petitions, write letters, or contact your representatives, and advocate for vegan-friendly policies and legislation.
Attend or organize a vegan event, such as a stall, a potluck, a picnic, a workshop, a talk, a screening, a march, or a festival. You can join or create a local vegan group, or connect with other vegans online, and meet like-minded people who share your values and passions. You can also participate in online events, such as webinars, quizzes, challenges, or contests, and have fun and learn something new.
Try a new vegan product, service, or activity. You can explore the variety and quality of vegan products available in the market, such as food, clothing, cosmetics, household items, and accessories. You can also try a vegan service, such as a vegan subscription box, a vegan meal plan, a vegan coaching program, or a vegan dating app. You can also try a vegan activity, such as a vegan cooking class, a vegan yoga session, a vegan art project, or a vegan travel experience.

FAQs about World Vegan Day and veganism

Here are some common questions and answers about World Vegan Day and veganism:

Q: Is World Vegan Day a public holiday?
A: No, World Vegan Day is not a public holiday, and most businesses and schools operate as usual. However, some vegan groups or businesses may offer special discounts, deals, or events on this day, so keep an eye out for them.
Q: How many vegans are there in the world?
A: It is hard to estimate the exact number of vegans in the world, as different sources may use different definitions, methods, and samples. However, according to a 2018 report by The Vegan Society, there were about 75 million vegans in the world, representing about 1% of the global population. The report also found that the number of vegans was growing rapidly, especially in regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia.
Q: What is the difference between vegan and vegetarian?
A: Both vegans and vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or poultry. However, vegans also do not eat or use any animal products, such as dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, and leather, while vegetarians may consume or use some or all of these products. Vegans also tend to have a broader ethical and environmental motivation for their lifestyle, while vegetarians may have various reasons, such as health, religion, or personal preference.
Q: Is veganism healthy?
A: Yes, veganism can be healthy, if done properly. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals in the world, “appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.” However, vegans need to pay attention to their intake of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, and may need to supplement or fortify their diet with these nutrients.
Q: Is veganism expensive?
A: No, veganism does not have to be expensive, if done wisely. In fact, some of the most affordable and nutritious foods in the world are vegan, such as grains, beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Vegan products, such as meat and cheese alternatives, may be more expensive than their animal counterparts, but they are not essential for a vegan diet, and can be used sparingly or occasionally. Veganism can also save money in the long run, by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and medical expenses.
Q: Is veganism good for the environment?
A: Yes, veganism is good for the environment, if compared to animal-based diets. According to a 2018 study by researchers from Oxford University, “a vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use” . The study estimated that by 2050, a global shift to a vegan diet could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 70%, save 8.1 million human lives, and avoid $1.5 trillion in climate damages . Another study by scientists from Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, suggested that phasing out animal agriculture over the next 15 years would effectively halt the increase of atmospheric greenhouse gases for 30 years and give humanity more time to end its reliance on fossil fuels .
Q: What are some common myths or misconceptions about veganism?
A: Some common myths or misconceptions about veganism are:
- Veganism is unnatural or unhealthy. This is false, as veganism is compatible with human biology and physiology, and can provide all the essential nutrients for optimal health, as long as it is well-planned and balanced. In fact, many studies have shown that vegans have lower risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases than non-vegans .
- Veganism is boring or restrictive. This is false, as veganism offers a wide range of delicious and diverse foods, cuisines, and flavors, from fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, to meat and cheese alternatives, plant milks, vegan chocolates, cakes, ice creams, and more. Vegans can enjoy any type of food, as long as it is free of animal products, and can also recreate or veganize their favorite dishes with simple substitutions or innovations.
- Veganism is elitist or expensive. This is false, as veganism is accessible and affordable for anyone, regardless of their income, location, or background. Some of the most economical and nutritious foods in the world are vegan, such as grains, beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Vegan products, such as meat and cheese alternatives, may be more expensive than their animal counterparts, but they are not essential for a vegan diet, and can be used sparingly or occasionally. Veganism can also save money in the long run, by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and medical expenses.

Conclusion

World Vegan Day is a day to celebrate the benefits of veganism for animals, humans, and the planet, and to raise awareness about the vegan lifestyle and movement. By celebrating World Vegan Day, vegans can share their reasons and experiences with others, and show that veganism is not only a viable and sustainable option, but also a joyful and fulfilling one. World Vegan Day is also an opportunity for non-vegans to learn more about veganism, and to challenge themselves to try it out for a day, a week, or a month, and see how they feel. World Vegan Day is a day to celebrate diversity, compassion, and respect for all living beings, and to promote a more peaceful and harmonious world.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post, and learned something new about World Vegan Day and veganism. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. And if you are interested in trying veganism, or want to learn more about it, you can visit The Vegan Society website, where you can find more information, resources, and support. Thank you for reading, and happy World Vegan Day!