The vegan movement is booming, with more people choosing a healthy, kind, and sustainable lifestyle. This blog aims to give you a glimpse into the future of veganism on this diverse and vibrant planet.
The rising trend for plant-based alternatives reflects the growth of interest in the vegan diet. Does it mean-
To get to know all of these answers, we have to know what it is and how it originated…
Origin of Veganism -
The term “vegan” was coined by Donald Watson back in 1944, an animal rights activist and co-founder of The Vegan Society; at first it meant "non-dairy vegetarian" and later the “doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals."
Veganism is based on an ideology that humans should not exploit animals to fulfill their needs, and people who practice this ideology are termed vegans. “World Vegan Day” is held every 1st November to mark the society's creation.
History has proven that every forward-thinking idea or ideology initially faces socio-political and economic resistance. However, with time, actuality, and wisdom of the human mind, society tends to embrace and adapt to these innovative ideas and ideologies. The same has happened with veganism, too.
The vegan movement expanded gradually after World War II, with the establishment of vegan societies in various countries.
Veganism in World
Some ancient civilizations, such as the ancient Greeks, practiced vegetarianism for ethical, religious, or health reasons. During the 18th and 19th centuries, vegetarianism gained popularity in Europe and North America as part of health reform movements. Some early vegetarians, like the American Reformers and the Bible Christian Church in the UK, advocated for abstaining from animal products.
The Vegetarian Society, founded in 1847 in the UK, played a crucial role in promoting vegetarianism and later influenced the development of veganism.
Later on, veganism can be traced back to Israel, where all residents of a small village named Dimona, popularly named the ‘Village of Peace’, are vegan.
Veganism in India
The concept of veganism in India is deeply rooted in diverse traditions and cultures. The core of vegan philosophy is further strengthened by the ideology of non-violence (ahimsa). A deep-rooted respect for animals in Indian culture has inspired individuals to abstain from animal products for ethical reasons.
The country embraces the global trend of veganism as now it is no longer specific to any religion. What was once perceived as a fringe lifestyle choice has now evolved into a widespread cultural shift, impacting millions of lives.
The history of veganism is characterized by a diverse range of influences, ideologies, and individuals working towards a common goal of promoting a plant-based lifestyle for ethical, environmental, and health reasons.
Rise in Veganism
Veganism gained grip in the 1970s and 1980s, with a growing awareness of animal rights and environmental issues. The 21st century witnessed a significant rush in veganism due to increased awareness of environmental concerns, health benefits, and animal welfare issues.
There are different ways to measure the growth of veganism, like how popular the term is on Google Trends or measuring the sales of plant-based food products.
Veganism has been gaining increasing adoption across the globe in recent years. The countries where the term veganism is most popular on Google Trends are mostly the UK, Iceland, Australia, Mauritius, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Estonia, the United States, Sweden, India, and the list goes on.
The steep rise in veganism’s popularity can be credited to several factors, though it is unclear which ones are the most powerful. The reason behind people’s support may be because of health, weight management, animal welfare, the environment, or awareness about the overuse of antibiotics.
Veganism has grown into a global movement, with various countries witnessing an increase in vegan products, restaurants, and awareness campaigns.
The expected growth in the vegan food industry is due to an awareness of the harsh effects of meat eating, and because of that, an increasing number of people seek to reduce how much meat they eat. People are eating less meat, and this decline in meat-eating is the result of behavioral, social, cultural, and organizational factors, usually stemming from concern for personal health and animal welfare. They are seeking to replace animal-based foods with vegan ones. The food industry also responded to the demand with the production of plant-based alternatives, making vegan options more accessible.
COVID-19 has been an eye-opener for many people in terms of what they eat, how they eat, and what goes into their bodies. For instance, consuming high amounts of meat can lead to major health risks. It also prompted lifestyle changes and raised concerns about the environmental impact of animal farming, which has further accelerated this trend.
However, this vegan movement has faced challenges such as misinformation, resistance, and the need for more accessible plant-based options. But, 2018 to 2020, has seen the largest amount of growth in the vegan lifestyle, and some available vegan statistics show that the most exciting times may still lie ahead of us.
Social media platforms play a crucial role in connecting and activating the global vegan community. Celebrities, athletes, and influencers embracing veganism have contributed to its majority acceptance. Veganism is now seen as a viable and popular lifestyle choice.
The rise of veganism is not merely a dietary trend; it is a conscious decision to prioritize ethics and sustainability over convenience. With the growing prominence of veganism and plant-based proteins, it is evident that the choices we make today can have a profound impact on our health, the environment, and the well-being of future generations. Our choices can indeed change the world.
With a growing vegan population, increasing awareness, and the promise of innovation; the future of veganism in the world appears to be vibrant and sustainable.
Join us in this remarkable journey that aligns with our commitment to health, animals, ethics, and the environment. By opting for plant-based products, we can reduce carbon emissions, produce more food to feed those in third-world countries, and give more land back to our planet through reduced animal agriculture.
We will be uncovering some of the major myths attached to veganism topic in our next blogs. See you there!
Till then,
Stay Fit, Stay Kind…!!!