Veganuary

In recent years, Veganuary has grown from a grassroots movement into a global phenomenon, with an impact resonating far beyond personal health choices.

For the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) in Buckinghamshire, embracing Veganuary aligns with our mission of promoting farm shops, preserving the countryside for farm land and green spaces and promoting sustainable living.

Origin of Veganuary: Veganuary originated here in the United Kingdom in 2014 when a small group of people decided to encourage others to adopt a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. What started as a social media campaign has now evolved into a powerful movement, inspiring millions worldwide to explore plant-based living. The initiative provides resources, recipes, and support to those willing to take the plunge into a cruelty-free and environmentally conscious way of life.

This January, as we embrace the Veganuary spirit, let’s turn our focus to supporting local farm shops for a truly farm-to-fork experience. Check out our farm shop page here with details on where to go locally for your fresh fruit and veg. CPRE Bucks encourages you to explore the abundance of plant-based delights offered by your nearby farm shops, combining the goodness of Veganuary with the charm of local produce.

With our list of local shops it’s easy to discover the vibrant array of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at your nearby farm shop. Veganuary is the perfect time to savor the seasonal goodness our local farmers have to offer, ensuring you enjoy the freshest, tastiest plant-based ingredients.

Environmental Benefits: Ofcourse for us, Veganuary is not just a dietary choice but a time to consider the environmental benefits from eating more fresh fruit and veg. So what are the environmental benefits from a vegan diet….

• Reduced carbon footprint: Plant-based diets generally have a lower carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change.
• Preservation of biodiversity: Choosing plant-based options helps protect ecosystems by reducing the demand for land and resources used in animal agriculture.
• Water conservation: Producing plant-based foods typically requires less water compared to raising animals for meat, supporting sustainable water usage.
• Mitigating deforestation: Animal agriculture is a major driver of deforestation. Going vegan helps combat this, preserving vital forests and habitats.
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Livestock farming produces substantial methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Adopting a vegan lifestyle can significantly reduce these harmful gases.
• Efficient resource use: Plant-based diets are more resource-efficient, requiring less land, water, and energy to produce food, contributing to a more sustainable future.
• Waste reduction: Animal agriculture generates significant waste and pollution. Vegan choices help minimise the environmental impact associated with livestock farming.
• Decreased pollution: Runoff from animal farms can lead to water pollution. A plant-based diet helps mitigate this environmental issue.
• Conservation of energy: The production of plant-based foods generally requires less energy compared to raising and processing animals for meat, promoting energy efficiency.
• Positive impact on oceans: Overfishing and bycatch contribute to marine ecosystem degradation. Opting for plant-based alternatives supports healthier oceans and marine life.

A full vegan diet is a big commitment we know, but swapping a few meals a week to vegan or vegetarian will still make a difference.