Veganuary

I’m not going to ditch my murderous leather couch any time soon, or trade in my cashmere cardi for an ethically grown hemp one. Calm down. This month, I’m embracing veganism for a far more practical reason. I’m eating fewer animals for the planet, for my health and for my wallet. And I wouldn’t bother with veganism at all if it taxed my taste buds. I’m not one for penance.

I know what you’re thinking. They must have got to her too, those pesky vegans! And anyway, if vegans care so much for animals, why do they take their food!?

Ward M Clark, author of Misplaced Compassion: The Animal Rights Movement Exposed highlights that every potato, every stick of celery, every cup of rice, and every soya bean has a trail leading from animals. Swathes of crops are pollinated by migratory beekeeping, for example, while farming is largely reliant on natural fertilisers like manure. If veganism is about animal exploitation, there’s not a whole lot left to play with, is there?

My version of veganism is about cutting down on the mindless consumption of meat. It’s a conscious act, not a tribe or a tag. Therein lies its true beauty. The mindless consumption of anything is deathly disturbing. In an ideal world, we’d all be like merry Morris dancers prancing around in mindful ecstasy. And maybe wearing onesies. When this option isn’t readily available, there’s Veganuary.

Veganuary was set up to encourage people to try dropping animal products during the month of January. Think of it as an adventure, even an anthropological one. It’s about doing your best, and not losing sleep over it.

If your lifestyle can only permit one animal-free meal a day in January, your mind and body is still on the journey. Porridge with oat milk and blueberries? Hummus wrap for lunch? Indian coconut dal? Spaghetti with chilli tomato sauce and vegan Parmesan tonight? I’m happy being perfectly imperfect. I hope you are, too.