Yes, there is indeed a vegan month, and in fact, there are two distinct monthly events that promote the plant-based lifestyle. World Vegan Month is the original, official month, celebrated every November by The Vegan Society to commemorate its founding. In contrast, Veganuary is a more modern, popularized movement that encourages people to try being vegan for the month of January. Both celebrations offer resources and support for those interested in veganism.
World Vegan Month: The original November celebration
World Vegan Month was established in 1994 by Louise Wallis, then-Chair of The Vegan Society, to mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation's founding. The event begins every year on November 1st, coinciding with World Vegan Day, and continues for the entire month. For more details on the history of World Vegan Day and Month, visit {Link: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Vegan_Day}.
During November, many vegan products are promoted, and events like vegan fairs, cooking demonstrations, and potlucks take place worldwide. The month-long focus allows for deeper reflection and a wider range of activities celebrating the vegan movement's progress.
Veganuary: The January challenge for beginners
Veganuary is a UK-based non-profit campaign founded by Matthew Glover and Jane Land in 2014. The initiative encourages people around the world to try following a vegan diet for the month of January. The name is a portmanteau of "vegan" and "January". The campaign's success is rooted in its supportive and accessible approach, offering free resources like recipes, meal plans, and daily emails to help participants succeed.
The impact of Veganuary
Veganuary has seen an astronomical rise in popularity since its inception:
- Increased Participation: Starting with just 3,300 sign-ups in 2014, the campaign saw participation soar to over 1.8 million people in 2024.
- Corporate Influence: The campaign has successfully pushed businesses and restaurants to offer and promote more vegan options, making the lifestyle more accessible for everyone.
- Sustained Change: Follow-up surveys consistently show that a significant portion of participants maintain a reduction in their animal product consumption long after January is over.
World Vegan Month vs. Veganuary: A comparison
| Feature | World Vegan Month | Veganuary |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | November | January |
| Origin | Created by The Vegan Society in 1994 to celebrate their anniversary | Founded by UK non-profit Veganuary in 2014 as an awareness campaign |
| Focus | Commemorative celebration of the vegan movement's history and growth | Educational and supportive challenge for beginners to try veganism for 31 days |
| Target Audience | The existing vegan community and wider public interested in the movement | Primarily non-vegans curious about trying a plant-based diet |
| Promotion | Highlights vegan ethics, history, and broader benefits of the lifestyle | Focuses on providing practical resources, recipes, and support for newcomers |
Getting involved in vegan awareness months
There are many ways to participate in these monthly events, whether you are a seasoned vegan or just curious about the lifestyle.
For newcomers:
- Start with a simple meal plan. Challenges like Veganuary provide free meal plans and recipes that make the transition simple and enjoyable.
- Explore new foods. November and January are great times to visit vegan fairs or try new plant-based products launched by businesses.
- Focus on one area at a time. Rather than overhauling your entire diet at once, start with small, manageable changes, like trying a meat-free breakfast or exploring dairy alternatives.
For current vegans:
- Organize a potluck. Use World Vegan Month to celebrate the community by hosting a dinner with friends and family.
- Engage in outreach. Share your experiences and resources with those who are curious about the lifestyle, helping to promote the movement.
- Support vegan businesses. Patronize local vegan restaurants and brands, especially those launching new products during these months.
Celebrating compassion year-round
While dedicated vegan months help to increase public awareness and participation, the core principles of veganism are relevant throughout the year. Research indicates many Veganuary participants maintain a more plant-based diet after the challenge. Whether you participate in November's official celebration or January's popular challenge, these events offer opportunities to explore the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
Conclusion: Two opportunities for a shared cause
In summary, there is an official vegan month, World Vegan Month in November, which celebrates the history and growth of the vegan movement, and the widely popular Veganuary in January, which encourages newcomers to try a plant-based diet. Both initiatives serve the broader goal of promoting veganism and offer valuable resources for participants. Whether you are a long-time vegan or just starting out, these dedicated months provide an excellent framework for celebrating and exploring the benefits of a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle.
