World Vegan Day – November 1 2022

World Vegan Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st November to promote veganism and a vegan diet. The day also aims to encourage and motivate people to avoid animal-based products and the killing of animals for selfish motives and prevent the exploitation of animals across the globe.

Background

i.On 1st November 1994, Louise Wallis, the chair of The Vegan Society, the United Kingdom(UK), established the annual observance of World Vegan Day on 1st November.

ii.World Vegan Day was created to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society, held on 1 November 1994.

• 1st World Vegan Day was observed on 1st November 1994.

Note: 

• The Vegan Society was formed on 1st November 1944.
• The term “vegan” was coined by Donald Watson, which was chosen by combining the first and last letters of “vegetarian.”

World Vegan Month – November 

i.Following the establishment of world vegan day, it was later extended to become World Vegan Week and then World Vegan Month.

ii.Every November, World Vegan Month is celebrated across the globe as a platform to highlight the vegan movement.

What is Veganism?

i.Veganism is the practice of abstaining the use of animal products, especially in the diet.

ii.The common practice among all vegans is a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat including fish, shellfish and insects, dairy, eggs and honey. They also avoid animal-derived materials, products tested on animals and places that use animals for entertainment.

Benefits of going vegan:

i.A vegan diet has high fibre and low cholesterol content compared to a non-vegetarian diet.

ii.Switching to plant-based diets promotes energy consumption and reduces fossil fuel emission.

iii.Adoption of plant-based lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to save water, as plant foods require a hell of a lot less water compared to animal products.