To kick off World Vegan Month, World Vegan Day will take place on 1 November, celebrating all things vegan, the demand for which has rocketed in recent years.
Each year the event commemorates the coining of the term vegan and the founding of The Vegan Society in November 1944.
This World Vegan Day will see Vegan Society members and staff cheering on Forest Green Rovers as they play Lincoln City in a match in aid of the Society, with lots of the food served being vegan. Special guests include the world’s first professional vegan footballer, Neil Robinson, who will be giving a half time talk to fans.
Veganism is on the increase in Britain with figures from Mintel showing that 12% of the UK population is vegetarian or vegan, and that figure rises to 20% for the 16-24 age group.
Commenting on the rise of veganism, Ingrid Newkirk, founder and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), says: “There’s no doubt about it – interest in vegan living has skyrocketed in recent years. The non-dairy milk market has grown by 155% in just two years, with 20% of households now choosing to buy rice, oat or soya milk alternatives, and the market for meat-free foods has shot up more than 20% in five years. Today’s health-conscious youngsters are more aware than ever that a plant-based diet is better for our health and that animal agriculture is not only devastating the planet but also a living hell for billions of animals every year.
“From eco-warriors such as former US Vice President Al Gore and The Guardian environmental columnist George Monbiot to popular stars such as Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez, people from all walks of life have embraced and praised the benefits of vegan living.”
There will be loads of events taking place on World Vegan Day and throughout the month all over the world. For more information and to see what’s on in your area visit http://www.vegansociety.com.
